I am officially launching my race for Executive Platinum Status on American Airlines. Yes, American…can you believe it? American is my official airline as I continue on the Savvy Stews Trivago Tour. Be sure to watch us on the “Better” TV Show in 160 cities and even the Hallmark Channel coming in September!

Well, now that I am not flying as a flight attendant it just so happens that I might enjoy being one of those ultra-frequent flyers we’ve all heard about. I know I don’t look like George Clooney, but I can’t have everything. I just want to fly! My tail may be sore from a lot of flying, but at least I’ll be due some perks right?

Fergie was ready to play at 1AM after we arrived at the Renaissance. She wants Exec Plat too!

So here is a rundown of my first trip on my way to the 100K miles required to achieve Executive Platinum. Of course I may get there sooner when and if some of my fares qualify me for extra points….but for now, my rear end is expecting to be sitting in quite a few American Airlines seats on the way to 100,000 miles.

Miami to Atlanta: 737
Baggage Status: On-Time
Elite Mileage Balance: 9,459

My first leg took me to Atlanta and short stay at one of my favorite hotels, the Renaissance Concourse Hotel which overlooks the runways at ATL. Fergie and I had an amazing view and she even enjoyed steak and eggs for breakfast. No one at the hotel asked me about Fergie being with me which really makes things so much more pleasant for everyone— she is so harmless and trouble free there is no need to ask me any boring questions.

I got a great deal on the Renaissance through Trivago. Only $134 per weekend night including breakfast for two in the morning! 

Atlanta-Dallas Ft. Worth: 737
Baggage Status: Connecting

We arrived at the airport early so I could get some work done before my flight. I checked my luggage and then Fergie and I went to the Admirals Club to have a glass of Merlot (the did not have Malbec).

TIP:

Here’s a little secret! I would encourage anyone that has a small business to join Business ExtrAA which rewards small business for their loyalty. Since I try to get everyone I work with to fly American, I figured it might be worth a try. Well, my Admirals Club membership was earned through the Business ExtrAA program just for flying as we normally would– not bad right? Hopefully, if I promise not to take any photos in the Admirals Club– they’ll let me keep enjoying it:)

We had a wonderful view of ATL operations from our room

Discovered! 

On the flight to Dallas/Ft. Worth I ordered a red wine and when the flight attendant served me she mentioned she was sorry she had no Malbec:) For those of you that don’t know; this was code that she is a fan of Aluminum Lady! Isn’t that nice? Anyway the flight was fantastic…great food too. They served a new one for me, Sage Chicken with green beans and carrots and macaroni and cheese. I could have sworn I tasted truffle oil (I love truffle); could this really be happening on American Airlines domestic?

Dallas/Ft. Worth- San Francisco: 737
Baggage Status: On-Time
Elite Mileage Balance: 11,654

At DFW, I had enough time to stop into a baby changing room at DFW to try to get Fergie to pee-pee before getting on the next plane and she was on strike. I hate when she holds it like that because she is such a little thing. Anyway I could not wait forever so we had to board our flight.

I learned this afternoon that I was not voted in as APFA (Association of Professional Flight Attendants) Vice Chairperson of the Miami flight attendants for American Airlines. Of course I never like to lose, but this is one loss that I choose to view positively.

It’s all good!

Go with me on this; I am now able to continue doing what I do without any of the restrictions put in place by union resolutions which actually restrict a significant amount of communications. As you might imagine; I may have had a problem not speaking my mind and it could have caused issues– things have a way of working themselves out.

You can count on me to continue to speak the truth and to stand up for the people that truly keep American Airlines flying in spite of all of the challenges.

Julie Moyer and Melinda Smith are two people that I actually like and I wish them only the best as they continue in their positions.

What are my plans?

I plan to keep moving in the direction my new life has taken me which involves producing my Savvy Stews travel segments  and running my new store, First Flight Out. Of course I will still fly American Airlines and plan on returning following my arbitration, for wrongful termination, in April. Besides, this way I can continue to make a difference in my own way without requiring the union to spend precious funds removing me from trips:)

One thing that will never change is my belief in the people of American Airlines; all of whom I was honored to work with for 24 years.

Jamie Gillard and I thank all of the people at American Airlines that have supported us!

The new American Airlines livery has started to grow on me a little bit; sort of like a fungus fueled rash that I feel the need to scratch.

There are some attractive qualities in the new paint scheme just as Eric Estrada could still qualify as being “attractive”. If you’ll give me just a moment, I will tell you why it definitely has to go and why I hope Doug Parker is smart enough to understand this. When I say smart enough, I am giving him the benefit of the doubt because US Airways is not an airline I have actually “sought out” to fly mainly due to Mr. Parkers past judgement to do things like replace glasses with plastic in first class (an example of understanding the customer?) and his inability to fully complete his last merger between America West and US Airways that took place in 2004 (an example of just plain laziness and maybe a touch of greed since certain America West workers have continue to be paid less than the US Airways workers and vice-versa). The airlines still technically operate separately– but I digress.

