For women going places

Banning Babies: Should Flights Be Kid-Free?

2/4/11

Is this your version of the perfect flight? Relaxing quietly in first class, reading a magazine? No disruptive children screaming or kicking your seat? That's the dream of some recently surveyed fliers in the U.K.

The Business Travel and Meetings Show polled 1000 business travelers about what annoyed them most about flying first class. 74-percent said children. This is not a new topic for debate but it continues to rile people up.

Business travel writer David Richardson likes the idea of keeping kids out of first class. “I definitely think introducing an adults-only cabin or service is a good idea and it would work well on high-frequency routes so that families could be accommodated on other services.” He suggested that airlines such as British Airways or Virgin Atlantic add an adults-only cabin.

I have no problems with kids on a plane. My frustration is when the parents expect everyone else to take care of their children instead of themselves. AND new mothers - babies scream on the descent because their ears get clogged due to the pressure. You'd scream as well with that kind of build up. Bring a bottle; give a toddler something to suck on. Help them out.

I also think flying with your children on a business trip can be beneficial to them. In my book, The Woman Road Warrior: An Expert Guide to Domestic and International Business Travel, I talk about how many woman road warriors take their children along on the road. It allows the kids to see Mom balancing family and work demands in a new context and how well it can be done. And they learn travel skills such as how to pack and take responsibility for their belongings. It also is a chance to practice their manners – how to quickly clear the airplane aisles when they get to their assigned row or how to store their items in the overhead bins immediately and take their seats. All good lessons for future road warriors.

See you on the road!

Kathy Ameche
Traveler-in-Chief

Labels: British Airways, business traveler, children, first class, fliers, flights, Kathy Ameche, Virgin, woman road warrior

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Be Ready for Snowmaggedon

2/1/11

As we face Snowmaggedon in Chicago, the New York Times has a good article about how to deal with a canceled flight. It suggests using social media to stay in touch with your airline. We agree - many airlines are using Twitter to keep their passengers up-to-date on cancellations and delays. You'll often get a much faster response than trying to get through by phone.

The Times also says to read the fine print - you have the right to demand a refund on a canceled flight - even because of bad weather - from any airline if you decide not to take the trip.

We recommend buying a new ticket if your flight is canceled. You'll have priority over those trying to re-book. The airlines like fresh revenue! You can use the old one at a later date.

In addition, keep the number of your favorite hotel chain on your speed dial and partake in lots of food therapy (comfort food that is).

See you on the road!

Kathy Ameche
Traveler-in-Chief

Labels: airline passengers, Chicago, flights, Kathy Ameche, snowmaggedon, travelers, woman road warrior

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Game On!

1/28/11

15" of snow in Philadelphia, no problem. I'm a Chicagoan - if the flights are going this morning, so am I. Checked United's home page, travel waivers for the Northeast allow me to change my flight without being charged. 6 a.m. is a tad early, but, it's the first flight out - minimize the delays.

Not fond of 3:45 a.m. alarms - everything seamless so far. Check in at the airport, where's my wallet?? What - NO WALLET?? It's in my other purse at home. I don't make mistakes like this, I'm the Woman Road Warrior. No seats on the next flight. Wait. I'm still checked in for the later flight, can still make my lunch appointment. Can't rent a car without my license - catch a cab.

Expressway is empty - berating myself for the error. My now new flight which was my original flight leaves out of terminal 2, plan my course. There's a check-in at the end of terminal 3, easy access to getting an iced white tea from Argo Tea. All plans need a backup. The check-in is now for employees only - the travel goddesses are NOT making this easy. Finally sitting at the gate, the sun is shining, tea & Kind Bar with me. Been up for 4+ hours and I'm still in my home city. It's only going to get better right? GAME ON!

See you on the road!

Kathy Ameche
Traveler-in-Chief

Labels: Chicagoan, flights, northeast, snow, United, wallet, woman road warrior

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Rapid Rewards Become Rapider

1/10/11

Southwest Airlines’ New Frequent Flier Program Aimed at Business Travelers

Southwest, making the first change in its loyalty program in 23 years, went all out,

spending close to $100 million on the project which aims to win new customers and

deepen ties to existing business travelers, who, as we know, generally pay higher prices.

The old program was based on credits. One flight = one credit. When you got 16 credits

you got a free flight but - you couldn’t collect credits beyond 16 and there was no difference in the reward between short flights and long flights. Awards were for Southwest flights only.

The new program is based on points, which in turn are based on ticket price and fare category. These can be accumulated for larger awards and have no expiration. That is, there is no expiration date as long as the account remains active in a 24-month period. There are no blackout dates for redemption and no limit on awards redeemed per flight, according to Ryan Green, Southwest senior director for loyalty.

Points can also be redeemed through a third-party provider for international and Hawaii flights as well as hotels and rental cars, even though Southwest flies only in the continental U.S. Points can also be purchased under the new program, to speed up getting an award. Watch for Southwest to add a second elite-flier category with additional benefits for those who travel most often.

The carrier unveiled a website to explain the changes, which go into effect on March 1st.

See you on the road!

Road Reporter Deborah Harter Williams

Labels: blackout dates, business traveler, flights, frequent flier, loyalty, Southwest Airlines

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Northeast Snow - Take 2

1/7/11

Another round of snow and ice is already causing delays in the Northeast and they're expected to continue over the weekend. So if you find yourself traveling to or from the region - here are some tips to prevent getting stuck:

Have the airlines/travel site/travel agent contact in your speed dial. Don’t be shy about using them if you run into trouble.
Sign up for mobile alerts from your airline or follow it on Twitter - many airlines are now using social media to keep their passengers informed of delays and cancellations. And you're more likely to get a quicker response if you tweet them directly.
Keep track of weather changes through alerts, apps or hey, how about the radio or TV?
Check the airline’s homepage and see if travel waivers are posted and for what dates. If you haven’t begun your trip and you have some flexibility think about moving it to another weekend.

If you find yourself stranded due to snow:

Don't give up your hotel room if you don't have to - ask for an extension even the day of travel until you can figure out what is happening with your flight.
Morning flights are still best if you can get one.
Is there another airport you can get to that isn’t snowed in? The train that services the East Coast (Philadelphia to Boston) is phenomenal. Jump a train and get to another city and fly out from that destination. Make sure you have a confirmed seat before you embark on this trip.
Really desperate to get home? Purchase a new ticket on a flight you can get on. New revenue will always win!

See you on the road!

Kathy Ameche
Traveler-in-Chief

Labels: airline passengers, east coast, flights, flying, northeast, snow, snowstorm, train, travel