Comments for Upgrade: Travel Better http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com Living the first class life -- at coach prices Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:15:02 -0700 hourly 1 Comment on George Lucas (hearts) airports by ryan http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/06/01/george-lucas-hearts-airports/#comment-30539 ryan Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:15:02 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/06/01/george-lucas-hearts-airports/#comment-30539 omg that is so cool omg that is so cool

]]> Comment on Roundup: The pros and cons of Delta’s revised SkyMiles program by DeltaPMfanatic http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/07/29/the-pros-and-cons-of-deltas-revised-skymiles-program/#comment-30536 DeltaPMfanatic Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:36:00 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/?p=3544#comment-30536 I am highly disappointed in Delta's latest attempt to "WOW" PM's with their Skymiles program. The biggest disappointment to-date is the inability to upgrade TransATL on any other fare besides M, Y, or B. You would think that PM's; and, soon to be DM's, would at least have the option to upgrade on other fares like K and H, etc. I will be one of their new Diamond Medallion members next year and I'm trying to figure out if I should switch back to my United as their 1K program is far better. Signed, DelaPMfanatic who is very disppointed!! I am highly disappointed in Delta’s latest attempt to “WOW” PM’s with their Skymiles program. The biggest disappointment to-date is the inability to upgrade TransATL on any other fare besides M, Y, or B. You would think that PM’s; and, soon to be DM’s, would at least have the option to upgrade on other fares like K and H, etc. I will be one of their new Diamond Medallion members next year and I’m trying to figure out if I should switch back to my United as their 1K program is far better. Signed, DelaPMfanatic who is very disppointed!!

]]> Comment on Poll for cruisers: Would you book an interior cabin with a virtual porthole? by Emily @ Maiden Voyage http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/11/03/poll-for-cruisers-would-you-book-an-interior-cabin-with-a-virtual-porthole/#comment-30532 Emily @ Maiden Voyage Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:22:39 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/?p=4179#comment-30532 I agree with Stephanie - I don't think I would want to sail with Disney, either! I have sailed in inside cabins, porthole cabins, and cabins with balconies. Of course having a window is preferable, but I wouldn't pay extra to have a fake window. I only would if it looked completely like the real thing and helped with claustrophobia. But to be honest, I like portholes to see what we are really passing by -- if they could project what it really looks like, that would be great, but if it's just generic footage, no thanks. I'd rather watch the TV channel that shows the view from the bridge. I can go up to a deck if I get claustrophobic and want a real ocean view. And the fact that Disney characters will appear is super lame. I will pass on this one! I agree with Stephanie – I don’t think I would want to sail with Disney, either! I have sailed in inside cabins, porthole cabins, and cabins with balconies. Of course having a window is preferable, but I wouldn’t pay extra to have a fake window. I only would if it looked completely like the real thing and helped with claustrophobia. But to be honest, I like portholes to see what we are really passing by — if they could project what it really looks like, that would be great, but if it’s just generic footage, no thanks. I’d rather watch the TV channel that shows the view from the bridge. I can go up to a deck if I get claustrophobic and want a real ocean view. And the fact that Disney characters will appear is super lame. I will pass on this one!

]]> Comment on Is Spirit Airlines’ new club worth joining? by Marcos http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/03/14/is-spirit-airlines-new-club-worth-joining/#comment-30518 Marcos Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:57:57 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/03/14/is-spirit-airlines-new-club-worth-joining/#comment-30518 For Rene: You told you hold an PHD and cannot navigate in Spirit site? You are stupid! or maybe you are a retard. I do not believe you are a PhD! For Rene:

You told you hold an PHD and cannot navigate in Spirit site?
You are stupid! or maybe you are a retard. I do not believe you are a PhD!

