The Upgrd Podcast: Recent Episodes
Frequent Flyers at upgrd.com
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Welcome to another episode of the UPGRD podcast. In this travel podcast we discuss the recent change in management at United with Jeff Smisek's departure and a new CEO appointment.
Are you a past United customer who left for greener pastures? Is this a change for the good, might you return?
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
We revisit a popular topic in this week's frequent traveler podcast: some of the better travel credit cards and your credit score. We're joined by Stefan to talk about:
- How your credit score is calculated
- What effect inquiries have on your score
- Whether to apply for multiple cards on the same day, and
- We discuss some of the current best offers for cards for frequent travelers
We only scratched the surface of many common credit card questions. What questions do you have for a future episode?
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
We're back! And this week our miles and points experts discuss the inaugural American Airlines 787 flight from Dallas to Chicago. We talk about the best business class seats, the airplane and the events on the day.
In addition we mourn the loss of RedBird for manufactured spend and (re)introduce you to the current UPGRD crew.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this frequent flyer podcast we are joined by Captain Denny to discuss customer service, the Captain Jason Dahl scholarship and frequent flyer news.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are the personal opinions of the participants only and do not reflect the views of their employers.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Our frequent flyers review our airline predictions from last year and prognosticate on upcoming airline and hotel promotions and changes in 2012. Although our crystal balls were somewhat clouded in 2011 a little bit of glass cleaner helped clarify everything for this year.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Join our frequent flyers as we discuss the closure of SpanAir, the bankruptcy proceedings of American Airlines, and recent hotel and airline promotions including:
- Delta may make run at US Airways
- US Airways evaluates merger with AA
- The end of SpanAir
- American Airlines restores free wine and beer in international economy
- New Hilton Benefits
- New Hyatt Promo Earn up to 44,000 points (enough for two free nights)
- Starwood Platinum Benefit Changes Starting March 1
- Gold welcome gift choice of extra starpoints or wifi or complimentary beverage
- Platinum: bonus star points, continental breakfast, or "local amenities" (soft toy, small bottle of liquor, bottle of wine, mineral water, fruit basket, etc)
- After 50 nights receive 10 suite upgrades
- After 75 nights earn four points per dollar instead of three and Your24 benefit
- AA Double EQM for CA/IL/TX residents between SFO/LAX and DFW/ORD still running through March 31st.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer travel podcast we discuss the recent airline news and changes many airline mileage programs including:
- US Airways 100% mile bonus is back
- United and Continental get single operating certicate
- Delta selling MQM
- British Airways miles devaluation
- More fuel surcharges for Aeroplan
- US Airways raises price on purchased miles again
- Ben summarized the devaluation of American Express rewards points
- As an alternative mileage card the Ink Bold and Chase Sapphire Preferred are good options instead of American Express
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this frequent flyer podcast we discuss Matthew's secret connecting city, some special offers, and then answer listeners questions. Topics include:
- Sale on Delta Club Passes and United Club Passes
- Hilton's reward booking "problem"
- Damian's upcoming business class mileage run
- Listener questions on mileage running, segment qualification and more
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer podcast, we are joined by Nicholas Kralev to discuss his new book Decoding Air Travel. We discuss how you can construct your own airfare by looking at the airline tariffs and inventory buckets and why you should be loyal to one airline alliance to maximize your benefits. In addition we cover some current promotions:
- 40% discount on Lufthansa business class upgrades
- US Airways 100% bonus on purchased miles is back
Do you have any tips for finding the lowest airfare? Let us know in the comments below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer podcast we are joined by Rick, frugal travel guy, to discuss churning credit cards for the most frequent flyer and hotel points. Listen as we discuss:
- How you can apply for up multiple credit cards at once and apply again several times per year to get the most miles.
- Why you should check your credit score against multiple agencies
- Learning which credit agencies pull your score through other sites like creditboards.com (see their credit pulls database once you are a member) or Rick's Flyertalk thread that is a mini database of credit card pulls.
- A FICO credit score above 700 is recommended for credit card churning
- A VantageScore of at least 800 (B or good)
- Keep track of your promotions with copies of your application, promotion details, and first card charges (if required to fulfill the promo)
- Don't cancel your card until it's going to cost you money. If it doesn't cost you anything, hang on to the credit card until they ask for an annual fee
- A denial does not hurt your score, its only the inquiry. The inquiry usually drops your credit score by 2 to 5 points. Obviously if you apply to several and you are not getting approve, then you shouldn't be applying
- Keep your scores in the good to very good range
Got any credit card churning tips? Let us know in the comments below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer podcast we are joined by Allen of Corporate Flight Management to discuss their new program socialflights.com. On social flights, individuals can group together to secure a corporate jet to fly to the same city. Groups are formed for special events (sporting event, shopping etc) and contract together to use the plane bypassing all the headaches of commercial flying.
More interestingly is the ability to fly on an empty leg (when they are repositioning the corporate jet). Starting at $150 you can fly on corporate jet between a large number of cities. Sounds like a good reason to mileage run!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this episode of our frequent flyer podcast we welcome Seth from The Wandering Aramean blog to discuss:
- A recap of the Frequent Traveler Awards and Luncheon
- Lufthansa A380 SFO inaugural
- Starwood SPG new promo
- AAdavantage 30th Promotions
- Save 30% on new AAdmirals club membership
- Enter to win a trip around the world
- United's new boarding procedure
- Damian: Asiana First from ICN to FRA, LH first class terminal and his Cruise in Asia
- Changes to AA million miler program
- Aeroplan award changes
- Award ticket fee changes on UA
- Transfer Amex to CO?
Where does your springtime travel take you? Let us know in the comments below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this episode of our frequent flyer podcast we discuss some recent trips and airline news including:
- Captain Denny flight with a number of travelers from Flyertalk
- Behind the scenes tour at SFO before the flight
- The upcoming frequent traveler awards and frequent traveler University
- Matthew's visit to the Aircraft Interiors Expo
- 100,000 mile BA card is back
- Cuddle class more like Claustrophobic class?
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer travel podcast we catch up on the current mileage redemption, elite status, and airline industry news. We discuss:
- Free Star Alliance Silver Status (offer now dead) - what did that get you?
- Matthew's newest mileage run
- Delta SkyClub video during earthquake
- United E-Certs now valid on Continental flights
- 2011 Hyatt Promotion
- Transfer miles and status between United and Continental
- Continental eliminates free snacks
- Lifetime Red Carpet Club Membership - worth it?
