Discussion in Flyertalk occasionally
inspires me to develop web-based applications and other resources of assistance
to frequent travelers on certain airlines. By and large, I seek to make contributions
that combine technical innovation (such as figuring out how particular portions
of an airlines' web site work) with substantive significance (such as helping
frequent travelers more quickly and efficiently obtain the information they
need). To that end, I have prepared the following resources:
All Airlines
Airline Fare Codes - which booking classes selected major carriers use for revenue tickets, awards, and upgrades
The best US frequent flier program. Award availability is unmatched, and AA is honest about making seats available on short-notice when they know sales are unlikely. Miles have been devalued less than many competitors. Achieve Executive Platinum status for unlimited no-charge domestic upgrades, generous international upgrades, premium international lounge access, and the unrivaled Executive Platinum desk (where agents greet you by name and are refreshingly capable).
Bookmarkable
availability listings for specified flights
Easier & faster
to use than ordinary delta.com
seatmap tool
View maps for
both cabins on multiple flights simultaneously
Credit Cards
Schwab Bank Credit Card - pays 2% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee, no international surcharges - no longer available
Airline credit cards - Standard offer is 1 mile per dollar spent, which I find a tough sell vis-a-vis cashback. But signup bonuses and other bonuses sometimes catch my eye. My current favorites:
British Airways - Offers a generous 100,000 mile bonus after $2,500 spend within the first three months -- enough for long-haul business class (US to/from much of Europe, US to/from Far East on AA or Cathay Pacific, etc.). Spend $30,000 to earn a "travel together" two-for-one ticket. I'm alarmed by high British Airways "fuel surcharges" which can reach $500+ on many itineraries -- but the 100,000 mile bonus is the best available.
American Airlines - Periodically offers 50,000 to 75,000 miles for a new card, but no such bonus is currently available. Card membership allows periodic reduction in mileage for certain awards, including savings of 5,000 or 7,500 miles on domestic round-trips.
Other favorites? Let me know!
Fare and Inventory Data
Airfares result from a combination of two separate data structures. First, a passenger must have a valid fare valid for the desired dates of travel, with possible restrictions as to carrier, routing, season, day of week, time of day, advance purchase, and booking class. Second, a passenger must have a valid reservation for a specific flight, including a booking class for that seat.
Ordinary travel systems combine these two databases -- showing what itineraries are available to match a user's general request. That's helpful for many users, much of the time. But if you don't see a price you like, is that because of a problem with fare (e.g. you don't have a required saturday night stay, don't have enough advance purchase, etc.) or because of inventory (the seats were available, but have been sold)? Knowing which system is causing your problem will help you evaluate adjusting your plans to get the flights you want.
Several services now provide access to this data. Some options:
ExpertFlyer - $10/month or $99/year - Provides comprehensive, reliable fare data (with routings, change fees, etc.) and inventory. Email updates provide notification of inventory changes (e.g. availability of a frequent flier award or other discounted seat) and even improved seating options. An interactive web site. Highly recommended!
KVS Availability Tool - Provides comprehensive fare data and inventory. Draws from multiple web-based sources and presents this data in a unified interface in a Windows app (usable on Macs via an emulator). Subscriptions start at $35/year, though I find the features I want are in the higher levels ($60/year or $75/year). Six-month subscriptions are also available.
I book most hotels through Priceline. I've enjoyed remarkable values from Pricline -- reliably, $50 for the Hilton at LAX; typically, $80-$100 for ordinary downtown business hotels. These savings have led me to forego hotel loyalty programs. Be sure to read bidding instructions to learn the circumstances in which you may "free rebid" if your first bid is rejected. (Sources: 1, 2.)
Travel Conveniences
Running In and Around Airports - how and where get a solid workout at selected airports, with minimal cost and maximum convenience . You'll need a plan for where to put your suitcase and where to take a shower; I'll tell you what I've figured out.
London Heathrow's free
local buses (PDF) - cheaper and faster than
"hotel hoppa"