CommunityBuzz! - PDX dinner, UA station+tower tour w/Capt. Denny Flanagan -- Jan. 21-22, 2012

opushomes is taking over hosting the event. Thank you, SanDiego1K.

January 22,2012 0600, TOUR SEE POST 604, BE AT United No later than 0730. Instructions will be provided there.January 18, PRELIMINARY TOUR INFO IS HERE http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17838058-post436.html

If any attendee has information about anyone inadvertently lost please let me know immediately.

There are only 2 spots left for dinner as of today, January 11. unless we have cancellations or non-payment. The airport tour is closed to new people, no waiting list. United cannot be overwhelmed because "just one more won't hurt". Anyone not registered just showing up in order to get in will not be admitted. If United does not have your full name and FF number you will be denied boarding.

Not receiving your payment by the due date results in the very real risk of you being removed from the attendance list. Remember, I am personally responsible if you do not pay and I include you in the numbers given to Widmer.

Thanks to all who are attending this event. Rest assured that I have found a venue for dinner so that no one will starve or waste away from thirst. The choices allowing a group this size in a private room are limited, in retrospect, really limited.

For those attending from out of town who have not been here before, the easiest and cheapest way to get downtown is using our light rail system called MAX. http://www.trimet.org/schedules/maxredline.htm The station is just outside baggage claim near the A concourse. This is the opposite end of the terminal from UA arrivals one floor down. Cost is presently $2.40 for an all zone ticket and travel time is 38 minutes.

All major hotel chains except Hyatt and lots of boutique properties are represented downtown. There is a Hyatt Place at the airport. PM if you want opinions about the properties.

We will have the room starting at 6 p.m. for those who want to come early and socialize. I have not ordered appetizers as the menu is extensive. We will have wait staff commencing at 6 so please take advantage of the three hours that we have the room. So the official kick-off of this event is 6 p.m. You can expect to see me there at 6 if not earlier. Dinner will be at 7.

DINNER INFORMATION. posted 1/4/12 1930

Widmer Brothers
947 N. Russell St.
Portland, OR 97227
503.331.7273
www.widmerbrothers.com

The entrance to the banquet rooms is located up the sidewalk from the main entrance to the Gasthaus and has an address of 947 N. Russell.

Those who ride the MAX Yellow Line from downtown should get off at the Mississippi/Albina stop. www.trimet.org, Walk on the right side of the street in the direction of the train approximately 2 blocks, the restaurant is on the far corner of Russell and Interstate.

For local attendees there are two parking lots and free on street parking.

The menu we have chosen is illustrative of Northwest ingredients rather than pub food.

*Drifter Pale Ale beer bread
*Romaine w/candied walnuts, slice apples, Oregon blue cheese and balsamic vinaigrette
*White bean salad with crispy bacon and marinated shallots
*IPA (India Pale Ale-for the uninitiated) marinated ribeye steak with blueberry-balsamic reduction
*Seared salmon (from the Pacific) with caramelized onions and pears
*Penne pasta tossed with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, Oregon blue cheese and toasted hazelnuts. (We produce more than any other place in North America)
*Tillamook white cheddar red potato gratin (Those who frequent Delta Sky Clubs sometimes see the yellow pale imitation of the real thing – The yellow is aged less but never-the-less is real).
*Seasonal vegetables (Unfortunately it is the middle of the winter so I doubt that we will have fresh Oregon asparagus or green beans)
*Chocolate espresso mousse
*Freshly brewed coffee, decaffeinated coffee and freshly brewed iced tea.

Cost is $45 per person for dinner, gratuity, Paypal fees, a thank you gift, name tags and other incidentals.


The payment is non-refundable as we are in the full penalty period for the restaurant and they have my Starwood Amex. & a signed guarantee payable by me.

I will send each of you a PM or e-mail (thanks to all who actually are keeping up with the thread and sent their information so promptly) with payment instructions tomorrow (maybe tonight). Payment should be made through www.paypal.com. Paypal has recently been defaulting to drawing money from the registered bank account but it is a simple matter to switch to a credit card. Just be careful not to let them pull directly from the account. Payment can use the person to person option.

Full payment is due not later than January 14, 2012.

This event is limited to 65 paid attendees.

Should we reach that number, I will run a waiting list and non-paid attendees will be replaced by anyone on the list in date order. Should wait listed persons be added, I must have payment by Monday January 16.

Drinks other than those provided in the basic meal plan are an individual responsibility:. There will be wait staff circulating within the room who will take individual orders. All drinks are a personal responsibility and are not included in the cost of the event. The bill for them will include a mandatory 18% gratuity. In researching the various possibilities for dinner this is the second least expensive location in respect to drink costs.

Corkage fee is $10 per bottle for those such as BobW and my wife who want to bring their own. Remember that we have really great Pinots (and I am not bragging) some of which can be bought on the D concourse at the same price as in town.

The room is on the second floor of a historic building. As stated, it has a separate entrance on Russell. The stairs are steep and long, but I've been up twice and down once today. There is also an elevator accessible from the gift shop further up the street.

Very important visitor factoid: Oregon has no sales tax so bring lots of credit cards should you wish to spend the limited time Saturday afternoon shopping.

Should anyone be arriving Friday, we can put together a small gathering. If 50 of you are because of schedule changes, forget it.
.

PDX STATION TOUR

Sunday, Jan. 22 -- UA PDX Station w/Capt. Denny (0800) 63, the tour is closed to any additional participants.

Tour requests officially closed, wait list has been added to tour list.


The bad news is that the FAA has denied us permission for a tower tour. Here is the response that was received from FAA-PDX.

Capt Flanagan and all,

I am sorry to convey that we will not be able to support touring the Tower and TRACON with your group on the 22nd. We have only operational people on duty during non-administrative hours, and the logistics and security challenges of even a medium -sized group under those circumstances proved to be more than we could pull off.

For the pilots or aspiring controllers, or other aviation operational connection people, we offer the possibility of smaller groups during admin hours. Please let me know if any of your group wish to try to schedule an alternate time.

So sorry we couldn't help - I hope the event goes wonderfully!!


This is disappointing but the possibility exists in the future that we can schedule a weekday tour for a small group which is very positive. We will have to convince crew scheduling to allow a couple of months advance notice for the future Thursday night/ Friday CaptDenny PDX DOII. Perhaps a separate local tower tour can be scheduled for a weekday in the interim.

The good news is that United’s PDX Station has been working hard on a two hour tour from 0800-1000 while we were fretting. They will not need my coordination help even though I offered to work for free. I expect the annoyance factor was factored into that decision.

Things are under control. Employee volunteers will lead us around obviating the need for TSA or Port of Portland police preventing us from touching things. The Station recently did something similar and definitely is prepared for us.

We (subject to alteration, addition and deletion) will in small groups rotate to various areas both secure and insecure. Remember this is a working airport serving passengers.

1. Check-in (perhaps with the ability to send bags to LIM rather than LIN or change seating for 1Ks to E- middles.
2. The small operations and dispatch center. Be sure to note that PDX is not ORD but they talk to the airplanes and ramp.
3. The Gate Area, perhaps checking boarding passes and handing out Biscoffs
4. Operate a Jet way under close supervision with the chance to practice “Dent the Airplane”
5. Maintenance. No you will not be allowed to repair a plane or practice your dismantling skills
6. The ramp (perhaps enjoying driving a tug)
7. Observing push-back up close
8. Probably sitting in a pilot’s seat.
9. As a special treat, I expect that we will be welcomed into the RCC.

We probably will not be welcomed by the TSA into the new baggage handling system. I am not sure why because we did not ruin the one at IAH during Continental Do II. My contact stated that the chance of denial was 90% which translates into a 10% chance of approval.

I did request that we be allowed to see the big yellow truck up close and perhaps have the Port drive us around the periphery of the field to see the anti-wildlife measures, the fighter jets and perhaps one of the two 747s calling at PDX.

The planned tour will allow photography. We will not be entering a sensitive area such as baggage handling or Customs and Immigration,

I want to emphasize that we are a large group and can be disruptive to the flow of the operation. Please keep this in mind during our wanderings.


**UPDATED thru 1/17 1230.** Dinner manifest is complete and emailed to the restaurant

Saturday, Jan. 21 -- Dinner w/Capt. Denny (TBA) 63 including Denny. 6p.m kickoff, 7p.m. dinner. $ indicates one dinner registration paid, $$ indicates 2.


21A $
ak333 $
AndrewT84 $
B787938 $
Bob W $
cawhite $
Capt. Molly Flanagan +1 $$
channa +1 $$
CMK10 $
CollegeFlyer ]$
DanPoynter $
danville 1K +1 $$
danray +1 $$
dparkinson $
FortFun $
FriendlySkies $
fti +1 $$
gbrian84 $
General_Flyer $
goodeats21 $
grizshel $
ijkh & Mr. ijkh $$
J.Edward $
Iluv2fly $
kwildnj $
LarryU $
mhnadel $
mrcol $
mrx900 $
Opushomes & MarshaB $$
NDS88 $
noah $
pdx1M $
rggale $
rmbl + 1 $$
rob_flies_ua $
rudling +1 $$
RustinginSeatle $
Seacarl $
Shannon Kelly -United Director of Insights and Metrics $
SMF Rider $
squeakr +1 $$
steve64 $
Va1379 $
u2vox +1 $$
wsucougarchick05 +1 $$
Zenflyer $
Carlos Faxas coming with Shannon (monitors FT United Forum). $
Capt Tony Lee $
Capt Dave Dosch $



Sunday, Jan. 22 -- UA Station Tour @PDX w/Capt. Denny (time TBA) 63 as of close of registrations, last edited 1/15

Tour requests officially closed and no further requests can or will be accommodated.


