Heels First Travel

The Power of a Half Smile

Keri Anderson — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:35:36 +0000

What is your default facial expression? This morning on the packed 5:30AM shuttle bus from the parking lot to the terminal, most people looked mad or scornful. Since their expression never changed the whole ride it seemed clear that was their “resting face” and not the circumstances. And it was no surprise that people weren’t making much effort to make more room for each other, except when I boarded.

My “resting face” is a half smile. I’m not talking a smug look, but just one side of my mouth quirked up. Years ago a colleague gave me incredibly valuable feedback — my default expression looked critical. I was horrified since I’d assumed my face was expressionless when I wasn’t thinking/feeling something. I made a real effort to re-train my face, and the result is n0w I usually have a half -smile or slightly raised eyebrows (which suggest interest in my surroundings).

This accomplished two things 1). I come across as more approachable or friendly (and good things come more often to folks like that) and 2). I find it actually improves my own mood and/or makes me more interested in my surroundings.

Just as it wasn’t helpful to my professional life to have people thinking I was judging them when I wasn’t, it’s not helpful to your travel life to have people think you’re angry or unpleasant if you’re not. And if they even default to thinking you’re a nice person, you’ll have a much better travel experience.

I boarded the crowded bus this morning wearing a non-angry expression (calling it happy would be a big overstatement) and found the people I was crowding semi-smiled back and quickly gave me a few extra inches (women as well as men). It has an impact on queue behavior as well. (I recognize I’m probably weird for conducting experiments like this.) For instance, aggressive business men are less likely to try to shove in front of me in line when I’m wearing a pleasant expression than when I’m looking bored. Almost as if they have no problem being a jerk to someone who might also be a jerk, but can’t quite bring themselves to be rude since I’m not.

So that’s my little tip for today. Go check what your face looks like at rest and see if you should make a change.

I’m interested if anyone has had similar experiences with their expressions getting them better or worse treatment?

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Heels First is the travels and tribulations of two twenty-something frequent fliers jumping into the world of travel. Join Keri and Jeanne as they tackle mileage runs, elite status, and of course–the perfect travel accessories.

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Easter Island: Beginning the Trip of a Lifetime

Keri Anderson — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:50:37 +0000

After successfully completing my Global Entry interview, I headed to Terminal 8 to check in for my flights. The Premium area looked impressive but only had 2 people staffing it.

It took a little while to check in, although fortunately I got the lady who was super helpful and not the agent who seemed determined to take issue with everyone checking in.

Once through security (no TSA pre-check yet), my plan was to visit the flagship lounge, so I headed to the Ambassadors Club at the far gates, (wrongly) assuming that was where it was. As I was signing in the person helping me mentioned someone else in the club was also headed to Easter Island. I shouldn’t have been surprised and yet I was She also mentioned that as a British Airways Gold I could access the Flagship lounge in the other club, and I, in fact, should consider trying it.

An hour later it was time to board. My first time in American Airlines First Class and I was quite impressed with the 767 configuration. Lots of under the seat storage and comfortable seats. I don’t think I could have done it internationally (little did I know what was in store for me on the next leg) but domestically it was one of the better experiences I’d had.

We arrived at Miami early, I walked what felt like 2 miles from the D to J terminal and found the Club America J lounge. They only had one shower, but the wait was short and I was able to take a quick shower to freshen up before the next 14 hours of flying.

The downgraded Miami-Santiago flight wasn’t bad. 8 ½ hours with three seats to myself was worth the entire trip being free. The food was basic, but I had 3 pillows and blankets, and was able to sleep a couple of hours. And the amenity kit of headphones, sleep mask, and ear plugs was almost as good as the one you get in Premium Business (just missing the socks) daytime flights.

I did wind up with bruises in my arm and rump where the armrests had jutted out, but for $1,380 I could afford to be uncomfortable.

The connection in Santiago was tight. Fortunately I’d already paid the $140 reciprocity fee on a previous trip and sped through immigration in about 20 minutes. Once I cleared agricultural inspections, I booked it to the domestic gates. There were a lot of people in security, but 8 lanes were open and I got through quickly.

Note: Anyone who has also booked this trip – once through customs, take the exit on the far left and head left. Take the first elevator up to the 3rd floor and head right to the very end, following the signs for the domestic gates.

I made it through so quickly that I even had time to stop in the duty free and pick up an opportunistic bottle of Carmenere to drink on my porch at sunset in case the island prices were extravagant.

The flight to Easter Island was in their old business class and quite comfortable, although they only fed us the once for a 5 hour flight, which in the end, wound up making my day a little harder.

As we approached the island we flew over the north end giving me a great view of Anakena beach and Tahai before we landed. Like Moscow, my face was pressed to the glass straining for my first glimpse of statues!!

The airport has one “gate” (not surprising since there’s only one flight a day) and no jetbridge.

