Pearls of Travel Wisdom » Current Affairs

Carol on KHOU Discussing New Airline Fees

Carol Margolis — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:57:35 +0000

Carol was recently on KHOU Houston discussing new airline fees that may affect you.

Some airlines have initiated a new fee for aisle and window seats, so making sure your family can all sit together could cost you. Carol offers her perspective on the changes and even a few tips on how to avoid the fees.

More tips in this area of flight savings are in Carol’s new book, Business Travel Success: How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel with Confidence!

Order now! Business Travel Success…How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel With Confidence!

Travel for business? Then Business Travel Success is for you!

Carol Margolis — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:38:10 +0000

My new book, Business Travel Success – How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel with Confidence is now published! This book has been written over thousands of miles and from many hotel rooms around the world with tips that I’ve learned over years and years of business travel.

Business Travel Success offer strategies to become healthier, less stressed, more productive and confident, all without sacrificing the personal relationships that make coming home worthwhile!

Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series and author of The Success Principles^TM, says that “this book is the bible for business travelers, even if you only do one business trip a year.” I’m so honored that Jack wrote the Foreword to my book. And I love his story of how a typical bad travel situation (a delayed flight that so many of us have experienced) totally changed course with the actions of one person. Amazing.

Utilizing the tips in Business Travel Success, you will learn ways to help conquer traveling hurdles like:

Packing
Solo travel
Flying and driving
Family relationships
Safety
Health & fitness
… and so much more!

Business Travel Success is now available online at on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and more in both printed and ebook format. You’ll be able to find the book in bookstores and airport stores over the next few months.

What’s Happening to the Frequent Flier Upgrades?

Carol Margolis — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:50:37 +0000

Most frequent fliers say the crown jewel of status benefits is the free upgrade to first class by legacy carriers. But this year the boards are lighting up with common complaints of no upgrades at the early window (usually 4-5 days before) while others are saying they are simply not receiving upgrades at all. The loudest chants come from United and Delta FFers but this should be no surprise. Often looking more like twins than competitors, these are the two largest elite status programs.

Of course, this varies depending on factors such as airline, airport, route, day of week, and time of day. Nevertheless, increasing chatter suggests looking to see if the dots connect.

So what changed? First, the airlines moved from a yield management operation to revenue management. We are all familiar with baggage fees et al but the fee that now often stands between frequent fliers and those highly desired first class seats are upgrade fees. Some airlines allow any passenger to purchase what appears to be a discounted first class seat, sometimes for less than a hundred dollars.

In truth, it is not quite that simple. Passengers can purchase upgrades to first class by paying the difference between their expensive coach fare and the first class fare, sometimes at a discount. Frequent fliers who purchased low fare buckets are losing out to non-status passengers who pay much more for their seats. Very simply, it means more revenue for the airlines and fewer seats available to elites.

How can the airlines get away with this? Because another thing has changed: Capacity.

In recent years, carriers have been operating at around 70-80% capacity, sometimes as low as 60%. That left many seats open on flights, especially those coveted first class seats. They were great times for frequent fliers but airlines were losing a lot of money.

Today, airlines have ceased or reduced operations for certain routes. In some cases, they have substituted smaller aircraft which means fewer first class seats. The end result is airlines are now at about 85% capacity, sometimes 90%. That means most flights are quite full, indeed often overbooked.

With fewer flight options, any airline delay or cancelation now has a magnified effect. Sometimes these displaced passengers are already flying first class on connecting flights, sometimes they are coach fare passengers rewarded with first class seats on a later flight. Since these events are unplanned, it is increasingly common for airlines to hold back on releasing upgrade seats early.

A third variable adds to the toxic mix. A couple years ago there were six legacy carriers. Due to a couple mergers, today there are only four. Reduced competition does not favor the frequent flier.

What used to be a slam dunk for receiving a first class upgrade by airline elite travelers is now in jeopardy for some. Before an airline even gets to the upgrade list pecking order, others have already cleared and they include passengers who purchased first class tickets, re-routed passengers, and those who paid the upgrade fee. Add in certain elite passengers who are allowed to upgrade to first class with certificates or miles or purchase full coach fares, along with possibly smaller aircraft, it is no surprise there are few – if any – first class seats remaining.

Yes, frequent fliers have been spoiled over recent years by purchasing low fare coach tickets while still receiving those prized upgrades. Those days are probably gone for many, especially for popular routes on heavy travel days which typically include Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

How well I know. I have been flying the same route week after week for the past five years and that precious upgrade was always there for me. That is, until this year when I joined the ranks as a surprised top tier flier who no longer impresses an airline with my status.

No doubt some will say just pay for a first class seat if you want it. It so happens that the airlines agree with you. This is all about revenue now so if you want to sit up front, plan to pay for it one way or another.