United Station received this list alphabetized by last name and FF number on January 14, 2012. No screen names were included.



21A
ak333
AndrewT84
B787938
BobW
cawhite
channa +1
CMK10
czPDX
DanPoynter
danville 1K +1
dparkinson
FortFun
fti +1
General Flyer
GimmeLegRoom +1
goodeats21
grizshel
ijkh & Mr. ijkh
Iluv2fly
klashn
kwildnj
LarryU
mhnadel
mrcol
mrx900
NDS88
noah
Opushomes
pdx1M +1
PDX_Roy
ptpinit +1
rggale
rmbl + 1
rob_flies_ua
rudling +1
RustinginSeattle
seacarl
Shannon Kelly -United Director of Insights and Metrics
SMF Rider
squeakr +1
steve64
Travelomania +1
u2vox
Uptown_girl
va1379
wsucougarchick05 +1
Zenflyer


Flights Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ar9mnDGX9TcFdDRBX1U4S2I2UEd4RGJzQXJFTXlVV mc#gid=0


JAN21 UA271 DCA DEN
*Capt. Denny*
CollegeFlyer
dparkinson
FriendlySkies
fti +1
kwildnj
mhnadel
rggale
steve64
Zenflyer

JAN21 UA369 DEN PDX
*Capt. Denny*
cawhite
channa
CollegeFlyer
dparkinson
DanPoynter
FortFun
FriendlySkies
fti +1
goodeats21
iluv2fly
kwildnj
mhnadel
rggale
rmbl + 1
steve64
Zenflyer

JAN22 UA632 PDX ORD
*Capt. Denny*
cawhite
dparkinson
fti +1
kwildnj
mhnadel
rggale
rmbl + 1
steve64
Zenflyer

Hotel Information

Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ar9mnDGX9TcFdDRBX1U4S2I2UEd4RGJzQXJFTXlVV mc#gid=0
Spreadsheet is reached through rightmost bottom tab.

.....

Great to hear! Even though I am based in the Tri-Cities, WA I may have to stop by!

20 and Coutning,
JBDIABM

Interesting handle..

Once the date is known, I'll do my best to attend. I enjoyed flying with Captain Denny on FT 2 in March, and would enjoy seeing him again ^

Outstanding. Hopefully this is after January 6th when I return to PDX (but likely will happen sooner..)

I want to say thanks in advance for simply considering PDX. The UA staff there is fantastic and the airport is the best in the country. I will do everything in my power to be there.

419er

We'll know more once he bids for his flights. He will try first for January, with a Friday night dinner for FTers and Saturday UA events. If that doesn't work, then he will try again for February.

I am interested even though I am lozal to one of those other, aaah, airlines.
dedehans (european pc....whz dont thez learn?:eek::D:D

We'll know more once he bids for his flights. He will try first for January, with a Friday night dinner for FTers and Saturday UA events. If that doesn't work, then he will try again for February.

I'm local to PDX - and although I'm gone about 40% of the time, I would be glad to help out if there is some way I can.

Sounds like a hoot

It would be great to meet Capt. Denny, hope I can make the dates

I want to say thanks in advance for simply considering PDX. The UA staff there is fantastic and the airport is the best in the country. I will do everything in my power to be there.

419er

+100

The PDX staff should be used as an example for training CS at the problem stations.


We'll know more once he bids for his flights. He will try first for January, with a Friday night dinner for FTers and Saturday UA events. If that doesn't work, then he will try again for February.

Thanks, Carol ^

I am interested even though I am lozal to one of those other, aaah, airlines.
dedehans (european pc....whz dont thez learn?:eek::D:D

This is a non-denominational event :D as Capt. Denny indicated that all FTers are welcome. ^

Sounds great! I'd definitely consider flying in for that!

Oooh. Color me interested for sure! :cool:

I never been to PDX could be a good excuse to go to an airport I have never been to

After hearing Capt. Denny at the Chicago seminar this year, I would love to fly into PDX for this event. And a new year means new miles for status....

Looking forward to the details on this one.

After all these years I still haven't flown with Capt. Denny, and of course for this also to be at my favorite (and home) airport, I'm in!!

And ^ to the local CS staff. Professional, efficient, proactive...

Sounds like a good opportunity to go to PDX and meet some FTs.

I fly into PDX pretty often as I grew up in the area and have a few friends back there still. It'd be great to be able to head back for an event like this. My only problem is that I've packed January pretty full of work trips (about 38k miles worth), so I'm not sure I'll be available for anything.

If I'm around, I'll hop up for the event, boot and all. :)
It would also be great to know what flight he'll be arriving on, so we have an opportunity to fly in with him. :)

I'm interested in this. I've been to PDX before a few times and flew on one flight with Capt. Denny unplanned since I switched an ORD-IAD flight due to a travel waiver and ended up on one of his flights.

Thank you all for responding favorably to the PDX tour and dinner. I'm submitting my January schedule tomorrow and should have the results by the 20th. I have a personal request. A young 10 year old autistic boy in PDX is in need of an I-pod so he can communicate clearly. If any of you get a new one for Christmas and want to sell your old one let me know.

This sounds like a great excuse for an early MR to PDX.

I'll dig around and see if I can find one of my older iPods.

Fingers crossed I can fly up and attend. Have lots of travel already booked for January, but definitely interested in this.

Thank you all for responding favorably to the PDX tour and dinner. I'm submitting my January schedule tomorrow and should have the results by the 20th. I have a personal request. A young 10 year old autistic boy in PDX is in need of an I-pod so he can communicate clearly. If any of you get a new one for Christmas and want to sell your old one let me know.Don't know if I'll be able to make it or not tho picking up a flight in January is in dire need ;) but check your pm's :)

Wow! I've heard about the amazing Capt. Denny! I'll stay tuned to see if this will fit into my schedule!

Score is tied and goalie lines up for the face off. He takes the I-pod across center ice, fakes out the defensemen and after a second look winds up and slaps the I-pod right into the hands of an autistic child. Thats right folks Goalie provided the young autistic boy with an I-pod. Hats off to him. Let's all pound our sticks on the ice for a job well done. Here is the response from the woman who made the request in the name of another family.

Ok so now that I have stopped crying with joy (ok wait not done yet....) Ok, all I can say is that you and the owner are angels!!!!! Your kindness and generosity have no limits. I am forwarding this email also to Kat and Mike Sanseri (the parents of the young boy) I am also including their address since I think it would be safer to mail the item directly to them. (ok wait a minute tears of joy again) Please pass on my deepest and sincerest thanks to the owner and know that you are both in my thought and prayers for life!!!!

Merry Merry Christmas
Lynn

I imagine he may throw in a tootsie pop with it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Capt Denny

Bravo, goalie ^

as a PDX'er....I cant wait to attend...just lemme know the details plz so I can block my calendar :D

Bravo, goalie ^

Indeed. Classy move by a classy guy. Well played. :cool:

I imagine he may throw in a tootsie pop with it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Knowing goalie, I imagine he'll throw in a whole bouquet of tootsie pops!!

^^

Count me in.

I might have to do a little hop on Seaport Air to get down for this one! Anyone else coming from Seattle?

I might have to do a little hop on Seaport Air to get down for this one! Anyone else coming from Seattle?K5 rocks! ^

Sounds like a wonderful opportunity! I'm happy to co-organize this event with essxjay!

I am interested even though I am lozal to one of those other, aaah, airlines.
dedehans (european pc....whz dont thez learn?:eek::D:D

dedehans----It doesn't matter what carrier you fly this is a gathering of aviation enthusiasts. Show up at the dinner with your friends and I will have a United history book for you called The Age of Flight. It will be a nice addition to your aviation collection.

Capt Denny

Capt Denny,
Not sure if this is feasible, but would it be possible to extend this invite to Capt Molly Flanagan out of SEA flight operations? In my experience she alongside Capt John McFadden have a similar approach to customer interaction as your own.

Thanks!
Brendan

I would be interested. It is just a short hop for me to go over.

except Feb 11-12

dedehans----It doesn't matter what carrier you fly this is a gathering of aviation enthusiasts. Show up at the dinner with your friends and I will have a United history book for you called The Age of Flight. It will be a nice addition to your aviation collection.

Capt Denny

+1

The Age of Flight is an excellent book! Lots of aviation/UA history. ^

Capt Denny,
Not sure if this is feasible, but would it be possible to extend this invite to Capt Molly Flanagan out of SEA flight operations? In my experience she alongside Capt John McFadden have a similar approach to customer interaction as your own.

Thanks!
Brendan

+1

I think I'm in, depending on the date of this function. I'm not the most active FTer and it definitely comes and goes depending on how much flying I'm doing, but I have been in MP since I was four and half, so that must count for something. :D

Also, I live here in PDX, which makes it easy.

Sounds great I would be down

I would definitely be interested

typical.

*Now* that I have a new job and am *leaving* pdx as we speak for "better pastures" in SFO... this shows up.

I so wish I could be here to attend.

Probably can't convince the other half to return for a weekend so soon just for this.

Have fun everybody!!! (but do let me know when it is!)

Nice going, g. :)

Goalie you are a class act.

Count me in, would love to go back to PDX.

