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The Smarter Way to Travel™

Category Archive: Elite Membership

  1. Dealing with Flight Cancellations

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    With the autumn and winter on their way in the northern hemisphere we must once again brace ourselves for not only often a busy travel season with holidays such as Thanksgiving in the US and Canada, or Christmas and New-Year; but also for weather delays and cancellations. We’ve taken a look in our Smart Traveller series (available exclusively to members) at your options in a cancellation, and we’re happy to share some of that knowledge with you here. To get the full article, be sure to sign up and look for it in the Smart Traveller portion of the website.

    There are many ways and times a flight can be cancelled. We all think of cancellations as something that happens while we are trying to get to our destination. Be it a late aircraft, mechanical issue, or the weather; delays and cancellations happen at the last minute. But your flight can also be cancelled weeks or even months in advance because of schedule changes. Usually in this case, the airline will rebook you on another flight. Be sure to check your bookings online occasionally, because sometimes you won’t be notified or contacted regarding the changes.

    In Europe, and increasingly in many other countries; there are consumer protections on what your rights are and what the airlines’ obligations are when dealing with a cancelled flight. The most important thing to remember is that the airline has the duty to honour your ticket and get you to your destination. It is also always wise to have travel insurance. Many credit cards will automatically provide insurance for your trip but be sure to read the policy and make sure you know what’s covered. Another option is to buy trip-specific insurance policies; or take out a multi-trip annual plan. Insurance can help you where the airline will not by refunding you for hotels and accommodation; or even if you have to buy a return ticket on another airline. Be sure to check with your provider to see what is covered.

    When you are faced with a cancellation, you may find that the airline has already rebooked you. If you have an internet connection, log in to your booking on the airline’s website and see if this is the case. If you are using a mobile phone, you may even be able to get your new boarding pass sent to the device. If not, try using a check-in kiosk to print off your new boarding pass. You may still even be able to choose your seat.

    For more options, be sure to register (it’s FREE) and read more of the Smart Traveller series.

  2. Flight Upgrade Methods With a Lower Success Rate

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    We all want one, but we can’t always get one; an upgrade. In our smart traveler series we’ve looked at some ways you can try to improve your chances of getting an upgraded seat on the plane. The below, are some of the lesser known, but also significantly less successful ways of scoring that plush seat in the front; but it may give you some ideas of how upgrades work and why you may or may not get one.

    1
    Book with a Travel Agent. Agents are routinely allotted a certain number of upgrade vouchers. This will not come free but you can persuade your agent for a business class flight voucher if they have any available. If you’re not a frequent user of a particular travel agent, they have very little incentive to try and get you an upgrade. Whatever discretionary vouchers they may have will most certainly go to the people who have contributed the most to their agency.

    Travel agents have much less input regarding your status now than they used to. Your seat assignments are done via computer now, and computers don’t take into account notes that a travel agent may have added to your record. Computers are quite content to simply count the miles and use your earned status.

    2
    Use a mileage broker. Mileage brokers buy mileage from frequent fliers, and resell those miles to other travelers. This is very risky. Airlines have very strict policies against buying frequent flier miles from a 3rd party. If they catch you doing this, you will likely lose your ticket, and you may also lose all your miles, earned or purchased. As a result of strict airline policies, brokers are hard to come by.

    3
    Ask the ticket counter agent nicely. This will almost never work. In most cases, on most airlines, the ticket agent is not authorized to upgrade. Only the manager is, so if there is only one person at the ticketing counter, you are talking to them. You will most likely need to use miles to get your upgrade. However, you might be able to ask the ticket counter agent to kindly add a code to your ticket. That signifies to the gate agent that you are potentially eligible for an upgrade.

    4
    If you were late because of a partner airline, make sure the airline is aware of that: it is their fault and they need to fix it. Both airlines need to be on the same E-ticket number, so both airlines are responsible for getting you to your destination. If they can’t get you to your destination on time, that’s a great time to ask—as nicely as possible—for another flight, plus an upgrade voucher for your troubles.

    5
    If you happen to be a travel agent, show your Iata or ARC ID. Again, if and only if seats are available will an airline offer a free upgrade and even though a travel agent might have some pull (this pull ended in the late 90’s), you always have to assume that frequent flyer status will help more than just travel agent status. If you have both, you will only improve your chances of an upgrade. It certainly does not hurt to try.

