How to Survive 17 Hours at the Airport
I was faced with my first canceled flight of 2014 this week, but never imagined spending 17 1/2 hours in the terminal. Fortunately for me, I was stranded in Denver which has a wide variety of offerings for food, entertainment, and shopping. Unfortunately the timing of this cancelation with mid-winter break on a Thursday, added a complicated dynamic I could have never foreseen.
The cancelation happened as they typically do. Several delays with news of maintenance issues that may take up to 2 hours to service…but “please don’t leave the gate area.” After the wait, the dreaded announcement hits the 200+ passengers, who all run to the desk at once to be rescheduled. I myself called jetBlue and was told there was nothing until 11:35pm. It was only 11:30am! What was I going to do for 12 hours. The only flight available the next day, was also the red eye. I grabbed the seat, but had a plan to get out much sooner.
As I searched online for any airline offering a 1 way ticket out, I noticed my 11:35pm flight was now delayed to 12:35am. I kept thinking ok, I have to get out of here. I’ll just book something for tomorrow morning on a different airline and find a hotel. First problem…no rental cars available. Second problem, no hotels available near airport, and third problem…flights started at $1000+ for a one way ticket the next day. I was stuck.
I decided I would have more luck if I went back out of security and talked with an agent. I walked along the rows and rows of airline counters fully staffed, until I came to jetBlue…all shut down and no one working. It was the middle of the afternoon. Why in the world would they be closed? The kiosk would not let me check in. I could not check in online. And, I had discarded my morning boarding ticket. The very nice Southwestern agent explained they close from 11:30am until 8pm every day. So now, I’m stuck outside of security with no way to get in, and over 6 hours until I could check in.
There were several venues outside of security thankfully. After spending a couple hours working until my laptop died, I went on an adventure. I ate some great nachos, had a couple beers, ate a great sausage sandwich, had a couple more beers, watched a movie on my iPad, and had a couple more beers. Nap time!
After a good 2 hour nap, the jetBlue desk was open! Now my flight was delayed until 1:15am! The very nice agent gave me a voucher for $12. So generous. Regardless, I was excited to get back through security, discover some new venues, and use my voucher. I arrived to terminal C, and everything was closed. Back on the train to terminal A. The only thing open was McDonalds. Great! With nothing open, I found a seat near the gate and waited another 4 hours until boarding.
The experience has left my empathetic to all my traveling friends who are stuck. I just hope none of you are stuck in an airport for this long, ever! On a final note, I did receive an unprompted letter of apology from jetBlue along with a $25 credit for my next purchase. I need to watch the movie The Terminal with Tom Hanks tonight. It will make my adventure seem trivial.
Flying with the Flu? What to expect when flying sick
I’ve been very fortunate over the years of traveling to never get really sick on the road. Certainly we’ve all had the sniffles or a terrible cough. I’ve had soar throats, bad colds, and even broke out in poison ivy once. But never, have I been so sick I could not get out of bed. To be honest, the first several days I just slept and was not thinking about my flight home…but the day finally arrived where I had to make some decisions.
Prior to making a decision, some serious questions needed to be answered. My first concern was, will they even let me fly being this sick? Secondly, can a pull myself together enough to get on the flight? Then the “what if’s” started popping in my head….what if – I have a coughing attack, have to get sick and someone is in the bathroom, run out of tissues, my fever returns?? It was enough to make me just want to go back to bed.
Fortunately for me, this was a red eye flight and everyone was sleeping during my various “what if” episodes. Sure my coughing certainly annoyed those passengers around me. Hello, buy some headsets people! Sure, I had to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes, thankfully I was in the first row and isle seat. And the pile of tissues in the magazine pouch was swarming with germs (I’m sure those are cleaned thoroughly between flights. LOL). But other then that, I got home without incident.
Can the airline stop you from boarding a flight if sick? According to my research on various websites, if you are within the first 48 hours of having the flu you are not supposed to fly. If there is potential that your ailment may cause harm to other passengers, you are not supposed to fly. There is a list of diseases and symptoms listed as well, but really…it comes down to the discretion of the flight staff to decide if you can fly. I just held my breath for the 20 minutes passengers were boarding, so I wouldn’t draw attention to myself.