PreOrder now! Business Travel Success…How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel With Confidence!

First Flight out of SFB – Better than Expected!

Carol Margolis — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:04:16 +0000

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been my home-base airport for the past twenty years. But did you know that Orlando also has a second airport? Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is about 50 miles from Disney World, about double the distance from MCO. Though great for me, SFB is only 10 miles from my house, compared to 30 miles to MCO. It offers close proximity to the Lake Mary, Longwood and Altamonte Springs areas.

I flew out of SFB for the very first time last night. A business trip to Reykjavik had me searching Delta and Continental, though with 3 to 4 connections and very high fares, a direct flight to Reykjavik out of Sanford’s airport was a quarter of the price in a quarter of the hours! Granted, getting no miles towards my Diamond or 1K status may have me regretting this flight later in the year, but its practicality won me over for this trip.

SFB has two terminals, with about four airlines flying out of each. It’s an airport that if you blink, you may miss it. However, I was surprisingly very impressed with the airport.

Security was a breeze with only one other passenger going through the line with me. The airport is larger than it looks from the outside, with a huge seating area near the international gates, restaurants, Duty Free and other stores, and free wi-fi. Though what surprised me the most was the lounge for international travelers.

The Royal Palm Lounge is available to business class international travelers and those with Priority Pass. Day passes and arrangements with tour providers for access are also available. This lounge offers a bar area (2 free drinks of beer or wine included), a children’s play area and a Sony Playstation area. There is a separate behind-glass doors smoking area, which is very rare to see within a lounge. You can also order food from a nearby restaurant and the lounge attendant will deliver the food directly to you. Nice to be able to eat a full meal instead of just living on lounge snacks.

There is a bar/eating area, a big-screen tv room, as well as a good-sized comfy sofa and chair area.

Now that I am impressed with the airport, its lounge and the close proximity to my house, I’d love to see a few flights by Delta or Continental come into SFB. Can’t hurt to hope!

To receive a free copy of our ebook, 70 Secrets to Safe Travel — Because Your Life Can Change in a Heartbeat, and for more travel savvy info to help you travel smarter, safer and with more enjoyment, visit SmartWomenTravelers.com and PearlsofTravelWisdom.com. Watch for my new book, Business Travel Success – How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel with Confidence, being published by Morgan James in early 2012.

It’s Your Choice! Fairmont Hotels Promotion Offer

Carol Margolis — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:43:41 +0000

Fairmont Hotels is offering an interesting promotion. Choose the deal that most appeals to you:

Up to 30% off the room rates
Free breakfast for two
Stay for a free night

All of these deals include 10% off Air Canada flights, and some of them include bonus air miles. This promotion applies to their resort properties worldwide so it may appeal to US travelers as well as Canadian and international travelers. Some properties may have blackout dates so verify the qualifications before booking.

I love Fairmont Hotels (Lake Louise is my all-time favorite!) and all of these deals sound good to me! Choices, choices!

This promotion is good for travel through April 30, 2012 but note the hotel must be booked by February 7, 2012, so act fast if you are interested.

One-Third of the Way There with Airline Fee Disclosure

Carol Margolis — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:19:38 +0000

It’s been talked about for a long time and the rules are finally changing – airlines will need to disclose government taxes and fees and other mandatory charges in their advertised fares. Baggage fees are another item that will soon be full disclosed.

Airlines to Disclose Ticket Prices Upfront gives more details on the rules that go into effect on January 24th.

Now we need the other two-thirds taken care of.

How would you like to know the full price of a hotel room (showing the myriad of taxes and those annoying resort fees) upon your initial searching? There should be a rule for this one, too. I recently had to explain to a few international travelers who were visiting the U.S. why their credit cards were charged $203.00 for a hotel room that cost $179.00 a night.

And while advocating new rules, how about one for car rentals? Instead of seeing $42.00/day like I often do in cities I travel, show me the true rate of $68.00 once the airport concession fee recovery is added, the busing cost recovery, property tax, title/license reimbursement & customer facility charge and energy surcharge. What are all these charges anyway? Oh, and don’t forget the tax!

Let’s first see how the airlines react on January 24th to the new rules. If it’s successful here, maybe here’s hope for the other two thirds.

Final Chance to Win 2 Nights at a Marriott Courtyard

Carol Margolis — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:00:05 +0000

We’re down to just hours. By this time tomorrow the winning name will be selected. Enter now for your chance to win 2 nights at any Marriott Courtyard in the continental U.S. It’s easy, it’s fast and it’s a great holiday gift if you win. Go here for the details and I hope I’ll be contacting you shortly!

Hertz GoldChoice – A New Type of Hybrid

Carol Margolis — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:54:28 +0000

Signs were displayed all throughout the Hertz rental car lot in Houston’s Intercontinental Airport (IAH) this week announcing their GoldChoice program. This was the first time I’ve seen these signs in IAH’s Hertz lot, even though I’ve rented from this same location multiple times over the past few months.

