Kinglobjaw's Blog

Archive for the ‘Funny & Bizzare’ Category

Is Delta:

a) D+?  b) Disgusting? c) Delayed? d) Dumpy? e) ALL OF THE ABOVE?

How about F- All of the above and more?

This past weekend I was practically forced to fly Delta Airlines. It’s a city that only offers Delta service. I won’t complain, I was able to book the ticket just 8 hours prior to the actual flight. Throughout my travel “career”, I have never bought a ticket this close to departure, so the experience was interesting, a little chaotic, but I was very enthusiastic. At the end of the day, flying is flying and techinally, I should tell myself that I am excited regardless of the airline, right? Wrong! I will keep reminding you readers, the airline is key to flying experince. Flying is more with a certain airline!

Friday morning started out with the usual. Go to the airport, print boarding passes at the kiosk and clear security. The Grand Forks airport is tiny, so it’s foolish to arrive more then 15 minutes prior to boarding if you are flying without bags. Interestingly enough, Delta offers Breezeway boarding, which is the equivalent of a United red boarding carpet for elite members. Not that many elites on the 5:10AM Pinnacle CRJ-200. A few minutes later, mechanical! Off the plane, rebook myself on Delta.com website since the Delta reservation number is temporarily disconnected. Next attempt at flying: a DC-9 to Minneapolis. Flight full, very full. Sold out full. Last row on the DC-9. I’ve never been on a DC-9, but I know Northwest has 3 versions- this was the 2 flight attedant version of the DC-9. Missed my connection to O’Hare. Minneapolis airport? Nice, very nice. Except- not a single  Delta Red Coat all the way from C to G. For those who ask what is Delta Red Coat? It’s one of Delta’s iniatives at better customer service. It’s a portable gate agent. He or she can rebook you, print boarding passes and vouchers. Still, as nice as it sounds, it’s absolutely irritating to walk throughout the aiport and not be able to find a single one.

 The only thing in red was a Delta Amex credit card hawker who told me Delta does not offer special services counters. I think to myself- “and people actually complain about US Airways in Philly”?! What I do like about Delta is their computer rebook system. You scan your boarding pass at this kiosk type device and it lists the flights you have been rebooked on. Of course, I managed to learn about one of these machines, because the gate agent would not assist me until he saw me play around with the machine for a “decent’ amount of time. Made it to Chicago about 5 hours late.

Return was interesting. Chicago to Minny was an A319. I got exit row and ”flew into” FlyerTalker td_in_training. He was one of the nicest FlyerTalkers I’ve met so far. Delta actually did good on this flight. Aside from it being over an hour late, coach cabin was provided a full beverage service and even tiny bags of peanuts. I do miss peanuts on US Airways flights. I had enought time to make the connection back to Grand Forks, ND, although G to C is a bit of a schlepp, but the people movers are a nice touch. The Grand Forks flight didn’t even beging boarding, so I was thrilled about the prospect of not missing class the next morning. Had myself an exit row on this CRJ-200. Only about 60% full. Quick taxi to de-icing pad and then something unexpected,  yet something probably expected from Delta. While rolling down the runway, at about 40-50 knots, the plane comes halting to a complete stop and exists the runway utilizing the closest taxiway. Apparently, a warning light lit up in the cockpit indicated a problem with the apu/engine generator. Taxi back to gate, but not let off the plane, the mechanics end up fixing the problem. A few more minutes of paperwork and we’re on our way. The flight attendant, Athena was excellent. While in the air, she provided a full service on this rather short flight and even comped alcoholic beverages. I just had water. No ice, no lime.

Overall, I found Delta very poor, and I’m excited to say I’m only stuck with them for a few more months. I’m in the process of matching my US status to Delta, which should make me Delta Gold Medallion, so we’ll see if my experiences improve for the few remaining months. Flight attendants are much, much better at US Airways. I cannot wait to fly with US Airways again next month. Only have to deal with Delta on Grand Forks to Denver via Minneapolis!

Three positives about the trip: 1) FlyerTalker 2) F/A Athena on Minny to Grand Forks 3) Delta’s rebooking machines are pretty cool

Proudly flying with US,

-Kinglobjaw

So my Mom’s miles didn’t post for a United flight she recently took. I haven’t had a mileage discrepancy for years- at least not regarding flight miles. South African Airways, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa flights posted very quickly. Whenever I have to “send” something in, I always use fax as a means of communications with US Airways. And since the merger, Winston Salem, NC is no longer the fax “center”, so it was about time to find out the new number anyway.

 I dial the Chairman’s number and press #3 so I don’t have to go through the machine process of entering my number. An agent picks up very quickly. No sooner that I mention my name, the agent responds “Ahh, Mr. Kinglobjaw, nice to hear from you again. How’s it going?” When I asked how he recognized me since I had not entered my DM # or provided him my phone, he responded “You travel alot. You’re known around here. Over the years, we have really learned so much from you”.

Sure, I’m flattered and yes, award bookings are much for fun, for the agent and myself since I’m know the rules of the game, but was this necessary? I’m just a loyal customer happy to deal with, speak with and most of all, fly with my favorite airline!

Still, at the end of the day, it’s nice to be known here and there!

About that fax number. I’ll post it later tonight since I don’t have access to my cabinet right now.

Proudly flying US Airways,

-Kinglobjaw

Here is something you probably have NEVER seen before! And it’s the definitely the last thing you would expect at an airport. TAP has a performance in store for you:

I love it! . That is one awesomely crazy way of getting in “tune” with your customers!

Still wait for ‘erm, Philly? Are there any cactus related songs we can play?

