The one thing that has made My Coke Rewards valuable over the past couple of years is the ability to redeem for Priority Club points. I’ve probably earned around 20,000 Priority Club points just from entering Coke codes. As of today, the option to redeem for Priority Club points is gone. I’m hoping this is a glitch or temporary change, as it’s the only thing worth redeeming for (in my opinion).
Unfortunately it wouldn’t surprise me if this were an “enhancement.”
So I’m coming into the “incomparable” RCC here at ORD, and hand the agent my BMI Gold card and boarding pass for ORD to SFO on United. She looks at her computer for a second, and then says “Are you traveling to an international destination?” I simply responded “no,” and then she asked whether I just came in from an international destination. I said no again. She then told me I don’t have RCC access because I need to be traveling internationally to have lounge access as a Star Gold.
She was polite, so I politely explained to her that this restriction only applied to United and USAir Star Gold members, and that all other Star Gold members could access any Star Gold lounge with any departing Star Alliance flight. The other agent, who overheard this, said under her breath “he’s right,” while this one firmly (but politely) insisted I didn’t have access. Since she was nice about it, I showed her the relevant portion of the profile, which explains why I am entitled to access. She read it, and then picked up the phone to call a service director. No service director answered, so she said “OK, I’ll let you in this time,” which sounds to me like a “one time exception.”
I politely explained to her that I don’t want a one time exception, and that I just want the rules to be followed, because making a one time exception this time won’t help me (or anyone else) next time. She then explained that when she swipes my boarding pass (which has my UA number on it), it doesn’t allow her to admit me. I explained that she should be entering my BMI number instead of swiping my boarding pass. She then responded that being Star Gold with two airlines was so unusual, and I responded by apologizing for flying over 200,000 miles a year (in a nice, fun way, of course).
I asked her to call a supervisor to clarify the rules, and she once again invited me into the lounge. I responded by asking for her name (which she was happy to give me) and also asking whether she was letting me in as a one time exception, or whether she was letting me in because I was entitled to access. She politely responded that I was entitled to access.
I have no plans to report her, since she was genuinely friendly (despite our heated conversation, although we both kept our cool) and in the end she said I was right, although I know she didn’t mean it.
On the plus side, I have a date with the “international premium travel experience” 767 in about an hour! Gotta freshen up. 
Via the New York Post:
US Airways sent a raft of “frigid” letters to the 150 passengers of miracle Flight 1549 (above) saying their death-defying ordeal has earned them top customer status – but for just one year, The Post has learned.
That seems to me like a nice gesture, although to really create goodwill it would reasonable to give them top tier status for life, in my opinion. As one person mentioned, he may not be flying for another year. Overall we have to give USAir credit for handling the situation well, though.
What really sticks out in this article is this:
“You’re going to crash me into the water, and you’re going to tell me all I get is an upgrade?” asked Antonio Sales, 20, who was traveling with the University of South Carolina’s track team. “That’s more of an ‘OK, you’re not dead, I’ll give you something to hold on to.’ It’s not enough at all.”
You’ve gotta be f%$&@!^ kidding me! I’m speechless.
It’s time for a reader photo. Thanks to Eric for sending in this one.
Correct Answer: Liverpool, England
Winner: IAN MCGUINNESS
If you’d like your photo featured, please email it to me at onemileatatime@hotmail.com, along with the correct answer.
It looks like we finally have an official date for Continental leaving SkyTeam. Via the Houston Chronicle:
Continental Airlines plans to exit the SkyTeam alliance with Delta Air Lines, Air France and others after its last flight Oct. 24 and join the rival Star Alliance shortly thereafter, CEO Larry Kellner said today.
This isn’t a surprise, although it’s good to have a firm date. I think it’s safe to assume that Northwest reciprocal upgrades will end on or before October 24. Also, I’m guessing SkyTeam awards can be booked up until that date, although I doubt changes will be allowed after that date, other than cancellation. Why on earth you’d want to redeem one last SkyTeam award before entering a much better alliance is beyond me, but still.
Anyway, the real question this raises in my mind is how Continental will approach Star Alliance awards, since Continental is notoriously stingy when it comes to award inventory. Not only is this the case on their own metal, but you can’t use Continental miles for three cabin first class travel on SkyTeam carriers like Air France and Korean Air.
So, what approach will Continental adopt when they join the Star Alliance? Will they join their friends at United in blocking partner award inventory, or will they play nice? Will they maybe restrict three cabin first class partner awards, like they’ve been doing in SkyTeam?
The most significant thing, in my mind, is that Continental Gold might be a good alternative to United Premier Executive status. I’m assuming they’ll both be Star Gold, they both earn 100% bonus miles, so it comes down to the other benefits. A Continental Gold gets unlimited complimentary domestic upgrades (in theory), while United Premier Executive members have to earn or buy upgrade instruments. Assuming they don’t block partner award inventory, it’s something to consider.