PS: Age of Flight is fantastic. Just got Airway One for my birthday, also a great book.

I may be in the area, depending on dates. It will be good to catch up again Cpt Denny, after The fun of SMD 2 & 3. Cheers from Australia, Storyteller

Score is tied and goalie lines up for the face off. He takes the I-pod across center ice, fakes out the defensemen and after a second look winds up and slaps the I-pod right into the hands of an autistic child. Thats right folks Goalie provided the young autistic boy with an I-pod. Hats off to him. Let's all pound our sticks on the ice for a job well done. Here is the response from the woman who made the request in the name of another family.

Ok so now that I have stopped crying with joy (ok wait not done yet....) Ok, all I can say is that you and the owner are angels!!!!! Your kindness and generosity have no limits. I am forwarding this email also to Kat and Mike Sanseri (the parents of the young boy) I am also including their address since I think it would be safer to mail the item directly to them. (ok wait a minute tears of joy again) Please pass on my deepest and sincerest thanks to the owner and know that you are both in my thought and prayers for life!!!!

Merry Merry Christmas
Lynn

I imagine he may throw in a tootsie pop with it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Capt DennyAw shucks <blushing>

First of all, I must say that I'm long time lurker and a first time poster, but this post has brought me straight out of the woodwork. I would love the opportunity to make the trek from ROC out and it would give me a good opportunity to use a few of the vouchers I have that are set to expire soon!

Captain Denny, it is pilots like yourself that make flying fun for us newcomers to the BIZ travel world. Thanks for being a great example to the rest of the company and I look forward to seeing you on a flight (or in PDX) in the near future!

-cfacer

2011/2012 UA-1K <--Because I posted this before editing my profile creds...

First of all, I must say that I'm long time lurker and a first time poster, but this post has brought me straight out of the woodwork. I would love the opportunity to make the trek from ROC out and it would give me a good opportunity to use a few of the vouchers I have that are set to expire soon!

Captain Denny, it is pilots like yourself that make flying fun for us newcomers to the BIZ travel world. Thanks for being a great example to the rest of the company and I look forward to seeing you on a flight (or in PDX) in the near future!

-cfacer

2011/2012 UA-1K <--Because I posted this before editing my profile creds...

Welcome to FlyerTalk! I'm based in PDX but find my way to ROC every time it's cheaper than SYR, where I end up once a month or so. I'm sure all the FTers here in PDX will do everything we can to make you feel welcome when you get her.

Cap'n F, we can't wait!

419er

I'm interested!

(Hoping it's the weekend of February 10th.... I'm going to be in PDX that weekend. ;) )

Here is the date. I arrive in PDX at 1315 on Saturday the 21st of Jan. I start the day in DCA-DEN flight 271 @0832......eta 1040.............etd DEN-PDX flight 369 @ 1139. Layover hotel is downtown Marriott Waterfront 503-226-7600.

Capt Denny

Here is the date. I arrive in PDX at 1315 on Saturday the 21st of Jan. I start the day in DCA-DEN flight 271 @0832......eta 1040.............etd DEN-PDX flight 369 @ 1139. Layover hotel is downtown Marriott Waterfront 503-226-7600.

Capt Denny

After the tour of PDX I depart for ORD @ 1052 flight 632

Here is the date. I arrive in PDX at 1315 on Saturday the 21st of Jan. I start the day in DCA-DEN flight 271 @0832......eta 1040.............etd DEN-PDX flight 369 @ 1139. Layover hotel is downtown Marriott Waterfront 503-226-7600.

Capt Denny

After the tour of PDX I depart for ORD @ 1052 flight 632

Thanks for posting ^

Is the ops tour happening on Saturday afternoon, or Sunday morning?


Looks like a great weekend! PDX with Captain Denny on Saturday, and the oneworld MegaDO send-off party on Sunday in NY :D

Would love to go! Looking for a good deal to fly EWR/PHL-DCA-DEN-PDX-ORD-EWR/PHL to spend the whole trip flying with the Good Captain Denny!

I'm in for anything Saturday afternoon. I fly in that morning and am on the 5:45 am flight to DEN on the 22nd.

I am so going to try and make it to this event. Heard Capt. Denny speak at the CHI seminars. I was so impressed with his customer service lifestyle.

.....

Here is the date. I arrive in PDX at 1315 on Saturday the 21st of Jan. I start the day in DCA-DEN flight 271 @0832......eta 1040.............etd DEN-PDX flight 369 @ 1139. Layover hotel is downtown Marriott Waterfront 503-226-7600.

Capt Denny

Ironically I'll be in PDX that weekend... So I'll be seeing you again Captain...

Might change my schedule around and NRSA out of DCA as well...

Anyone flying up from SFO?

The weekend of the 21st/22nd was about the only weekend in January I couldn't make it...bummer...I'm going to be on a weekend MR to MCI and back...just couldn't pass up those $69+ PDX-MCI fares that popped up last month....have fun everyone!

I'm in. On UA 369 DEN-PDX. :D ^

I'm in. On UA 369 DEN-PDX. :D ^

See you on-board ^

I'm in. On UA 369 DEN-PDX. :D ^

Not booked yet but I am looking at DEN-PDX on 21 Jan then PDX-ORD on 22 Jan.

Of course it turns out to be the day I booked my ONLY January flight for...

I'm in - and on all three of those flights that Capt Denny will be piloting. (Plus UA 624 from ORD - DCA on the 22nd).

After the tour of PDX I depart for ORD @ 1052 flight 632

Any chance for a dinner DO at/near ORD on Sunday?

As much as I would love to join y'all in PDX (and ORD-DEN-PDX-ORD Saver award inventory is available), I just don't think being away from family two weekends in a row is a good idea. OWMD is the following week.

Please add me to the list. As a PDX-based flyer it would be my pleasure to meet Capt. Denny and some of the best ground staff in the UA system.

I'm in. On UA 369 DEN-PDX. :D ^

See you on-board ^

Me also. My first time on-board with the good Captain. Awesome!

UA 369 is going to fill up quick at this rate. NF2 for now...hurry.
I also have a room at the Marriott for Sat. night. They have point-saver available at 20,000 MR points for the night if you can get in on it.

Is there a sign up list or anything for the PDX tour?

It will be great to see / meet everyone.

Thanks for putting this together! I have very fond memories of time spent with Capt. Denny at SMD3, and I'm looking forward to this.

I just snagged an economy saver award on DCA-DEN-PDX-ORD. Mrs. rmbl is on DEN-PDX-ORD. Hopefully we'll be able to make it. Datapoints: lowest available purchased fare is an SA21CND DCA-DEN and WA14KN DEN-PDX. $300 base combined; $321.40 all-in. On the award, I was offered a $175 upsell to first for DEN-PDX.

Marriott Waterfront warns that it will be under renovation during that time, with the lobby closed. They warn of noise. $109 available on Marriott site with 6pm day-of-arrival cancel policy. $88 available on many other sites. I booked with Marriott and submitted a best rate guarantee claim.

Not booked yet but I am looking at DEN-PDX on 21 Jan then PDX-ORD on 22 Jan.

Just confirmed myself on the above flights. Also booked the Marriott downtown. I am looking forward to it!

Hehe, I wonder if I could fit in a same day turnaround for this. Leaving for LIH on Sunday, so have to be back here early Sunday morning to catch those flights.

Well, bugger. Flying from the Philippines to Sri Lanka that weekend - the only weekend I'm totally unavailable all month (well, unless UA starts a route between MNL and CMB on a month's notice).

See you on-board ^

See you guys onboard, I'll be in E+ or E- in a Middle Seat for sure...

Would love to go! Looking for a good deal to fly EWR/PHL-DCA-DEN-PDX-ORD-EWR/PHL to spend the whole trip flying with the Good Captain Denny!

Whoever flys with me all three legs on the 21st and 22nd will have a chance to win a special gift. I would have one for each of you but it is too big to carry more than one on a four day trip

Capt Denny

Thanks for posting ^

Is the ops tour happening on Saturday afternoon, or Sunday morning?


Looks like a great weekend! PDX with Captain Denny on Saturday, and the oneworld MegaDO send-off party on Sunday in NY :D

The ops tour will be on Sunday. I spoke with the Station Manager, Adrienne Simmons, and she asked for your wish list of what you would like to see and do. She will be reading this blog so give her your ideas and she will try to meet all your needs.

Capt Denny

Whoever flys with me all three legs on the 21st and 22nd will have a chance to win a special gift. I would have one for each of you but it is too big to carry more than one on a four day trip

Capt Denny


:D I'll let the Revenue Customers get their fun in ;)

Whoever flys with me all three legs on the 21st and 22nd will have a chance to win a special gift. I would have one for each of you but it is too big to carry more than one on a four day trip

Capt Denny

Aw shucks. A less expensive fare and more miles led me to route back on Sunday through SFO. Good luck to those eligible for the lottery.

My first flight with Capt. Denny and my first ever tour of UA ops. Going to be a fun couple of days.

I think I will have to Pass after the frolic I am doing flying on United and it's Star Alliance Partners the week up to this.


though sounds like a fun time. I am in based in Dc area too bad I won't be able to make the trip. perhaps another time

Argh! Where are the deals from IAH? It's normally $200-$250 and it's $400 right now :/

Will jump on this if the price drops any :(

Argh! Where are the deals from IAH? It's normally $200-$250 and it's $400 right now :/

Will jump on this if the price drops any :(

how about using miles?

