The Travel Thread

[CrimsonNBlue]

And if I were based in DEN, I'd probably even put the money up for CLEAR, because security does blow there and is one of the worst TSA pre-check experiences.

But, you just have to tell yourself that you're saving a ton of time by not having a layover and being able to choose almost any airline.

Yea, maybe if I flew more often.

I usually take an airport shuttle service whose policy is to get you there at least 2 hours before takeoff, in classic dad mode.

So I figure either I’m waiting for an hour in security line checking out yoga pants then an hour around the gate checking out yoga pants, or just waiting 2 hours by the gate checking out yoga pants, so what’s the real difference.

Also, one of the fun things about carrying fishing rods, I mean golf clubs, through in airport is you’re making friends with every other fisher folk in there. Sometimes it’s even fisher chicks in yoga pants. Win win.

If you have a bunch of travel coming up, even a $99 annual fee travel credit card would get you free TSA pre-check. Maybe even a couple of lounge passes, which is a complete game changer for air travel.

[jhawks99]

And then if your stuff arrives early, it potentially just sits outside for a day or two in the days of porch pirates? No thanks.

Parents are retired, they're home everyday. Two kids plus two adults. One package shipped ground gotta be cheaper than checking enough clothes for a week for four people.

[Qusdahl]

Question for pdub:

When you and BUD fly anywhere do you have to buy her a ticket too?

Versus just like deflating and stashing in a carryon

[jfish26]

And then if your stuff arrives early, it potentially just sits outside for a day or two in the days of porch pirates? No thanks.

Parents are retired, they're home everyday. Two kids plus two adults. One package shipped ground gotta be cheaper than checking enough clothes for a week for four people.

Not on SWA it's not.

[CrimsonNBlue]

And then if your stuff arrives early, it potentially just sits outside for a day or two in the days of porch pirates? No thanks.

Parents are retired, they're home everyday. Two kids plus two adults. One package shipped ground gotta be cheaper than checking enough clothes for a week for four people.

Well I was talking more generally and/or trying to help ousdahl out rather than your neighbor himself. Shipping large items is actually pretty expensive. I've only looked into shipping luggage internationally, but it was well into the 100's of dollars. And, of course there are ways to save money by combining into big suitcases and using carry-ons.

But, I just don't see the logic in it anymore as far as risk. By shipping, you're putting your items in the hands of 2-3+ people that were able to get a CDL and several employees in at least 2 shipping warehouses. Airport doesn't sound that bad and there is usually already insurance through airline or credit card.

[NewtonHawk11]

Maybe I'm spoiled or lucky (and it's true that probably 95% of my lifetime air travel is SWA), but I just haven't had issues with checked bags.

I have, though, sent things ahead to hotels or offices, but that's different from just sending clothes etc.

Ugh.....What?!?!??

Literally the worst of the major airlines.

Absolutely incorrect in every way imaginable.

[zsn]

I can vouch for the airline lounge access. Since I (used to) travel a lot I get lounge access for all international flights due to my FF status with United as well as (usually) my fare class. I have a travel credit card which gives me complementary Priority Pass membership. Can’t think of traveling without these two perks. Especially in Europe and Asia where the gate area is rather spartan in amenities and quite small the use of the lounge is a great luxury

[pdub]

Question for pdub:

When you and BUD fly anywhere do you have to buy her a ticket too?

Versus just like deflating and stashing in a carryon

She's my emotional support doll.
She sits on my lap.

[japhy]

If you have a bunch of travel coming up, even a $99 annual fee travel credit card would get you free TSA pre-check. Maybe even a couple of lounge passes, which is a complete game changer for air travel.

Gummies are the complete game changer. We are sitting in DFW for a couple of hours waiting for a connecting flight, my wife looks at me smirking. She takes off her headphones and asks "what is so fucking funny?" I am sitting next to Ned Flanders and his brood for an hour in DFW. The funniest episode of the Simpsons that was never made. Layovers are tolerable, sometimes entertaining now. It is a waste for a 45 min flight to Chicago, but if I am heading to the west coast it is a preflight must.

[CrimsonNBlue]

Especially in Europe and Asia where the gate area is rather spartan in amenities and quite small the use of the lounge is a great luxury

The Priority Pass lounges abroad are unreal compared to any lounge here. I've been in a couple that are the size of entire terminals.

[Qusdahl]

My only hesitation with drinking prior to or during a flight is I prefer to not have to use the airplane restroom if possible.

For most flights I can make it.

But at some point I’d like to experience gushered flying too.

[CrimsonNBlue]

Most airplane restrooms suck but the alternative is being sober.

[pdub]

If you're nice i'd say 30% of the time you'll get a free drink or two.

[Cascadia]

Most airplane restrooms suck but the alternative is being sober.

This guy fucking gets it!

[Mjl]

Flying has been one of the more difficult things about quitting drinking. I should try Japhy's suggestion.

[japhy]

I should try Japhy's suggestions.

That is one of those universal truths that everyone comes to at some point in their lives.

[Overlander]

I should try Japhy's suggestions.

That is one of those universal truths that everyone comes to at some point in their lives.

I know I did

[Cascadia]

Is there a better travel perk than getting upgraded to 1st Class?

Upgraded today from Exit Row to 1st Class on a 6.5 hour flight

[CrimsonNBlue]

Is there a better travel perk than getting upgraded to 1st Class?

It's way up there, particularly for long-haul flights the difference is staggering. Not much difference on the puddle jumpers.

Free/comped hotel suite upgrades can also be massive.

[Cascadia]

Hotel suite upgrades are also nice, but some of the 'suites' are fairly lackluster. I have Titanium status with Marriott and the perks in general are pretty good. If covid will finally fuck off this year I may get to Ambassador Elite status.