On our way to our recent trip to Park City I almost made a crucial mistake; but instincts saved me in the nick of time.

We arrived at Savannah airport with time to spare but i was just too impatient to wait at the ticket counter to ask if our flights were oversold. Mistake #1.

We moved through security had breakfast checked the net and I asked at the gate if my flight to Dallas was oversold. Mistake #2; I forgot to ask about Dallas to Denver.

Upon arrival in Dallas we went to the Admirals club and I never asked about a bump there; Mistake #3, just if I could get rerouted direct to Salt Lake without going through Denver. (All sold out I was told).

At about 40 minutes before departure we headed down to the Denver departure gate. There were lots of people hanging around and I saw a long standby and upgrade list. I seated myself close to the gate agent but did not approach. The was a long line of people waiting for agent #1. Agent #2 was all by herself typing away on her computer. Maybe it was instinctive or maybe just luck but I stepped right up in front of her as she made the “we are looking for volunteers announcement”. I was first in line. She indicated that she didn’t page me for the nonstop to Salt Lake as she saw I was in first class and didn’t think I’d be interested. Guess she didn’t know how frugal I am.

The offer was $300 each and we would arrive two hours prior to our already scheduled itinerary going through Denver. But no First Class was available. For $600 we can ride in coach for 2 hours and 15 minutes. She took six volunteers and needed just three when payday came around.

Katy and I were really not that uncomfortable in seats 30D and E, although it is amazing how long it takes to empty out a plane from the “back of the bus”.

I had screwed up booking those outbound tickets totalling $528 but now had $600 in vouchers in my pocket. Our timeshare swap was free, and the United tickets home were award seats. The car rental was $195 using Priceline for the week. All in all a cheap week in Park City Utah which is beautiful in the summer by the way. Had a great day trout fishing and really enjoyed being out of the heat and humidity of the south.

So I haven’t lost my touch but my last bump was way back in 2010. I’ve come close but my dry spell is now over. We’ve got those two $300 vouchers and I’ve still got my $200 airline credit gift card from my Platinum card airline reimbursement to use. I’m guessing somewhere in the Caribbean this winter. Yea, that sounds good. The Caribbean again.  Now to find a hotel deal

Deal of the Day

For today’s Deal of the Day American Airlines AAdvantage® has provided 2500 AAdvantage® miles for the best deals, fares, promotions, anything related to American Airlines, their oneworld partners or AAdvantage® partners.  Add it to the comments section of this post or this afternoon’s Deal of the Day post (with your first name, last initial, and home airport) to be eligible to win.