The ops tour will be on Sunday. I spoke with the Station Manager, Adrienne Simmons, and she asked for your wish list of what you would like to see and do. She will be reading this blog so give her your ideas and she will try to meet all your needs.

Capt Denny

I'll offer some suggestions from the SFO Tour you helped organize in March.


Baggage Areas
Ramp- One of the groups got the opportunity to go inside the hold of a 747. Although PDX does not see 747s, I'm sure people would enjoy going inside a 75 or Airbus.
Ticketing



:D I'll let the Revenue Customers get their fun in ;)

:D


Whoever flys with me all three legs on the 21st and 22nd will have a chance to win a special gift. I would have one for each of you but it is too big to carry more than one on a four day trip

Capt Denny

While I can't go on all three flights, I'll be with you on the first two. ^

I'll be in PDX on the evening of Saturday 21st ~8pm, so I might miss the dinner, but I would love to meet up with you FT folk to check out the station tour. Sign me up for that!

flights booked, hotel reserved, please count me in :)

I'm in and definitely looking forward to another Captain Denny event and flights!

I'm not sure if anyone's posted it yet or not, but there's another great recent article about Capt. Denny: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2011/12/15/havent-flown-with-captain-denny/

I'm in for at least the dinner part of this event. Not sure about the station tour yet...

Please put me down as a maybe. I'd love to be involved but fares out of my area are rather high right now, I will do my best though.

Dinner for sure tour a strong maybe

I booked my flights so there is no changing my mind. I still have to book a hotel though.

I can be in Portland for at least part of the weekend I think. Can someone please point me to where the schedule of events is? (I couldn't find it on the first page.)

I can be in Portland for at least part of the weekend I think. Can someone please point me to where the schedule of events is? (I couldn't find it on the first page.)

Here is the date. I arrive in PDX at 1315 on Saturday the 21st of Jan. I start the day in DCA-DEN flight 271 @0832......eta 1040.............etd DEN-PDX flight 369 @ 1139. Layover hotel is downtown Marriott Waterfront 503-226-7600.

Capt Denny

Sounds like fun -- I'm in!

(1) Other than posting intentions in this thread, is there a specific person to whom we should RSVP? What information do we need to include (such as real name)?

(2) Has anyone kept track of those saying yes? How many people are attending thus far?

Thanks

I'd like to know if there is any other "sign-up" since I'll try to attend also. As my handle suggests I call Portland home.

(1) Other than posting intentions in this thread, is there a specific person to whom we should RSVP? What information do we need to include (such as real name)?

(2) Has anyone kept track of those saying yes? How many people are attending thus far?

Give us a few more days. We will update the first post with all pertinent information. Cheers!

My daughter and I would like to attend as well.

Thank you very much for making this happen.

danville 1k

Howdy All!

Never been to a FT event, nor have I ever been to Portland (or Oregon for that matter), so figured what the hay?


My Itinerary Is as Follows:

Sat 1/21

US3747 HPN-DCA 6:00am - 7:12am 4A
UA271 DCA-DEN 8:32am - 10:40am 11A
UA369 DEN-PDX 11:39am - 1:25pm 11A
*Reward Ticket, but I have UA CC, so hoping for an Upgrade

Sun 1/22
UA632 PDX-ORD 10:52am - 4:42pm
UA6226 ORD-HPN 6:10pm - 9:20pm
*Seats Pending, gotta drive my butt to the airport to ticket with a VDB voucher.



Are there any "Activities" planned for after our arrival, but before dinner? -- I've got a friend who lives in PDX, who I'd like to stop in and see, at least briefly.

Also, whats Portland like mid-January temperature wise?

Also, whats Portland like mid-January temperature wise?

40 - 45 and fog/drizzle. Slight chance of colder, more wintry weather. We call it liquid sunshine here in PDX.:p

*Reward Ticket, but I have UA CC, so hoping for an Upgrade
I haven't kept up, but last I saw this* was going into effect in "early 2012" which I believe was early code for systems integration day, which in turn is now projected as late Q1. I could be wrong though.

* = being able to upgrade reward tix if you have the CC

Count me in for this one as well!

I am now +1 on all flights and activities.

I haven't kept up, but last I saw this* was going into effect in "early 2012" which I believe was early code for systems integration day, which in turn is now projected as late Q1. I could be wrong though.

* = being able to upgrade reward tix if you have the CC

I was placed on the Upgrade Standby List after SDC from a flight without first to a flight with first, on a rewards ticket last month.

While it did not clear, i made it up to # 2 on the list (there were at least 10 people behind me on the list as well)

Capt Denny,
Not sure if this is feasible, but would it be possible to extend this invite to Capt Molly Flanagan out of SEA flight operations? In my experience she alongside Capt John McFadden have a similar approach to customer interaction as your own.

Thanks!
Brendan

OK Flyer Talkers you are in for a treat. Capt Molly Flanagan will be attending +1. Don't miss this DO

Capt Denny

OK Flyer Talkers you are in for a treat. Capt Molly Flanagan will be attending +1. Don't miss this DO

Capt Denny


only question is whether i can get the time to join captain denny on one of his flights...

I was placed on the Upgrade Standby List after SDC from a flight without first to a flight with first, on a reward ticket last month.
Cool. :)

OK Flyer Talkers you are in for a treat. Capt Molly Flanagan will be attending +1. Don't miss this DO
AWESOME. ^ ^ Now even more excited to be attending! :cool:

(reference for non UA-types: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileage-plus-pre-merger/780702-singing-praises-captain-molly-flanagan-merged.html)

Sweet, count me in!

Well, ORD>DCA Friday and the PDX>ORD prices into a W fare while the other 2 legs price @ T-fares, only $600. I think I am supposed to be in NYC that weekend :(

Time to try to move things around.

Here is the date. I arrive in PDX at 1315 on Saturday the 21st of Jan. I start the day in DCA-DEN flight 271 @0832......eta 1040.............etd DEN-PDX flight 369 @ 1139. Layover hotel is downtown Marriott Waterfront 503-226-7600.

Capt Denny


Total coincidence, but I was already booked on that DEN-PDX flight. I'm definitely attending.

Count me in + SO. Looking forward to meeting you. ^

Total coincidence, but I was already booked on that DEN-PDX flight. I'm definitely attending.

Count me in + SO. Looking forward to meeting you. ^

^^^

I look forward to seeing you again. Don't forgot to bring the cool-aid :)

^^^

I look forward to seeing you again.

Likewise.


Don't forgot to bring the cool-aid :)

Rah! Rah! :D

OK Flyer Talkers you are in for a treat. Capt Molly Flanagan will be attending +1. Don't miss this DO

Capt Denny

^^

I've never met her, but I have read some amazing stories on FT. Thanks for everything you're doing to make this a special event :)

Give us a few more days. We will update the first post with all pertinent information. Cheers!

Anything anyone else can help with?

Anything anyone else can help with?

I recently spoke with PDX FAA and they can arange a tour of the Tower and Approach Control. I will get more details after Christmas as to how many they can handle.

Capt Denny

I'll be booking my tickets after I return from Europe.

I recently spoke with PDX FAA and they can arange a tour of the Tower and Approach Control. I will get more details after Christmas as to how many they can handle.

Capt Denny

Always to see that...thanks! I would defly be interested.

I recently spoke with PDX FAA and they can arange a tour of the Tower and Approach Control. I will get more details after Christmas as to how many they can handle.

Capt Denny

That would be awesome. Flights and hotel are already booked for me +1. I trust it will work out.

Count me in! :)

.....

Attendee lists are updated through this post.

For the sake of clarity and accurate head counts, please double check that you're listed for each event and flight you intend to show up for. Believe it or don't, I'm a craptastic mind reader. :D Especially if you posted a "Count me in!" or similar indication, please do us both a favor by letting me know via PM if I've left you off the list or put you down for the wrong event.

When specifics of times and meeting points become available we'll post 'em.

Until the 21st, happy contrails ...

Please put me down for DCA-DEN; thanks

I recently spoke with PDX FAA and they can arange a tour of the Tower and Approach Control. I will get more details after Christmas as to how many they can handle.

Capt Denny
Oh man, I am so all over this.^ I haven't been out to PDX tower since ... well, a very long time ago when my dad was just beginning his ATC career.

Please mark me down for dinner on 1/21 and the PDX station tour on 1/22. I already have lodging arranged -- home. :)

Total coincidence, but I was already booked on that DEN-PDX flight. I'm definitely attending.

Count me in + SO. Looking forward to meeting you. ^

Ahhh... Channa we meet again...

just a reminder - we are ALREADY signed up for diner, want to be added to tower tour. thanks! PM sent!

Marriott Waterfront warns that it will be under renovation during that time, with the lobby closed. They warn of noise. $109 available on Marriott site with 6pm day-of-arrival cancel policy. $88 available on many other sites. I booked with Marriott and submitted a best rate guarantee claim.

Marriott came through on the low price guarantee. $66 confirmed.

Although unable to fly on Capt. Denny's flights I would like to attend the Saturday Dinner and Sunday morning activities.

Marriott came through on the low price guarantee. $66 confirmed.

Since I've gotten a couple of questions about this, this procedure is:

Book the room on Marriott.com (at the time it was offering $109 for city view; I haven't checked today.)
Find a lower rate ($88) on booking.com, Orbitz, Kayak, etc.
Submit the form at https://www.marriott.com/look/claimForm.mi

BRG from Marriott worked like a charm for me :)

.....