The thought of things not finally turning around at this point at both American and US Airways as they combine is nothing less than macabre; but then again should we really expect more? Hope so!

I always have hope and would like nothing more than to see the new American Airlines be a huge success. Perhaps this merger will bring the best American Airlines yet. It really has to be the ultimate dream come true for Doug Parker to end up with American Airlines for God’s sake!

Why the New Paint-job Must Be Sand-blasted Away

Why was the decision made to completely dispose of such an iconic logo?

Back to the pAAint scheme. What kind of a person does away with a brand that has stood the test of time for almost a century just because he wants to leave his “mark”; and I am talking about Tom Horton. He might as well have just lifted his leg! It would be just as ludicrous for Coca Cola or McDonald’s or even Apple to trash their widely recognized logos. American’s AA and eagle trademarks should never have been retired— but instead updated. How about metallic grey or silver paint to start? 

How the new design ever got to the approval stage, I will never know! Oh, maybe I do know; by a megalomaniac like Tom Horton.

PRIVATE: Tom Horton’s diagnosis as provided by The Aluminum Lady

It’s Simply Not Effective Branding

Even my iPhone has trouble with the new logo

The AA Logo used to stand out anywhere including on my iPhone but once I updated the American Airlines app and was unable to even find it, I realized just how common and hopeless the new logo really is.

The CEO of US Airways, Doug Parker, who will be taking over as CEOof the new American Airlines made a statement recently regarding the topic of American’s new look. ”We are so excited to be apart of American Airlines and the American brand, and there are a lot of decisions that are going to be made going forward,” Parker said, responding finally to a series of questions about the new branding.

I Need AA Shower

My gut feeling is that the new American will fly so much higher without any of ToHo’s baggage to weigh it down! Just as the London Townhouse hits the market; so should the designers of FutureBrand who were hired to create this soon to be shelved (if my predictions are correct) rebranding initiative. If I were Doug Parker, I would try to wash every last trace of Tom Horton down the drain quickly including the light grey paint and unoriginal design concept.

Tom Horton on 777-300 inaugural flight. Really? He is the most hated airline CEO in decades.

Alaska and American; Very Different

With the American Airlines/US Airways merger just announced; I got to thinking about how many times I’ve heard the rumor that something was in the works between American Airlines and the much more customer-centric Alaska Airlines. Heaven forbid!

Leave Alaska Airlines alone! (think of me crying out in similar fashion to this infamous “Leave Britney Alone” video)

Things just run differently at Alaska Airlines, in a very good way, have you noticed? Through the years they’ve demonstrated how tuned in they are with what customers appreciate. A good example was their decision to roll out wifi fleet-wide even before some other mAAjor airlines even knew what wifi was. It does not stop there. Have you heard of Alaska’s Baggage Service Guarantee ™? Well I had an opportunity to try it out when my bags did not arrive with me in Palm Springs after connecting from an American Airlines flight in San Francisco.

I would bet almost anything that my bag was still sitting on the tarmac at American’s terminal in San Francisco when my plane pulled in at Palm Springs Airport. So much for the code-share experience.

Alaska’s guarantee does the right things by providing a $20 credit or 2,000 miles if they do not deliver your bag within 20 minutes of arrival. At least this airline knows how to tune in to the customer; even though my issue was most likely not even their fault.

Not My First RodAAo!

Did you know that American Airlines has lost my luggage 4 times in the last 12 months? So I have lots to compare my experience with Alaska to and all I can say is that they are amazing!

When my luggage has been lost with American, the process of reporting my ‘delayed baggage’ through the baggage service office has left me feeling helpless and in need of a shower.

It reminds me of Ben Stiller’s experience with Atlantic American Airlines in the movie “Meet the Parents”. With American, my bags have finally been delivered to me 2 or 3 days after my arrival and in one case were sent back to my home airport of Miami when I was still in Madison, Wisconsin! In every case, I have had to throw a tantrum to get an allowance from American to reimburse me for essential toiletries and some Gap clothing to hold me until my luggage arrived. Oh and I have always had to wait at least 60 days for my money:)

The Alaska Airlines Difference

Upon arriving at Palm Springs and determining that my bag did not arrive with me, I approached the desk and provided the standard information about my suitcase. The very polite baggage service agent provided me with a toiletry bag and informed me that should I require additional incidentals to purchase them and provide Alaska with the receipts for reimbursement. Really? Yes and Alaska even paid United Airlines to fly my bag in the next morning due to the fact that their first flight would not have had it there until the late afternoon.

I arrived at the airport to claim my bag and Alaska wrote me a check, on-the-spot, for the incidental items I had to purchase the night before. Now that’s service and with a smile to boot!

Our Phoenix trip went super well and we packed a weeks worth of experiences into one day. We stayed at the Hilton Pointe Tapatio Cliffs and the problem was that the moment I arrived there all I wanted to do was relax; but there was work to be done. There are several restaurants on the property, but I ended up eating breakfast and dinner more than once at Pointe in Tyme which has an excellent breakfast buffet.