- Captain Denny flight March 26
- Milepoint
- Frequent Traveler Awards voting now open
We'd love your feedback and comments on the above. What mileage runs have you booked? Are you participating in the Hyatt Promotion? Did you merge your Continental and United account yet? Let us know!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's month's quarterly podcast we discuss taking a bump on oversold flights and the compensation involved. We discuss:
- Air New Zealand SkyCouch
- US Airways Bump Compensation woes
- Getting your name on the list to volunteer for bumps
- Typical compensation for the airlines we are familiar with
- and more
What airline bumps have you had? What was your compensation from the airlines?
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Following on from our review of last year's predictions, we are
back to discuss out frequent flyer
predictions for 2011. Unfortunately due to some breaking news
during recording, the episode is cut a bit short.
- If the combined United and Continental will keep four tiers of elite status or three
- What types of Double Elite Qualifying Promotions (if any) there will be this year
- Next stops for Virgin America
- and more...
- We recorded this a few weeks ago, so some info may be out of date already!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer podcast we take a look back at our predictions this time last year including
- The United Airlines unlimited domestic upgrade program (UDU)
- The merger of United and Continental Airlines
- and more...
What predictions do you have for 2011? Let us know below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Happy New Year from all of us on the Upgrd Podcast. In this week's frequent flyer roundtable we discuss the recent irregular airline operations due to weather and some recent trips including:
- Matthew's first class award on Swiss Airlines
- The northeast blizzard and its effect on everyone's travel plans
- Additional ideas on what to do during irregular operations
Do you have tips for traveling during a blizzard? Let us know below...
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this frequent flyer podcast we discuss travel news and recap the mergers between Delta / Northwest and Continental / United. We discuss:
- The new slimline seats on Lufthansa
- Keep your passwords safe on airline and hotel sites
- Boingo giveaway - make sure you leave a comment!
- The current state of the Delta and Northwest airlines merger
- The changes at United and Continental airlines as they merge
What changes have you seen in the merged airlines? Leave us a comment below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer podcast we answer listener questions, questions from airlineanswers.com and talk about some recent news including:
- in free american express spending
- Aeroplan to require segments for status on AC
- New Cathay Pacific seats
- Irregular Operations on An Award Ticket
- Of all the US domestic airlines. Who has the best first class service?
- Does American AAdvantage have a "soft landing?
- and more...
And you answers and questions at airlineanswers.com
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's travel gift podcast we discuss some recent news and ideas for the hard to buy for traveler including:
- Matthew on abcnews.
- American Express $25 Small Business Promotion
- Mark's Tech Travel Gift suggestions
- Some of our suggestions including:
- Digital Luggage Scale
- Personal Safety Alarms for your hotel
- Quickpod travel tripod
- and our favorite, although no longer made, Playmobil Security Checkpoint
What are some of the holiday travel gift ideas you have? List them below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this airline meal inspired podcast our talk comparing United and Continental quickly devolved into a chat about food. In addition our frequent flyers discuss:
- The recent updates to the combined United/Continental mileage programs
- A comparison of inflight service and food between United Airlines and Continental Airlines
- Randy Peterson's announcement of his departure from FlyerTalk
- and more...
Do you fly both Continental and United? Any comparisons you would like to add? Let us know below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Last week many of attended the frequent traveler awards in Houston. In this week's frequent flyer podcast our panelists discussed the event itself as well as the results. We also discussed:
- Free Gogo Wifi
- Charging your phone and other gadgets on the road
- TSA Body Scanners (again)
- Laptop size matters when heading through airport security
- The dinner and reception at the Frequent Traveler awards
- The winners (and losers!) of the night
What did you think of the winners? Any surprises? Let us know below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week our frequent flyers discuss the meanest of the mean - or at least one person's interpretation of this. In addition we discuss
- Mean Airlines
- What About American Airlines?
- Missing Hot Nuts
- Delta delays 787s to 2020
Which airline is meanest in your book? Let us know below...
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's travel podcast we are joined again by our newest blogger Gene to discuss the new Delta Airlines now that the Northwest merger has been in progress for some time. Play along and try to guess Gene's thoughts that finish these sentences...
- The Delta Airlines Diamond Medallion customer service is ...
- The ability to upgrade domestic awards for free, after paid Diamonds/before paid Platinum's is ...
- Rollover Delta MQMs are ....
- The old terminal at JFK is ...
- The pre merger Northwest Airlines flight attendants need ...
- (Broken record) Delta needs to add SWUs that can be used on ...
- American Airlines really needs to...
Do you fly Delta? If so, please write in below and let us know your thoughts on the airline and service over the most recent months.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Continuing on from our discussion of hotels in India, we discuss Indian airlines including Kingfisher, Jet Airways, and Air India. David joins us again to discuss travel in the region along with some other discussions including
- The lack of participation in an airline alliance by some India based airlines
- Recent Hyatt hotel stays
- The nightmare that is transiting Heathrow airport
- and more...
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this frequent flyer episode we are joined by Reb, who along with Gary are two of the organizers of this year's Frequent Traveler Awards. Voting is currently open (vote here) and winners will be announced at the award dinner in Houston in early November. We discussed:
- How the award program came about
- The differences from other previous loyalty program award events
- How to attend and more about planned costs
- and we expressed our disappointment at the lack of a "favorite podcast" category at the awards.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer podcast we are again joined by David who last joined us to discuss El Al. We continue our discussion of Indian hotels with David's commentary on the hotels he visits when working there. We also discuss the current Hyatt "great" 10k promotion.
Do you have any tips or favorite hotels while traveling in India? Please leave a comment below or sent your tip to us.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer podcast we revisit the Marriott Rewards hotel loyalty program as Kevin wanted to clarify some mis-information in our last Marriott Rewards podcast on the subject. We discuss:
- Fozz's recent first class award on Lufthansa's A380
- Virgin America's new routes instead of Chicago
-
Marriott Rewards tips from Kevin
- Marriott Rewards Mega Bonus
- 115,000 points for $1,000 in hotel credits for future stays (which accrue points)
- The JW Marriott properties
- Point saver rates even at Ritz Carlton
- and Elephants.
What is your opinion of the Marriott Rewards program? Why would you choose it over another program? Anything we missed?
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
We recorded this frequent flyer podcast last week when Steven Slater was still in the news. In addition to this old topic we discuss:
- Bankruptcy of Mexicana
- Freedoms of the air, including some current North American Fifth Freedom flights
- More info on the freedoms of can be found on wikipedia
- How many countries have you visited? How many do you plan on visiting?