Since I've gotten a couple of questions about this, this procedure is:

Book the room on Marriott.com (at the time it was offering $109 for city view; I haven't checked today.)
Find a lower rate ($88) on booking.com, Orbitz, Kayak, etc.
Submit the form at https://www.marriott.com/look/claimForm.mi


indeed, it was just that easy, thanks a lot for posting instructions and the link. saved me from spending 20 minutes on the phone getting an expedia brg to use for a reservation here ;)

:( Darn, I am seeing this thread too late. On both 20 and 27 January I am making mileage runs COS-GSP on the $167 a/i tickets I posted about in Mileage Run Deals. Otherwise you can be sure I'd be there.

Had Capt. Denny as our pilot on a SAN-ORD flight in early 2010. He presented my wife and me with a copy of the The Age of Flight book, which he annotated and signed, and took photos of both of us in the cockpit after landing, wearing his hat. For sure was one of my most memorable flights.

Everyone have a great time.

Please put me as tentative for the dinner on 1/21 (depends on when it is) and definite for the 1/22 activities. Thanks!

PM sent

I'm confirmed on each of the 3 Capt Denny flights. Please list me for the dinner and tours.

I guess things will make more sense once times are determined, but I am curious about the logistics. Particularly those of us doing Sunday morning tours and flying out w/ Capt Denny at 10:52am ... what to do with carry-on and/or checked luggage while on tour (being PHX based, catching all 3 flights means this is a 3.5 day trip for me :p )

Steve

I'll be in SEA through Jan. 22 and could re-route home on Jan. 22, possibly through PDX. Anyone know the approx. time of the dinner and when the tour will end so I can rearrange my flights?

I'll be in SEA through Jan. 22 and could re-route home on Jan. 22, possibly through PDX. Anyone know the approx. time of the dinner and when the tour will end so I can rearrange my flights?

The flight on 22 Jan departs PDX at 10.50 so I would think if you schedule your flight about the same time or later you would be safe. Not sure about the dinner time on 21 Jan.

Please move me to confirmed. I still don't want to spend $450 for flights so I'm cashing in a DL low Y Award. I will be at the dinner and the tour and I can't wait to see some old friends again and also make some new ones. I think I will be staying at the Doubletree Portland.

update

Count me confirmed for dinner and the tour. Arrive at PDX at 4:49, so I may be a little late for dinner.

This will be my first Portland visit and I was wondering about the best way to get back and forth to the Marriott Waterfront.

Looks like the closest light rail station to the Marriott is about .5 miles. (Morrison/SW 3rd Ave MAX Station)
For those that don't mind a half mile walk, does this seem like the best way to get to the Marriott?

opushomes: Thanks for taking the time and effort to organize things for us.
And thanks for the mention of the MAX light rail transport to Downtown.

This will be my first Portland visit and I was wondering about the best way to get back and forth to the Marriott Waterfront.

Looks like the closest light rail station to the Marriott is about .5 miles. (Morrison/SW 3rd Ave MAX Station)
If you don't mind the walk that's perhaps the easiest (and probably fastest) stop.

You can get somewhat closer by taking the Red Line to the next stop at Fifth Avenue stop, transferring to the Yellow or Green Line and getting off at City Hall. That'll put you within six blocks. If you get lucky you'll shave a few minutes of time getting to the hotel.

If you want or need door to door service via public transit the best you can do is a bus stop about a block away. Use the Advanced option at trimet.org's Trip Planner function to find connections that work for you. I must warn that the routings involving trains + buses can be just fine or wildly stupid depending. Stick to MAX trains +walking or MAX +streetcar + walking if you can.

Just a thought, the City Center Marriott is *much* more convenient to the MAX and smack dab in the middle of the action, but the waterfront Marriott is probably quite a bit cheaper.

Ugh, just learned about this and would have booked at least the DEN-PDX flight to meet up over there, but unfortunately I have prior obligations that weekend.

Given my experience on FlyerTalk1 with Capt. Danny in 2009, I'm sure this will be a blast for everyone involved so have a great time!

If you don't mind the walk, yes that's easiest.

You can get somewhat closer by taking the Red Line to the Fifth Avenue stop, transferring to the Yellow or Green Line and getting off at City Hall. That'll put you within six blocks. If you get lucky you'll shave a few minutes of time getting to the hotel.

If you want near door to door service it can be done. Use the Advanced option at trimet.org's Trip Planner function to find connections that work for you. I must warn that the routings involving trains + buses can be just fine or wildly stupid depending. Stick to MAX or MAX +streetcar if you can.

Just a thought, the City Center Marriott is *much* more convenient to the MAX and smack dab in the middle of the action, but the waterfront Marriott is probably quite a bit cheaper.

Thanks essxjay. As long as the weather is halfway decent, I will just enjoy the walk. Always fun for me to do in a new city.

I chose the Marriott Waterfront as that is the layover hotel for Capt. Denny. I figured it would make sense to stay there as it would probably be easier for dinner, etc.

If it turns out the City Center Marriott is a better choice (based on dinner location, etc), I can always switch it over. Using some MR points for the stay, so an extra 5k MR points is not a big deal.

Thanks again for all the detailed help.

If it turns out the City Center Marriott is a better choice (based on dinner location, etc), I can always switch it over. Using some MR points for the stay, so an extra 5k MR points is not a big deal.
I'm pretty sure no matter where dinner is, the City Center Marriott will serve you equally well if not better. It's also just over a block from the MAX. The older, waterfront property is not a bad location since downtown is pretty compact to begin with but feels comparatively isolated in contrast to the City Center property on SW Broadway.

For anyone interested in public transit options relative to prospective hotels, Google maps with the transit option checked will be extremely informative.

I'll be joining most likely since I live in the area.. But plans may change due to school...

Just received an e-mail from Capt. Denny about this event. Looks exciting! I will check my schedule and see if I can make it. Please consider me a maybe for the dinner and the tour.

Consider me a maybe for the dinner and tours while I figure out my January schedule.

I chose the Marriott Waterfront as that is the layover hotel for Capt. Denny. I figured it would make sense to stay there as it would probably be easier for dinner, etc.

If it turns out the City Center Marriott is a better choice (based on dinner location, etc), I can always switch it over. Using some MR points for the stay, so an extra 5k MR points is not a big deal.


I'm also at the Marriott Waterfront since it's Capt. Denny's layover hotel. I'm sure a bunch of us will be there, so we can all walk together or share cabs.

The hotel is pretty inexpensive so I'm just paying for the hotel.

I'm also at the Marriott Waterfront since it's Capt. Denny's layover hotel. I'm sure a bunch of us will be there, so we can all walk together or share cabs.

The hotel is pretty inexpensive so I'm just paying for the hotel.

ditto

I'd love to come, see Capt Denny again and meet more flyertalkers. I'm +1 as well. Please sign both of us up for all of the events on Sat/Sun. Looking forward to seeing all of you!

I was going to stay at the Marriott, but the Hilton 1Q promo convinced me to walk a few blocks.

I was going to stay at the Marriott, but the Hilton 1Q promo convinced me to walk a few blocks.

Looks like I may be walking also. Can't find the Marriott for less than $129+

Booked the Hilton on an award. all set.

Looks like I may be walking also. Can't find the Marriott for less than $129+

I got the Marriott Waterfront for $87 with the AAA rate.

Seacarl and +1 may come down to join you, perhaps taking Amtrak.

Are the schedules of dinner and the PDX tour known yet?

Seacarl and +1 may come down to join you, perhaps taking Amtrak.

Are the schedules of dinner and the PDX tour known yet?

Dinner venue and time are not set. Please be patient, I just took over the quest on
Friday and New Years intervened.

Presently thinking about dinner around 7 with perhaps a pre-dinner time either in a private room or open bar. Stay tuned for further information concerning estimated food cost and please remember whether pre-pay or not drinks are a personal responsibility. There is also a high probability that wherever we end up a mandatory gratuity will be added to the cost (which is IMO fair).

Whether prepayment for dinner will be required will be determined by the restaurant chosen.

Might I recommend the restaurants Lincoln and Nostrana. Food is great and they, if I recall correctly had some private space. The restaurant at the Nines, both the top floor bar and the main restaurant should also have plenty of room but they're a bit more pricey. I'd also like to register for the airport tour as well as the dinner if there is still room.

I am thinking of booking the following itinerary on 1/21. Can someone who is familiar with DCA please advise me on whether this connection time is sufficient? Will I have to re-clear security in order to go from the CO gates to the UA gates? They seem to be in the same terminal but on different piers. I can't tell from the map whether you can get from one pier to another without going out first. (And I wouldn't want Capt. Denny to have to hold the plane for me! :D)

CO/XE 4326 EWR 06:32 DCA 07:42
UA 271 DCA 08:32 DEN 10:40
UA 369 DEN 11:39 PDX 13:25

Thanks..

I am thinking of booking the following itinerary on 1/21. Can someone who is familiar with DCA please advise me on whether this connection time is sufficient? Will I have to re-clear security in order to go from the CO gates to the UA gates? They seem to be in the same terminal but on different piers. I can't tell from the map whether you can get from one pier to another without going out first. (And I wouldn't want Capt. Denny to have to hold the plane for me! :D)

CO/XE 4326 EWR 06:32 DCA 07:42
UA 271 DCA 08:32 DEN 10:40
UA 369 DEN 11:39 PDX 13:25

Thanks..

I was at DCA two weeks ago, so I may be of some help to you.