]]> Comment on Is Spirit Airlines’ new club worth joining? by Marcos http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/03/14/is-spirit-airlines-new-club-worth-joining/#comment-30517 Marcos Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:55:25 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/03/14/is-spirit-airlines-new-club-worth-joining/#comment-30517 I LOVE SPIRIT AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! People, stop complaining!!!! ... I have been member of the club for 3 years. If you leave in a place like Fort Lauderdale Spirit Airlines is one reason to be here. if you live in a place were spirit flies only one flight per day, to one unique city maybe is not a deal, however if u live in South Florida and other cities as San juan, Detroit etc Spirit is the best fly deal ever!!!! I has been traveling like crazy thanks to Spirit. Every year I travel 12 or 10 times, almost every month. I never pay more than 160 $ for a return ticket. I am a teacher and we travel with my students several times a year thanks to spirit fares of 9 dollars. Once I got a ticket of -3 dollars ( yes I am not kidding they give me money back for the air taxes...) Yes, planes are always full, they do not have a real business class and you pay even for the water, but with those prices who cares? I LOVE SPIRIT AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE SPIRIT AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People, stop complaining!!!! … I have been member of the club for 3 years. If you leave in a place like Fort Lauderdale Spirit Airlines is one reason to be here.
if you live in a place were spirit flies only one flight per day, to one unique city maybe is not a deal, however if u live in South Florida and other cities as San juan, Detroit etc Spirit is the best fly deal ever!!!!
I has been traveling like crazy thanks to Spirit. Every year I travel 12 or 10 times, almost every month. I never pay more than 160 $ for a return ticket. I am a teacher and we travel with my students several times a year thanks to spirit fares of 9 dollars. Once I got a ticket of -3 dollars ( yes I am not kidding they give me money back for the air taxes…)
Yes, planes are always full, they do not have a real business class and you pay even for the water, but with those prices who cares? I LOVE SPIRIT AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> Comment on Poll for cruisers: Would you book an interior cabin with a virtual porthole? by Kate http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/11/03/poll-for-cruisers-would-you-book-an-interior-cabin-with-a-virtual-porthole/#comment-30514 Kate Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:02:21 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/?p=4179#comment-30514 I'd probably try it once. I've only been on 2 cruises, once with a porthole and once in an interior cabin and was not prepared for the level of claustrophobia and disorientation not having some access to the outside caused. I’d probably try it once. I’ve only been on 2 cruises, once with a porthole and once in an interior cabin and was not prepared for the level of claustrophobia and disorientation not having some access to the outside caused.

]]> Comment on Poll for cruisers: Would you book an interior cabin with a virtual porthole? by Stephanie http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/11/03/poll-for-cruisers-would-you-book-an-interior-cabin-with-a-virtual-porthole/#comment-30503 Stephanie Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:22:44 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/?p=4179#comment-30503 I guess I should say up front, I wouldn't cruise Disney. I'm something of a seasoned cruiser, and I definitely know what I like. But, if a cruise line I WOULD go on offered this, I would totally do it. Fact is, you don't spend very much time in your room on a cruise. Figure you're in there for an hour in the morning and an hour at night. Maybe a little bit during the day to get ready for dinner, get out of your swimsuit, etc. I've had the nice room with the living room, flatscreen tv, refrigerator, room service 24/7, etc, as well as the small room with bunk beds and no view. It doesn't make a difference. You still don't want to stay in there. I do agree with the commenter above who noted the problem with not having natural light - for me, anyway, that was only an issue with getting out of bed in the morning. But I know the same thing happens to me in hotels that have those big blackout drapes. Its easily enough dealt with. I don't mind the inside porthole-less rooms, and if this is just another way to create affordable rooms, I'm all for it. Just let me cover up the "virtual porthole" so I don't have to see it. I guess I should say up front, I wouldn’t cruise Disney. I’m something of a seasoned cruiser, and I definitely know what I like. But, if a cruise line I WOULD go on offered this, I would totally do it.

Fact is, you don’t spend very much time in your room on a cruise. Figure you’re in there for an hour in the morning and an hour at night. Maybe a little bit during the day to get ready for dinner, get out of your swimsuit, etc. I’ve had the nice room with the living room, flatscreen tv, refrigerator, room service 24/7, etc, as well as the small room with bunk beds and no view. It doesn’t make a difference. You still don’t want to stay in there.