We woke up at 9AM and shot the scenes we needed from the hotel, then headed to Fate Brewery , which we’ve named the best micro-brewery in Phoenix, for a beer and pizza and then off to the hot air balloon ride over Phoenix and the desert. It was fabulous and a special thanks to the folks at 2FlyUs.com for an amazing experience.

Watch for this upcoming segment on Better- check their website for your local listings and watch our social media for updates. Next, we’re off to Lake Tahoe!

Here It Is!

Right now I am writing you from First Flight Out, the store that my partner and I recently opened in Coconut Grove, FL– only 10 minutes from Miami and the airport FYI! Here is a link for directions

NEW YORK BOUND

On Wednesday, I am leaving Miami on the what is really the first flight out to go to New York for two days. The other Savvy Stew, Bobby Laurie, and I will be visiting our friends at the TV show, Better. We’ll be appearing on the show bi-monthly from our Trivago Tour. Trivago is our official hotel search engine. Have you tried it? Give it a whirl and tell them I sent you:)

I was on Trivago.com searching for a hotel with a great view of my favorite airport which is Washington National Airport. Through Trivago I was able to find the Doubletree Hotel which was super close to the airport and just happened to have a revolving restaurant on the 14th floor with a perfect view of the airport along with the full Potomac River approach.

If you are not that familiar with Washington National Airport, airliners are required to follow the Potomac River when arriving or departing from the airport in order to avoid downtown Washington, D. C.’s restricted airspace. It was even this way before the September 11th attacks.

If you want to see planes making this approach, take a look at a video I found on YouTube

The Sky Steward plans to return to American Airlines

I’m Gailen, Vote Me!

I have just announced that I will be running for a position with the APFA, which is the union which represents the flight attendants at American Airlines. Why you ask? Well, my dream of creating a commercial aviation museum in Miami is becoming a reality and I’ve completed putting together the first exhibit. I’m now confident that I can easily handle a return to flying along with keeping American Airlines in check with my first union position.

My plan is to run for the MIA Base Vice Chair position and my running mate is James Gillard. The election takes place in February 2013 and then my arbitration date regarding my return to American Airlines is set for mid-April. If all goes as planned, I will be flying for American again within months and holding a union position which will allow me to stand up for workers at American Airlines who’ve been working in a very difficult environment– more on my platform soon!

Many people ask me why I would return to flying. The main reason is the people I work with followed by amazing material for my blog and videos!

Have you ever wondered what happens to Jumbo-jets when they’ve reached the end of the line? I have always wanted to wander aimlessly through old airliners that have been put out to pasture but have not had the opportunity until last week!

I was invited to tour a Boeing 747 that is on the chopping block at Opa-Locka Airport in Miami. Yes, a team will completely dismantle the airplane and sell of the parts as well as scrap metal and everything else.

Perhaps some of this airplane with appear at a new project I am working on….more details to come!

You can do it!

Join the Trivago Tour and you could win too!  (click here)

Fergie is all packed and ready to fly with me

I am off on a tour of US hotels using Trivago.com and you can travel along and win fabulous travel prizes including the ultra-hip Pan Am bags and accessories!

This week I’ve been feeling especially grateful for the opportunities I’ve had recently to travel!

Good things are happening and the best part is that I get to share it with you! A little secret….never give up on your passions, whatever they are, because they will always be there for you no matter what. My passions are commercial aviation and all the travel that comes with it and now that I’ve designed a new dream job for myself….I want you to come along.

Latest winners of Pan Am Passport Cover and Pan Am Luggage Tag

If you are a winner, be sure to send your mailing address to gailen@skysteward.com! The Pan Am products make any trip more fun. If you have not signed up for the tour…Do it here!

• Mary Jo Conklin Brown
• Roger Briggs
• Marchen Grith Jans

Check out the full collection of Pan Am travel bags and accessories!

Trivago Tour

I started in Tampa this week where I met my Savvy Stews colleague to tape our weekly “Travel Tuesday” TV travel tips segment for Daytime. This time we shared how we’ve used Trivago.com in Santa Barbara to find hotels that provide just the amenities we’ve been looking for.

To me, there is nothing better than flying around and checking out hotels; although some have not been so fantastic. Usually the issues that irritate me are things like electrical outlets that don’t work and charges for internet.

Like Brother, Like Sister

My sister Kristy and me prior to her filming her grilling segment

My sister also recently lost her job with a company that does photos of newborn babies at hospitals. She had been with the company for about 12 years and they were just shedding management employees following the sale of the company to a hedge fund. Surprise right?

Anyway, I told her to look at it as a new beginning and she decided to start cooking. The next thing I know she has won a cooking contest on The Rachael Ray Show!

Today in Tampa she had her own cooking segment on Daytime, which airs in over 100 cities. Be sure to check it out when it airs on November 9th, 2012.