I do remember that there was a shuttle service from the UA gates to another pier, but I'm not 100% sure if that shuttle goes to the CO area. If you had to leave and re-clear security, there is a priority lane, as well as no NoS, so you would save time by not having to opt-out. Personally, I'd take the connection. Maybe we can put in a word with the Captain for you ;)

gotta love marriott and CSAA!

Might I recommend the restaurants Lincoln and Nostrana. Food is great and they, if I recall correctly had some private space. The restaurant at the Nines, both the top floor bar and the main restaurant should also have plenty of room but they're a bit more pricey. I'd also like to register for the airport tour as well as the dinner if there is still room.

You are listed.

I am glad that you pointed out that Portland has some great restaurants and some even greater than great.

Having done a number of these FT events from small to very large and attended quite a few more, the secret seems to be.

1. Find a place that will handle appropriately the size of group expected. We are now over 40 attendees so that limits where we can be accommodated.
2. Be sure that the kitchen where we go is not overwhelmed. There is nothing worse than waiting and waiting some more for food and drink.
3. Try to stay in reasonable to moderate cost range. Not all FTers are foodies and surprisingly some may travel between continents in First or Business and sleep on the floor of an airport. Overall, FTers in general seem to be a pretty thrifty bunch. Therefore an attempt is being made to find a place that has an affordable menu so as to include as many as possible.
4. Try to appeal to a wide range of tastes unless one is doing a theme meal. Hopefully many of you will return and try not only our internationally recognized top end restaurants but also some of the great Asian ones on the inexpensive end of the spectrum.
5. Provide a range of drink availability. Portland is a center for micro-brewing, is near a world class wine region and recently has started distilling some decent spirits.
6. Provide at least examples of what is local whenever possible.
7. Provide a space where people can mingle rather than being tied to a single long table where it is difficult to communicate with anyone other than your immediate neighbors. Often we do not know others at the Do and therefore it is important that the opportunity is provided to mingle with others.

Portland is "near" a world class wine region and recently has started distilling some decent spirits.


There is nothing "near" about the wines.;)

I would gladly hold them up with the best anywhere, and a much better value than those from the next state further south.

As for the spirits, I can't wait to start exploring.:cool:

Having done a number of these FT events from small to very large and attended quite a few more, the secret seems to be. [...]
Word! This should be stickied somewhere. ^

In geographical terms please remember that it took almost 45 minutes to the 1st world class winery from the location of my house. That of course does not count what might be downstairs.

That said, what goodies are you bringing in checked baggage?

I suggest that you contact the recently engaged individual up North for spirit advice, although I think I can find her flavorite tasting room.

There is nothing "near" about the wines.;)

I would gladly hold them up with the best anywhere, and a much better value than those from the next state further south.

As for the spirits, I can't wait to start exploring.:cool:

3. Try to stay in reasonable to moderate cost range. Not all FTers are foodies and surprisingly some may travel between continents in First or Business and sleep on the floor of an airport. Overall, FTers in general seem to be a pretty thrifty bunch. Therefore an attempt is being made to find a place that has an affordable menu so as to include as many as possible.
4. Try to appeal to a wide range of tastes unless one is doing a theme meal. Hopefully many of you will return and try not only our internationally recognized top end restaurants but also some of the great Asian ones on the inexpensive end of the spectrum.

There are also people who, like me, have diet constraints due to food allergies (I'm celiac), so please ensure that there is a non-salad option for us (more than a token amount of lettuce will make me very sick). A plain hamburger without a bun works just fine for me, though more options are nice. Can't rely on fries unless there's a non-wheat-filled fryer, which is pretty rare.

In geographical terms please remember that it took almost 45 minutes to the 1st world class winery from the location of my house. That of course does not count what might be downstairs.

I see. I thought you meant almost world class. You are right. Were were all very parched when we got the the first "close by' winery.;)
That said, what goodies are you bringing in checked baggage?I am open to suggestions, but I will be in Kirkland from Wed. morning through early Saturday. I COULD make an early morning trip to Woodinville Saturday morning.
I suggest that you contact the recently engaged individual up North for spirit advice, although I think I can find her flavorite tasting room.Between the Rimarts Cava and the Kirkland Signature vodka, I'm sure she is quite happy right now.:)

You are listed.

I am glad that you pointed out that Portland has some great restaurants and some even greater than great.

Having done a number of these FT events from small to very large and attended quite a few more, the secret seems to be.



Excellent list. I feel we are in very good hands....^

I am planning on attending both the dinner and the tour and would like to register -- very excited for a FT event in my own city!

Happy to help with organization or otherwise support logistically. Out of towners who want ideas of other places to visit/eat etc please let me know.

Word! This should be stickied somewhere. ^

I second that!

Excited for the Sun. UA station/ATC tour, and my first FT event in PDX in a looooooong time (having kids will do that to you :p). I'd like to bring along my 6-yo-son who is a huge commercial aviation fan (like his dad), if you think that's ok. This would be quite the treat for both of us. Thanks for organizing opushomes!

Not to be a pessimist, but I wonder how many the station tour will be able to handle and if fewer than the number who signed up how the organizers will figure it all out. First to sign up? Random drawing? Something else? Hopefully it won't come to that, but with the numbers at 50 or more, that seems like a lot. I guess it is a good problem to have.

Not to be a pessimist, but I wonder how many the station tour will be able to handle and if fewer than the number who signed up how the organizers will figure it all out. First to sign up? Random drawing? Something else? Hopefully it won't come to that, but with the numbers at 50 or more, that seems like a lot. I guess it is a good problem to have.

If it posses a problem, then I have a couple of strategies in mind. I'm pedaling as fast as I can. Thanks for the impetus. :D:D

Please add ijkh and Mr ijkh to both dinner and the tour

thanks,
Ilene

Please add me as "tentative" for the dinner and tour. I am pretty sure I can make it to the dinner, not so sure about the tour (depends what time the tour is scheduled for, as I have to be back in NY by the evening of the 22nd). Thanks!

I booked the Marriott Waterfront as well--thanks, all, for the tip on the special rate for AAA members.

CO/XE 4326 EWR 06:32 DCA 07:42
UA 271 DCA 08:32 DEN 10:40
UA 369 DEN 11:39 PDX 13:25

Thanks..

Would have to think its do-able, even with having to re-clear security. However, is HPN (White Plains) do-able for you? There is a US flight at 6:00am, which would give you some cushion. Plus yours truly will be on board!

If it posses a problem, then I have a couple of strategies in mind. I'm pedaling as fast as I can. Thanks for the impetus. :D:D

Might it not be wise to check into this, before continuing to accept "registrations?"


Call me selfish, but I was among the early crowd to RSVP, and invested alot to make this weekend "work" for me to attend. I'd hate for it all to be for naught.

Might it not be wise to check into this, before continuing to accept "registrations?"


Call me selfish, but I was among the early crowd to RSVP, and invested alot to make this weekend "work" for me to attend. I'd hate for it all to be for naught.

It seems that in true Flyer Talk methodology, a Do organizer is expected to create an algorithm and flow chart for all to understand what is going on. The good Captain told us up thread that he was dealing with the tower tour and station tour. He has not posted any further information and today I sent him a PM posing the question of whether there will be a limit for the tour, requesting security requirements (if any) and suggesting that perhaps a second tour could be run later in the day (thinking that locals could be scheduled for this so that you who have come a long distance would not be deprived). Any disappointed locals of course can use Mapquest to get directions to and egg my house should that happen. Now you know what is going on.

Should this become a problem than it is time to deal with it. Contingency plans are something that are always necessary when planning something like this. Right now the pressure is to find an acceptable place for dinner. The question has been posed concerning cutting off listing people for the tour. Without sufficient information in hand to make any sort of decision, I prefer to apologize to anyone deprived (in the unlikely event that actually happens) when the facts are known rather than now. So be it.

Those who know me realize that I am being extremely measured and tolerant in my approach. This is actually fun at the moment and hope that none of you will be disappointed.

If I were not the late arriving organizer (as of Friday with an intervening holiday) who expected not to attend because I should have been somewhere in S.E. Asia, I would post that perhaps one should "let the guy get on with it".

Now back to having fun.;)

Count me in for:

1) DEN-PDX flight
2) Dinner
3) Tour
4) PDX-ORD

Who's taking the 8 am ORD-DEN 767 flight?

Count me in for:

1) DEN-PDX flight
2) Dinner
3) Tour
4) PDX-ORD

Who's taking the 8 am ORD-DEN 767 flight?

It'll be great to see you as always!

Who's taking the 8 am ORD-DEN 767 flight?

New 767! That sounds great!! I doubt that I can make it to ORD by 8am from LGA/EWR/JFK though. :(

It'll be great to see you as always!

I know. ;)

New 767! That sounds great!! I doubt that I can make it to ORD by 8am from LGA/EWR/JFK though. :(

I was pleased to see this too. NC available now, too.

Count me in for:

1) DEN-PDX flight
2) Dinner
3) Tour
4) PDX-ORD

Who's taking the 8 am ORD-DEN 767 flight?
Outstanding! ^ :cool:

OK! My tickets are booked. Please mark me as confirmed for the dinner, and both flights on Jan. 21 (271 and 369)! ^

Eek, only middle seats left in E+? Must be a lot of elites flying that day or something! ;)

For the ATC tour on 1/22 which is time TBA, I would love to go but can only make it if it's very early in the morning. I need to be back in NYC by that evening, so if the ATC tour is mid-morning or late morning, I'm afraid I will have to miss out.