Lastly, Continental Gold and Platinum will be basically the same. It used to be that Platinum members received a 125% mileage bonus, while Gold members received a 100% bonus. Now that they’ve reduced the Platinum bonus, it’s the same for both levels. Also, in SkyTeam, only Platinum got you lounge access while traveling internationally, while both Gold and Platinum should (in theory) get one lounge access through the Star Alliance. The only difference I see is higher upgrade priority.
I’ve been asking way too many questions on my blog lately, but I’ve received so much valuable help that I’ll do it one more time. Some of you may remember that back in December I asked how short of a stay is too short for booking a hotel room. Well, the trip where I have a 5.5 hour layover in SEA is this weekend, and I was planning on just camping out at the airport. However, I just caught a cold (although it’s not too bad yet), and since I’m not canceling the trip (it only cost about $30 after vouchers, and I wouldn’t get that money back), I decided I’ll get a hotel to at least get a few hours of sleep.
Unfortunately I have too many options, and in this case I’m far too indecisive to make a decision on my own, so I’m looking to you for help. My options are:
Priceline a hotel
Pros: The cheapest option
Cons: I could end up in any hotel, and as I learned the hard way last week, some hotels don’t have 24 hour shuttles. That means I might end up paying $50 in cab fares, if I end up in a hotel without a 24 hour shuttle. Also, I won’t earn points.
Book a Hilton family hotel
Pros: I’d earn points, stay credits, BMI miles, and even extra points thanks to the current double points promo
Cons: It’s about $110 with tax
Book a Holiday Inn Hotel using the Entertainment Card rate
Pros: The Entertainment Card rate is $75, and I might earn points to justify this solely as a mattress run
Cons: I might not earn points, since technically Entertainment Card rates don’t qualify. Furthermore, my Entertainment Card expired in November, and I haven’t renewed, although I have a feeling I could get away with it since the expiration date is hardly visible.
Book a Holiday Inn Hotel on a published rate
Pros: I’ll definitely earn points (and probably lots of them)
Cons: It’s about $110, which is a bit steep
So, wise people, what say you?
Wow, it came faster than promised! You can now link your Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks accounts, and even 500 bonus miles for doing it! Best of all, the transfer is instant so your miles show up in your preferred accoung instantly.
For those of you that just accrue Delta miles, this is a good time to remember about WorldPerks University, where you can get 500 miles for a few minutes of work.
Since many people have expressed interest in the “Glenn’s Gotta Go” shirts, I’ve added them to CafePress.com for purchase. They can be found here. The shirt pictured in the link above is the “White T-Shirt,” which is $14.99.
Thanks to Dan Webb from Things in the Sky for helping me out with the design. Just FYI, I’m not earning any commission on these shirts; I’m putting them online as a public service, so all you pay is the basic CafePress.com price. All I ask is that you let me know about the experiences you have with these shirts.
While the shirts won’t directly change anything, they’re a great way to support the employees of United and show them that we, the customers, care. I’ve only worn it on one trip, but the reaction from employees was incredible, from having the captain come to my seat and sincerely thank me for my business and support, to having flight attendants pass me in the concourse laughing out loud.
Any other benefits that may come from these are just the icing on the cake.
This past weekend MountainMama of the TravelingMamas wrote a post entitled “United’s Economy Plus Policy Stinks.” While I’m no United apologist, I think United is being done injustice here, so I’d like to disagree. I’d suggest reading her post, as I’d like to hear if I’m the only one that feels she’s off base.
Let’s talk about what she posted.
I asked a flight attendant if I could move up to one of TWO empty exit rows or one of the THREE totally empty rows 12, 13 and 14 on the aft side of the plane. Nope, couldn’t do it, “Those rows are reserved for people who paid for the upgrade. You’re welcome to purchase an upgrade now if you like.”
Since when did Economy Plus become First Class??
A product doesn’t have to be first class in order for the airline to upsell you. Virgin America offers Main Cabin Select with special service, and that’s not first class. The point is that United made a business decision by adding Economy Plus, and they had to take out six seats in order to accomplish that. They can only justify it if they get some revenue from it, which is one of the aspects of their business they’ve been doing a great job at (if nothing else). They’re making tens of millions of dollars from Economy Plus upsells, so some people seem to be paying for it. Also, remember how American had More Room Throughout Coach? There’s a reason it failed….
The only reason I couldn’t have the extra bit of legroom is because others’ paid for it. Um, so what.
Sorry, but that’s kind of how it works. Besides, where do you draw the line? Is it ok to upgrade oneself to a premium economy product? What about business class? Why not first class? I mean, the plane is catered anyway, so what’s the real cost of the airline to upgrading you?
