How to Get the Best Seat

Okay so flying...
You always want the middle seat open if you are flying with two, or if by yourself....the entire row??? Can it happen? It can.

First, we basically have to talk about Southwest .... as if there are assigned seats well....there are assigned seats.

So Southwest....
Here are my tricks....
1. Of course, check in 24 hours before - now with the $10 pre check in option, you'll be lucky to get an A.
2. If the flight is full....consider the $10 pre check in. Think of the others things you spend $10 on...compare...
3. If you are flying just two....don't sit next to each right away. One take the aisle, one take the window. This leaves only the middle seat open. People are a lot less likely to take a middle seat than an aisle if you sit next to each other.
4. If the attendants ask everyone to move in, it's a full flight....take your time but move in. Karma.
5. Pull out the Pepto and hold your stomach. Carry on ginger ale and look sick. (Okay - just saying...how long is that flight?)
6. If you want the entire row, it has to be a pretty empty flight. So you need to ask the attendants and be aware of if your flight is full or not. Then you are going to have to go to the back of the flight for your row. For some reason ..... rows 1-5 will always be full even if there is only 15 people on your flight. Strange but people find comfort there???

Okay I've flown A LOT this summer and those are my tricks soo far :) Happy flying!

The Art of The Bump

Ah yes.
The Art of Bump.
No.... not Sookie, a Bump it, or some move that fits with a butterfly dance move.

Airlines bumps!

This past weekend I was flying over one of the busiest airline seasons, Spring Break! I have read that during Christmas and Spring Break there are actual "professional" bump artists, that buy tickets only to rack up credits. Funny enough - airlines are now tracking these people down....

Anyway I am not a professional, I have only gotten lucky 3 times...but here is the most recent story.

So I was flying back from San Francisco to Orlando, they asked for 3 bumps and promised $200 airfare credit for each person and confirmed tickets on a later flight. My husband is very scared of flying (he says he just doesn't "like" it) and was already mentally prepared for the flight we were in line for. I couldn't convince him. So we boarded. I had the biggest pit in my stomach - WHAT DID I JUST PASS UP? I made it clear to the airline attendant, if they were going to force people off the flight I was still interested. My husband was convinced someone had taken it - usually people are running for those deals....so I sat back and pouted.

Then the attendant said for me to go to the front of the plane and talk to a customer service rep....my heart leaped~ (true sign of a dealaholic). They were now offering refund of one way flight, $400 airfare credit each, and confirmed tickets on a direct flight that would only get in 2 hours later!

I was sold! I waved my hand at my husband and said SOLD! He was not happy (I think he might still be mad). BUT it was such a good deal......

We got it all and after that our flight got in an hour early. So was an hour worth $800+++ --- if you are looking for the Next Best Deal - YES!!!!!!

Let's review my guide for "Bumps"

1. Only expect them in Holiday/Busy Season
2. Make sure that what they are offering you is a good trade for your time. You have to feel comfortable with the trade.
3. If you really want it, bumps often go quickly.
4. BUT if you can hold out, the pot will always get sweeter. always.
5. Make sure that they offer a CONFIRMED ticket on the next flight, people will get tricked into standby and then well....who knows when you'll get home.
6. Make sure your schedule is flexible; don't go skipping work or school on my account ;)
7. Know the expiration dates and any blackout dates
8. Start planning the next great trip!

ENJOY!