Posts Tagged ‘nonrev’

New Tool: Nonrev Commuting App

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

  Nonrev Website Commuter App

With the difficulty of summer commuting fast approaching, I have been asked to find a web app to help make the struggle home easier. I could not find one with all airlines and all hotels, so I created one. Now when you are at the gate and they cancel your flight to work or to your vacation, all you have to do is pick up your smart phone and go to Nonrev Commuter App  . This web app has three tools to help you.

First is the “All The World Timetable” which has links to every airline in the world with phone numbers in case you need to try to list for a flight. It also has links to US Airports that allow you to view which airlines are on time or cancelled. Finally, it has some train timetables too if the airport is shut down.

Next is the rental car tool. Several Nonrevs I work with in New York are pitching in and renting a car to get home. This has happened so many times that it is becoming a viable alternative to a non-rev flight. Here I give directions on how to get a car without paying too much.

Finally, there is a Hotel Tool to get a room when all your other nonrev travel options have disappeared. This has a search function and instructions to not pay any more than you have to.

Now if there is bad weather or the flight fills up unexpectedly, you will have a tool to help you right on your phone. Remember, the sooner you go to the tool when trouble rears its ugly head, the less numbers in case you need to try to list for a flight. It also has links to US Airports that allow you to view which airlines are on time or cancelled. Finally, it has some train timetables too if the airport is shut down.

Next is the rental car tool. Several Nonrevs I work with in New York are pitching in and renting a car to get home. This has happened so many times that it is becoming a viable alternative to a non-rev flight. Here I give directions on how to get a car without paying too much.

Finally, there is a Hotel Tool to get a room when all your other nonrev travel options have disappeared. This has a search function and instructions to not pay any more than you have to.

Now if there is bad weather or the flight fills up unexpectedly, you will have a tool to help you right on your phone. Remember, the sooner you go to the tool when trouble rears its ugly head, the less of a chance you will have to use the last function of the Web App.

For those of you with phone Scanners, use the bar code below.

Rotation Reroute, Nonrev Negator

Monday, March 14th, 2011

I was just flew to a city where another crew from my airline was laying over. It seems they got a reroute that turned there one day layover into a three day layover. What happened was their flight, which started in the middle of the United States, had low loads for the two days after they took off. The flight from the coast to the same city also had low loads for the next two days. Operations rerouted the passengers that would have departed from the middle of the US to the coast which didn’t affect the passengers much, but hurt the nonrev passengers many ways and here is how.

The most obvious way this effected the Nonrevs who looked at leaving on the cancelled flight for their vacation had there disrupted. They had to scramble for another way to get to their destination. But who else that was effected where the commuters to the coast. Over 200 seats we use to get to work disappeared overnight. Those seats that the nonrev expected to be open, and were verified open on the company site, were not available.

The solution is too be ready the night before by finding all the flights to work. This can be accomplished by going to the NonRev Timetable . And don’t forget to bookmark this site on your phone Then just before you go to work, check your company site. Once you get to work, go right to the gate and see if there are any problems. DON’T WAIT AROUND. If there is, go to the NonRev Timetable you put on your phone.

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.

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/ .

How to Get Free Food Every Night in New York

Friday, September 18th, 2009

So you are travel to New York and want to eat but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg? As a matter of fact, you don’t want to spend anything. Did you give up on the idea in a New York minute? Don’t. We will show you how to get it.

Places in New York give free food with the idea you will stay longer and buy more expensive items like fancy drinks, and the odds are in their favor. After all, they are still in business. You just have to do is show some discipline.

You may have to buy a drink and we will list that, but the price of the drink will be under $5. To see the deals available, go to the New York Section of NonRevWebsite.com.

