Posts Tagged ‘non-rev travel’

Cruise Discount Tool

Monday, November 8th, 2010

With the Economy still acting anemic, the Cruise Lines are trying to increase sales through discounts. They even have wireless so you can access this site from your cruise. The secret is the deals other nonrev sites are advertising are not the best deals. You can find them but you need to dig.

You know how Priceline lets you name your price but then tells you what hotel to stay in? The worst part is not only do you not have a choice of where to stay, but you must take the hotel. What if you could bid and see what you get BEFORE you submit to the program? Well, we figured out how to do that for cruises on the web. First, you need to got to our search engine where we have partnered with Google: http://www.nonrevwebsite.com/nonrev/travel/cruises.htm .Put in what you want, like Carnival Cruise, and then put in the price like this, Carnival Cruise Caribbean $899…$799. Make sure you put in the three dots, … , between the range of price you want to pay. But don’t stop there, try it again with $799…$699 and see what you get. Keep going and see how low you can go!

The great thing about this function on our search engine is it resets everything in the results to your price range, even the ads. That means that the sponsored links on the top and side of the results page are even better deals. They are motivated to sell to you since they bought ad space. They HAVE to pay Google so they really, really want your business which may mean you can bargain for more perks for the price. To quote the competition, “now that is negotiating!”

Why You Can’t NonRev in September

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

I just rode in on Jet Blue and received some bad information for NonRevs. Jet Blue’s All You Can Jet Pass promotion is sold out. That means between September 6th and October 6th the planes will be more than full. I was lucky enough to meet the Senior Analyst for Network Planning and he gave me some great insight on how to NonRev in this difficult period.

With the kids going back to school,  September is known to be a great time to non-rev because the loads are low. This is why JetBlue does this promotion now. That means the demographics of people flying will be those without kids. Without those kids, there won’t be child weights on the numbers and more planes at JetBlue having weight and balance issues. So that empty seat may not be available. Make sure you ask when you sign if it will matter and plan you options accordingly.

According to last years numbers, the worst days to travel is Fridays and Sundays. The don’t have hard numbers for this year because the promotional passes can be booked up to 3 days prior to a flight. And don’t worry about the people booking a seat and not showing up because JetBlue has as ingenious solution, charge them $100 or more if they don’t show up!

The worst city pair was between Chicago and New York. The interesting thing is this is one of the shortest legs they have. It also shows how underserved this market really is. Hey Airlines! This is a hint! More seats between New York and Chicago! And guess what the busiest airport will be? JFK, their hub.

The best solutions to this problem in NonReving to New York I have written in a post “Top 5 Reasons You Can’t Non-Rev to New York.” I have the 5 top problems but more importantly the solution and the ways to avoid the problem. But the best solution to bring chocolate, lots of chocolate. Gate Agents love that stuff. I think it has something to do with their stress level.

NonRev Dream; Free Tour in Budepest for Free Stuff

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

I just took the FREE Budapest walking tour and it was great! Not only was it free, it told me where to go for free, where to eat for less, and most importantly, how to avoid admission fees. This is a dream if you non-rev or layover in Budapest. The tour lasts at least 2.5 hours and in there is a talk at the end of the tour on what the local people really eat, hint goulash isn’t one of them, where the nightlife is, and much more. A word of warning, the people are young and fit and the tour has a great deal of walking.

When we started the tour at Saint Stephens Square, her first tip was a great one. Our tour guide told us to ask local people under 25 questions because they speak English. She then told us the history and architecture of St. Stephens and how some say it has the best view of the city and for 3 Euros you can see for yourself. Later she showed us a better view for free. We went through a park to explain the new craze in Europe that started in Hungary and then the long walk to the palace. Along the way our guide told us about the history of this great country. We went past St Matyas Church and was told how to get in for free. Like my mother she said “go to Mass!’ If you want answers to the tip deals, you will just have to take the tour. And if that doesn’t entice you, how about finding out why the genitals on the statue of a warrior’s house are shiny.

