Happy Child Morocco by Andrew Ingersoll
The Big Bump on the Way Home from Hawaii
Every flight. Ask on Every flight. I almost missed this one. By the time I remembered my own Golden Rule I was #2 and Katy #3 on the volunteer list. The gate agent initially told me that they probably would need me and Katy could go on ahead from Chicago to Atlanta and I’d be on the later flight. It was 6 hours and 5 minutes later and the initial offer was, you guessed it a free ticket. I said vouchers he agreed and I said $400 for over 3 hours. He agreed. I further chimed in it may be more for more than 6 hours. His sincere response was I’ll give you the max I am allowed. 15 minutes before departure he told me he wanted both of us and I said I’ll clear out of the way just confirm us on the later flight.
I’m amazed at the number of people that show up late to the gate. They just seem to be wandering aimlessly as the guy that missed this one was. “Duh, I was shopping”
I let him board his flight, put on his last standby and when I saw him printing our vouchers I walked over. He had confirmed it was $600 each so we made a quick $1200 on this bump. I asked the agent if he could put Katy on a flight to Columbia SC to see her daughter as it was my plan to drive her from Atlanta up to spend time with her then return to Hilton Head. And I save 3 and 1/2 hours of driving. Hooray.
He got her on a flight that left one hour later and Katy was all set to go. Perfect timing. I got waitlisted on the 4 PM and confirmed on the 6:50 PM. I had to downgrade to a regional jet but think I could handle it for the big payoff.
I was confirmed on the 4Pm early and as I passed the ticket agent I remembered a tip that Pam gave us all about our military. I offered the gate agent my standby spot for a serviceman that may be on the standby list behind me. He confirmed they were all getting on board with confirmed seats. I tried. As I entered the aircraft I asked the first class flight attendant to buy each serviceman a drink and they need not tell them who it came from. He c ame up to mej ust before takeoff and said there were about 10 onboard. OK 10 drinks, it would be.
Believe it or not,, none of those young men took me up on the offer? I don’t know if they were flying with a superior officer or what but that was quite surprising.
Back to the bump, Always ask. Always ask. Middle of the day, middle of the week, bluebird weather, ice and snow, always ask. Our trip to Hawaii which was previously a cheapie, now has become a money maker 
That is a $2000 total bumps so far this year and my trip to Seattle is coming up tomorrow. I’ll try to remember to ask again.
Three $100 Off Coupons for Renaissance Hotels NOW ALL GONE
What a nice offer from one of our loyal readers. These vouchers are good for $100 off tow nights stays. They are being offered for your personal use and Not for Trade. The first three to email me will get their address forwarded to the Gaurav our Frugal Travel Guy of the Day.
Hey Rick
I got my Renaissance Savings coupon in mail recently (the ones which give $100 off 2 nights stay at Renaissance hotels worldwide) and I wont be using them till the expiry (22 May, 2010). Therefore, if you or anyone you know (you can post on the blog if you like) can use them before the expiry then I can snail mail these right away. I have 3 of them. Let me know.
Thanks.
Gaurav
No more email please. These Coupons are all GONE