So what night of the week will you be in New York? Below is the list of places and the Nights they have free food;

Monday

Rudy’s, O’Flaherty’sRodeo Bar, Rocking Horse, Rolf’sThe Thirsty ScholarTracy J’s, Boxer’s

Tuesday

Rudy’s, O’Flaherty’s, Rodeo Bar, Rocking Horse, Rolf’s, The Thirsty Scholar, Tracy J’s, Boxer’s

Wednesday

Rudy’s, O’Flaherty’s, Rodeo Bar, Rocking Horse, Rolf’s, The Thirsty Scholar, Tracy J’s, Boxer’s

Thursday

Rudy’sRodeo Bar, Rocking Horse, Rolf’s, The Thirsty Scholar, Tracy J’sBoxer’s

Friday

Rudy’sRodeo Bar, Rocking Horse, Rolf’s, The Thirsty Scholar, Tracy J’sBoxer’s

Saturday

Rudy’sRocking Horse, Rolf’s, Tracy J’sBoxer’s

Sunday

Rudy’s, O’Flaherty’s, Rodeo Bar, Rocking Horse, Rolf’s, Tracy J’s, Boxer’s

Click on the name of the bar to find out what are the Free Food 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 New York Free Dinner with a New York Free Attraction? See those at www.nonrevwebsite.com .

Top Independence Day Free Attraction in New York

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

From June 30th to August 5th, the New York Public Library will be Displaying One of two Remaining drafts of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson for the Forth of July. This is one of this summer’s best New York Free Attractions and one of the best 4th of July free Attractions. This draft is unique because it contains the references to Slavery and how it should be stopped in the new republic. Unfortunately that part was taken out.
The draft, along with a 15 minute movie, is on display for free in its South Court. Visit the New York section of Nonrevwebsite.com for more New York deals . For more Free Attractions around the world, got to Nonrevwebsite.com .

Top Reason You Can’t Nonrev

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

If you want to Nonrev this summer because you got a great Interline Deal, I have some Bad news for you, Cargo. It seems the Airlines are getting more cargo to supplement the light loads and that can ruin your nonrev travel plans.
Interline Travel has not yet gotten world on the influx of cargo on passenger aircraft because no one has told them and they believe this will be a great summer to non-rev. Unfortunately the hardest flights that will be hit is non rev international travel. These flights are carrying the most cargo.
But if you are lucky, it will just be a weight and balance issue meaning you will have to ride in coach. So if you are boarding and are going to the back of the airplane and see open seats up front, don’t push them too hard about an upgrade or you will be kissing your non rev discount goodbye.
So if you are going to try those non-rev travel passes, try to find out if the flight will have a cargo issue. This will also be helpful in finding your chance of getting business class.

If you get stuck and need information on how to get out of a city, try the Nonrev Timetable.

Biggest Reason You Won’t Be Able to NonRev

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

If you want to Nonrev this summer because you got a great Interline Deal, I have some Bad news for you, Cargo. It seams the Airlines are getting more cargo to supplement the light loads and that can ruin your nonrev travel plans.
Interline Travel has not yet gotten world on the influx of cargo on passenger aircraft because no one has told them and they believe this will be a great summer to non-rev. Unfortunately the hardest flights that will be hit is non rev international travel. These flights are carrying the most cargo.
But if you are lucky, it will just be a weight and balance issue meaning you will have to ride in coach. So if you are boarding and are going to the back of the airplane and see open seats up front, don’t push them too hard about an upgrade or you will be kissing your non rev discount goodbye.
So if you are going to try those non-rev travel passes, try to find out if the flight will have a cargo issue. This will also be helpful in finding your chance of getting business class.

Get On The Flights They say are FULL

Monday, June 8th, 2009

Ever have someone tell you the flight is full only to find out from a friend it wasn’t? Then you need to know the tips below so you will NEVER miss that important flight. I almost gave up on trying to attempt this feat, The System showed full. THE COMPUTERS WERE WRONG. These are this advice.

  1. First, go to the code share WEB SITE and find the flights you want.
  2. Next CALL THE PARTNER. By NOT calling the airline you get BAD INFORMATION. I tried getting code share loads through my airline, they only give availability for the Seats they reserve. Over a quarter of a 747 was empty even though my airline said less then 18 seats available.
  3. Then you show up at the airport on the day of the flight at the CODE SHARE TICKET COUNTER. They will help you get of the flight, just tell them you are a code share employee, show identification, and most importantly – SMILE.
  4. HAVE PAPER TICKETS WITH YOU. If you need to fill out a paper ticket to get of the flight, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EXTRA TICKET STOCK.
  5. Finally, go to the gate and check in, then sit back and RELAX, you have done all the work, and now it will pay off!
  6. Always, Always, Always dress business professional and you should get just about anywhere you want to fly.