I admit it – I am still an uber-geek when to comes to flying. I can not wait to fly. When I get done flying I look forward to the next time I get to fly. I get to fly a Cessna next month and can not wait for that as well!

Also, starting next week, I begin my “month” of mileage runs. I love a “fun run” and will be back and forth from LAX to PHX to AUS and more! One thing I have to have is this:

This handy-dandy little ANKER ASTRO2 power brick has a 1a & 2a outlet and a flashlight built in. It can load my phone 2-4x and my 7″ tablet 2-3x when fully charged. Do you want one? How about this; the rules, as always, are HERE! Then, you need to answer this about a mileage run:

1) I have never been on one but want to
2) I would never do a mileage run – it’s just silly
3) Are you kidding me? I live for a good mileage run!

Those are your choices. Comment below (on the blog click here to find out how) one of the above, or, if you want, some other answer we will like or giggle over. – René
 

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As you can see by the video clip above, Delta has totally broken my Delta phone app. This has been a shining star from our airline. It was fast; it was sleek; it worked (the most important part btw).

Again if you take the time to look at the total video you will see it takes over  1½ minutes  just to start the app! Then, it is mostly fine until you try to do things like say, look up gate info for a flight then get ready to wait forever again for info to update. BTW, the video above is real time. The only cut I have made is about 2-3 seconds that shows my Skymiles info etc.

Now all of this could be due to the fact that I have over 20 itineraries currently that is slowing it down.  So, I would love to know, other Android users (I am running Delta 2.0.3), have you also seen a huge degradation of the performance of the Delta app especially those with a bunch of trips booked? What about iPhone users? Please shout out and let me know – René

PS – Don’t forget about SWAG Saturday at 1:PM EST today!

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I have been a HUGE fan of the Delta phone APP but after all the latest updates I have been a bit cranky as I have found a few bugs. Many times it will freeze on me and after a while just say the APP has crashed and stopped working. Then, I can go back in, and it will work fine for a while. But, it is still much slower than before and can take a full 60 seconds just to load some days. I am ready for version 3.0 as this update feels a bit like moving from Windows XP to Vista – yuck!

Anyway, since I do have a FB number, that can be useful for all sorts of reasons as a Delta flyer, I thought I would tinker a bit with the FB APP. It is ok and I can pull up the Delta flights with KLM segments. It seems basic but works.

KLM/AF is a strange partnership. AF has an APP also. I can log in with my FB number, see my flights, but…

As you can see from the above, it does not like to DO anything with them. How very “French” of them (I kid, but only a little).

There are also a plethora of airport APPS. Amsterdam’s airport has an APP that has a few nice features, one of them being the current “flight board” you would see around the airport or in a Crown Lounge. Also a few airport maps and other info like trains and buses etc. Not all bad and with some free WiFi at the airport in AMS, this can be a somewhat useful tool.

There really are too many more to cover all in one post and I am an Android user. So, if you have any good and useful APPS for travel you really use a bunch and think other readers would like, please share them with us too – TXS – René
 

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From Delta Rep  via FlyerTalk:

The new Fly Delta for Android is here
We’d like to introduce you to the newest member of our app lineup – Fly Delta for Android v2.0. The update includes all of the same features you’ve been using on our current Android app plus a whole lot more. Just like we’ve added in the iPhone version of the app, we’ve included the ability to find, compare and book flights. We’ve also updated My Trips to give you a quick and easy way to purchase Economy Comfort and our Trip Extras, including Wi-Fi and Priority Boarding. You’ll also be able to use the Track My Bags and Check Flight Status features to improve your day of travel experience.

At the core of the new functionality, we’ve optimized (and in some cases completely re-written) our backend systems to provide you with faster response times in all areas of the app. Additionally, we have updated the look and feel to help you find the most important features easily.

As some of you you have already noticed with Fly Delta for iPhone and the new mobile web site (m.delta.com), the ability to shop and book flights is currently available for flights within the U.S. This is temporary and we’re actively working to expand this to allow ticket purchases to all Delta destinations worldwide, just like delta.com, in upcoming releases.

