Travelers Tech Spotlight:

In Review: 
GOGO In Flight Wireless Internet  http://www.gogoinflight.com/gogo/splash.do

I'll start by saying that its fast, and convenient.  My company pays for my internet connection, so the price is not relevant to me, however it may be to YOU.  Gogo charges per flight length if you purchase on the plane.  Also, I noticed while I was logging in that there were multiple prices that would pop up with each window, for example, first it was $9.99 for a flight from PHL to DEN.  By the time i navigated to my login page, the price had changed to $12.99 for the same flight, so be careful with your purchase.  It may be a bit misleading.  Also, remember that from PHL to DEN is just over 3.5 hours, so that is $2.85/$3.71 per hour!  Remember your hourly income and determine if it is worth it to get some extra work done or just to surf the net.

Another perk is that they have internet for mobile devices too, and I was very happy to stream Netflix on my Ipad at my company's expense!  By the way, this post was made on the airplane, which means it really works.  Overall, I'd say it is worth it for the longer trips.  Happy surfing!

Questions?  Fire at will!

TSA On Luggage Etiquette And Body Scanners

With today's post I would like to share my thoughts about TSA and their efforts to keep the air safe.  My first topic I will title Luggage Etiquette, and I will hash out certain subjects as; How to pack? and How can I save time.  I will follow this segment up with things to look out for when dealing with luggage searches.  In my second segment, I will be speaking briefly on the newfangled body scanners and how to plan ahead to beat the line times.
     Luggage Etiquette:
Luggage starts at the ticket counter.  If you do not check luggage, skip this segment and move to the next.  For those of you that do, you'll want to keep reading to ensure a seamless flight from ticket counter to your seat(in first class, if you've read my previous posts.)
Checked luggage can be tricky, so allow me to offer as much knowledge as I can on the subject:
     Most airlines now charge per bag, unless you are an elite member with their rewards program, so the first step in saving money is to pack light.  Multiple bags can cost you up to $100 on some airlines.  If packing light is not an option for you, read on.
     If you need to check multiple bags for your trip, remember to keep each one below the 50lb threshold.  Going over 50lb will cost you 50-100 bucks, and 70lb and up bags will net you 100-200 bucks.  Again my solution is to pack light.  If this is still not an option for you, find a good rewards credit card and pay the balance each month!
     Now, these bags that you are checking need to be unlocked and able to be inspected without too much effort, unless you want TSA rifling through your unmentionables and damaging your goods.  Also, it may behoove you to leave a nice note informing them to put your things back the way they found them.  Many times, I would find my toolbox left with all the bags open and tools spilled everywhere within its confines.  One day I left a POLITE note inside asking TSA to please be sure to zip up all my bags and to put things back the way they found them.  Believe it or not, this little trick does work!
     Also, the ticket agent will ask you for your boarding pass and ID card.  After providing them with this, keep BOTH of them handy, you'll be needing them for the next checkpoint.  Remember, the goal is efficiency.

The next position you get to will likely be the passenger screening station.  There are many ways to be more efficient here, so try a few and see how you like them.
     A great way to save time here is to pre-pack you liquids in a clear 1qt ziplock bag.  I see too many people at the screening line trying to jam their lotions and creams into bags and throwing things away and so on.  This is very inconsiderate to all of those in line behind you and I recommend just planning ahead.
     Next is to get out that laptop and put it in a bin all by itself.  This is the rule and the officer will enforce it anyways, so why not get it right the first time?  Also, a quick tip I have learned is to laminate a business card on the front of my laptop with my name and contact information in the event that my laptop is left behind.  This will eventually happen to you if you travel as much as I do, so the best way to save time and avoid it is to simply do what I do!
     Off with the shoes and belt.  This is pretty simple, but i see a lot of people coming back through metal detectors because they left their shoes or belt on.  Not only is it wasting your time, but its wasting the time of everyone behind you.  Be smart and you will be rewarded.  

  
     TSA Body Scanners and what to do:    
With the new body scanners, you will need to take EVERYTHING out of your pockets.  Yes, this means EVERYTHING.  The best idea is to listen to the recordings and TSA officers while you are waiting in line so you understand all that needs to be done in advance!
     The body scan takes 7-10 seconds per person, and potentially requires a second scan.  When compared to the 3.5 second time it takes to walk through the metal detectors, wait times just got about 60% longer.  Be smart by being prepared for this and show up to the airport a little bit earlier.

     Utilize some of my time saving tips above and educate yourself further to understand the rules and regulations and you'll be cruising through all the lines from check in to the gate.  Safe travels!

Questions, Comments?

