Le Chic Geek

Keri wrote about how dangerous luggage tags can be, especially when they have your phone number on them.  We were approached at the next travel event by some curious guys asking if this sort of thing happens. A young woman was just harassed by a US Airways baggage handler after …

I was on a transcontinental flight on United when the gate agent announced they were oversold.  My ears perked up.  I was disappointed when the amount of money they would give you to voluntarily take another flight was announced as $200. It is an easy way to make $200 but this …

Elite status seems like a pure fringe benefit.  From traveling for work so much, you get a set of benefits at hotels and airlines to use when you are traveling for fun.  Plus it makes work travel a little easier. But elite status can also save your company some money! …

In addition to being a card-carrying Diamond member with Hyatt, I’m also a AAA member. I’ve been a AAA member even though I just bought my first car in four years. While Hyatt offers a Diamond rate at many properties, I’ve more commonly received a discount through AAA.  But that …

When the Centurion Lounge in Vegas opened up, I couldn’t wait to try it.  Of course, I was in Vegas *right* before it opened and I didn’t make it out again until now.  (And luckily, I already have more trips to Vegas booked). The Centurion Lounges continue to impress and …

I’ve run into this a few times with US Airways now and I realized a simple search after each flight on US Airways can save you from needless waiting. Your baggage does not necessarily fly on the same plane as you.  If you check in early and there’s room on …

When you fly a ton, you start amassing interesting experiences.  I sat in first class with a band that I had just seen in concert the night before.  And I had a truck hit my plane. But this was my first experience with an air marshal.   While boarding was …

Most of the travel I do comes from work.  The other day, someone asked me, as a Chairman with US Airways, if I fly in first-class every flight. I paused and thought about it.  My answer was, I get upgraded to first class a lot but I don’t fly in first …

There’s been some confusion over whether or not the April 23rd cut-off for US Airways upgrades sans co-pay allows you to upgrade flights that will be flown after April 22nd.  (in fact, there’s been some confusion among agents at US Airways). To recap, US Airways elites have had the co-pay …

A few weeks ago, I wrote about real and fake EQMs on US Airways, how to spot the difference and the implications for either set. Another strange quirk on US Airways are its international and domestic rules pertain to a different definition of international and domestic. What? What I mean …