Proudly flying US,

-Kinglobjaw

On my way towards 28 hits for the Grand Slam Promo. Am looking forward to those 50,000 bonus miles! What I’m not looking forward to is sitting on this by accident:

That’s actually something I’ll be buying from US Airways- SkyMall to earn a ‘hit’ for the Grand Slam promo. Using promotion code ‘RESTEASY’ will deduct $10 from your order and still let you earn miles, according to various FlyerTalk reports.

Someone is definitely painfully in love with his miles!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Race to Preferred status faster than ever
Get ready for the fastest, easiest way ever to get (or keep) Preferred status. All you have to do is fly between October 1 and December 25, 2009 on any US Airways or US Airways Express flight, and you can earn Preferred status for 2010 when you fly just 7,500 miles by the end of the year. Think of it as an end-of-the-year shortcut.

Already earned Preferred status for 2010? You can stretch to the next level.

We’ll determine and award your Preferred status on January 10, 2010. You don’t need to register (we’ll keep track of your flights). We told you it was easy!

It goes on to offer a link with more details. A rush of excitement came- Chairman’s Preferred after 30,000 miles flown. You cannot be serious, I thought. Can you take a guess how well I slept after that email? I didn’t! From 3AM to 7AM I covered the entire continent for decent routings to the maximize miles for the lowest price.

I’m currently booked on part one  of Kinglobjaw’s crazy run for Chairman’s Preferred. Does Chicago to Tampa, via Vegas, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Phoenix again, Philadelphia and back for $335 sound like fun to you?

An interesting way of getting to Tampa

Here’s some other key information about this unique promotion:

• Targeted, meaning you had to receive an invite from US Airways. You can’t just register for it or join Dividend Miles to be eligible.
• Fly between October 1, 2009 and December 25, 2009 on US Airways, US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express only
• Class of service bonus or other bonus mile offers don’t count towards this promotion
• If you can’t cover 30,000 miles, fly 22,500 for Platinum, 15,000 for Gold or 7,500 for Silver
• New Preferred status level awarded in the second week of January 2010

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

I’m heading to the airport today, but I’m not flying anywhere or buying any tickets. I’m also not picking anyone up or dropping anyone off! Technically, that is! I’m escorting someone through security, getting them to a lounge and finally to a gate.

I haven’t done this before, but for the first time in my life, I purchased a fully refundable Y class ticket for a Lufthansa flight going to Dusseldorf, Germany with a full intention of canceling said ticket, once I’ve done my good (or some may say naughty) deed of the day.

The plan- a simple one:

1. Get my friend checked in with Lufthansa
2. Escort us both through security
3. Go to United’s one-year-old B18 Red Carpet Club and relax for a while
4. Head to gate B16 and send her off to Dusseldorf
5. Call Lufthansa and cancel ticket for a full refund

I’ll also try to get some pictures of United’s B18 lounge and hopefully post them on the blog while in the lounge. Apparently, United only offers free wifi for members and business/first class passengers, but I’m good with my Sprint Treo 800w tethering internet to my Dell Mini 9.

I don’t know why, but I’m really nervous when it comes to purchasing fully refundable tickets. I’m afraid they will find some reason to deny a full refund, but it looks good from where I stand today. Hopefully, the cancellation process goes smoothly and quickly since I will be canceling after already checking-in. I also want my $1516 refunded to my credit card in a fair amount of time- before my statement comes to a close.

Another fun day at the aiport.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Ever day at the gym, I can’t help but notice ABC’s various commercials that mix in characters from multiple shows. I’m sure it’s been done before, but I love this approach and find it very catchy since there’s something for everyone. US Airways did this sort of thing with their US Airways/ different brands commercials, just like their west coast predecessor- America West Airlines. Remember this?

How about taking it up a notch? Wouldn’t it be neat for alliance carriers to partner up and do this sort of thing? Instead of house it could be airport. Ads could involve humor and promote coordination between member carriers. Check out what ABC did? Very clever, and Sally Field with Jimmy Kimmel is over-the-top hilarious.

And now for the full house…

Brilliant, in my opinion!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

True story! Check out what FlyerTalker MileageAddict posted in the United forum: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileage-plus/951267-most-unique-upgrade-offer-ever.html.

Next time someone catches in snake at my gate, I will gladly try to upgrade them even if the gate agent doesn’t do it automatically!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Two hours ago, I mentioned that I renewed my US Airways Club membership and took advantage of a lucrative offer of 1,500 preferred qualifying miles. Just wanted to let you know I got my receipt and shortly after that my 1,500 preferred miles posted to my Dividend Miles account.

Very fast! It seems to me that every day something is improved in US Airways’ systems. Shopping Mall purchases post quicker than last year, car rentals post in days rather than weeks. A big thumbs up to US Airways!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Nothing to do with my fav airline, or points, or rewards programs. I guess every aviation fanatic will find this interesting. It’s just an excerise, so don’t get too freaked out!

Basically, a kid takes his Dad’s plane for a ride (a Cessna 182) and realizes he doesn’t know how to fly it all once he is in the air. He does proudly claim that he has a license from Flight Simulator! With the equivalent of four hours flying time in fuel remaining, a Canadian Forces pilot tries to teach this kid to safely fly and land this plane. What’s interesting is the kid is more worried whether he will eat lunch or if his dad will get mad at him than if he can land safely. I guess to each his own. Personally, I wouldn’t land that thing until I got a complimentary meal and beverage on china and in glass! LOL! =]

He’re the whole audio (sorry no video- don’t get too excited!) courtesy of YouTube. Enjoy!

Honestly, this would be much more interesting if it were to happen on bigger plane like an A321 or B757!

Have a nice clicK life and don’t do anything this kid wouldn’t do,

-Mark =]