Read this entry »]]> Did you know you can use airline miles for hotels? It’s true through Delta Airlines you can use miles through: https://marketplace.delta.com/ Don’t worry about the price use miles before they expire. I have travelled for years using miles for hotel night stays. Fact, I have saved thousands of dollars. Why pay 100’s of dollars a night when your hotel is already earned free from airline miles? Plus, when you book the hotel room with miles, inquire when you check in on that king room paid ask for a FREE room upgrade, also ask for COMPLIMENTARY breakfast. Don’t forget to present your hotel loyalty card to show to the hotel–you can also earn points through the HOTEL on the free night. Double dip and still earn points and miles.

When I hear people tell me they spent over one thousand dollars for a hotel room stay, I am in complete shock. I have to immediately stop them to inform them they simply could have used miles and their response is… ”What, I can use miles?”  Yes, you can use miles… It’s magical!

So, you find a hotel room through your airlines website, you need to book the hotel room using miles from now on. Here is a convenient tip. If you have two double beds in a room it may be more miles. However, if you book the one-king bed it may be less miles make sure you carefully look on the tabs of each screen before hitting “CONFIRM” because it’s final. Now, when booking through third party companies the only way you will get out of a cancellation? Provide documentation to support a family grievance. Any other exception you may be penalized for one night and that credit can be reused for a future hotel booking.

When you arrive at the hotel and check-in always remind yourself to check on the room upgrade. Because, if the hotel is not SOLD OUT and the upgrade is available and you are lucky to get the friendly hotel associate behind the counter to fulfill your request, slip a small gratuity. The least you can do. You have to remember the room is already FREE!

I live on airline miles. For me they are dollars back in my pocket. This should be the same for you. Credit cards offer points-miles programs with participating airlines call your customer service number from your credit card for inquires.  At the end of the day it’s all about miles and points you deserve! Have a great stay… SF

Read this entry »]]> The last time you booked a flight, did you notice a seemingly random letter on your ticket? It designates your fare class, which airlines use in their pricing system for your flight. When you book your next ticket, make sure you call the airline directly to inquire further if you are unsure what fare class you are booking.

The fare class letter is combined with other letters and numbers on your ticket to describe the fare you’ve purchased (i.e. NR may mean “non-refundable”, and 7 may signify a week-long advance booking). In the sequence of letters and numbers, the first letter is usually the one you want to look out for. The letter system can vary from one airline to another, so it’s useful to be acquainted with your particular airline’s list if you fly with them exclusively. Here are links to fare class charts for Delta, United, and American Airlines.

A few simple reminders: If there is a higher fare class on your outbound flight try to search for a lower fare class on the return so your entire ticket is not booked in a higher fare class category. When you are researching a ticket try to maintain some flexibility in your travel days. Also, if your ticket is more expensive to fly on any given day, then research the previous or following day this can dramatically reduce the final cost on a ticket. The conventional wisdom is that the price of a ticket decreases as the amount of restrictions on your flight increase, however, it’s important to remember that you may be missing out on some benefits (upgrades, bonus miles, or promotional offers) if you always go for the least expensive fare class.

I remember a conversation I had on a plane with my fellow passengers regarding how much they paid for their flight, and some of the numbers I was hearing shocked me. Most of these passengers were unaware of a T fare or any other more cost effective fare. I’ve seen several instances where a passenger (who is not a frequent flyer) bought a ticket, was convinced that the price they paid was most cost effective, and it turns out they bought one of the most expensive tickets on the plane. This can easily be avoided by paying attention to a few little letters!

The next time you book your flight and have affordable and effective travel in mind, make sure you are booking the most economical fare class available. Also, keep in mind that if you are a frequent flyer and you are keeping your fingers crossed for the upgrade to a first class seat, you should inquire with your airline to see if you should be booking a ticket in a certain fare class. Some airlines may have exclusions, and if you are using miles for a coach seat then you might not be eligible for an upgrade to a first class seat (even based on your frequent flier status). Typically, using miles for a coach seat will not position you for an upgrade to a first class seat. Usually, only a paid fare will allow such an upgrade.