Please let us know if you are planning on visiting 100 cities and how far along you are in the comments below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
On this week's frequent flyer podcast we have a quick chat about recent award bookings and the inflight power and wifi options for the big four carriers in the USA. Links to the inflight power and inflight wifi choices are below:
- Many of the airlines use DC power through a cigarette style lighter. You may want to purchase an adapter such as the Wagan Smart AC 120 Watt USB Power Inverter or charge several devices at once with the Kensington Air Power Inverter with Two USB Ports
- American Airlines: inflight power is offered on Boeing 777, 767, 737, Boeing MD80, and B757 aircraft.
- American Airlines Wifi: is available on all Boeing 767-200 flights and select MD80 and 737 aircraft. Use this tool to check wifi on your upcoming flight within 24 hours of departure.
-
United Airlines: has in flight power on select aircraft, the combination of aircraft type and cabin are too numerous to list so please refer to the United page.
- United Airlines: wifi is currently only available on the United P.S. service between JFK and either LAX or SFO
- Delta Airlines: has inflight power in first class on the domestic fleet and in the premium cabins and some rows of coach on international aircraft.
- Delta Airlines: has been progressively rolling out wifi fleet wide. See this recent blog post for the latest numbers.
- Continental Airlines: power ports (requiring EmPower adapters) are available on 767s while no adapter is required on other aircraft, see the Continental Airlines website for more information on power.
- Continental Airlines: wifi? Who needs wifi when you can get a not-dog?
I'm sure we missed something along the way. If you have any updates or corrections to the above, please leave it in the comments below and we will fix the above.
Edit: Thanks to everyone for their comments, the above has been updated.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
On this week's travel podcast we catch up on the news and discuss the TSA full body scanners with Grace. We discuss:
- United Airlines' discounted coach class awards
- Changes in United management with Jeff Foland taking over the combined frequent flier program after the United Continental merger
- The TSA full body scanners and protection from them
- United Airlines' problematic website
- And a man taken off the plane for allegedly asking if there would be a meal on his flight.
Please leave comments below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent traveler podcast we return to hotel loyalty programs and hotel elite status - this week focusing on the Marriott Rewards program. Most of our panelists do not recommend the Marriott program, unless you are staying there due to contractual obligations. While it falls towards the bottom of our list of programs to obtain status in - there are still some situations where it makes sense. Listen in to hear more about the Marriott Rewards program and other topics including:
- Double EQMs and Triple RDMs from RDU, STL, PIT, and BNA
- Aegean joining Star Alliance
- Your Hometown, Your Airline segment continues with recommendations for Australian flyers
- Marriot Rewards program including their Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Premier status levels
- and more...
If you have any Marriott Rewards tips, tricks, or clarification please let us know. We'd also love to hear from some current Australian flyers on their recommendation where to credit miles. Please leave your comments below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer podcast Mike, Matthew, Gary, and Matt discuss:
- American Airlines Your Choice program
- Triple Elite and Redeemable Miles on DL and AA
- Delta in the news again ... for fighting ... again
- Your Hometown, Your Airline: San Jose, California
- A few traveler tips for New York City
And our picks for great travel gifts for your favorite frequent flyer:
- From The Crew Lounge: Jonathan's travel steamer instead of ironing, similar to this Jiffy Steamer
- Briggs and Riley luggage with built in garment bag
- Perry Ellis toiletry bag
- Tumi travel wallet
- For additional power outlets when traveling something similar to this travel power strip with USB
- Wireless internet for your wired hotel with any number of available wireless pocket routers
- A Kindle for reading on the go along with a Kindle case with pockets
- Matt's continued recommendation for the Sennheiser PXC 250-II noise canceling headphones
- Universal plugs for traveling similar to these Brookstone power adapters
Got any other gift suggestions? Let us know in the comments below. We'll be back in two week's time with our next episode.
The above affiliate links help offset costs of website hosting and podcast production.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
The Upgrd Podcast episode 63 is now online with a full crew in attendance. Mike, Matt, Matthew, Josh, Ben, Gary, Fozz, and Hunter discussed:
- The Continental and United airlines merger and proposed
livery * The recent Continental announcement allowing upgrades on award tickets for credit card holders * Our "Your Hometown, Your Airline" segment is back - this time focusing on New York City * Matt has an editorial on fortress airline hubs. Is his defnition correct? If so, do these need to be treated as monopolies? * and other frequent flyer discussions
Please take our survey so we can cover topics you want to hear. Click Here
As always, please leave any comments or questions below. Thanks for your patience waiting for this episode! We will be recording every other week for the summer due to travel schedules.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Last week we were joined by Damian while he was stranded in BWI awaiting a return flight to Europe during the Eyjafjallajökull volcano disruption. Two apologies are due, first for the late editing and publishing of this episode and secondly for my pronunciation of Eyjafjallajökull. We discussed:
- Irregular Airline Operations (irrops)
- What to do when your flight is delayed or canceled
- When to start rebooking
- And some overnight accommodation options
Please share with us your irrops stories and let us know what worked in the past for you.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we discuss our two
- Rapid Rewards A-List "Elite" status
- Rapid Rewards email mailing list bonus credits
- Business Select
- And other Southwest promos including car rentals and more
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Thank you for your patience as we edited our most recent frequent flyer videocast. We met in Los Angeles a few weeks ago and discussed:
- the news (current at that time!)
- our first class upgrade success thus far this year
- the people of SLC
- and Matthew did an intro video to the ITA booking website. More screencasts to come as the camera video is hard to see.
Please send in your questions for future episodes as we start back on a regular podcast schedule this week.
Open low bandwidth video Open higher bandwidth video
Please use the above streaming link buttons - if you need to download for offline viewing : Upgrd 60
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
We discuss some of our favorite travel websites this week. Specifically we discuss:
- TripIt for travel itinerary organization
- FareCompare for price comparison including their flyertalk tool designed for finding fares that might make good mileage runs
- FlightCaster for ontime flight predictions
Please comment below or email us your tech tools for making traveling simpler and more rewarding.
