I Fly to Work

Star Alliance Releases iPhone App

2011-08-27T09:06:00-07:00

Frequent flyers on the Star Alliance have a new tool for their travels. The new "Star Alliance Navigator" app was released for iPhones in July.

According to the announcement, the Navigator app features flight search and tracking across the entire Star Alliance, as well as airport maps, city guides and more.

Since I fly SkyTeam loyalty programs I won't be evaluating it, but Star Alliance members may want to check it out.

Flight Tracking, Flight Search, and Airport Information

Airport Stress? Consider alternate airports

2011-08-25T10:51:00-07:00

Flying out of "alternate airports" like Orange County or Milwaukee can save money and stress, according to this survey by Harris Interactive.

The study shows 88% of respondents had "a happy experience" at alternative airports. Any time you hear the words "happy" and "airport" near each other it's worth listening.

In my experience smaller airports usually have shorter lines and fewer crowds. Case in point: given a choice between flying from Los Angeles and Orange County I'll choose Orange County nearly every time. Only once have I had to stand in line more than 5 minutes at Orange County. I can't say that for LAX.

Before you decide to give up the hubs to fly alternate-only, there's a few caveats to be aware of

Alternate airports don't have many airline lounges. Lounge members need to decide if they're willing to trade comfy seats and business services for the lower stress airport experience.
If your flight is cancelled or delayed you may have fewer choices to get home. If you absolutely, positively need to get to your location do what you can to maximize your chances. Be sure to book an early flight and double-check it's on-time record.
You'll have fewer dining options. Granted, since the restaurants in the hubs aren't usually anything to write home about this is a pretty minor point. Some small airports have great little cafes, and some don't.

Do I always fly from alternates? No. But I do enjoy them when it makes sense. You might too.

The Airplane Seat Shuffle: Another good reason to check in early

2011-08-23T21:49:34-07:00

Friday's "exit row aisle" seat morphed into a "rear row center" seat at check-in. Thank goodness I checked in online and early, when I still had time to select myself back into the exit row.

The seasoned travelers out there are nodding; you know what happened. Delta needed to use a different plane for the flight than originally planned. For whatever reason, it happens.

New business travelers: take this as yet another reason to check in online as early as you can. Give yourself your best chance possible to ensure a good seat.