I hope this sheds some light on the topic of fare classes, and gives you a slight edge when booking trips in the future. Enjoy your flight! – SF

Read this entry »]]> The CEO of the U.S. Travel Association recently testified before Congress in regards to his outlook for global travel in the years to come, read more below:

U.S. Travel Urges Congress to Prepare for Oncoming Boom in Worldwide Travel (via Travel Industry Wire)

How do you think global travel will change over the rest of the decade?

Read this entry »]]> All too often at airports, I commonly hear the worry that so many passengers share: How long will it take to go through security to board a plane on time? As a frequent flier, I have a system down to handle the routine at any airport, and will be sharing my insights and tips over several blog posts. I pack light, but I still pack with the essentials for any trip, whether that trip is to the West coast or the East coast, or an international destination. These essentials include my laptop, iPod, extra pair of clothes in my carry on (in case my checked baggage has any delay), etc. I am not the kind of traveler who takes books or magazines as it is added weight and my laptop is my preferred method of keeping up with the news. Also, I only wear my belt after I clear security. On average, someone will delay a security line by 45 seconds while removing a belt. If you have 5 passengers in line wearing a belt, this is nearly 5 minutes added to clear security. With some planning, this can easily be avoided.

“Liquids and gels must be out of your bag!” You will hear this shouted often. Follow the simple instructions from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and you will ease the stress on the security lines (and make the next person in line your best friend without causing any further delays). For more information on approved liquids and gels please visit: http://www.tsa.gov/311/

What if the airport you are a passenger in encounters a breach of security? As we all know, post 9/11, some airports still experience this. What do you do? Understandably, you may feel nervous and uncomfortable, which is completely normal. If you are at any airport and you have to be re-screened, follow the designated instructions from both the TSA and local police (whether this means having all passengers exit the airport to be re-screened, or if bags have to be checked in a thorough inspection). Your flight will most likely be delayed. The airlines will do their best to accommodate every passenger in this process. You may be re-routed to another city to get to your final destination, or you may be rebooked for a later flight. For general questions about an airline’s policies in these cases, it is best to contact the airline directly. Knowing these policies ahead of time can save you plenty of aggravation in the event this happens to you.

I want to ensure that you have a great flight. I want the knowledge and experience from my travels to benefit you. It’s important to be informed and it’s more important to travel worry free. If you have any questions or concerns about any topic posted on PackABagAndGo.com, I want to hear from you. Either leave a comment or send a message via the Contact page. Together we can make travel fun again! Have a great trip! – SF

Also, this just in:

TSA begins rollout of PreCheck program for military personnel – CNN.com.

Read this entry »]]> My name is Scott Ford, and I am the Founder of PackABagAndGo.com. It is my privilege and my honor to introduce you to the new website! Let me shed some light as to why I have launched this site.

When one has a great concept and vision, one also holds the highest expectations and hopes that the endeavor will also be successful. From January 1, 2012 to the present day, PackABagAndGo.com has evolved from the initial plan of being a small travel blog to the current position of having the website (as well as myself) partner with several individuals and companies throughout the travel industry in the process of building a unique brand. There are so many positive opportunities for Pack A Bag & Go, and more appear every day! The entire Pack A Bag & Go team is grateful for these opportunities, and will continue to field requests and evaluate them.

I was born in Dayton, OH, I am a twin, and I am left-handed. My strong family roots are spread all over the country. Traveling is my LIFE. My best friend is the airplane, hence why I have spent nearly all of my life in airplanes and airports worldwide. To me, being in a crowded airport is therapeutic. The dynamic energy of different countries as well as interaction with passengers at airport terminals is why I am so passionate about travel and why I was driven to create PackABagAndGo.com.

I left my job in New York City in 2008. I had to get creative, so I decided to “Pack A Bag & Go” to the airport. There began my adventure, and the rest is history! Finally, I was free to do what I had wanted to do for so long, and that was to travel endlessly! The more I traveled, the more I knew I was enjoying my life. It was important for me to share my passion, because I have found that when you find your passion, everything else in your life falls right into place. These experiences and the global exposure of my story and PackABagAndGo.com let me know that I have something special here and that this has the potential to continue growing by leaps and bounds.

I am so thankful for the support of my friends, family, and everyday strangers who are hearing my story and joining the discussion at PackABagAndGo.com. There are very big things on the horizon for us here at PackABagAndGo.com, and I hope you plan on joining us for the ride. Thank you for your support!

So until next time, Pack A Bag & Go!

Sincerely,

Scott Ford