Whether I should fly or not because I may infect others was quickly alleviated when I read you are not infectious after 48 hours. The fever had already dissipated and really I just had cold like symptoms. I would have never made it through security if it had been earlier in the week.
Although I don’t want to share the horror stories of my 3 1/2 days locked in my hotel room, I will tell you how wonderfully accommodating my hotel was. Total kudos to the hotel staff at The Hilton Garden for bringing me a gift basket of soups, Tylenol, Nyquil, and waters…as well as allowing me to have a 10pm check out the night of my flight. I guess I should thank jetBlue for letting me sneak home too.
I’ve left Delta for jetBlue…a tough choice after 8 years
Every consultant knows it’s about loyalty to that one airline in order to take advantage of points and upgrades. I have flown an average of 125,000 miles a year for 8 years. An all time high of 180K in 2008 and all time low of 60K in 2013. Delta has always been my number one choice with the exception of flights to Dallas, Chicago, Miami, and Philadelphia. Those cities just weren’t ever an option given connections, layovers, and price tag. Since starting to travel again, mainly for personal vacations, I’ve started to think about the pro’s and con’s of flying Delta. I’m sure you all are faced with the same dilemma, so let’s break this down.
Delta Breakdown
- Delta flights from Boston all require a connection through Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, or Salt Lake City. Period. There appears to be no exception to this rule.
- These connecting airports are way to large to risk 45 minute connections, so I’m forced to select a minimum of 2 hour lay overs.
- Since I did not make Platinum or Diamond status on Delta in 2013, the likeliness of receiving any upgrades are minimal.
- The perks of boarding if no carry-on or if purchased additional space seats is above my status.
- The points conversion for free flights went up from 25K to 50K. You earn points now by miles flown and cost of flight.
- Cost for Delta flights are routinely 25% higher.
- The only direct flights I can take advantage of other than those hubs listed above are Orlando, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
jetBlue Breakdown
- All flights from Boston on jetBlue are direct flights for any city I would be traveling to including many west coast destinations.
- The point conversion for free flights to points is a flat 10,000. You earn 6 points for every $1 spent and 200 for More Space seats.
- More Space and loyalty members board at the same time.
- More Space and loyalty members have their own security line.
- Flight costs are significantly lower and service better.
Truly when looking at flights to such destinations as let’s say Vegas or Denver, the time saving is 4 hours and the cost saving about $300. With the exception of those cities that jetBlue has terrible on time departure ratings (72% in Fort Myers, 74% in Las Vegas)…the time savings is the biggest reason to convert here. I’ll have to give up first class with all the perks of free booze and dinner. But I’ll have enough time and money now to get a real dinner somewhere else!
What flight options and pros and cons are you facing from your destination? Share your story here.
Nap Travel Pillows and other useless travel comfort items. Who has one?
Today we have more gadgets and comfort items for travel available then we know what to do with. I thought I would post some of the crazy silly things out there. Don’t be shy, if you own some of these…share your story!
Why carry a pillow when you can just wear it like a hat. I have to get one of these!!
This thing looks like a brick. Who is really going to carry this on a plane?
You just never know when you may need a shower.
I’ve heard of not wanting to check luggage…but jeez.
You just never know when you may need a fork.
Now here is a simple travel organizer and seat cover to bring with you. Really?
The “Nap Travel Pillow” has taken things to a whole new level. I really want to see someone wearing this on a plane.
Thinking Outside the Box For Your Next Engagement
We’ve all heard the rumors. Client’s are reducing budgets, avoiding contractors, and limiting extensions. Epic needs are down, Meditech is a slow sinking ship, McKesson is for Legacy support only, and Siemens is dead…and no one is even talking Cerner. These rumors are somewhat true, but certainly are not the end of consulting as we know it. It simply means we have to start being aggressive, creative, and a bit more flexible. The days of having 2-3 year contracts within your specific vendor space is quickly coming to an end. So what can we do?