I do agree with the commenter above who noted the problem with not having natural light – for me, anyway, that was only an issue with getting out of bed in the morning. But I know the same thing happens to me in hotels that have those big blackout drapes. Its easily enough dealt with.

I don’t mind the inside porthole-less rooms, and if this is just another way to create affordable rooms, I’m all for it. Just let me cover up the “virtual porthole” so I don’t have to see it.

]]> Comment on Poll for cruisers: Would you book an interior cabin with a virtual porthole? by Pam http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/11/03/poll-for-cruisers-would-you-book-an-interior-cabin-with-a-virtual-porthole/#comment-30501 Pam Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:13:53 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/?p=4179#comment-30501 Not a bad idea. It would seem to dampen the claustrophobic feeling of an interior cabin. I agree with another poster who mentioned the capability to turn it off at night or if you don't like it. RCCL started enhancing interior cabins by having windows onto the Royal Promenade, interior shopping/dining arcade. This is a novel way to expand the concept of making those interior cabins more enticing. One would wonder what % of passengers book interior cabins vs. outside cabins and if it has become a sales issue. That may be at the bottom of the virtual porthole decision. www.zippyreviews.com/travel_blog Not a bad idea. It would seem to dampen the claustrophobic feeling of an interior cabin. I agree with another poster who mentioned the capability to turn it off at night or if you don’t like it. RCCL started enhancing interior cabins by having windows onto the Royal Promenade, interior shopping/dining arcade. This is a novel way to expand the concept of making those interior cabins more enticing. One would wonder what % of passengers book interior cabins vs. outside cabins and if it has become a sales issue. That may be at the bottom of the virtual porthole decision.
http://www.zippyreviews.com/travel_blog

]]> Comment on Airline policy change roundup: Sayonara standby, ta-ta travel clubs, and go green(er) by jay anderson http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/04/18/airline-policy-change-roundup-sayonara-standby-ta-ta-travel-clubs-and-go-greener/#comment-30491 jay anderson Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:59:24 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/04/18/airline-policy-change-roundup-sayonara-standby-ta-ta-travel-clubs-and-go-greener/#comment-30491 Airline employees have seen their wages and benefits disintegrate. One of the last benefits they had was low cost standby travel. These employees despise the policies that allow standby passengers to to displace them to later flights, while their airline derives no quantifiable financial benefit. An employee used to be able to choose a flight they were likely to be accomodated on, but with all of the free random standby passengers, there is absolutely no way to predict if it will be possible to travel. It is one thing to have a desirable premium passenger fly standby for free, but quite a different scenario to have the rest of the passengers (loyal only to the cheapest flight), get this service for free. It also creates alot of extra work for the agents. You will likely find that the airlines that treat their employees best (Delta, Southwest) have policies against free standby travel. The airlines that treat their employees worst (American, US Air) are glad to have this anti employee policy. Airline employees have seen their wages and benefits disintegrate. One of the last benefits they had was low cost standby travel. These employees despise the policies that allow standby passengers to to displace them to later flights, while their airline derives no quantifiable financial benefit. An employee used to be able to choose a flight they were likely to be accomodated on, but with all of the free random standby passengers, there is absolutely no way to predict if it will be possible to travel. It is one thing to have a desirable premium passenger fly standby for free, but quite a different scenario to have the rest of the passengers (loyal only to the cheapest flight), get this service for free. It also creates alot of extra work for the agents. You will likely find that the airlines that treat their employees best (Delta, Southwest) have policies against free standby travel. The airlines that treat their employees worst (American, US Air) are glad to have this anti employee policy.