We will be recording our next podcast live in LA next weekend. Stay tuned for more info on the upcoming show.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we continued our series on redeeming miles for awards - this time on American Airlines and its partners in OneWorld. We discuss:
- The unfortunate news of someone joining the mile high club by themselves
- The flight attendants in trouble for photos then ended up on a porn site (nsfw) and a prostitution ring
-
American Airlines Awards including
- American Airlines Awards
- AAdvantage All Airline Awards (Partner Award)
- OneWorld Award
Send in your questions and let us know what you would like to hear on a future episode!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we answer some frequent flyer questions, both our own and from listener mail. In addition we tried something a little different, recording the whole discussion from the time people joined the call. We discussed:
- Damian joins us to discuss his very recent experience in LOT business class
- Standby on United Airlines
- US Airways open to merger - anyone want an airline?
- United Airlines finalizes 787 order
- Program options for Qantas travellers
- International Star Alliance partners and domestic USA lounge access
- and Ben's additional prediction of the possible demise of DEQM
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
We continue our discussion of Star Alliance Awards this week looking at Aeroplan, Asiana, ANA and using your American Express Membership Rewards miles for redemption. In addition we discuss:
- ANA's website and using their Star Alliance award search as a "tool" for your award booking
- Aeroplan's award chart and using American Express miles for awards
- Asiana's award chart to Europe
- Continental's connection to Amex
- and our own Matt's recent wedding and award to Asia - congrats Matt!
Please feel free to leave a comment or question below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we continue our award redemption series by discussing Star Alliance carriers including United Airlines, US Airways and Continental Airlines. In this episode we discuss:
- American Airlines new stand by policy
- JAL's final decision to stay with OneWorld
- Delta and US Airways proposed swap slot
- United Airlines award levels, website issues, and evil StarNet blocking
- US Airways award levels and availability
- Continental's award chart and how they match up with United
In addition Fozz, Matthew and Gary discuss the awards they have booked - despite StartNet blocking. Please share your award stories with us in the comments below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this first podcast of a series on airline award bookings we discuss the basics of how we use our miles and an overview of different award types. In future podcasts, over the next few weeks, we will discuss specific reward programs and alliances in greater detail.
In addition we discussed JAL's decision between SkyTeam and OneWorld, although that dicussion seems a bit dated now. Please send in your recent award redemptions stories and questions for our next few airline award booking shows.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This is probably the shortest elite status podcast ever but we covered some listener questions about BMI Diamond Club. Since we recorded this last week there have been some changes - Fozz will be posting some updates on his blog about this soon.
This week we discuss BMI, their frequent flyer program, and why so many Upgrd contributors have BMI Gold status as one of their "backup" programs.
Please send in your comments about BMI's program or anything we missed or has changed.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we are joined by Phil from nycaviation.com to discuss planespotting in and around the airport. NYCAviation is an airline news and resource organization geared towards enthusiasts. for the past 6 years, they have looked to serve those with a passion for aviation even far outside New York both on and off of the internet. We discuss:
- The recent Hawaiian airlines flight that turned back due to a passenger comment card
- Matthew's recent blog post about theft in the air
- Phil's experience working for a charter airline and the effects of long days in the air
- Planespotting do's and dont's and what nycaviation.com is doing to promote the activity and work constructively with airports and law enforcement to make it more effective for everyone.
Please leave your questions or comments below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week's frequent flyer podcast covers some news and our predictions for 2010. If last year's predictions are any indication only thing I can predict with certainty is how broken our crystal balls are. We discussed:
- Continental CEO forgoes pay until profitable http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6798733.html
- Our travel goals for 2010
- Our guess as to whether or not double elite qualifying miles (DEQM) will be back and how many times it will be offered.
- Our predictions for upcoming changes to frequent flyer programs and the airlines.
Please send in your predictions or add them to the comments below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
As 2009 comes to a close we record our thoughts on the year and review our predictions from January. Due to the holidays we were unable to get everyone online at the same time. So Matt, Matthew, Fozz, Mike and a special guest recorded when we could. So be prepared for people coming in and out of the conversation.
We are not recording again until the later in the first week of January, so look for the next Upgrd podcast shortly thereafter. In the mean time make sure you check out the first episode of The Crew Lounge which will be online shortly after the new year.
Thank you to all our readers, listeners and guests for making 2009 a great year!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we are joined by Sara from theflyingpinto.com blog and Bobby from upupandagay.com. Both are bloggers working in the airline industry who have a special announcement about a new Upgrd podcast coming up soon. We also discussed:
- Craig Ferguson's recent rant against Continental Airlines
- Continental Airlines recent announcement about new benefits
- The 787 first flight
- Tipping shuttle drivers
- The importance of "please" and "thank you"
- The new podcast format and content
Send in your topics for the new show!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Last week we recorded episode 48 where we discussed some recent blog posts including:
- Matthew's recent bumps
- Josh finally finding good food
- Machu Pichu
- Damian's upcoming cruise trip report
- and Fozz's trip to the night club
No recording this week, so please check out the discussion regarding Continental's system wide upgrade announcement and other news in the blogs.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
I know the title is absurd as we all know the answer is "why else would you book a flight?". Marketplace, from American Public Media, is looking for "frequent fliers who have booked travel towards the end of the year for the sole purpose of bumping up their elite status".
I am guessing we can send a few readers and listeners their way. If interested in participating, they have a survey at http://bit.ly/4S0eKs
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we are joined by a 767 pilot who answered all our questions about airline operations, international flying, and general aviation questions. We discussed:
- Fozz's recent appearance on a local CBS news segment
- Matthew's blog post on United's rumored aircraft purchase
- Captain Steve's thoughts on crew layovers, ways to beat jetlag, crew meals, flying the 757 and 767 and more...
Please leave any questions for Captain Steve below and I will forward them on.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer podcast we are joined by Gene Gibbs, a pension actuary and very frequent flyer. Any by very, we mean 425,000 miles per year. Listen in as we discuss:
- Matthew's recent airline bumps and compensation
- Josh's comprehensive post on American Airlines laptop power
- United Airlines and Continental Airlines reciprocal upgrade announcement
- Gene's travel patterns and comparison of Delta, United, and American
- Why Gene is reducing Delta travel next year
- and more...
Please leave feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's airline podcast we are joined by our or BoredRoom blogger Alex to further discuss Alaska Airlines and their MVP Gold Elite program. We discussed:
- Recent blog posts including well done airline steak, the Star Alliance Megado, and airline club membership
- UA not renewing Mesa? Good/Bad/Neither?
- Redeem CO miles for SQ first?