We hope you like these new features and we’re looking forward to reading your comments.

Thank you! Jonathan_DeltaeCommerce
Company Representative

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I had a post before about how to enter in your “Known Traveler” number you got as part of GOES that you can have rebated back when you get the Platinum Membership Rewards card ($100 good for 5 years) and also gets you TSA Pre as well.(not to mention $200 per year in incidental fees credited back to you and Skyclub access and other lounges as well).

For a while now, if your Skymiles “name” did not match your Secure Flight Passenger name with Delta is was no big deal. That is now changing and you may be getting emails from Delta to align the two. This is being mandated by the government to Delta to have these two the same.

So let’s say that you have ONLY your middle initial on your Skymiles account but full middle name on your passport, then you need to update. Now this must be fixed and you should first try calling Delta online support to do this at 888-750-3284.

But for me, having a European name, I have a space in my last name. In the past Delta would NOT allow this and put my last name all as one word. But, on my passport, it has a space. If you find yourself in the same situation, you will have to FAX a copy of your passport to Delta to 404-715-9220. It would be a good idea to include your CORRECT name and Skymiles number on the page you are faxing to Delta as well.

The other big issue is that you may have to have a bunch of your current reservations reissued. Be alert as you may or may not get correct Skymiles and MQM credit for them as well. Either way, NOW would be a good time to jump on this and make sure all is correct.

The big perk is we should get many more “3 beeps” at TSA checkpoints when all is done right! – René

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Now that E-Rewards no longer has Skymiles as a redemption partner, we have other options that are actually MUCH better as you can earn MQD’s+MQM’s+RDM’s this route. As you can see from the above, e-Rewards is an “invitation only” site. Well not really, but I will get to that in a minute.

When NWA merged with Delta, US BANK was dismissed in favor of the Delt/Amex stronger partnership. But, US Bank created their own FlexPerks personal or business credit cards and the program for FlexPerks Points. BOTH cards are right now offering  17,500  points when you spend $2500 in the first 5 months for getting the cards (you can have more than one btw)! As you can see from the chart above, you can redeem 20,000 FlexPerks points for an airline ticket worth up to $400. As far as any airline is concerned you are just paying cash for the ticket, so on Delta you would earn MQD’s+MQM’s+RDM’s for the ticket and be extended any medallion benefits you may have as well including upgrades etc.

So, and please follow my dyslexic math here, at max value a FlexPoint when redeemed is worth 2 cents. 2000 FlexPoints are worth $40. Thus, you are turning $100 in e-Rewards “currency” into $40 in real money for Delta Air Lines travel. To me that is real value (TIP: you can only do 4x redemptions per year, 1x per quarter, so wait till you hit $100 to redeem). And, unlike in the past when you got Skymiles for the e-Reward redemption, FlexPoints will earn you Skymiles when you travel. A Win-Win!

So I mentioned this site is an invite only site. But, you can join with any of the links below and get bonus points toward THAT program (a nice way to add a bit to some account):

• United join link is HERE
• Jet Blue join link is HERE
• Frontier join link is HERE
• SW Air join link is HERE
• AA join link is HERE
• Alaska Air join link is HERE

When you join from any of these you will be able to later still pick FlexPerks FlexPoints as a redemption offer. You are limited to one account but a husband and wife could each have their own e-rewards account. You can only send the rewards to the name that matches the e-Rewards account so each must also have their own FlexPerks account as well. If you have a churn on the way soon, why not look at a US BANK card as one of the ones in the mix and when you have time earn a few e-Rewards to add to the FlexPoints totals – René

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Being almost 50 (OH MY) I am in the age bracket where I grew up with tech, but also am in the generation that is still stunned by what is going on. Those 1-GEN older (1GO) than me are a little freaked out by it all and those 1-GEN younger (1GY) think this is the way it has always been and always will be!