7. Provide a space where people can mingle rather than being tied to a single long table where it is difficult to communicate with anyone other than your immediate neighbors. Often we do not know others at the Do and therefore it is important that the opportunity is provided to mingle with others.
To me, this is one of the most difficult and important things to implement for any Do. Sorry I don't have any good suggestions in PDX where the requirement can be met.

In respect to the above, I have booked a private room that is approximately 1400 square feet upstairs from the restaurant and bar. It contains round tables that seat 6-8 so there will be more than sufficient mingle room.

MarshaB and I are driving over in about an hour to verify that what we see in the pictures are reality. I doubt that we will be surprised or disappointed and will then sign the contract.

The menu sounds fairly exciting, hopefully with something for everyone and is representative of the Northwest. It will be served buffet style so that people can graze and socialize.

Wait staff will take drink orders and allow payment individually. I will post more in the starting post once we have paid the restaurant a visit.

Capt. Denny and I spoke yesterday. He has provided me with contact information for the people organizing the airport tour. A minimum requirement is for each participant to provide me with their full names including middle initial or name as appears on the ID they will provide to security, their Flyertalk handle (+1s who are handle less may provide just their names), UA or CO Frequent Flyer number, exception +1s. This requirement is not only for security but so that we can print name tags. Please also provide a usable email address and telephone number for the Paypal billing.

FAQ: What if I do not have a FF number? Go to united.com and sign up. It is free.

FAQ: I do not want to provide my FF number or email address. FF number is being collected and will be discarded. It will be provided to security should they require it like they did at the 2 Continental Dos. Sending all of you PMs is a giant pain when I can use Outlook to send a mailing so I need usable email address. If you are distrustful that they will be used illegitimately, use an anonomyzer site like spamgourmet.com

FAQ: I do not have a Paypal account. It is simple to sign up for one, even my significant other managed it without intervention from divine authority.

Thanks opushomes for organizing this and dealing with all of these complicated logistics!! ^

This sounds like a fantastic opportunity! I will be in town -- count me in for both dinner and tour. Thanks to opushomes for taking on this significant logistical undertaking.

(I realize I'm relatively late in RSVPing, so if the list is ordered by check-in time, I may not clear. ;) No worries.)

opushomes, would you like us to PM you the information, or should we send it to Captain Denny?

opushomes, would you like us to PM you the information, or should we send it to Captain Denny?

I have to make an educated guess since opushomes has taken over the organization for the event and that he mentioned creating a spreadsheet on Outlook in order to EMail us that we should PM him. At least that is what I did.

opushomes, would you like us to PM you the information, or should we send it to Captain Denny?

Captain Denny has to work for a living. I just sit around eating bonbons so send it to me.

In all seriousness, all correspondence should be directed to me.

Fortunately, my PM settings forward all PMs to my e-mail and I spent the $12.50 for additional PMs so my box is not yet full. Unless IB (Flyertalk) cuts me off like they did last January.

Himself finally told me what weekend a conference he was going to was -- and it's the same weekend in the opposite direction. I'll be flying United, just in the wrong direction. :(

^ This seems like good news worth pointing out...



...
Shannon Kelly -United Director of Insights and Metrics
...

^ This seems like good news worth pointing out...

Sweet!

Wonder if she's gonna fly ORD-PDX or ORD-DEN-PDX to fly in on the Capt. Denny flight.

and way too much time on your hands.

^ This seems like good news worth pointing out...

Shannon Kelly

Sweet!

Wonder if she's gonna fly ORD-PDX or ORD-DEN-PDX to fly in on the Capt. Denny flight.

Now why would she do the later when there are only center seats available in E+? I presume that is about the same as the jump seat.

Good news. After having lunch and viewing the room, I signed the contract committing us to dinner. Please give me some time to compose the verbage for post 1 so that may fully inform all of you of the details.

please count me in for dinner and the tour!

please count me in for dinner and the tour!

When I was talking with Capt Denny last night, I warned him that the word might get out to the international Star Alliance folks. So here you are and welcome.

I say this somewhat tongue-in-cheek since I consider BC as part of the Northwest. IMHO the only reason for the border is to keep govt. employees in a job and create traffic jams at the Peace Arch.

I'm all set for the Weekend in PDX although Dinner might be questionable at this time... I'll see y'all at the Tours.

I suggest that you contact the recently engaged individual up North for spirit advice, although I think I can find her flavorite tasting room.

The recently affianced highly recommends a visit to Clear Creek Distillery (http://www.clearcreekdistillery.com/tours-and-tastings.html)


And also to Voodoo Donuts for a Bacon Maple Bar

WOW, after less than a month, this has grown to a fairly large group at 50+. Having been to other events organized by Opushomes, I am looking forward to an exceptional visit.

And a bacon maple bar:)

I've got a 6:10am flight out of PDX on Sunday. Is there decent public transportation from downtown>PDX in the early morning, or would I be better off at an airport hotel?

Wow, how did I miss this until now? As a local PDXer, this is fantastic. Please count me in for both dinner and the tour. I look forward to more details and updates. Many thanks to the organizer(s)!

I've never been to an FT event before, but this sounds like a lot of fun. So I'm in, both for dinner and the tour (assuming space available).

Coming from DCA, I'm actually booked on all of Capt. Denny's flights:
1/21: 671 and 369
1/22: 632

Thanks very much to opushomes for organizing; look forward to meeting fellow FTers.

Figured i'd make Data Collection easy. Might I suggest cutting and pasting the text below, to ease the collection of the necessary data points needed.


Name Exactly As It Appears on Photo ID:

FlyerTalk Handle (or indicate if a FT Members Guest):

UA/CO Frequent Flyer Number:

*E-Mail Address:

*Phone Number:

*If applicable, the e-mail and phone number linked to your PalPal Account

Most are coming in in pretty much this format. I actually am amazed at the attention to detail exhibited by this bunch. When I did the Singapore Do two years ago, no one bothered to read anything. At least most of them found there way. Are most people who fly Star Alliance this anal retentive??:rolleyes:

We are now approaching the numbers that SinDo draws and I can honestly say that this requires much more effort. Thanks for all the help folks.

Figured i'd make Data Collection easy. Might I suggest cutting and pasting the text below, to ease the collection of the necessary data points needed.


Name Exactly As It Appears on Photo ID:

FlyerTalk Handle (or indicate if a FT Members Guest):

UA/CO Frequent Flyer Number:

*E-Mail Address:

*Phone Number:

*If applicable, the e-mail and phone number linked to your PalPal Account

I just posted the facts about dinner.

When the opportunity arises, I will provide some more information of a more specific nature about the venue and its history as well as a couple of places on the same block that might be of post do interest to some.

I've got a 6:10am flight out of PDX on Sunday. Is there decent public transportation from downtown>PDX in the early morning, or would I be better off at an airport hotel?

I have a 6am on Sunday (ughhhh!). If you decide to stay at the Marriott Waterfront, we can share a cab!

Now why would she do the later when there are only center seats available in E+? I presume that is about the same as the jump seat.

Well, there's always the option of...NRPS in F! ;)

Freshly brewed coffee,

:eek:



Seriously, though, looks great! ^

I would not chance it, it is taxi, limo, airporter or an airport hotel. Sharing a taxi works, be sure to have the hotel call for one to insure that one is available. Strange as it may seem, hailing a cab on the street is almost impossible.

I've got a 6:10am flight out of PDX on Sunday. Is there decent public transportation from downtown>PDX in the early morning, or would I be better off at an airport hotel?

I just posted the facts about dinner.

Wow, the dinner selection looks great -- makes me doubly glad to have signed up. As someone who has never been to Portland, I very much appreciate the decision to pick something highlighting local flavors. ^

Since I could not get the PDF to copy and paste, I copied it verbatim. Organizing is enough responsibility without adding grammatical correction and proofreading of provided copy.

Besides that's how we say it here!!:D

:eek:



Seriously, though, looks great! ^

Great choice on Widmers and the upstairs room. Mrs. u2vox and I had our rehearsal dinner there before getting married 3.5 years ago. :)

For those arriving earlier on Saturday, I'm arriving at 10:30 and would be happy to guest a couple folks into the RCC/United Club until the arrival of the party plane if you want to hang out at the airport prior to hotel checkin.

Please put me as tentative for the dinner on 1/21 (depends on when it is) and definite for the 1/22 activities. Thanks!

Please readd me as confirmed for both dinner & the Sunday event. Thanks!

The recently affianced highly recommends a visit to Clear Creek Distillery (http://www.clearcreekdistillery.com/tours-and-tastings.html)


And also to Voodoo Donuts for a Bacon Maple Bar

I almost forgot that PDX was the home of Voodoo donuts.
My first chance to sample the famous Bacon Maple bar.
This event just keeps gettin' better.

:D

Great choice on Widmers and the upstairs room. Mrs. u2vox and I had our rehearsal dinner there before getting married 3.5 years ago. :)

Thank you for the support. Mrs. u2vox is welcome. Some of those attending have interests other than points and miles. In fact many are downright interesting people.

Thank you for the support. Mrs. u2vox is welcome. Some of those attending have interests other than points and miles. In fact many are downright interesting people.

Thank you, opushomes. I'll suggest it to the Mrs. and see what she says -- though she tends to see my FT / travel / miles obsessions as a little bit of a "crazy hobby" of which she wants little part, even if the opportunity is there to discuss "other" things. :p

Hopefully this is the only error in the list of attendees.

