There was a time, a few years ago, when I traveled a hell of a lot. When I worked for Batman, and was second in command of retailer and convention services, part of my job was coordinating travel arrangements, for our special guests and booth staff. During that time, I learned how to talk to people in the travel industry to get what I wanted.
Two years later I found myself traveling through South America for the Travel Channel’s 5 Takes: Latin America and found that that particular skill came in very handy – even in broken spanish – to get slight upgrades to our very modest accommodations.
That skill came in handy again as I found myself boarding a plane for seven weeks of rehearsal in Los Angeles. The Boat Job booked me on a flight with US Airways which was filled with hidden charges; yes, I was allowed to bring two suitcases, but I’d have to pay $60.00 to do so. I could eat too, if I liked, but it too, would cost me…
A quick phone call to US Air and I discovered, by up-grading my ticket to first class, not only would I for-go any baggage fees, I would also be allowed an extra 40 lbs of baggage!
Imagine, if you will, Vinnie, with two over-sized pieces of luggage filled with four seasons worth of clothes, Vinnie who no longer owns a scale, but is the perfect weight and ’cause of what he learned at Weight Watchers knows it’s not about the number but about how he feels, has no way of knowing his bags weigh a total of 128 pounds; 28 pounds over limit, which would incur him over $200.00 in fees!
But because I was on a flight with a connection and the second leg of the trip was over-sold, I could only get an upgrade for my flight from NYC to Philly – a 45 minute flight. Now to you, Jew and Gentile reader, it may not’ve felt worth it may’ve only given me a seat in first class for 45 minutes, but it gave my luggage an upgrade for the entire flight, not only did it fly free and overweight, it was the second and third bags out of the shoot and on to the carousel covered in priority stickers.
The only problem with my plan?
I may never be able to travel coach again – 45 minutes in first class has spoiled me forever, I’ve learned I’m not meant to be grouped with the great unwashed massed… I need biscotti, free Bloody Marys and over-weight bags; I need pillows and blankets and attentive flight-attendants.
I need to be flown, not fly.
I too have experienced the perks of First Class Travel, however, we as a family of three don’t get to do that often!
@ Suzie – I really REALLY never want to travel any other way!