Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Let's Talk Canceled Flights

Hello,
I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Mine, very uplifting and spiritual.
So, who has ever had a flight canceled?  I have had a flight delayed, but I don't recall one being canceled.  My husband, on the other hand, has.  Last year when he was trying to get to Jacksonville, Florida for a conference, his flight was not only canceled once, but TWICE!
I thought I'd share some tips about what to do when bad weather strikes.  I found these in an article on Smarter Travel by Anne Banas.

Bad weather is considered an "act of God" and therefor one basic thing you are entitled to is a refund--no free hotel stays, no transportation, and no food vouchers (thought some airlines might offer these other options at its discretion).
Weather can wreck havoc on travel, but there are some essential tips that will help minimize stress and allow you to take matters into your own hands when your flight is canceled.

Before you go:
1.Reconfirm your flight.  It may be clear where you are, but not necessarily where you are headed.
2. Sign up for alerts.  Most airlines and online travel agencies offer cancellations alerts via email or text.  However, if a big storm is in the forecast, take action and call the airline direct.
3.  Pack smartly.  Keep essential items, including medications, cell phones and chargers, a change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on.  It is also a good idea to pack some food, since the options might be limited.

Rebooking
1.  Try all booking avenues. Wait in the customer service line (if at the airport), stay on the phone until you get through to an airline representative, get online, or use social media (some airlines will respond to direct messages on Twitter).  Always program  the phone numbers of all your travel providers into your phone before you leave for the airport.
2. Contact other travel sites.  Try contacting third-party providers, such as the online travel agency you used to book your reservation.
3. Contact all other travel providers. Remember that your hotel, car rental and other reservations will also be affected by a canceled flight.  Don't forget to contact them as soon as possible.
4.  Get a cash refund.  Try to get a cash refund if you decide not to re book within the waiver time frame.  Credits and vouchers for a later date might be hard to use due to hefty restrictions.  If you purchased a trip cancellation insurance policy, see what you can get reimbursed for.

Stuck at the airport
1.  Look for a hotel.  Get online and look for hotels with last-minute availability, or download a last-minute hotel booking app such as HotelTonight or Priceline's Tonight-Only to you phone.  Remember others who are stranded might also be looking for a hotel room.
2. Be polite and ask for help.  While you are not entitled to receive things like food vouchers and other perks, it doesn't hurt to ask.  Just remember to be polite and don't make any demands.  Airline agents will likely be stressed as well, and they will be more likely to help you if you treat them with respect.

I hope these tips are helpful.  Let me know what you think and if you have any other ideas that have worked for you when you've experienced a canceled flight.

Happy travels.

Monday, January 23, 2012

What Did You Do This Weekend?

Boy do weekends sure pass by quickly.  I took a photography class this weekend.  We learned about composition.  All I can say is I have a lot of respect for those who take nature/wildlife pictures.  The photographer kept telling us it takes patience to photograph animals.  Lots of waiting.  With it being so cold, waiting wasn't actually on the top of my list of things to do outside!  My camera didn't want to cooperate, as it kept turning off, but I did manage to get a couple of okay shots.  Once you crop them, they weren't too bad.  I really like to one with the two birds.
I think I'd like to make a visit down to the Smoky Mountains in the fall and photograph the leaves and such.  Anyone else up for a weekend in a cabin in the mountains?  Let  me know if you are.





So, what did you do this weekend?

Until next time.....

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Hello 2012!

Wow did 2011 go by quickly.  I ended the year by taking a weekend trip to Chicago, IL.  What a beautiful city. My husband and I took the Mega Bus from Cincinnati to Chicago, and I have to say it was great!  You couldn't drive up for $50, which is what it cost for both of us, round trip.  It was wonderful not to  have to do the driving, and once we got to Chicago we took a taxi to our hotel.
We went up with a couple of friends and had a wonderful time.  We took the Hop on/Hop Off trolley and got to see and learned about the city.  I would definitely recommend it so you can get a feel for the city and what you want to see.  We chose to get off at the Willis (Sears) Tower, and then go up to the 103 floor!  Since I am afraid of heights, I can be kind of limited as to what I do, but I have to say the view of beautiful.  We even took a step out on the "ledge".  AWESOME! (see the pictures below).
We had Chicago pizza, which was yummy!  I couldn't believe how deep dish it is.  I have made it at home, and it turned out pretty good.  I still have to perfect it though.
One of the highlights of the trip was seeing Donny and Marie Osmond in their Christmas show.  As always, they put on a wonderful show.
So, if you are looking for a quick weekend getaway, I would recommend Chicago as an option.  I would like to go back and spend a little more time there.
                                          Now that's some kind of pizza!
                                           High in the sky.
                                           The city skyline
                                           Chicago below