[Samiam]

I am hoping that I have covered all the basics of modern day travel & apologize to those that find this too long. I fly approx 1x every 1.5 yrs & have noted the changes in airline policy & service. I have read the disappointment of other travelers – some w/ legitimate issues, while some complaints were only entertaining (or annoying)…

I am flying from Dec 22nd thru the 30th- first class. These are my prep plans; let me know what I am forgetting J

1) Flying 1st: Not b/c I expect a gold carpet, but b/c I hope it will ease my travels by providing larger seats, no baggage cost (w/in the weight & size limits), free drinks, a not-so-good meal, & expedited assistance when/if a flight is canceled. This is the season for bad weather….fa..la..la- flying to the northeast!
-Also the roundtrip cost for two tickets (minus cost of baggage, food, & drinks) was approx. $400 more roundtrip for 2 people. I am willing to pay that as I don’t take a yearly vacation.
2) I bought insurance. Yes, as well as pay the first class fee’s I spent an extra “$68” (which includes my husband & myself)! My husband will be upset- until something goes wrong- then he will thank me! Instead of going w/ Us Airs recommendation, I stuck to my AX site, which was MUCH cheaper. For $68 I have coverage for trip cancellation, flight delay ($400/night for a hotel etc; 200/person for 2 nights), & baggage delay/lost (delay is $300 each for me & my husband or $1,000 each for lost baggage).
3) I am traveling w/ my small dog (already made & verified reservations). Although US does not request a health certificate, I am getting 1 anyway incase our airline is changed to a diff airline. Also incase of a delay, I have written down all the info needed for a Pet friendly hotel at our stop over’s: on the way & the return from Pittsburgh (phily & charlotte). I am a starwood customer & have all their info to contact for a stay incase I am flown to a different city (yes, I have read the reports here-thank you).

As far as I know the only extra plans I can make is----get to the airport on time &, no matter how annoyed, smile! I will keep all updated to how my pre-plans worked or didn’t work. I know it stinks when airlines charge for flight changes, etc, but that is the business life- they are a business…

I’ve had to change two flights in the last 3 yrs (bought through Expedia): I flew out to make arrangements for my Sister’s funeral & then I flew out to complete her estate & deal w/ the court case (she was murdered). Both times I needed to extend my stays, I believe the 1st trip was AA & the 2nd was United. When I was informed of the price changes, I paid them. I bought tickets I could afford & didn’t haggle for a better “deal”. That to me is not a legitimate complaint…