Let me give you a few examples. When I talk to a 1GO about getting an AMEX Membership Rewards GOLD card to get 3x on all my airfare and an Chase INK Plus business card so I can buy gift cards to pay my utility bills to get 6.25% credit (less fees) toward my next vacation, they give me the glassy-eyed stare and cannot comprehend the logistics of doing this and btw doing all this online (after all, is it safe to use online banking!?! ). Then the 1GY would ask me why on my/our last churn I did not go for 6 or 8 cards all at once like others have been doing as of late (ok that makes me feel like I jumped to 1GO)!

But back to your cell phone. I have talked many times about the fact that I e-mail myself a PDF (you can use PDF creator to do this) of my itinerary and boarding passes as well as hotel confirmations. Why? You just never know, and having all of this can make or break a trip. Think about this situation. You get to a hotel and they say we cannot find you by your reservation number. OK, fine, get out your phone and show them what they need to see. Next, if you need to, you can e-mail a copy of what you have in your phone, or even fax, right to the hotel where you are. Print and you have all the proof you need. I also add a password to the PDF just to be safe. Here is how you do that with PDF creator:

then

What else can you put into your phone? Before I go on, let me remind you of THIS post where I talk about security. Having been a “computer geek” and running my own computer shop for almost 20 years, I can tell you people are lazy. They don’t use good passwords. They don’t back things up. It just takes too much time. So my question: How good is the code or swipe “symbol” that locks your phone? If a 4 year old can guess it in 60 seconds, it is not OK! OK? Good! You get me.

So again, what else can you put in your phone? Why not scan all the credit cards you plan to travel with (front and back) so if your wallet is stolen you can call your credit card company and tell them just what cards are gone. Also, your passport. If you lose your passport, would it not be outstanding to be able to send it to a color printer and print out proof of who you are? You could also include your homeowner’s insurance policy information so that if the worst happens and you come home from your vacation to your house in flames, you have the information you need to get the ball rolling as quickly as possible. Same goes for auto insurance, if you are covered on rentals through your auto policy it would be good to have all of that information with you, and health insurance. Sure you have this information in your car and in your wallet, but on vacation you may not have your car and what if your wallet gets stolen? All these can go into ONE single PDF. (are we seeing the need for good security on your phone now?).

Anything else? You tell me. Are there other things you can think of that you could see being useful inside your phone in the form of a PDF or photo? Seriously, this just does not take that much time you 1GO’s and yes you 1GY’s! I get that you have been rolling your eyes at the screen for the past minute and thinking to yourself that you do all this already (duh)! – René

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Today Delta has revamped the Apple side of the Fly Delta app. I am not an “I-product” person so I cannot give you a blow by blow about how good or bad these changes are. As an Android user (as I am sure many of you are) we have to wait for some undetermined time for our BIG update. For now, Delta 1st broke the news on FlyerTalk and then on the Delta.com web site. Take a look at the official video clips of the new features (some do look very kool):

As usual, Flyertalkers found out about this before most of the public as some found the update and started to play with it last night and you can see their feedback so far in that thread. Since I don’t have an iPad I would love your feedback on what you think about all the changes.

Now there is a 1.7.4 Android minor update that does have some nice features. I do have a Samsung NOTE2 & I will break down some of these tweaks. The first MAJOR one is you can now pick EC (Economy Comfort) seats. This is a great fix.

Also it would seem you can, on KLM flights, also pick EC (but NO exit row) seats direct from the phone app now.

I love the app when I travel. I love the updates it pushes to my phone about changes and gates etc. BTW, you need to make sure you have this set in the app (and as you can see I did not have my email or contact phone updated, but have now done so)

Your turn. What do you think. Are you a happy “I” user? Are you an Android user upset that we are back seat to I-Products? Let me know! – René

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Before you push play on the video above, mute your sound. Then watch the video. What is this first thing that pops into your head? Now, watch the video again and turn up the sound a bit. The first time I saw this on TV I was all over this as it seemed Buick was telling us to use our phones as we come in for landing (when all devices should be off). But, they add the little “squeak squeak” of the breaks to sorta show the Buick owner had landed 1 nanosecond before he took out his phone to start his car (still too soon as you are to wait for the announcement before you do that, right)! I know this is just a quick short commercial and you can only do so much but just wanted to see what you all thought about it too.