I have been on several other free walking tours in Munich, Dublin, Paris and this one was even better because it described what to do to save money when touring the city. This is a great help to those on a budget. Even though the young people flock to this tour, there is something here for everyone. Would I do it again? I would and I will soon on the Free Communist Walk and the Free Jewish District and Best Pubs Tour. Stay tuned.

See Where your Tax Money Goes

Monday, May 10th, 2010

If you want to take a vacation on the US Government, non-rev to Washington DC. Like Britain, most museums in DC are free with almost all of them paid for by taxpayers like you and me. These museums hold premier collections of the world like the Air and Space Museum. Besides museums, there are world renowned monuments as well as a few new attractions like the WW II Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Here are a few deals you can cut on your travels to the Capital of the United States.

1. National Air and Space Museum
2. Jefferson Memorial
3. Lincoln Memorial
4. WW II Memorial
5. Vietnam Veteran’s Wall Museum

6. Willard Intercontinental Hotel
7. National Gallery of Art
8. National Portrait Gallery
9. National Zoo
10. Rock Creek Park
11. National Cathedral
12. National Theater
13. Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
14. The Phillips Collections
15. Lunder Conservative Center
16. Smithsonian American Art Museum
17. Library of Congress
18. Arlington National Cemetery
19. Supreme Court
20. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

These are just of a few of the free attractions you can find in Washington DC. Click on the top 5 to find more information To see all the deals we found, go to NonrevWebsite.com .

But since you saved so much money on attractions, why stop there? Why not find out where you can find deals on food and drinks? Like the museums, there are several places to eat cheap to save even more money, and we are not talking McDonalds. You can find these discounts at http://nonrevwebsite.com/blog/category/washington-dc/

To find more deals on all your interline travel, go to www.nonrevwebsite.com.

Your Representative my not be able to get free stuff anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Why not let the government lobby you for a change? After all, it is your money.

Top 5 Cheap Food and Drinks in Washington DC

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Washington D.C. has many free attractions but when it comes to food, it is very expensive… until now.

There are several places that have cheap food in DC. The great news is that a few of them are chains located throughout the area, and we are not just talking about McDonalds. Here is a short list of the places to find meals around $5

Ben’s Chile Bowl – Famous chili half smoke is just $5.20
Julia Empanadas – Freshly-baked empanadas are served for less than $5
On the Fly – Eco-friendly SmartKarts. Pulled chicken sandwiches start at just $5.
Chinatown Express – A big bowl for under $5.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant – Airline Employees get 25% off Food.

But there is also places to get cheap drinks. These places have drinks for under $5. They are only available at Happy Hour, so check out their sites.

PS 7 – Beer of the day for $3, its red, white and sparkling wine of the day for just $4
Lotus Lounge –  Beer, wine, sushi rolls and dumplings are just $5 during happy hour Tuesday through Saturday.
If you are looking for a snack to tie you over to dinner, there are a few place to go to.
Johnny’s Half Shell – mini-burgers and mini Asian tuna sandwiches are just $2.50, fried oysters and gumbo are $6 each during happy hour.
Cafe Asia – Happy Hour Sushi $1
Click on the name of the bar to find out what are the Cheap Food in DC Deals. There you will find the type of food, the time it is available, and the location hyperlinked to a google map for ease of use.
So enjoy your night out and why not follow up your Cheap DC Dinner with a DC Free Attraction? See those at http://www.nonrevwebsite.com/ .

Travel Tips From a Retired Captain

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

I just received these tips from retired Captain Ron Hale. He flew international for most of his career. This is so comprehensive, I had to print it all.