Hmmm … GoldChoice. What’s this? It’s Hertz’s new program that is a combination of having an assigned car all ready for you (if you are a Hertz Gold customer) and being able to select your own car – kind of a Hertz Gold / National Emerald Isle combo.

I took a look at the GoldChoice aisle to see what types of cars were available. They were mostly mid-size and full-size cars, maybe 20 or so cars to choose from on a busy Monday morning. One lone SUV was in the GoldChoice aisle, maybe because others had already been taken. When in Houston, it’s always good to be up high on the road when you’re sharing the highways with lots of Texas trucks.

As I was checking out, I asked if this program was new and was it unique to Houston. “No,” said the attendant. “GoldChoice has been in Houston for a couple of months, and it’s now available in other cities as well.” I can believe the latter part of his statement but not the first. If it’s been in Houston for a couple of months, their signs have been invisible and their GoldChoice aisle must have been over at Avis. Like I said, I’ve rented from IAH weekly, all but Thanksgiving week, and there have been no signs of the GoldChoice option until now.

I like the idea of this new hybrid model. If there is a car more to my liking in the GoldChoice section, then I’ll take that car; otherwise I’ll keep what’s been assigned. The only challenge with this is that I’ll want to first see what I was assigned. This means first walking to the GoldChoice aisle to see what’s available, then walking across the aisles to find my assigned car. If I then realize that I’d like a GoldChoice car more, than I’ll have to do an about-face and head back to GoldChoice. Not the worst thing in the world, but time-consuming. I could also stop in at the Gold desk and ask for what car has been assigned. Or just take the assigned car. Or just go with a personally-selected GoldChoice car. Such decisions…

I’ll be curious for next Monday morning’s rental. I really need a minivan next week as I have several colleagues I’ll be traveling with. Do I reserve and pay the higher cost for a minivan or take a chance that the GoldChoice aisle has one waiting for me?

While I figure out what to do, why don’t you check out more details on Hertz’s new GoldChoice program and the available locations. Let me know your thoughts.

New TSA PreCheck Program: How Good Is It?

Carol Margolis — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:01:25 +0000

TSA’s new “trusted traveler” program, known as PreCheck, went into effect a few days ago. From the press release, “Eligible passengers may be referred to a lane where they will experience expedited screening.” This pilot program is the long overdue beginning of risk-based traveler assessment. Not surprising, there are many limitations to gain entry into this trial program:

It is only available to American Airlines and Delta Airlines passengers.
It is only limited to a few airport hubs (Dallas and Miami for American, Atlanta and Detroit for Delta).
And only some frequent fliers qualify.

TSA also built in some safeguards. They may at any time change their policy and make this separate line just like all the others. In addition, they do not guarantee that merely because of enrollment in this program that passengers will receive expedited service every time. At some point, I expect them to test this by denying access on a periodic basis. How frequently this occurs will likely determine the program’s success or failure.

I had the opportunity to try out PreCheck last week. Embedded information in the boarding pass barcode directs travelers to an expedited line. Anything metal like change or cellphones are either placed in a carry-on bag or one of the small buckets. Everything else – liquids, shoes, belts, coats, and laptops – remain in the carry-on bag or on your person. It was simply a matter of dropping my carry-on bag on the conveyor belt and walking through the metal detector. Total time to get through the expedited line: less than 60 seconds.

Needless to say, this is a dream for frequent travelers. It was such a pleasant experience that I thought about exiting the security area and going through the line again!

Some frequent travelers I spoke to expressed apprehension, reminding me that one bad apple could ruin this for the lot of us. We would all still walk through security with our shoes on if it weren’t for Richard Reid.

While other passengers may resent this “special” treatment granted to a select few, there is a benefit for them, as well. Moving frequent travelers to expedited lines means shorter lines for everyone else. When this program is successful (crossing my fingers), it will expand to more airports and shorten security lines for even more travelers.

Here’s hoping that the TSA’s new PreCheck program really takes off!

Passenger rights when flights are canceled

Carol Margolis — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:15:09 +0000

If you’re scheduled for a business trip this week and it involves a flight to or from the Northeast, check out this post on Passenger rights when flights are canceled by MSNBC.com. It’s going to take several days before all flight schedules are back to normal after Hurricane Irene.

To receive a free copy of our ebook, 70 Secrets to Safe Travel — Because Your Life Can Change in a Heartbeat, and for more travel savvy info to help you travel smarter, safer and with more enjoyment, visit SmartWomenTravelers.com andPearlsofTravelWisdom.com. Watch for my new book, Business Travel Success … How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel with Confidence,being published by Morgan James in 2011.