- Alaska Airlines aircraft, first class cabins, meals, Board Room club, and more
- Seattle airport concourse changes and the fate of the United Dungeon err Red Carpet club
- And some very late breaking news (at the very end of the podcast) that has Ben in a fluster
Please leave any comments on Alaska Airlines, their Board Room, or other in-flight services below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's podcast we caught up on some listener mail and discussed recent news. In addition we discussed:
- Continental's recent comments on possibly merging with United in the future
- A discussion of some recent blog posts
- Whether or not to take a bump this holiday season
- An introduction to Star Gold for Continental elites
- and more...
Please send in your listener questions and leave any other comments below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we recorded our podcast shortly after Ben arrived on BA 4 - the new Club World Service from JFK to LCY. Ben was comped a round trip by British Airways as a travel blogger to report on this new offering. In addition we were joined by Damian, a frequent United and Lufthansa traveler based in Frankfurt. We discussed:
- Amenities and service of the Club World Service on British Airways
- Arrivals in London City Airport
- US Airways recent downsizing to hub only flying
- Star Alliance awards in Europe
- Lufthansa's denied boarding compenstation
- and more...
This was the first podcast edited and uploaded at 35,000 feet. I hope the upload worked! If there are any issues with the audio, please leave a message and it will be fixed once on the ground.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we are joined by Mark, a frequent US Airways traveler to discuss the US Airways Dividend Miles program. During the podcast we discussed:
- Delta's recent mishaps when landing and generally when "situationally unaware"
- A new segment "Your Hometown, Your Airline" where we recommend an airline mileage program based on a particular city. This week we discuss the best airline programs for flyers in Boston.
- Mark describes US Airways elite levels, elite requirements, and benefits of elite status
- What not to do when taking photos on an airplane
Got any US Airways stories or program information that we missed? What do you think of the Hometown Airline segment - keeper? Leave a comment below.
Also please take our survey on airline clubs.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Well, not really, but United Airlines is sure trying to give you that impression. Episode 41 is a combination of an episode that we recorded last week, and a second brief recording this morning regarding the new change at United - eliminating the 500 miler requirement for domestic upgrades. In last week's recording we discuss:
- American Airlines double EQM along with the reduced requirement for using E-VIPs for Executive Platinums
- United allowing Z fares to be upgraded with miles next year
- Is Thanksgiving a good time to get bumps?
- Our blog posts on the newly lunched upgrd.com
- and more...
This morning we discussed the new change to UA's upgrade policy and whether or not it changes our airline affiliations.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
At long last, our "live" recording. This episode is available as both an audio podcast an online as a video. As usual Ben and Hunter do not agree, what is your opinion? We discussed:
- Our first class upgrades flying to San Diego
- Hunter's opinion on OneWorld's low ranking compared to Sky Team
- A reflection on our lessons learned in the first 39 podcasts
- Our new website
- and more
Open video
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
From the bitten off more than I can chew department comes epsiode 39 about Thai Airways. We are again joined by David who happened to be in Thailand as we recorded this a few weeks ago. Aplogies for the late upload as our live recording in San Diego and new website was a little more than I could handle this past week.
We discussed:
- Earning miles on Thai
- Redemption on Thai
- The "Gold Envelope"
The San Diego recording and video will be up soon.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
A 50 minute flight with a full catered meal and dessert? Are we talking about some far off international carrier? No of course not, unfortunately though you will need a time machine.
Listen in to our semi-historical talk about our earliest flight memories as we are joined by veteran traveler Todd, a meterologist at an east coast University. We discuss:
-
United premier travel plus - devaluing status? http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125296377430509937.html
-
CO's old flights to/from BOS/DEN on the A300. Carved roast beef at your seat.
- Flying TW's L-1011 BOS-ORY service, and being the only one in F.
- TWA 747 BOS/JFK/BOS repositioning flight where upgrades were free and easy.
- Almost never missing an upgrade on Eastern Shuttle in the 80s thanks to their "Executive Traveller Program."
- Knowing how to get an F seat on the "all coach" Eastern Shuttle. Sometimes they put an L-1011 or A300 on the LGA/BOS service, and savvy flyers would enter the L2 door and turn left instead of right. An F seat was yours for the taking!
- American Airlines 747 with piano
We will be live streaming from the San Diego Film Festival next weekend, make sure you join us and send your question live at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/upgrd (Link will work Saturday, September 26 at 4pm PST)
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer discussion we answer some viewer mail and cover some recent news. Unfortunately when we recorded last week, Continental's new redemption award chart had not yet been released, so some of our commentary is stale already. Outside of this we discussed:
- San Diego Film Festival / Facebook page
- Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/upgrd
- For "Upgrd - The Movie" do we get Clooney to play Hunter? In the mean time check out Up In The Air http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/upintheair/large.html
- Hijack? In 2009? 9/9/9 http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/09/09/mexico.hijacking/
- Delta's new BE - are tray tables worth getting upset over? http://blog.delta.com/2009/08/31/update-flat-bed-seats/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N06mWF2yq6c
- VX is a business airline? http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/grossman/2009-09-09-virgin-america_N.htm
- UA spiffs up cabin. Yawn... http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/4507496/
- Get the lice out http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/07/delta-flies-empty-planes-transatlantic
- Do any of you bother with plastic bags and 3 ounce containers anymore? http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-09-08-liquids-ban_N.htm
Remember to take advantage of discounted festival passes for the San Diego Film Festival. We will be recording live on September 26th with more details to be posted on our Facebook page. Also, follow us on twitter.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
The big news of the week is another double elite qualifying mile (DEQM) promotion started by American and, thus far, only matched by United. In this week's frequent traveler podcast we discuss the promotion and:
- Delta's JFK T3 experience ... again
- Delta's SkyClub
- American and United's Double Elite Qualifying Miles Promotion - register now to earn status more quickly
- Swiss first class pajamas
- Ben needs help from a foodie
Remember to take advantage of discounted festival passes for the San Diego Film Festival. We will be recording live on September 26th with more details to be posted on our Facebook page. Also, follow us on twitter.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we are joined by Gary Arndt from the Everything Everywhere blog and This Week in Travel podcast. Gary has spent over two and half years traveling the world and has some great insight and stories from the Pacific. Together we discuss flying in the Pacific, travel news, and:
- The Continental Express overnight nightmare - again
- Are some people taking the Jetblue all you can fly pass too far?
- Flight delays
- Gary's long list of airlines flown
- Gary's recommendation on islands to visit in the Pacific
- Fun stories of traveling overseas
- and more...