The answer is simple — if you get it for free this time, you won’t want to pay for it next time. By looking at the seatmap you can tell how full a flight is, so why would you ever need to “confirm” Economy Plus in advance when you know it’s going to be empty and you can get an upgrade for free?
It’s not like I’m displacing the other Economy Plus passengers
In this case you’re right, but where do you draw the line? One of the things I enjoy about Economy Plus is that it’s typically not as full as economy, which means the chances of an empty middle seat are greater. If you take an Economy Plus seat next to someone else, aren’t you making their experience less pleasant? While they didn’t pay to have an empty seat next to them, they paid to sit in a zone which is more likely to have empty seats.
like the passengers being served a hot lunch in First Class.
And what’s the real difference even then? Like I said, United typically caters for a full first class cabin, even when it’s not full. You’re not preventing any other first class passenger from getting a meal, so why can’t you just upgrade yourself to first class? In this case I’m honestly not seeing a difference between upgrading oneself to Economy Plus or first class.
My guess is all those people who forked over the money to reserve an Economy Plus seat have been furious and complained when Economy passengers have scooted up front for free.
Can you blame them? If someone pays $99 at check-in to upgrade to Economy Plus (on a longer flight) and on the plane people sneak up and “steal” the seats without paying a dime, wouldn’t you be angry too? It’s one thing if it’s for operational reasons (in which case there are sometimes operational upgrades to business or first class), but I’d be angry if I paid for something and someone snuck up and “stole” the product I just paid for.
They’ll take every dollar they can get.
And after losing $1.3 billion dollars last quarter, can you blame them?
It comes down to a bunch of whiners.
No disagreement there.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
FlyerTalker oliver2002 gave me a lift to the airport (as he was on my flight as well), and we got there about 45 minutes before departure. Unfortunately that left no time to visit the lounge, which looked nice. For some odd reason Northwest boards 757′s 40 minutes prior to departure, and I didn’t want to be the one gate checking my bag, since it looked like a full flight.
Northwest 428, SEA-DTW, Boeing 757-200
Saturday, January 24
Depart: 12:45PM
Arrive: 8:04PM
Seat: 5B
I was originally booked in 6B and Oliver was booked in 5A, but the guy in 5B graciously switched seats with me so that we could sit together. Within minutes of settling down we were offered pre-departure drinks of choice, although the flight attendant forgot to bring mine. After about five minutes I went up to ask her for some water, and she apologized for forgetting my drink. I’m guessing it had something to do with the seat change.
I noticed that this aircraft was especially tired looking, with dirty panels and seats. I also found it kind of funny that the areas where the TV’s used to be were visible — one in the front right of the aircraft and two in the aisle, which were now covered.
Cabin
The push back, announcements, and take-off were uneventful, and as we leveled off the service began. As I tried to lower my tray table I noticed that it was stuck, and unfortunately it refused to stretch out towards me. At least it would stay down, so I had somewhere to put my drinks and lunch.
First the cart came through with drinks and snack mix, and I went with a Diet Pepsi along with a package of mixed nuts and pretzels, while Oliver went with some beer he seems to like.
Diet Pepsi, mixed nuts, and pretzels
Beer
Shortly thereafter the other flight attendant came through the aisle asking whether we wanted a sandwich or pasta for lunch. I asked for more details about the options, and she responded by saying we could either have a ham and cheese sandwich or just “normal pasta.” What the hell is “normal pasta?” I gave her a weird look, but she didn’t seem to understand my confusion. I went with the pasta, while Oliver went with the ham and cheese sandwich. Oh, how nice it is to have a seatmate that doesn’t give me weird looks when I take pictures!
Pasta salad, roll, fruit, and brownie
Ham and cheese sandwich, chips, fruit, and brownie
Ham and cheese sandwich
The lunch was tasty, although I couldn’t figure out why the flight attendant didn’t take the plastic wrap off of the main course. I was leaning towards laziness, but maybe there’s some “FAA” regulation I’m not familiar with?
The roll was warm and soft, the fruit was good, and the brownie was great. Overall the lunch was slightly better than lunch on United.
I spent basically the whole flight talking to Oliver. There’s no better in-flight entertainment than a good seatmate. I also peaked into the magazine, only to notice a typo on the page talking about the new integrated mileage program. Under “2009 Qualification Requirements” it lists both Silver and Gold members as needing 60 segments to qualify, while Silver members only need 30 segments.
Mistake in the NW magazine
Shortly before landing the flight attendants brought the cart down the aisle for another beverage service, and shortly thereafter we landed in DTW. On the plus side we were over 30 minutes early, but unfortunately there was a plane parked at our gate, which meant we had to wait about 15 minutes before we could disembark.