  3. Top 5 Winter Resorts in Europe and North America

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    What makes a good winter resort destination? For many it all comes down to the skiing or snowboarding. Fresh Powder, manicured slopes, plenty of trails; there are a lot of criteria that go into determining what a good location is. But what about the Après-ski? Are you looking for a vibrant nightlife, or do you want a nice hot spa to sooth the muscles so you can be ready to hit the slopes again the next day? VIP Upgrades has taken a look at some of the best winter resort destinations. Did your favourite spot not make the list? let us know what you think in the comments below, or by e-mailing us: contact@vipupgrades.com.

    1. Whistler Blackcomb

    Forbes ranks this the number 3 destination for skiing this year in North America, we tend to agree with their assessment that it should make the top 10 list. At 8,178 acres this two-mountain resort hosted events for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and offers a multitude of slopes to explore for all skill levels.

    2. Vail

    A Colorado staple, Vail is set to offer the ultimate in skiing and luxury. Favourite among luxury vacation seekers, Vail Resorts seeks to ever further raise the bar in winter destination standards. Utilizing the latest in technology, and taking advantage of its parent company’s size Vail is one of the innovators in ski resorts.

    3. Lech

    Favourite among European Royalty, Lech is one of Europe’s prime ski resorts. Voted #1 by Condé Nast readers this resort offers world class accommodation and best-in-class skiing. There are a plethora of five-star hotels to choose from, leaving the discerning traveller plenty of options.

    4. Zermatt

    Boasting some of the highest altitude ski runs in Europe, Zermatt can offer the winter sport fanatic some excellent skiing well after other resorts start to wind down. Located in the beautiful Swiss Alps, the town lies at the foot of the famous Matterhorn and offers some of Europe’s finest Après-Ski hotspots.

    5. Alta

    Just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, Alta is one of the US’ oldest ski resorts and has been a favourite among skiers ever since. Best for Intermediate skiers, the mountain offers a reasonably priced alternative to some of the larger resorts.

  4. How to book award travel

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    One of the best perks available to people who are enrolled in a frequent flier programme is the opportunity to spend miles on “free” travel. We put free in quotation marks because there are usually some costs associated with this travel and these differ from airline to airline. Knowing what to expect before you start saving those points can help prevent some costly surprises when it comes time to cash in on those rewards.

    Generally, US Carriers have been very generous with their redemption rates, and they don’t pass on fuel surcharges and high fees to customers trying to book with miles. The three big players all have a tiered reward system offering flight rewards for fewer miles on off-peak dates and with advance purchase; than booking for flights at peak travel times and closer in to the date. United airlines is perhaps the most simple of the carriers, offering saver and standard rewards. American Airlines offers MileSAAver awards but further distinguishes between Peak and Off-Peak within this category. In addition to MileSAAver, AA offers AAnytime awards at 2 levels dubbed Level 1, and Level 2. Additionally, in times of peak demand, awards may cost more miles than at these two levels, and it is not clear when this is or how much it will be.

    Both AA and United publish charts that give an indication of how much a ticket will cost beforehand. Delta does not. To find out how many miles you will need to spend in the SkyMiles programme at Delta, one needs to actually go in and make a booking. Delta is perhaps the least transparent of the three loyalty rewards programmes mentioned here.

    In Europe and Canada, carriers are more often likely to add a host of fees and surcharges to reward bookings. That’s definitely not to say that all carriers do it, but major carriers such as British Airways, as well as AirFrance/KLM, and Lufthansa all add in fuel surcharges to their members’ rewards tickets. This can sometimes mean that the cost of your reward ticket ends up only being fractionally less than the cost of the full-out purchase of a ticket.

  5. Navigating an Airport – Departures Area and Lounges

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    Now that you have cleared security and you’ve arrived with plenty of time for your flight. It’s time to sit back and relax for a bit. Whilst there are airports that are nothing more than a small building and a landing strip; many terminals at the major and larger airports are designed to keep you entertained while you wait for your flight; as well as trying to be efficient.

    Airports often rely on retail outlets for a significant portion of their revenue so it should be no surprise that the airport is going to entice you to want to shop. Major international airports are great places to browse and admire luxury items, as well as the more mundane. Airports will often have stores that will cater to your last minute needs if you’ve forgotten something like your toothbrush, or you need a charger for your phone. But there are also items that you won’t easily find at your local high-street store. Dubai airport even has an ATM that dispenses gold!

    Take your time to browse and enjoy; but also remember to check the departure screens to see if your flight is boarding and whether or not you are delayed. It is easy to get lost and forget the time. Find a nice seating area if you just want to unwind or catch up on some work. Often there’s wifi (paid or free) and there are outlets and desks for people to use. These areas can get busy, so you may also find that it’s nice to sit at a gate that is’t being used right at that moment.