Don't forget to take advantage of discounted festival passes for the San Diego Film Festival. We will be recording live on September 26th with more details to be posted on our Facebook page. Also, follow us on twitter.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's episode we discuss first class amenities, pajamas, and all sorts of good stuff up-front. However, without Ben our conversation lacked some details. So please help us out and post your favorite amenities and photos. In addition to the main topic we discussed:
- Continental's join date to the Star Alliance on October 27th
- Continental's half-hearted compensation for stranded passengers
- Frustrated airline tweets and how people are expressing their concern online
- and more
Don't forget to take advantage of discounted festival passes for the San Diego Film Festival. We will be recording live on September 26th with more details to be posted on our Facebook page. Also, follow us on twitter.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week's episode is a quick one. We didn't have much on the agenda and the heat was sweltering so we kept it short. Join us as we discuss some news including:
- Southwest's offer for Republic (at the time of recording)
- Jetblue's $599 flight pass
- Continental's regional flight that kept passengers stuck on board overnight
- and more.
In addition, we discuss the San Diego Film Festival coming up at the end of September. Book your mileage run now to meet us there for a live recording and other events. You can get a discount on an all access pass to the Film Festival by using the discount code UPGRD. Make sure you RSVP for the recording on Facebook.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we revisit elite status matching on the different airlines. Generally status matching is a one time event, so if you are going to match proceed carefully. In addition to airline status matches we discuss some recent airline news including:
- New pet relief area at American's JFK hub
- New pricing plans for GoGo Wifi Internet - finally some plans for the mileage runners out there
- More turbulent news from Continental with an unlucky patch of rough flying
- Air Koryo's 1 star ranking
- Our upcoming live recording at the San Diego Film Festival. Register now (using code UPGRD) and mileage run in for a live upgrd recording.
Our main topic covers status matching on the following airlines:
- US Airways buy up to preferred program
- American Airlines Challenge
- United Airlines
- Delta
- and others
Please leave a comment below on any points we missed.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
I should rename this episode: "the one that made my computer crash". But I think I already did that. Please join us for this (late) edition of Upgrd where we discuss the news and playing travel agent for friends, work, and family. In addition we discuss:
- Pet Airways
- Matthew's Trip Back
- and more...
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we are joined by David a frequent traveler on El Al to discuss the inflight service and amenities as well as their frequent flyer program. We hope that this will be the first of many podcasts covering international airlines to broaden our coverage of airline programs worldwide. This week we discuss:
- Matthew's trip to Israel - including the Airbus scare that caused some passengers to deboard
- El Al's onboard food and catering
- King David lounges
- Upgrades, not dogs and more ...
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer discussion we discuss the details of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program. In addition we discuss:
- The Alaska Airlines Board Room lounge
- Status and earning levels on AS
- Upgrades and their first class product
- And news including Delta's loads on LAX-SYD, the red dress kerfuffle at Delta for flight attendants of size, and US Airways continued reduction in services - this time the closure of the LAS lounge
Please leave comments or questions below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's discussion we cover airline news, Star Alliance and Red Carpet Club domestic lounge access, and Ben's tour of beautiful LAX airport. Also we discuss:
- Delta's recent fine for the way it handled denied boarding and compensation
- Viewer mail on credit card earning for hotel stays, an EWR flyer's question about where to credit miles after reaching Platinum on CO, and questions about the United Mileage Plus Dining program
- A review of RCC member access to other star alliance clubs while traveling domestically on UA
- and more...
Please leave feedback below or through the Contact Us link at the top of the page.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's show we talk with Sara, a flight attendant who regularly blogs at theflyingpinto.com. We asked many questions including listener submitted questions such as:
- How does scheduling work?
- How has the job changed since you started?
- What are your best airline jokes?
- Funniest / strangest passenger stories?
- Anyone join the Mile High Club on your flights?
- Do you get many gifts from passengers?
- and many more.
Please leave feedback and questions for future episode below or using the contact us page on this site. Be sure to subscribe in itunes to get automatic downloads to your MP3 player.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Vroom vroom! Once you've enjoyed your hots nuts at 30,000 feet and are at your destination, which car rental company should you use? This week's show discusses car rental companies and their elite programs. Including:
- The differences in the elite programs between Hertz, Avis, National, and the others
- Which program we prefer and recommend
- Straight from the early jungle bus scene in "Romancing the Stone", Matthew discusses how he gets around on the ground.
Also we chat about the new Delta Airlines - Los Angeles to Sydney - service starting July 1. Who will be the big losers with all the overcapacity in this market? What do you think?
Don't forget to subscribe in itunes, and take our survey.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week, we discuss the state of airline websites for booking round trip tickets and frequent flyer awards. As many have complained before, the airline websites are still a mixed bag of old and new technology searching for a unified user experience and accuracy of pricing and results.
We discuss:
- The general user interface problems with most of the legacy carrier's websites
- Other websites you may use when trying to book award inventory
- Our strong difference in opinion on which site is most usable - our use of one website so frequently has altered our perception of what makes a site "good"
- Some general news including the sub $4 price that many US based airline stocks are at currently
Are there any US Airways or Alaska Airlines mileage program experts out there that would like to participate in one episode? If so contact us today!
The next two episodes will be covering car rental programs, and hopefully an interview with a flight attendant. Send in your questions for both!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer discussion, we talk about the mid-tier (50,000 mile) elite level of the major carriers in the U.S. We know many of our listeners maintain this status and want to know some of the differences of the programs including:
- Free upgrades vs coupon or sticker paid upgrades
- First class seat count and how it affects your choice of airline for upgrades
- Whether you should choose a program based on your location only
- Does a program like Delta or Continental, with their current 75,000 mile top tier, make it easier to get to the next level
We also discuss Continental's recent comments that a merger is not out of the question anymore, and recent Delta Airlines changes.
New flash player below to make it easier to listen. Just click the play button (if you have flash installed in your browser).
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we discussed a number of listener questions about frequent flyer and hotel programs. In addition to written questions received via email and on the upgrd.com site, we recorded a few questions in person at a recent SFO dinner. Some questions include:
- Is the standby option (via a different routing) some sort of 1K only perk?
- Which hotel program is best for someone residing in Canada that might not be eligible for US based credit card pomotions?
- What to do with United SWUs?
- Where to post miles after crossing 100,000 elite qualifying miles?
- Ben answers "How to get travel credits instead of a free ticket" in denied boarding situations on this blog
- and more...
Please write additional questions for our next Q&A discussion. Also, a new survey will be up at upgrd.com/survey shortly.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Join us in this week's frequent flyer discussion about the Priority Club hotel loyalty program. We try to answer the "how much is a point worth" question specifically in relation to a much cheaper stay on priceline. Also we discuss:
- United twares and other twitter nonsense
- Irate United 1Ks
- SkyAmerica - destined to failure before it launches?