While I’ve heard great things about DTW, little did I know how great it really was. As soon as I stepped into the terminal I felt like I was in a world class airport, sort of similar to ICN or HKG. It’s such a simple, practical, and beautiful airport, that I’d have a hard time doing it justice.
The Northwest “A” gates basically stretch from one end of the concourse to the other, and there’s a tram running the entire distance every four minutes, which makes transfers easy. The coolest part about the tram has to be that it’s indoors! It’s like Disney World for people that love airports.
Terminal
Terminal
Indoor train
As Oliver gave me the tour of his home airport, we walked by one of the newly repainted Delta A320′s. Unfortunately there was no way to get a good picture due to the darkness and tinting of the windows, but I gave it my best shot.
Delta A320
I’m sure most of you are familiar with the “tunnel” at O’Hare that connects the B & C concourses. DTW has something similar, only better.
Heading down towards the tunnel
The DTW tunnel is much more colorful and has more dramatic lights, along with music that matches the lighting.
The tunnel
We headed back up to the concourse to the central part of the terminal, where there was a nice area to sit along with a fountain.
Seating area
Fountain (bonus points to anyone that can tell me what a NW 747 is doing in the background at 9PM)
I’ve heard a lot about the “stones” at DTW without ever knowing what people were talking about, so I finally got to see that firsthand. Basically people sign stones and place them in the pot, many in different languages. I tried to look for my friend Megan’s (since she’s the one that first told me about it) stone, but unfortunately I couldn’t find her’s.
Something interesting to note is that there’s an announcement throughout the airport every few minutes reminding passengers that Detroit is on east coast time, and to check a clock for the correct local time. Before landing I (incorrectly) assumed Detroit was central time, so I’m guessing I’m not the only one that’s confused.
Rocks
We then headed towards the central WorldClub. There are three WorldClubs in this terminal, one in the center, and one conveniently located at each end.
Center of the terminal
The central WorldClub is on the second floor, as seen below.
WorldClub on the second floor
Entrance to the WorldClub
Since I didn’t have a long layover we just made a quick round to see what it was like.
Lounge
TV area
Coffee bar in the background
Departures monitor with cool elevator buttons to search for different destinations
Yum!
After the quick WorldClub visit Oliver headed home and I decided to ride the tram. The signage for the tram is great, as it shows the exact location of both trams and the wait until the next tram leaves from the station.
Tram station
Riding a tram inside an airport is any airport geek’s idea of a great time, so I had to ride it to each end once (fine, maybe twice….. ok, maybe three times).
On the left you can see the track on which the tram runs.
I wanted to quickly visit the WorldClub at the far end of the airport, only to find out that it was closed.
Saturday: Closed
I then headed to the gate, as boarding was starting shortly. Only a few people got up when boarding for first class was called, despite a large cabin.
Northwest 480, DTW-TPA, Boeing 757-200
Saturday, January 24
Depart: 9:20PM
Arrive: 11:59PM
Seat: 3C
Upon entering I was greeted by some friendly flight attendants that offered me a pre-departure beverage before I could even sit down. For a second I felt like I was on Singapore Airlines.
Over the next 30 minutes or so it was obvious that first class would only be about half full, which shows that even lower tier elites have a great shot at upgrades. Seated across from me was a soldier in uniform that got upgraded at the gate. The purser thanked him for his service, saying he was a “military brat” himself. I thought that was a nice touch.
Furthermore, right before the door closed one passenger in first class asked whether there was any way his wife could sit with him, who was seated in coach. The purser said he couldn’t authorize that, but went to see the gate agent. Minutes later his wife was escorted up to first class.
We pushed back on time and were on our way to Tampa. At this point I was quite exhausted, so I tried to nap for most of the flight. Service was attentive and friendly while I was awake, so no complaints there. We landed in TPA about 30 minutes ahead of schedule, and I was happy to be home after a long day.
So what’s my conclusion? Northwest offers a solid product overall, and certainly doesn’t deserve the title “Northworst,” which I’ve heard thrown around a few times, and in all honesty have probably used a few times as well. I found the service to be consistently friendly and attentive and the snacks/meals to be quite good, definitely above average for US airlines. Add that to the relatively easy upgrades and awesome hub airports, and I’d say it’s a good all around product.
My biggest complaint would be the antique looking planes (at least from the inside) and lack of in-flight entertainment.
Still, I think I’ll make Northwest my secondary carrier for now. You definitely can’t go wrong with them, at least until Delta screws them up further (based on what we’ve seen so far).
I’m sure nearly everyone has seen this by now, but for the two of you who haven’t, check out this complaint letter that someone wrote to Richard Branson regarding the meal service on a flight from India.
I’m sure I’m not the only that’s dying to know what the compensation was. 
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