    If you’re flying in premium cabins, or if you have elite status you can often use airline lounges. These spaces are designed to be quieter and more luxurious, offering an exclusive setting while you await your flight to be called. here you might be able to grab a bite to eat, or even find a private room to catch some sleep. There are also Paid for options such as Priority Pass, or Number 1 lounges so be sure to keep an eye on the VIP upgrades benefits pages to see if you have access to these.

    Next week, Boarding!

  6. Hotel Loyalty Rewards Programmes

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    Much like airlines, hotel chains such as Starwood, Hyatt, Hilton, Best Western, and many others have created loyalty rewards programmes. While the hotel isn’t what’s getting you to your destination, it’s likely that you’ll be staying in one when you’re there. Hotels don’t give you miles, but rather they award you points for stays. Some will give you a fixed point number per night, per room category; others look at the dollar amount you spend on your room and allocate points based on your spend. In a way, these programmes are more complex and intricate than airline programmes that traditionally have awarded you points based on the distance flown; but even airlines are starting to change their point systems.

    Hotels are present in a far more competitive environment. While there may only be one or two airlines serving the city you are travelling to; hotels are usually much more plentiful. Because of this, hotels have to do everything they can to get you to book their room. Often this means that the hotels will compete on price. If you are a member of their loyalty programme, and you have reached an elite tier, you will find that the benefits can be quite rewarding, even if you’ve booked the cheapest room.

    Hotels like airlines will over-sell their rooms, which means that they will do what they can to fill every room. Now you may not have paid for the suite, but if the hotel can make the sale of a regular room they’re not going to let the room go empty just because they didn’t get full price for it. Being a top-tier elite member in their programme could mean that they decide to give you the suite as a reward.

    So next time you are considering where to stay; look at your overall patterns and see what loyalty programme might be a good fit, and give you some very nice benefits for those nights spent away from home.

  7. Navigating an Airport – Boarding

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    Following on from previous weeks, we conclude the ‘Navigating an Airport‘ series with a look at boarding. what should be as simple as walking on a plane and sitting down never is. Airlines are looking to create the fastest possible turnaround time, so that they can get the most use of an aircraft.

    An aircraft on the ground isn’t making any money, unless maybe it’s a feature piece of a museum, or it’s been converted into a hostel. I digress. Airlines want you to get on board as quickly and efficiently as possible so they can keep the planes flying.

    You’ve made it to the gate on time and you’re relaxed and stress free, milling around waiting for your flight to be called. Depending on the airline you are flying there are different procedures. Every airline has its own take on what the best way to board an aircraft is, and they will try to guide you in this process with announcements, signs, printed zone numbers, and by other means.

    Pay attention to what you see and hear. Everything is designed for you to not have to worry, and with a little bit of patience you are helping the gate agents do their jobs as best they can, while shuffling people’s seats so that a couple can sit together, for example.

    Airlines have also started to realize that priority boarding can be quite desirable and lucrative and may even charge a fee for this. Most often, those in premium cabins and elite card holders are given these privileges as a benefit, but sometimes the airlines will also offer this facility to those who are willing to pay a little bit extra for it. When you would like that extra bit of time to get settled, and perhaps find space for your carry-on: pay attention to your airline’s website and offers.

    We hope you’ve enjoyed this series. Please leave a comment below to tell us what you think.

    We wish you safe, and smooth travels!

  8. Navigating an Airport – Immigration and Security

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    Secrets of a First Class Traveller

     

    You’ve gotten to the airport, and you’re checked in for your flight. Your bags have been tagged and they are on their way into the bowels of the airport ready to be sorted and put on your flight (we hope). What’s next?!

    Depending on where you are travelling, you may have to do an immigration departure check, or go through pre-clearance. The process is roughly the same for each of these. You will want to have your passport and any visa or customs declarations forms ready to hand over for inspection. Some airports offer automated gates and services such as Global Entry in many US pre-clearance facilities, or E-Passport gates in many European airports. Check whether you have to register for these programmes, or if you have the appropriate documents to be able to use these facilities as they are often much quicker than the “regular” queue.

    Once this is done, if it is required you will be funneled to the security checkpoint. The bane of most every traveller’s existence. Check what you are and aren’t allowed to take and be ready to take off your shoes if required, have any electronics screened separately, and remove your liquids from your bag for separate inspection. If you are a member of Global Entry, Nexus, or another trusted traveller scheme, you may be invited to a separate lane which doesn’t have these requirements; though you will always have to be security screened.

    Be patient, but be ready. Make sure you have no metal objects or anything in your pockets that will be detected by a scanner. Have your boarding pass in your hand (and we like to advise to always keep your passport in your hand too). Being ready makes the process quick and smooth and is a courtesy to your fellow travellers.