Climbing down the stairs with my carry-on (in heels) was a little tough because I was so tired, but I was soon making my way through the tiny open air airport to find my B&B host and start one of the happiest trips I’ve ever taken.

Next Post: Making the Most of an Afternoon

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Pilot Locks Self Out of Cockpit While Using Toilet

Jeanne Marie Hoffman — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:10:44 +0000

Air India pilot locks self out of cockpit!

Ever pull over for a quick pit stop on a long trip to use the bathroom, only to discover you locked your keys in the car? This happened to an Air India pilot, except instead of driving a car, he was “driving” an Airbus A320.

According to the Times of India, an Air India pilot locked himself out of the cockpit after taking a quick loo break. After the pilot failed at trying to break back into the cockpit, the plane made an emergency landing.

Imaging being a passenger on that site and watching your pilot desperately attempt to get that door open!

This comes a month after a flight attendant flying the plane accidentally turned the auto pilot off while the two pilots slept in business class and two pilots landed in Mumba with no clearance.

This is also a year after Air India staff was found stealing alcohol and caviar, and living it up.

After all this, would you ever fly Air India?

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$5 Off $15 LivingSocial Deal

Keri Anderson — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:11:34 +0000

Just got an email from LivingSocial.com offering $5 off any $15+ purchase through May 31. Use code Share5.

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I Liked the Colorado Springs Doubletree in Spite of Myself

Keri Anderson — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:15:31 +0000

Jeanne & I were out in Colorado Springs last weekend for a conference that was originally scheduled to be at the Broadmoor. I was feeling cheap, so I decided not to spend the $250 a night on a room and went with the nearby Doubletree since it was coming up for $89 on the MVP rate.

A month or two before, the conference had to be moved to a different hotel (thanks a lot Prince Harry) but the Doubletree rate was still better, so I decided to stick with it. And was reminded just what an impact customer service can have on your perception.

I was unimpressed initially. It was a basic hotel, better than some, but my stay got off to a rocky start and I was already cranky from my flight out.

I arrived a little after 1PM to check in. The front desk agent immediately acknowledged my Gold status and let me know I’d been upgraded from a Queen to a King. The only problem was the room wasn’t ready. After they had tried for 5 minutes to switch around some reservations which the system didn’t like, I offered to go grab some lunch and come back in 30-45 minutes. I was assured that by the time I got back I’d have a room and they gave me a cookie.

45 minutes later I’m back, but the room is still showing in their system as “dirty”. Grrr. A minute or two more of looking and they had an upgraded room for me. One on the second floor overlooking the atrium, “so it will be quiet.” I wasn’t thrilled, but it was totally fine, until I realized that the second floor is actually the first floor. And that overlooking the atrium meant I’d only have a view of the pool under construction.

I’m never rude, but I”ll admit my manner lacked my usual enthusiasm and beaming smile. Still, I figured I wouldn’t be spending much time there, so it didn’t matter. (Although I positively hated the rainbow curtains.)

The room was oversized but basic. The carpet was worn, the bathroom was modern and new (although the hot water faucet detached in my hand). Overall it was fine, but not impressive.

What I disliked the most was the the hotel was huge and laid out in a circle, my room being the farthest point from the front desk and where I’d parked, so it took several extra minutes to get anywhere.

I returned late that first night to find a message on my room phone. The manager had called to welcome me as a Gold, make sure I had enough bottled water, access to internet, and breakfast coupons, and let me know they were there 24/7. I thought that was a nice touch.

I tried out the gym the next morning, by the way, and found it better than many (after I found it — the entrance is through Guest Laundry). I also passed several employees who all smiled and greeted me as we passed each other.

My last morning there was Mother’s Day. When I had checked in signs had indicated the atrium restaurant would not be open for guests and that meal vouchers would not apply. I wasn’t sure what this meant for my free breakfast as a Gold and forgot to call until the morning of.

The front desk person could not have been nicer and it turned out breakfast was available until 10:30. I decided to get all my stuff to my car before going to breakfast and in pulling everything together, lost track of my car keys. Out in the hallway, I’d just discovered that I’d probably left my car keys on the desk with both my room keys when I saw an employee enroute to fix something.

Not wanting to make the long trek to the front desk and back to get a room key, I asked him if anyone could help me get back into my room. He said he could help, and that it wasn’t a problem, and soon had me back in my room, even offering to help look when I couldn’t find the keys.

I knew I had held him up but he couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful, a theme that was continued during checkout, where I was genuinely wished a nice stay and travels.

So, the Doubletree is a very average hotel that’s neither great nor bad. I didn’t particularly like my room, but based on the service alone, I’d have to consider coming back next time I’m in town (if the MVP rate is good). Do It For The Points gave the hotel a 5*rating primarily for their customer service, but I wouldn’t go quite that far.

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The Power of a Half Smile

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