Money
1. The Euro is about 1.36 per 1 US dollar. Buy a little bit before you go (airport) and get the rest via ATM’s in Europe. The reason is you get the best exchange rate and you don’t have to carry as much cash around. Watch out for the Euro coins. They have $2 Euro coins, which is easy to mistake how much you’re spending!
2. ATM cards…make sure they work before you go. Try them out at a machine in the US. It is best to have two different ones
3. Credit cards, keep at least one Credit Card, ATM card, and a picture ID, (if possible) separate from the others, just in case you get pick pocketed

Communication
1. Cell phones usually need to be activated for use outside the United States. Call your cell phone company. This is usually free, but needs to be done for it to work in Europe. If you don’t know how to text, now is the time. A text is usually much cheaper than voice.
2. Never call long distance from your hotel room. Big surcharges often exist from your hotel.
3. Nice to bring your laptop computer, but beware of the usually large room charge to use in room internet. Most hotels have free “hot spots” in their lobbies for wireless connection.
4. Europe is full of internet cafes. Charge is very reasonable, like 1 Euro for 30-60 minutes.
5. If you are used to using Microsoft Outlook on your home computer, it would be beneficial that you learn to use the web based system for your provider. The first thing you will find is that your address book is missing. Pre-load those important e-mail addresses into your web based address book before you go.
6. Don’t forget that address book. It’s hard to mail postcards to family and friends without it.
7. Practice using humility in your mannerisms, like a smile and eye to eye contact. You may not understand their language, but humble body language speaks for you.
Security
1. Carry valuables, …credit cards, picture ID, cash, in a waist belt or something out of view. For a man, put in front pockets. Carrying a purse, bag, etc is fine, but the real expensive stuff should be protected. I never carry my passport. It stays in the hotel.
2. Passport: Take a picture of the first page and any visa’s that apply, and then keep it separate from the actual passport. This will help should you ever lose the passport.
3. Room safes are fine, but remember to empty them when you check out. An easy mistake to make.
4. Paris, Rome, Barcelona, like most large cities, are prone to pick pockets, or grabbing of purses. When using an ATM, most are exposed to the street. Have you partner “watch your back side” when you are getting your cash. Easiest places for pick pockets are buses and the subways. Keep your guard up.
5. Always re-check airline seat pockets before leaving the airplane. I don’t want to admit how many times I’ve not followed my own advise.

Transportation
1. If you travel by train, always buy a first class seat, with seat assignment. You can buy all of this at the train station. You might consider buying your trains tickets a day before travel. No security lines at the train station, so you don’t need to be there two hours prior like an airport. You will need to identify the train’s car you are getting onto and then load you own bags. There is a lot of overhead space on these trains and for the big stuff, plenty of slots at the end of each car. You can see your bags. Book the least amount of train connections.
2. When you leave your hotel, take something from the room that has the name of the hotel, its address and phone number. Then when you need to relay instructions for directions or for a taxi, just show them that.
3. Always ask if the taxi is going to use a meter. Most all large cities require this now. If not, always inquire as to the price before you start up.
4. I’ve used taxies in almost every major city in Europe. Cost is usually reasonable and affordable when traveling with more than one person. It is also free of pick pockets.
5. Remember that most major cities have taxi staging areas, like Rome. You’ll have to ask where they are or you will be standing for a very long time waiting for a ride.
6. Write down taxi number and operator name in the event you leave something behind.
7. Exception to all of this about taxies is Istanbul.

Electrical
1. Look at all your electric toys: Cell phones, Palm pilots, I-pods, hair dryers, hair curlers, shavers, etc. Most all should be capable of 110-220 volts for recharging (hair dryer and curlers may not) which means you can simply plug into the wall. You will need, however, the two prong adapter for Spain. Carry a long extension cord with three connections. That way you only need one- two prong adapter and plug in. Smile! Europe hotels rarely have convenient electrical outlets by the bed. With an extension cord, your phone, clock, etc. can be bedside.
2. Remember to bring a two prong US adapter for your laptop. Most laptop electrical cords are 3 prongs. Most extension cords only accept 2 prong.