- Priority Club promotions
- Value of PC points
- Intercontinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador program
Please email questions or leave a comment below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we are fortunate enough to be joined on our frequent flyer discussion by Scott O'Leary, Managing Director, Customer Experience, for Continental Airlines. Some of you may know him as CO Insider from Flyer Talk.
Our contributors had a number of questions for Scott, but to keep things to a sensible timeframe not every question made it. Some topics we discussed:
- Continental Airlines award availability
- Starnet blocking!!!
- Will CO ever have SWUs?
- 737-900 on LAX-HNL
- Hot nuts, not-dogs and more...
Please send us questions for our upcoming Q&A episode. Also, please take our survey if you have not already.
Please accept my apologies for the audio quality. The computer, with the main recording crashed, and I had to use a backup that included many room noises that normally would have been muted.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Welcome to this week's frequent flyer show discussing stand by options when flying. We discuss options when you want to take an earlier or later flight on your day of travel. In addition we discuss:
- The disturbing Continental 3407 NTSB recreation video
- The poor American Airlines AAdvantage award redemption change
- Confirmed standby and routing changes when standing by
- and other recent news
We would appreciate your feedback in our first listener survey so we can learn more about your flying habits. The survey is only 9 questions and should be very quick to complete.
Please leave a comment, we want to hear from you!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week we are joined by Gary Leff, Flytalk Talkboard President, and View From The Wing blog writer. During this week's frequent flyer podcast we discuss Gary's just completed five carrier Star Alliance first class award. In addition, we banter about:
- FlyerTalk TalkBoard and why Gary and Ben participate
- Matthew's unlucky win
- Viewer mail including award booking on American to Europe, and award booking tools to Europe for Delta
- A brief discussion on Avis and Hertz's elite renter programs. Let us know what car rental program you use and we'll cover it in an upcoming episode
- And, as always, Hunter questions the existence of life, the universe, and being a Delta elite
Please leave comments and questions below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
After a short break we are back with our next frequent flyer podcast. This week we are joined by Josh, a frequent contributor to our podcast and upgrd.com website. Josh has some good information on:
- The American Airlines Business Extraa program - find out how you can get even more points from American
- The new 737-800 cabin on American Airlines that we briefly discussed last time
We also discuss:
- LAX
- Hunter's non-love from Delta
- and a special shocking request from Hunter for our listeners
Write in below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's first class podcast we talk about:
- Ben's trials and tribulations in economy (gasp!)
- Video of American Airlines new 737 seats
- United's new policy for passengers of size
- Clarification on Ben's "always have upgrade instruments available" claim
We are taking next week off, so check back in two weeks for our next episode. Please leave comments below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's airline podcast, we are joined by guest contibutor Gray from his Wing and a Prayer blog. We discuss:
- Gray's recent trip to Uzbekistan, including how you get there on Star Alliance
- Matthew's 95,000 United miles accrued already
- A free op-up on Emirates
Our main topic is our opinion on current advertising from the airlines, including some of these recent (and not so recent) ads:
- Delta "Change"
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhNW_3AIek0
- 80s cheese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k4v3EQ6lZk
- American "We know why you fly"
- Airline with best tear jerkers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rts3ezaXQBs
- Ummmm...someone trying to be creative? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-A5fTVBCcU
- United - "It's time to fly" Gershwin
- Too cheap to hire real actors? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9vWCKlseus
- They don't make em like they used to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeXrMRf25U8
- Contintental "Work hard, fly right"
- An entire campaign around pseudo meals? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUQaGkgsYEM
- Take away http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjaFRiWCUMg
Which ads do you like? Let us know below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Listen in to this week's frequent flyer podcast where we discuss:
- Continued discussion of the double elite qualifying promotion and our current progress
- We start discussing how we can rate our flights. What criteria do you think we should use?
- Price comparison of the major airline lounges
- Amenity differences between carrier lounges
- Are they worth it? We chime in, but what do you think?
Please leave a comment or quetion below.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Catchy title, eh?
In this week's podcast we discuss the two major frequent flyer program structures between the big four airlines. Both United and American have similar programs, as do Delta and Continental. In addition to the frequent flyer comparison we cover:
- Ben's taunting of the air marshalls
- Comparison of the pros and cons of using stickers/coupons to upgrade versus free upgrades
- Difference in mileage requirements for top status
- International upgrade coupons and their limited fare classes on some airlines
- And, shockingly, Ben and Hunter disagree about some things..
Please leave a comment below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's frequent flyer podcast we discuss first and business class amenities while on the ground. In addition we discuss:
- Delta's report card on delayed and stranded passengers
- Ben's joins us from Manila to discuss his OneWorld award including first class flying on Cathay Pacific
- Service on American makes Ben consider jumping ship
- Credit card churning for miles
- Arrival lounges for first and business class passengers
- and more...
Please leave a comment or question below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's podcast, Hunter joins us to provide first hand experience with Delta airlines. We continue our "food up front" discussion, from episode 9, and discuss first class meals including:
- Meal times and flight distance requirements for first class
- How meal choices are taken and (perhaps) sorted for first class passengers
- Delta Airlines Royal Crown room changes
- Delta's inflight coach food menu and cocktails
- Snack boxes
- Delta's international upgrade program (or lack thereof)
- and, of course, more talk about hot nuts!
Please leave us a comment below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
After a long week of traveling, podcast number 11 is finally edited and ready to go. We met in Las Vegas for a meeting of Flyertalk members and recorded this podcast "live" at the Encore hotel on the strip. We discussed:
- Las vegas (of course!)
- Sky kits
- The TSA's new ridiculous policies
- Ben's note to the Captain
- Ben and Matt's upcoming walk-off challange
- Listener mail - Go for Global Services on United, or continue to split premium travel between United and Cathay Pacific to Asia?
- Show and tell - Please tell us how you keep cables organized in the comments below.
Please leave a question or comment below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's travel podcast we discuss the Continental Airlines Do (meetup event) that just took place. Ben discusses the events and activities that occurred including a mystery flight around the state of Texas.
Since this is episode 10, we are taking a few extra Dear Ted listener questions this week including
- upgrd.com member portishead's question on the relative value of miles in other programs
- Nate from Orlando's question about which airline program to use now that he has moved to Orlando
- Josh, a previous Dear Ted writer, provided a number of great travel gear links including a travel bag with airline buckle, power adapter for American Airlines, and other useful tips.