    Coming up next week, Departures areas and Lounges. What to do while you wait

  9. Navigating an Airport – Getting there and checking in

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    No two airports are built the same, but for the travelling public they all have one thing in common, their purpose. That purpose is to get passengers from the ground, into the air on a flight to their destination; help passengers connect between flights not served non-stop from their origin; and receive arriving passengers, be it domestic or international. Each of these scenarios follows a slightly different pattern, but getting you on or off a plane is the goal.

    For any traveller, the mantra should be: leave yourself plenty of time. With lineups and security delays, the last thing you want to do is to miss your flight. Airlines and airports publish recommended check-in times so check with them before your trip. Plan your journey to the airport. Are you driving? Taking a train? Is someone dropping you off? Are you getting a cab? Your journey doesn’t start at the airport so plan for this as part of the overall experience and feel relaxed the moment you step in to the terminal.

    If you’re on the airport’s website, try and see if there’s a map. Often there will be a digital file or web page which has a schematic of the airport. Acquaint yourself with the layout, find where your airline’s check-in counter is. How do you get from there to Security, and then on to your gate? Have a picture in your head and you’ll find that you’re more confident and less stressed on the day of travel.

    If you’re flying in business class, first class, or you have elite status; you often have designated check-in counters. Check with your airline and see if you’re eligible to use these and once you’re at the airport have your confirmation or membership card ready to show to staff. If you’ve checked-in online and you already have your boarding pass, look for baggage drop counters. the queues for these counters are often shorter than check-in queues and you’ll speed through the airport a lot quicker. Didn’t have a chance to check-in online or print your boarding pass? Look for the touch-screen kiosks for your airline and use these to check-in. This should also give you a boarding pass and let you use the Bag-Drop counters.

    Once this is done, it’s time to wave goodbye to anyone who has accompanied you and make your way to security. More to follow…

  10. 5 Travel Scams You Need To Look Out For

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    Travel is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. However, it is not all beach cocktails and ancient ruins. As much as we all wish this wasn’t the case, there is a small minority of people out there who target clueless tourists with incredibly devious scams. Normally, this means simply getting money out of you, but sometimes it can be more sinister than that.

    If you have fallen prey to a scam on your travels before then you will know that the feeling of being duped really sucks. Some scams are universal, so keep an eye out for these five major tricks and you’ll have much smoother and safer travels.

    The Broken Taxi Meter

    This is a classic scam that catches people out all of the time. You get into a taxi, you give the driver your destination and away you go. After a couple of minutes you realise they haven’t put the meter on so you ask them to. Oh, look, the meter is broken – what a surprise. You can ask for an estimate of how much it will cost but your driver will probably have forgotten how to speak English by that point. When you get there you’re charged five or even ten times the normal fare and there is nothing you can do but pay.

    Avoid this by always asking about the meter before getting into the taxi.

    Closed Hotel or Tourist Attraction

    You ask your taxi driver to take you to a certain hotel or tourist attraction and they inform you that, sadly, that place is closed. However, they know another place that is just as good and they are willing to take you. They drive you to somewhere that will be invariably worse and more expensive and they get a commission off their mate who owns the place.

    Avoid this by insisting they take you so you can see with your own eyes if it is really closed (it almost never will be).

    Free Gifts

    There is no such thing as a free lunch, nor do free gifts exist. You will often encounter people in the street who try to thrust things into your hands, insisting they are free. Bracelets or beads are common items to be handed. Once you have it in your hand there is no way they are taking it back and they are going to demand that you pay them for it. It’s an uncomfortable situation and for the sake of a dollar, you’ll pay just to get out of it.

    Avoid this by never letting anyone put anything in your hand or on your body.

    Child Beggars

    The saddest of all the scams you will encounter, child beggars are used all over the world and it is a true tragedy. Who can say no to an adorable child who needs just a couple of dollars to help support their family or buy milk for their baby sister? The problem is, that money you gave the child goes straight into the pocket of whoever bought them, perpetuating the market for child slaves.

    Avoid this by just saying no, no matter how much it breaks your heart to do so.

    Damaged Vehicles (Especially Mopeds)

    Hiring a vehicle abroad is always stressful and this scam does nothing to help. In most cases the owner of the vehicle will point out some miniscule scratch and demand a ludicrous sum to repair it – often in the hundreds of dollars. Seeing as you gave them your passport as a deposit, your hands are tied and you have to hand over the money.

    Avoid this by meticulously going over every single part of the moped with the owner and taking photos of every blemish not matter how small.