]]> Comment on Poll for cruisers: Would you book an interior cabin with a virtual porthole? by Brandon http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/11/03/poll-for-cruisers-would-you-book-an-interior-cabin-with-a-virtual-porthole/#comment-30487 Brandon Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:11:34 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/?p=4179#comment-30487 The idea is great however the execution may leave a lot to be desired. I consider my self a seasoned cruiser, 9 under my belt and just booked my 10th yesterday. I have cruised twice in an interior cabin and after the cruiseline upgraded me to an exterior one year, I never went back. Interior cabins are fine if your primary goal is the bottom line. I certainly wouldnt recomment an interior cabin if you are doing scenic cruising. I found the interior cabin to mess with my sleep cycle as there are no clocks in the rooms, there is almost total darkness except for the glow of the hallway lights around the cabin door and no window to the outside world to tell if it is day or night. I like the idea of a real-time camera so at least there is some view and some way to tell time. I would hope that there is a way of turning off the video feed or drawing a curtain. My other fear is that it will be used to advertise for ship's services or other subliminal messages. When I travel alone with my wife i would continue to stay in a balcony stateroom, however, for family's with kids, looking to save some coin, the virtual window may be a good compromise. The idea is great however the execution may leave a lot to be desired. I consider my self a seasoned cruiser, 9 under my belt and just booked my 10th yesterday.

I have cruised twice in an interior cabin and after the cruiseline upgraded me to an exterior one year, I never went back. Interior cabins are fine if your primary goal is the bottom line. I certainly wouldnt recomment an interior cabin if you are doing scenic cruising.

I found the interior cabin to mess with my sleep cycle as there are no clocks in the rooms, there is almost total darkness except for the glow of the hallway lights around the cabin door and no window to the outside world to tell if it is day or night.

I like the idea of a real-time camera so at least there is some view and some way to tell time. I would hope that there is a way of turning off the video feed or drawing a curtain. My other fear is that it will be used to advertise for ship’s services or other subliminal messages.

When I travel alone with my wife i would continue to stay in a balcony stateroom, however, for family’s with kids, looking to save some coin, the virtual window may be a good compromise.

]]> Comment on Poll for cruisers: Would you book an interior cabin with a virtual porthole? by Toffler http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/11/03/poll-for-cruisers-would-you-book-an-interior-cabin-with-a-virtual-porthole/#comment-30472 Toffler Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:49:47 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/?p=4179#comment-30472 That's a dumb idea and the money could be much better spent. I've been on more than 10 cruises and most have had a channel on the TV (using CCTV) devoted to the outside view (usually from the bridge level). This way people in interior cabins can check the weather (rain, sun, have we arrived in port, etc). The quality is usually terrible, but gives me a good enough idea of what's going on outside for me to decide whether bring an umbrella or sunglasses. After that, I can go out on deck and enjoy the weather if I want. Therefore, I think the bridge camera fed to TV is sufficient. Besides that, I don't need yet another screen taking up an already tiny room. (I bring my laptop & iPhone, etc) And I agree with applezz--one of the benefits of interior cabins is the dark rooms and the chance to ignore the world for as long as you want (similar to casinos not having natural lighting). That’s a dumb idea and the money could be much better spent. I’ve been on more than 10 cruises and most have had a channel on the TV (using CCTV) devoted to the outside view (usually from the bridge level). This way people in interior cabins can check the weather (rain, sun, have we arrived in port, etc). The quality is usually terrible, but gives me a good enough idea of what’s going on outside for me to decide whether bring an umbrella or sunglasses. After that, I can go out on deck and enjoy the weather if I want. Therefore, I think the bridge camera fed to TV is sufficient.

Besides that, I don’t need yet another screen taking up an already tiny room. (I bring my laptop & iPhone, etc) And I agree with applezz–one of the benefits of interior cabins is the dark rooms and the chance to ignore the world for as long as you want (similar to casinos not having natural lighting).

]]> Comment on Is the Northwest Airlines overshot-airport flight an argument for Channel 9? by Travel Tour India http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/10/26/is-the-northwest-airlines-overshot-airport-flight-an-argument-for-channel-9/#comment-30469 Travel Tour India Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:39:53 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/?p=3913#comment-30469 i like channel9 and i firmly believe that it would have handled the situation. i like channel9 and i firmly believe that it would have handled the situation.

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