How To: Score a Free Trip on US Air
8/24/2007 at 12:54 PM
Tags: Airlines, US Airways, Travel Tips, How To (all tags)
Jaunted contributor Judson recently faced this summer's nightmarish airline delays and debacles. His "How I Got a Free Trip" report from the front lines:
Using common sense is hardly a travel tip but phrasing something like advice makes it sound less like bragging. But I do have to brag: I scored a free round trip ticket from US Airways. Yes, in this day and age of constant delays and dropped flights, keeping your travel time flexible can make the frazzled neurotic American air transportation system grovel at your feet.
The gimmick was simple: I wasn't hard-pressed to be on the specific flight I booked. Building a time cushion into your travel schedule allows you to reap the rewards of getting bumped off to a later flight. (Planning something for the hour immediately after you are scheduled to touchdown isn't a very good idea anyway.) I snagged my free ticket by keeping an eye out for the euphemism "seeking volunteers" at my gate.
The second the v-word comes up on the board, head to the counter at the gate and see what they're greasing the wheels with. In addition to the ticket, I managed to change destination airports (from Myrtle Beach, SC to Raleigh, NC), which put me closer to the wedding I was attending. It wouldn't have been out of line to ask for food and drink vouchers or access to the club room.
The key is to be polite and understanding but ever-so-slightly inconvenienced by their screwup. (That's why you need all the free schwag you're asking for, see?) Once you've made your deal, just wander the terminal until your new flight, musing your future on-the-house travel plans.
Related Links:
· Travel Tips: How To Take The Bump and Like It [Jaunted]
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