The very first friend I made in the world of consulting came from Cerner. Her analytical skills and workflow knowledge made her a great candidate to cross over into other vendor spaces. If Epic wasn’t all about certifications, many of us would have such opportunities. The timing and client was just right to break into Epic for her all those years ago. Could it still happen today? Well, we are seeing junior consultant programs growing to provide newly trained Epic resources. Why couldn’t that be a Senior Consultant from another vendor space? It can, but you’ll need to be flexible and market yourself creatively. Can you transfer your knowledge from Epic to other spaces? YES!! I’m seeing that everywhere.
Areas that are likely to continue to grow are not your traditional EHR systems. It’s time to look outside the box. Areas like Help Desk services is going to be big. Clients are starting to look for solutions to outsource their Help Desk coverage. Home Health has been overlooked, but is finally catching on to the benefits of newly developed software….and consultants are needed. Specialties like Dentistry, Orthopedics, and Physical Therapy are finally catching on as well. Do you have experience in any of these areas? Regardless of your traditional vendor training, consultants with experience in these areas are likely to continue to be tapped.
Look for firms with this type of “thinking outside the box” philosophy for your next opportunity. Don’t limit your resume to just vendor specific experience. Highlight your department workflow and cross vendor exposure to market yourself. None of us should be facing the bench with so much cross vendor opportunity happening now.
Where is the TSA Pre Check Line???
For your convenience, a complete listing of all the locations of TSA Pre Check Lines…
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American Airlines |
Location |
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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) |
Checkpoint 2 |
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Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) |
Main Terminal, Checkpoint B; Terminal 3, Checkpoint 8 |
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Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) |
Terminal 3, Main Checkpoint |
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Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) |
South Checkpoint |
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Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) |
Terminal A, A35; C, C20; D, D30 |
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Denver International Airport (DEN) |
South Checkpoint |
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Dulles International Airport (IAD) |
Main Terminal, TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint |
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Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
Main Checkpoint; North Checkpoint |
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Honolulu International Airport (HNL) |
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 5 |
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Indianapolis International Airport (IND) |
Main Terminal, Checkpoint A; Terminal 8, Main Checkpoint |
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John Wayne Airport (SNA) |
Checkpoint A2 |
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LaGuardia Airport (LGA) |
Central Terminal, Concourse D |
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Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) |
Terminal C Checkpoint |
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Las Vegas’ McCarren International Airport (LAS) |
Terminal 1 |
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Logan International Airport (BOS) |
Terminal A Checkpoint |
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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) |
Terminal 4 |
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Memphis International Airport (MEM) |
Checkpoint B |
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Miami International Airport (MIA) |
D2 Terminal Checkpoint |
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Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) |
Lindbergh Terminal, Checkpoint 4 |
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Nashville International Airport (BNA) |
Main Checkpoint; West Checkpoint |
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Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) |
Main Terminal |
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Portland International Airport (PDX) |
ABC Checkpoint |
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Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) |
Terminal 2 Checkpoint |
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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) |
Terminal 2 |
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Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) |
South Checkpoint |
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Alaska Airlines |
TSA Pre✓™ Location |
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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) |
Checkpoint 2 |
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Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) |
Terminal 3, Checkpoint 8 |
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Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) |
Terminal E, E15 |
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Denver International Airport (DEN) |
South Checkpoint |
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George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) |
Terminal C, South Checkpoint |
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Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
Main Checkpoint; North Checkpoint |
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Honolulu International Airport (HNL) |
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 5 |
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John Wayne Airport (SNA) |
Checkpoint A2 |
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Las Vegas’ McCarren International Airport (LAS) |
Terminal 3 |
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Logan International Airport (BOS) |
Terminal A Checkpoint |
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Miami International Airport (MIA) |
D2 Terminal Checkpoint |
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Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) |
Lindbergh Terminal, Checkpoint 4 |
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Orlando International Airport (MCO) |
West Checkpoint |
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Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) |
Checkpoint D/E |
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Portland International Airport (PDX) |
ABC Checkpoint |
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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) |
South Pier Gates 10-22 |
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Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) |
Terminal 2 Checkpoint |
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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) |
Checkpoint 3 |
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Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) |
South Checkpoint |
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DELTA |
TSA Pre✓™ Lane Location |
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Checkpoint 2