- And we ask in this week's poll, how far would you go to attend a frequent flyer meetup?
Next week we are recording together in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 21st. Next week's podcast, episode 11, will not be ready until Monday the 23rd at the earliest.
Please ask questions below or send an email to:
feedback (at) uprgrd.com
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's podcast we begin to look at services provided in the premium cabin, starting with pre-departure drinks and hot nuts on take off. In addition we discuss:
- Ben's Priority Club bonus mile bonanza
- The newly released air traffic control recording from US 1549
- US Airways double elite qualifying mile promotion
- Pre departure drink service
- Hot nuts after take off - does it make or break a flight? see poll.
- Our Ask Ted reader mail asks whether to book upcoming overseas hotels through Priceline for a discount or through one hotel chain for status
Please leave a comment below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's podcast we look at what we travel with both in our bags and the bags themselves. In addition:
- Ben reviews his experience on Northwest and some of the changes to Delta's frequent flyer program
- Mike and Matt discuss the GoGo internet on American airlines
- Should mistake fares be honored?
- American's current issue with the number of life rafts on their 767-300 series aircraft
- The bags we carry and the equipment in them including noise canceling headphones, aircraft power adapters, computers and other items
What do you carry in your bag? What is your bag? Let us know below with a comment.
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Sorry for the delay in releasing this week's podcast, let's just say there were some technical difficulties. This week's Upgrd podcast continues our main topic discussion of hotel programs. In addition we discuss:
- When/If will airlines offer double elite qualifying miles (DEQM) and will they charge for it this year?
- Will new flat beds decrease your upgrade success? (see poll)
- US Airways continues to handle the flight 1549 incident with aplomb, Spirit airlines - not so much.
- United Airlines staggering loss - can Glenn go any lower?
- Our main feature: an introduction to Starwood's guest program, including levels, promotions, and redemptions
Do you think flat beds are going to decrease your chances of an upgrade? How long can Glenn continue with mounting losses at United? Did Matt sell you on switching to Starwood? Let us know with a comment below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's upgrd podcast we start our discussion of hotel loyalty programs. Topics include:
- How ready are you for a US Airways 1549 type of incident?
- US Airways bizarre status buy up program http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/dividendmiles/preferred/buy-up-to-preferred.aspx
- Where do you stay when traveling? One hotel chain, or just the cheapest? (see poll for your favorite hotel chain)
- An introduction to hotel programs with the discussion of Hilton's program
- Listener mail in our "Dear Ted" section asking whether mileage running before a transatlantic (TATL) flight is a good idea with tight connections
- Matthew's public transportation nightmare getting to LAX and missing check in
Our poll this week asks what hotel chain you frequent. We want to cover hotel programs that our listeners participate in. See poll to the right.
Other links mentioned in the show:
http://www.airbedandbreakfast.com/ - rent an air mattress from someone in a city you visit
http://www.betterbidding.com/ - a website to look up recent Priceline.com hotel prices
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Welcome to the first podcast recorded in 2009! As it is the start of the year, we provide a wrap up of 2008 with a review of our most memorable flying and start afresh with predictions for 2009. We review Josh's decision from last week's poll and discuss other topics.
In our predictions we mention some major carriers that might finally buckle under the current economy. We want to know which of the major carriers will have the biggest downward change in 2009? From selling off major routes, to being bought out, to declaring bankruptcy. Which of the big guys will have the biggest change?
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Happy New Year and welcome to episode 4 of The Upgrd Podcast. This week we discuss some of the trouble's of traveling during bad weather this year and in the past. In addition we answer listener mail, discuss the Swiss sale fare, and touch on mileage running. Topics include:
- Mike's ordeal traveling through the Northeast on Christmas eve
- Past weather related travel issues during the Denver storm of 2006
- Bumps and Voluntary Denied Boarding (VDB's) when traveling during winter or other peak travel seasons
- The Swiss (LX) sale fare
- Our reader mail section "Dear Ted" includes two questions including: How to extend business trip segments to reach the next status level, and whether or not to change a return flight BOS-LAX (see poll, more below)
- Our favorite mileage run software including itasoftware.com and the FareCompare.com tools
- Ben's tutorial on using ITA Software to construct mileage runs
- and other topics.
In our Dear Ted section, Josh from LA asked if he and his wife should cut their vacation to Boston short by two hours to fly first class in the American Airlines 767-300 series plane with angled lie flat seats instead of their current 757 flight with the old style leather seats. Please vote on the right and tell us your comments below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
This week's podcast is now online (finally!). We discuss:
- Listener mail in our "Dear Ted" section: a frequent flyer in San Francisco can't decide whether to stay with American, or switch to United
- Delta Airlines introducing wi-fi on their shuttle flights
- What's your choice in First class breakfast? Omlette or fruit plate? Vote now on the right hand side of the website.
- Public transportation options in and out of the three major New York airports (JFK, EWR, and LGA) including the M60 bus, A or E subway, AirTrain and LIRR train.
- Find out which of our contributors causes the most damage to aircraft (hint: it's Ben!)
- A review of last week's favorite airport poll
- and other tips and tricks
In addition, Matthew discusses a recent trip with Captain Flanagan of United Airlines. Read this Wall Street Journal article and watch this video for more information on a favorite United employee.
Please leave comments, criticism, or suggestions below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
In this week's episode, we start off with a couple of "secret" pieces of information followed by a debate about the best (US)airport. After listening, please vote in our poll to the right.
Our main feature this week is an introduction to airline alliances and mileage runs. We discussed:
Airlines Alliances: including OneWorld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam. We covered their composition, strengths, and differences.
Mileage Runs: flying for the sole purpose of accumulating elite qualifying miles or redeemable airline miles. Our contributors discuss tools they use to plan mileage runs and the different variations on how mileage runs are defined.
The podcast is closed out with two news articles on recent United airlines changes including
- The ability to purchase elite checkin, security line access, and preboarding
- Blocking of award availability on Star Alliance partner airlines
Please leave comments below!
By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast
Welcome to the Upgrd Podcast, which will cover everything related to airlines, hotel, and other travel upgrades and elite programs. In this first episode, we introduce our contributors, cover some recent news, and give a brief intro for listeners new to upgrading.
News includes:
- US Airways recent reinstatement of elite benefits
- OneWorld appointment of Gerald Arpey as CEO
- Delta and their confusing MaxMiles promo
- The Delta and Northwest program merger
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