Hotel Review: Atlantic City Borgata

Let me first start by saying that I was seriously considering another place to stay when I saw the $149.00/night price tag.  I needed two rooms in a casino in Atlantic City since my parents were up for a visit over the weekend.  I love to play at the Borgata, and I do have Red Label rewards card, but this is easily trumped by the Black Label holders, so I was looking at two basic rooms at a buck fifty each per night.  Well, needless to say, I did reserve the rooms but something that I didn't expect happened.  When I arrived at the counter, I was fumbling for my Red Label card, and out popped my Priority Club Platinum card and My US Airways Chairman card.  The person at the counter saw these and immediately upgraded our rooms to King Suites with an outstanding view of the city on the 21st floor.  I have been upgraded to suites many times before, but I could have never expected what I saw when I opened the door to my suite.  This place was trimmed with mahogany and marble from floor to ceiling, fit with a jacuzzi, 52" Samsung TV just like the one that sits in my living room, and the view... just breathtaking.  Especially at night when the lights came on. 
Moral of the story?  Let people know that you have status EVEN if it is not with them!  Every good business wants more business, and whether or not that entails giving out free upgrades and spa packages, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a hotel or airline that you are not even a member with.  Best of luck finding your upgrades!

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Status Report

Following my own advice, I just flew back from ONT through PHX and I was upgraded twice.  Each flight had me sitting in the front of the bus sipping wine and eating biscotti.  I just wanted to take the time to follow up and inform all of my readers that your efforts will be rewarded if only you take the time to follow my easy steps on getting an airline upgrade.  There is no sure-fire way to guarantee that spot in the quiet cabin, but you will enjoy the fruits of your own extra effort more often than you might think.  Go out and try each time you fly!

Farewell for now! 

Travelers Tech Spotlight:

In review:
Targus Premium Laptop Charger (AC/DC) APM69US (Piano Black)
 This multi-tasking laptop charger will also charge one other item, and comes with several tips to charge just about anything you can think of.  I stumbled upon one at a Best Buy once when I had forgotten my charger and it was all they had.  It came with a pretty price tag, but alas, it was the only charger available at the time, so I brought it back to the hotel with me.  It has been in my bag ever since.  I like it for every reason anyone else might, whether its the slim design, light weight, or versatility and I'd go as far as saying this baby was worth every penny.  You don't have to take my word for it, though, just follow my link and read others reviews.  I'll bet it becomes a permanent fixture in your travel bag too!

Your comments are important! 

Hotel Review: Intercontinental Milwaukee

I recently returned from a trip from Milwaukee, and I thought that I would take the time to do a quick Hotel Review.  I am really unimpressed with this hotel and I do not recommend it to any of my readers.  I got a bargain on the room from Hotwire.com down from its $280 per night price to $94.  Generally speaking, I have found ICH properties to be lavishly furnished and well kept, however, to my dismay, this one was rather dingy and poorly managed.  Please seek refuge in other ICH hotels in the area, I recommend the Holiday Inn Express, since it fell much cheaper, and there were just as many amenities, not to mention it was clean!  Just my two cents.

Comments?  Let me have'em! 

Up Your Chances For Upgrade

It has been made apparent to me lately that there are more ways than one to get a first class upgrade with your Frequent Flyer status and I'm here to exploit them.  In all my travels, I am constantly seeking a free upgrade to first class, and I'll be the first to admit that its not easy by any stretch of the imagination.  Here are a few ways that I have found to increase your odds against the airlines.
Rule 1:  Become a Frequent Flyer.  Simply put, you need to earn your place before you can waltz into a first class ticket.  Status is everything, and will allow you to even negotiate a coveted seat on other airlines that want your business.  With this status comes the greatest chance of being upgraded to first, but there are other ways to increase your odds without it.  Also, you may find that playing multiple angles will help you along even further.
Rule 2:  Check in online!  This will up your odds greatly.  A little known step in finding that super-seat is simply getting it before that guy in the suit can lock it down at the gate!  Just be a little more cunning than the would-be Frequent Flyer, and you are on your way to being pampered.
Rule 3:  Buy a FULL FARE ticket.  Upgrades will be given to status first, when available.  After that, the full fare ticket holders are among the top of the list which is now determined by fare price.  If you bought a cheap seat, just sit in it, because it was what you were sold.  Otherwise, for all of you business travelers out there, buy the full fare and collect reward points on the company AMEX.  Its a win-win.
Rule 4:  It helps to look the part.  Flying First Class is an elitist thing to do, and I don't see many scrubs sipping wine and eating hors d'oeuvres.  That said, I suggest a decent wardrobe decision, and a certain amount of schmoozing with the gate agent for the available seat.  Will it always work?  Certainly not, but if you thought this was a guide to instant upgrades, than regrettably you did not read the title.
Rule 5:  Book with a travel agent.  Your travel agent can slip in some special information while booking the flight that might say that you are the CEO of the business or some sort of VIP.  If a seat is available, don't you think the airline would love to give it to the customer with the most potential money?  After all, charging for bags and now even checked baggage lets me know that's all they really care about.