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Checkpoint D
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint B
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Terminal 3, Main Checkpoint
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
South Checkpoint
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Terminal E, E15
Denver International Airport (DEN)
South Checkpoint
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Checkpoint 2 on Ticketing Level
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Main Terminal, TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Checkpoint D
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Main Checkpoint; North Checkpoint
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 5
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint A
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Terminal 4, Main Checkpoint
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Checkpoint A2
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Terminal D, Main Checkpoint
Las Vegas’ McCarren International Airport (LAS)
Terminal 1
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Terminal A Checkpoint
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Terminal 5
Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Checkpoint B
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Lindbergh Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Main Checkpoint
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
East Checkpoint
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Checkpoint D/E
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Main Terminal
Portland International Airport (PDX)
ABC Checkpoint
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
South Pier Gates 10-22
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Checkpoint 3
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
South Checkpoint
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Terminal E, Main Checkpoint
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UNITED AIRLINES |
TSA Pre✓™ Lane Location |
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Checkpoint 2
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Checkpoint D
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint B
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Terminal 1 Checkpoint; Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Terminal 3, Main Checkpoint
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
South Checkpoint
Denver International Airport (DEN)
South Checkpoint
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Main Terminal, TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Terminal C, South Checkpoint
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Main Checkpoint; North Checkpoint
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 5
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint A
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Checkpoint A2
Las Vegas’ McCarren International Airport (LAS)
Terminal 3
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Terminal A Checkpoint
Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Checkpoint B
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Lindbergh Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Main Checkpoint
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
C3 Checkpoint
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
West Checkpoint
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Checkpoint C; Checkpoint D/E
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Main Terminal
Portland International Airport (PDX)
ABC Checkpoint
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
South Pier Gates 10-22
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Terminal 3, Checkpoint F-3
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Checkpoint 3
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
South Checkpoint
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US AIRLINES |
TSA Pre✓™ Location |
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Checkpoint 2
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Checkpoint D
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint B
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Terminal 3, Main Checkpoint
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
South Checkpoint
Denver International Airport (DEN)
South Checkpoint
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Main Terminal, TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Main Checkpoint; North Checkpoint
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 5
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint A
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Checkpoint A2
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)
Terminal C Checkpoint
Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
Main Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Checkpoint B
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Lindbergh Terminal, Checkpoint 4
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Main Checkpoint
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
West Checkpoint
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Checkpoint C
Phoenix International Airport (PHX)
Terminal 4, Checkpoint A
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Main Terminal
Portland International Airport (PDX)
ABC Checkpoint
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
North Pier Gates 35-45
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Checkpoint 3
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
South Checkpoint
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VIRGIN AMERICA |
TSA Pre✓™ Lane Location |
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Checkpoint 2
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Terminal 3, Checkpoint 8
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Terminal E, E15
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Main Terminal, TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoint
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Terminal 4, Main Checkpoint
Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Terminal 3
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
East Checkpoint; West Checkpoint
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Checkpoint D/E
Portland International Airport (PDX)
ABC Checkpoint
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
North Pier Gates 35-45; South Pier Gates 10-22
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Terminal 2
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Checkpoint 3
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
South Checkpoint
Delta and Virgin Atlantic Announced Partnership, little to no benefits for Delta flyers
The announcement this week that Delta and Virgin Atlantic are now partners is deceiving in its message at best. Like Delta’s partnership with Alaska Airlines, this “partnership” really only opens Delta flyers up to earning miles, using miles, and priority boarding (well sort of). In regards to miles, you’ll only earn miles flown with no double miles for Diamond or Platinum members. To use miles, only a set number of seats will be available for Delta flyers to purchase award seats, as it is with Alaska Airlines. Finally, priority boarding is after Virgin Atlantic elite members board, so really no big plus there.
I may have been an bit more excited if the announcement was for Virgin America. Out of Boston I would have direct flight options to LAX, LAS, SAN, and SEA. The Virgin Atlantic partnership will benefit those flying from NY to London. Let’s face it, nothing that any of us will really benefit from. Thanks for nothing Delta.