Clothing
1. For clothing, plan on layers. You will get a chill after sunset, rained on somewhere, and hot and humid the rest of the time. Remember, neither bare shoulders nor shorts when entering St. Peter’s Basilica. (Men & Women) It is strictly enforced!
2. I always pack an extra set of glasses and sunglasses.
3. Comfortable shoes. You can’t imagine how much you are going to walk.
Food
1. Eating in Italy. http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/restaurants/index.htm Remember, Trattorias, Osterias, and Ristorantes. Go for the Trattorias first. Here is some info about all of this. Any tour book you buy will have a section on this as well. They will also have a section about the names of food for that country’s language.
2. Understand what you order and how much. Ordering fondue for four might turn out to be four times more than you expected. Been there.

Packing
1. Always pack an extra set of glasses and sunglasses.
2. Bring your actual prescriptions or copies of them.
3. Don’t over pack. Leave room to bring things home you have bought.
4. Check on baggage weight restrictions for your airline. You might leave with a 45 pound suitcase only to find that Alitalia allows only 40 pounds.
5. Put a nametag in each suitcase.
6. Only put TSA approved locks on your suitcases.
7. Roll your cloths as opposed to folding them. A lot less wrinkled.

General Information
1. Get a good travel book with maps. Many times you will find yourself simply reading about what you’re seeing. Some are better than others. Reference Barnes & Noble. Look them over before you buy. The more info, the better, particularly the history. Trust me, you may not read it all, but you will read more than you think. You are spending a lot of money to go to Europe, the more you learn about what you are eating and seeing, the better.

Tactical meets Fashionable, Just ask my Wife

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Back when TopGun the movie came out, I was in Flight School. Before that movie I had a leather jacket and military issue sunglasses I got from a ROTC flight partner. I stood out until everyone wanted to be Tom Cruise and pretend to be a pilot. Even Actors wanted to be like me. I detested the fact they took away my unfashionable fashion that made me stand out and could not wait until I could turn the tables. I thought that day would never come until now.

I was allowed to try a pair of Randolph Engineering Rapture Sunglasses for my trip to Chile. You would expect to find this at page 5 of Travel Essentials at Crew Outfitters. This would have been the perfect time to test them in South America because it was their Summer, if it wasn’t for the 8.8 Earthquake they had. I had to try them out in the jumpseat home and while driving my car. But the biggest test would be the toughest I know, my wife.

The sunglasses I wore before were the aviator standbys that all pilot like and my wife hated. They just were not fashionable enough to wear everyday. The problem is I loved their functionality. When I showed her the Randolph Engineering Sunglasses, she actually said they look good. I was shocked. This is a woman who looks at magazines like ‘Vogue’ and can tell with better accuracy then the writers which style will be in fashion. They were a graphite frame with smoke colored lens. They went well with my clothes and my uniform. Now I started to wonder on how good the functionality was because from my experience you can’t have both, right?

Wrong. The lenses were big enough to cover my whole eye but not look like they cover my whole face. According to my wife I have a long and narrow face and most glasses look huge on me. The lens were rectangles like the old military style but they had a slight curve to them that covered my whole eye. I did use them on a flight to Zurich and they kept the blinding sun manageable and allowed me to read the instruments shaded in the cockpit. When we went into a cloud to a dreary Switzerland, The glasses were not so dark that I had to take them off. The glasses also came with a keychain toolkit and spare screws.

So the tables have turned. Now the tactical Military Sunglasses are on the heals of the fashion conscious. Now us pilot “geeks” have something the runways of Milan will be jealous of.
At 10% off at Crew Outfitters, they are lower then any other place I have found on the web. If you would like to purchase a pair, go to Crew Outfitters and use the promo code LW15.
But don’t take my word this is the best deal on the web, search the web for yourself. Just put in Randolph Engineering Rapture Sunglasses in my custom search engine, programmed to find deals, and see what you get.
Here is a special gift for all those reading. There is a special promotion from Crew Outfitter to get 10% off your next order. You need to find their Action Figure Ted Banks on their site. I can’t tell you exactly where to go, but I can do this. One of the links in the article shows you where to go. Happy hunting!
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How To Get a Hotel in a Snowstorm

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

If this last snowstorm taught me anything, it would be the vulnerability of the computer reservation system of Hotel Chains. When Atlanta was hit by its last snowstorm, I decided to leave a day early. Cancelling half the flights, which were all the mainline flights, made the decision easy. I called the hotel directly at 3 PM guarantying the room with a credit card. This was to be the best thing I did that night.
When I finally made it to the hotel after an hour waiting for a gate to park the jet, the line was 40 people long. It seems that so many flights were disrupted, the airline started calling the automated systems to find room for the passengers. Unfortunately, the automated systems had crashed and the fail-safe in the computer program was to make a reservation weather there was room or not. There wasn’t any more room, but people were still booking rooms over the phone.