Next to the “what am I thinking” part. I don’t care for Facebook. I have yelled from the blog that I will NOT have a DeltaPoints.com Facebook page. I am backpedalling on that due to so many requests. I get that many readers love their facebook and would like to have posts be auto added to their page so they can see what is up at DeltaPoints. To that end, I have added auto posts for each day’s blog to Facebook,  Twitter,  Linkedin &  Tumblr. Other than Twitter, that I do use each day, these other sites will just be info posts about what is on the blog for the day. That’s it.

Why not do this today, comment blow (on the blog only) if you will follow DeltaPoints on:

• Facebook ( & Like me)
• Twitter ( & follow me)
• Linkedin
• Tumblr
• E-Mail (& are a confirmed subscriber)
• RSS feed

For a chance, via Random.org, to win a set of iGo Noise Canceling Headphones at 9:PM EST Friday 1/11/2013! – Rene

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Contact is POWER. Fast contact with Delta Air Lines can save you a ton of time and stress. When things go wrong it is so nice to get quick help. I have blogged so many times about how great the @DeltaAssist team is and even have a simple step by step post about setting up a Twitter account so you can use this amazing customer service feature (should have been a Rookie Wednesday post but I put it up before I started Rookie Wednesday posts).

But you may say:

1. I don’t have a smart phone
2. I don’t have internet on my phone
3. I don’t like technology
4. I don’t want to learn

Well if you said any of the top 3, I can help you. If you said the fourth, please drive, and don’t fly anymore, I don’t want you in the gate area ever again !

Some warnings before you jump in and try this. Unless you have unlimited text, this could cost you. If you are using say a tracfone, each “tweet” will cost you one text. Be careful with this, if you are NOT CAREFUL you may tweet out to the world PRIVATE information. You do not need internet access on your phone, just the ability to send and receive text messages. (just like the fact that you can use your phone to send emails without internet access)!

So what am I talking about. First, you do need to, as I talked about before, find a computer and setup a Twitter account and ask @DeltaAssist to follow you as per the instructions in that post. Once that is done, go to mobile and add your phone number:

.

Now, as you see above, you text GO on your phone to the number 40404

Now your computer screen will update to the blow:

Next, on your compuer, you can make sure you are set to get DM or direct messages and feel free to turn on and off as many of these settings as you want (keep in mind that later, if you don’t have internet access, changing them may not be simple – until you get back to a PC).

On your phone you will get two texts back (you should anyway):

and

The second one does not apply to those who do not have a smart phone and that is, after all, the reason for this post. There will be times when smartphone users will not have web access and can use this too, but they should really download the twitter app and use that also.

I will say this next part many times in this post. The letter D . Always always, did I say always, remember the letter D . Never ever ever forget the letter D! Say it with me class, what is important here D! Why this painfull repetition? You will soon see, just keep the above FIXED in your mind before you try this.

If you followed the above steps, and did put your phone into your twitter account, you are now good to go! It is that simple and all you have to do is keep the number 40404 in mind for twitter use. Next, again after DeltaAssist is following you, you can send them Direct Messanges that no one but they can see. This is how you do that (without the brackets):

D deltaassist (then you type what you want here next)

For example: I could type this:

D deltaassist Hello! I have a schedule change that will not work. Can I please change to DL7777 on 31DEC2012? My PNR is GF23H4 my SM# is 9999999999

Now, and I know you are sick of seeing this, the D is so very important. Why? If you leave the D off of the above, you have just tweeted to the WORLD the above and eveyrone who looks at your twitter account can see the tweet (see why I keep talking about the importance of D)!

So there you are. If you want some additional information about starting and stopping and other things you can do with this service, the Washingtonpost had a good piece on this you can read all about as well. – René

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