Candy Crush Saga or Words with Friends? Which Apps Do you Travel With?
A few years ago, the introduction of Words with Friends was the big news of interactive games for our smart phones. Best news was when Alec Baldwin refused to turn his phone off when the plane was ready for take-off. Angry Birds was such a success, you see stuffed animals in every toy store now. They also have a new Star Wars version out. Thought I would share my favorite apps that keep me entertained for hours.
Ruzzle was recently introduced to me by some friends as an upgrade to Words with Friends. I prefer it far more than Scramble, as it doesn’t have silly freeze or add time buttons. You really just have two minutes to find as many words as possible. Cross word game with a timer.
I’ve also fallen in love with Candy Crush which is great for your iPad. Similar to Bejeweled but a variety of candies replace the gems, and a variation in goals keeps it far more interesting. This has replaced the days of Temple of Zumas as well. It does require friends however, as you can’t move on to the next level without friends helping you.
I’m still a sucker for simple old fashioned game of Backgammon. There are so many versions out there, I just got for the simple ones that don’t kill my battery and allow you to play alone or online.
Want adventure, check out Castle TD, Defender, and Dinosaur War…all are based on building armies and defenses to stop enemies from destroying your home base. But be warned, these games will suck the life out of your battery before you know it.
What is your top game? None of my suggestions make the top list..but that’s ok. I can’t wait to turn my phone back on once up in the air!
List of top 2013 iPhone games:
Games
I Dig It
Temple Run
Temple Run 2
Mega Jump
Tiny Wings
Jetpack Joyride
Angry Birds
Angry Birds Seasons
Angry Birds Space
Cut The Rope
Cut The Rope Experiments
Fruit Ninja
Draw Something
Fieldrunners 2
Where’s My Water?
Where’s My Perry?
Ridiculous Fishing
Letterpress
Consider Tuesday – Friday travel for client savings and airport relief
Yesterday, USA Today reported an all time high on air travel for summer months since 2003. Those of us who typically depart for clients on Sunday evenings or Monday mornings are seeing the increases already. Average tickets prices for flights less than 2 hours are ranging $186, and increase of 12% from March. Flights departing on Tuesday’s and Friday’s are averaging at $144. This is a huge savings for the client not to mention the benefits you’ll enjoy.
Upgrades on Monday’s is practically impossible unless you are in the 125K+ club, regardless of airline. Departing Tuesday morning, you’ll see little to any competition from professional travelers. Not to mention reduction in security lines and easy boarding. Return flights on Friday evenings is typically 1/3 the volume of traffic compared to Thursday’s at airport including LAX, DET, ATL, CHI, BOS, JFK, and SEA. Obviously if you are in ORL, MSY, or LAS…the airport will be a bit busier on Fridays..but you’ll still see a significant savings.
With more clients rolling in expenses with hourly rates, consultants are being limited to airlines and travel schedules. Flexibility in your on site days could open up options for direct flights and even your preferred airline. Check with your client to see if Tuesday – Friday work week would work for them, you’ll both see some great benefits. I especially prefer this schedule during the summer…I hate losing my Sundays.
American will allow passengers without roller bags to board first
Here is another new development in airlines attempting to improve boarding times. American Airlines announced this week they plan to introduce a new boarding policy allowing passengers with only small carry on items that can fit under the seat to board first. Most of us who decide not to check luggage will be standing on the side lines as families board with only backpacks and duffel bags. The obvious loop hole here will be those who will simply plane side check their luggage to avoid fees and then get priority boarding. Interestingly enough, American was the first airline to introduce checked luggage fees back in 2008. Other airlines quickly followed. Leaving the question of whether others will now implement this new policy as well.
You can read more on this topic on other travel related blogs including TripAdvisor and ExpertFlyer.com. Both have interesting insights to the consequences of this loop hole and the impact it may have to the professional traveler. After all, those of us who fly weekly are pretty efficient at boarding and often have a good 30 minutes to wrap up some work while the families struggle to find their seats and get settled in. Who will be the big losers in this set up? Once again, unfortunately it will be us. The good news is that Southwest, United, and Delta all have stated they do not plan to introduce such a policy.
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