When the people at the hotel waiting in line about the computer glitch, well lets just say it got interesting. The receptionists at the desk were trying to take care of the people and call headquarters to tell them to stop booking people. After waiting for an hour, it was my turn to check in. The person behind the counter had a long face anticipating she was going to have to tell me there was no more room. Her long face turned into one of surprise. She then said I had a room because I call the hotel directly and talked to a human being.
I love technology, but I love it better when it screws up royally and bites the behind of the geniuses that decided to outsource the human jobs. The lesson here is it is better to talk to a human then to trust automation when things are going South, link snowstorms. The second lesson is I say to talk to a human. That person in line with me who shouted “GIRLFRIEND, I know customer service and you are on the loosing end of this deal’ didn’t really understand who was on the loosing end. I hope he enjoyed his sleep outside in the snow.

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7 Steps to $ave Hundreds on Hotels

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

With the dollar getting weaker, it is important to squeeze every bit of value you can when finding a hotel. This is how you do it.

Step 1) Checked this site ,Hotwire.  Fill out this dynamic link with the name of city closest to the airport. This is the highest price you should pay for a hotel.

Step 2) Check that price using this Search Engine we designed with Google, and don’t forget to put in the word Hotel COUPONS! It searches this web as well as the rest of the internet to make sure we haven’t missed the lowest price for the second you look.

Step 3) Check the categories HERE to see if there may be another title that is related which could give a better deal in a way you have not thought of. These categories are “smart” in the sense they look at the cookies from all the sites you have been and find the common thread.

Step 4) Check the links from Step 2 in the “NonRev Deals Updated Daily by Google on” box really want you business and will do what ever it takes.

Step 5) Next, call the Hotel with the Hotel List below to see if you can negotiate a lower deal

Step 6) Go to other travel bid sites, like Priceline.com and put your bid in at least 3 days prior.

Step 7) If your bid doesn’t materialize or if you want a specific hotel in a specific area, go back to Hotwire and select city closest to airport and reserve your room. Its that easy!

Why your Adapter Plug Won’t Work in Brussels

Monday, November 16th, 2009

I’m in Brussels trying out the Lewis and Clark Universal 4 in 1 Adapter Plug. If you have not traveled to Europe in the last 5 to 7 years, I have bad news for your adapters. They no longer fit in the outlets. The new European outlets are round and the older adapters are rectangular.

For this ‘square peg in round hole’ problem, I was very interested how well the Lewis and Clark adapter worked. I was very happy to find that it worked even better than the adapters the hotels give to us when our adapters don’t fit. Besides that, you get surge protection and 110/220 indication. You would expect to find this at Home and Gifts at Crew Outfitters.

At 10% off at Crew Outfitters, they are lower then any other place I have found on the web. If you would like to purchase a pair, go to Crew Outfitters and use the promo code LW15.

But don’t take my word this is the best deal on the web, search the web for yourself. Just put in Lewis and Clark Adapter Plug in my custom search engine, programmed to find deals, and see what you get.

Here is a special gift for all those reading. There is a special promotion from Crew Outfitter to get 10% off your next order. You need to find their Action Figure Ted Banks on their site. I can’t tell you exactly where to go, but I can do this. One of the links in the article shows you where to go. Happy hunting!

Want us to send you tips like these that will save you Hundreds of Dollars? Join our monthly Newsletter and every month gets tips to save money on layovers, trips, and travel supplies.