Stuck at Airport, flight change
September 20, 2008
Ever been stuck at the airport, waited 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, an hour plus only to hear the flight is canceled and now you need to rebook only to see a line 45 passengers deep?
Welcome to the wonderful, wonderful world of travel! Fortunately, thanks to the information world we live in, your flight may get ‘auto protected’ by the airline, especially if you are an elite member with the particular airline.
Well, here’s a tip on how to beat the line. Pick up that cell phone and call it in. Call the airline, tell them you are stuck in line and your flight has been cnacelled and you need them to rebook. Chances are it will be done far quicker than that line. Make sure that is your best option, it may be their best (seats available) but not yours. They are likely to work with you, especially if the delay/cancelation was their fault.
Once that is done, you have two options. The first is to keep waiting for the line to go down to get your reprinted boarding passes or to go to any counter there and ask them to print your boarding passes. The only reason to stay in that long line is if they are offering any food or drink compensation (just keep your ears open).
The advantage to the call in is that it is like cutting in line. You will get a seat before those in front of you. And remember, keep smiling in the process, nobody else is!
Welcome to the wonderful, wonderful world of travel! Fortunately, thanks to the information world we live in, your flight may get ‘auto protected’ by the airline, especially if you are an elite member with the particular airline.
Well, here’s a tip on how to beat the line. Pick up that cell phone and call it in. Call the airline, tell them you are stuck in line and your flight has been cnacelled and you need them to rebook. Chances are it will be done far quicker than that line. Make sure that is your best option, it may be their best (seats available) but not yours. They are likely to work with you, especially if the delay/cancelation was their fault.
Once that is done, you have two options. The first is to keep waiting for the line to go down to get your reprinted boarding passes or to go to any counter there and ask them to print your boarding passes. The only reason to stay in that long line is if they are offering any food or drink compensation (just keep your ears open).
The advantage to the call in is that it is like cutting in line. You will get a seat before those in front of you. And remember, keep smiling in the process, nobody else is!
Nothing posted 9/17-9/19
September 19, 2008
Embassy registration
September 16, 2008
Register with your Embassy.
The website for registering with the US Embassy (yes, I’m an American!):
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
Whether you are a permanent resident or simply a tourist passing through, it is to your advantage to register with the Embassy. It gives you peace of mind and it enables the Embassy to contact you if needed or provides proof that you are/were in the country should it be needed. In the old days, you had to visit the Embassy, wait in line, etc. Now it can all be done on line.
The website for registering with the US Embassy (yes, I’m an American!):
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
Whether you are a permanent resident or simply a tourist passing through, it is to your advantage to register with the Embassy. It gives you peace of mind and it enables the Embassy to contact you if needed or provides proof that you are/were in the country should it be needed. In the old days, you had to visit the Embassy, wait in line, etc. Now it can all be done on line.
Serviced Apartments
September 15, 2008
Serviced apartments are a newer, cleaner cheaper and all around nicer way to go, especially if you plan on spending more than a day or two.
Two web sites that cater to serviced stay apartments (there are many, easy to find):
www.mondestay.com
www.moveandstay.com
My favorite Serviced Apartment in the world (you will notice I talk a lot about Thailand, one of my favorite places to travel in the world) is the Rembrandt Serviced Apartment in Bangkok:
www.towers.rembrandtbkk.com
Basically, the Rembrandt makes you feel like a five star person in seven star accommodations.
One tip: If you will spend a few days and have time before your reservation, email them and ask for a better rate, you will probably get it.
Priceline
September 14, 2008
Priceline is a pretty good website.
Simply go to Priceline.com
Here is how it works.
Say you want to book a hotel.
Do the standard: Put the date(s), city, etc. You will be responsible to make an offer, so it helps to do a little homework or decide what you are willing to pay for what star value.
Personally, I go onto Hotwire first and see what the market is taking for a hotel, then use Priceline to see if I can beat the Hotwire prices!
One of the features I like about Priceline is of particular value if your hotels are reimbursed. It keeps a nice file of your previous travels with easy to print receipts.
Enjoy!
Simply go to Priceline.com
Here is how it works.
Say you want to book a hotel.
Do the standard: Put the date(s), city, etc. You will be responsible to make an offer, so it helps to do a little homework or decide what you are willing to pay for what star value.
Personally, I go onto Hotwire first and see what the market is taking for a hotel, then use Priceline to see if I can beat the Hotwire prices!
One of the features I like about Priceline is of particular value if your hotels are reimbursed. It keeps a nice file of your previous travels with easy to print receipts.
Enjoy!