I copy and pasted the attendee list into post 1 from the former post 2 which included a gloryan84 as an FTer. No such person exists with that screen name.

Hopefully that person is keeping up with the or someone reading this knows the individual. An invoice needs to be sent.

Hopefully this is the only error in the list of attendees.

I copy and pasted the attendee list into post 1 from the former post 2 which included a gloryan84 as an FTer. No such person exists with that screen name.

Hopefully that person is keeping up with the or someone reading this knows the individual. An invoice needs to be sent.

By looking at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/misc.php?do=whoposted&t=1289799 I posit that it is gbryan84

By looking at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/misc.php?do=whoposted&t=1289799 I posit that it is gbryan84

Very useful tool, how do I get one?

Very useful tool, how do I get one?

If you go back up to the CommunityBuzz list of threads and click on the number in the Replies column it'll show you who's posted in the thread and how many times.

Everyone should have received a PM invoice by now. If you are lacking one please contact me.

If you go back up to the CommunityBuzz list of threads and click on the number in the Replies column it'll show you who's posted in the thread and how many times.

tnx

tnx

You should be receiving an invoice for services rendered in just a moment :P

Now to book plane tix..I really had hoped to criss cross w/ Capn Denny on one flight but school meetings beckon....: (

Thank you, opushomes. I'll suggest it to the Mrs. and see what she says -- though she tends to see my FT / travel / miles obsessions as a little bit of a "crazy hobby" of which she wants little part, even if the opportunity is there to discuss "other" things. :p

If she attends, she may see the usefullness of your crazy, obsessive hobby in terms of very comfortable travel not in a middle seat to far off places for a few bucks and a bunch of miles. Have her speak with my wife MarshaB about what it can mean.

And, I do not consider Hawaii a far off place. Think Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Europe, or Mauritius and similar as a result of your pursuit.

I can say mr. squeakr enjoys FT Do's as much as I do, and if the convo gets too focused on points and miles he is quite good at backing away and finding other kindred spirits.
heck I don't even like talking points and miles at a do where I have the chance to talk about many other interesting topics with people I have never met.

I can book a 3 PM or 6 PM flight out of PDX on Sunday. Much prefer the 3 PM as it's not the last flight of the day.

I can book a 3 PM or 6 PM flight out of PDX on Sunday. Much prefer the 3 PM as it's not the last flight of the day.

Since I have no information about the tour and have not received a response to my introduction e-mail to the point person, I would only be guessing.

I think probably yes since Denny is off the runway before 11 and I expect that you guys from out of town will have preference for the tour.

Just so everyone knows, I posed these questions in the e-mail to UA staff.

1. What will the security requiements be in respect to the main airport (terminal, ramp and/or tarmac access) and tower, if different?

I have requested that people be prepared to provide their full names (including Middle or MI as shown on the ID they will carry) and their United or Continental Frequent Flyer numbers. I have also suggested that those lacking one of those numbers apply online for one. This is consistent with what we provided when we visited IAH for the Continental event a few years ago. I will collect this information when they pay in advance for their dinner reservation. Will there be additional requirements?

2. Will you be providing a designated meeting place or should I plan on assembling the group(s) at check-in.

3. Will early baggage check-in for UA flights be provided, although I doubt much need will exist as most of these people tend to travel with carry-on only. Will there be a secure area for storage of carry-on for those people? Perhaps in baggage claim, lost luggage?

4. Will the tour be limited to adults or will a 6 year old "aviation freak" accompanied by an adult be ok?

5. Will there be a brief dedicated line for security?

I am sure that other questions will arise as we get closer to the 22nd.



If any of you have any concerns in this vein other than is there a limit on attendees and such, please let me know.

Since this portion is not really part of my organizing, I can only ask, suggest and request.

I expect that we will be pleased even if we end up eating Biscoffs in the Sky Club or Oatmeal in the Boardroom. So far everything that I have seen is that these guys are a class act, but they have real jobs as well. Kudos to CaptDenny for pushing for this.

Sadly, I'm bowing out. Mr. Deirdre told me he had a conference "some weekend in January," and the fates were unkind and scheduled it the same weekend, so we're going to LA instead. Sniff.

In one case apparently I asked for the information twice. Please bear with my callused fingers.

In respect to Voodoo doughnuts, regrettably, I was talked out of providing them post dinner by the voices of reason. Those of you who wish to stand in the rain for 2 hours for a bacon maple bar are welcome to do that. Confession: I have never had a Voodoo doughnut, but have had a Dunkin Donut in Sarawak.

By looking at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/misc.php?do=whoposted&t=1289799 I posit that it is gbryan84

gloryan84 -> gbryan84

:eek: How does that happen from copy/pasting a post? Was the list handwritten at some point?

gloryan84 -> gbryan84

:eek: How does that happen from copy/pasting a post? Was the list handwritten at some point?

I will answer so we don't need to take up more of the organizer's time with such questions:

Who cares :D

gloryan84 -> gbryan84

:eek: How does that happen from copy/pasting a post? Was the list handwritten at some point?

The post that I copy and pasted from was totally erased by your original organizer. You'll have to ask her.

I do own a pencil and sometimes use it. I also have a working Selectric II typewriter that is used for envelopes and forms. I can still do long division and do not need a GPS to drive to the local store, across Europe or from Bangkok to Phuket. I think that somewhere in a box is a slide rule from college. I even managed the first company to develop a workable floating point processor and the array processor. The world is indeed changing.

January 5, 2012 1730

Rather than risk disappointing people, it is now time to say no more tour bookings. I am still awaiting information concerning the tour. When more is known, it may be reopened.

Priority will remain with out of town visitors as previously stated if a limitation is placed upon numbers.

There are still a few opportunities to attend the dinner.

Is arriving on Friday. May be up for a small group thing that evening. Possibly more later.

Oatmeal in the Boardroom.

We have pancakes:D

In respect to Voodoo doughnuts, regrettably, I was talked out of providing them post dinner by the voices of reason.Who let them in:eek:

Hello Flyer Talkers,

I will be attending the dinner Saturday night with my husband, Keith Littlefield.
( no, I'm not married to Capt. Denny).

We might go on the PDX tour if there is room. Would there be room for 2 more?
I'm looking forward to meeting lots of you!

Capt. Molly Flanagan
United

We have pancakes:D

That's right we have oatmeal on rare occasions. You have tiny pancakes that are accessible by reciprocity

Who let them in:eek:

Talk to the banquet coordinator and Marsha who think that you will not finish the included desert.

Hello Flyer Talkers,

I will be attending the dinner Saturday night with my husband, Keith Littlefield.
( no, I'm not married to Capt. Denny).

We might go on the PDX tour if there is room. Would there be room for 2 more?
I'm looking forward to meeting lots of you!

Capt. Molly Flanagan
United

You are already registered. As you will note we are presently on hold awaiting definitive word from PDX Station as to plans. We are looking forward to meeting you and your husband.

That's right we have oatmeal on rare occasions. You have tiny pancakes that are accessible by reciprocity



Talk to the banquet coordinator and Marsha who think that you will not finish the included desert.I thought the VOICES OF REASON had been permanently banned as party poopers.:confused:

They'd better be on their worst behavior:p

Hello Flyer Talkers,

I will be attending the dinner Saturday night with my husband, Keith Littlefield.
( no, I'm not married to Capt. Denny).

We might go on the PDX tour if there is room. Would there be room for 2 more?
I'm looking forward to meeting lots of you!

Capt. Molly Flanagan
United

Welcome to FlyerTalk, Capt Mo. It's great to have you here.

I got an e-mail from BobW who did not get an invoice. Possibly he did not check his PM as that is how they went out. Rest assured that he now has one in his e-mail inbox.

Please let me know if you believe that you are signed up for dinner but have not been invoiced. I will be happy to send you another.

Hello Flyer Talkers,

I will be attending the dinner Saturday night with my husband, Keith Littlefield.
( no, I'm not married to Capt. Denny).

We might go on the PDX tour if there is room. Would there be room for 2 more?
I'm looking forward to meeting lots of you!

Capt. Molly Flanagan
United
Welcome to FlyerTalk Capt Mo! ^ :cool: :cool:

You might be interested in this thread if you haven't seen it already... ;)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileage-plus-pre-merger/780702-singing-praises-captain-molly-flanagan-merged.html

Pls add me to the Dinner and Tour! Thanks! :)

Pls add me to the Dinner and Tour! Thanks! :)

Added to dinner list, invoice will be sent shortly.

You are officially wait-listed for the tour.

Welcome to FlyerTalk, Capt Mo. It's great to have you here.

+1 ^

And thank you for joining the PDX event, which is promising to be very interesting!

Hello Flyer Talkers,

I will be attending the dinner Saturday night with my husband, Keith Littlefield.
( no, I'm not married to Capt. Denny).

We might go on the PDX tour if there is room. Would there be room for 2 more?
I'm looking forward to meeting lots of you!

Capt. Molly Flanagan
UnitedWelcome to Flyertalk, Capt Mo ^. While not attending the fun as I'll SFO-ORD-SFO on that day, I do hope to have the pleasure of giving you a Tootsie-Pop* on board in the future :)

*Ask Captain Denny ;) (and also Captain T.L. as rumor has it, he's trying to make it as well [and if he does, tell him "still flying for the miles and spreading the smiles" ;)])

Happy to report that you can add Mrs. u2vox to the list of dinner attendees. And trust me, she knows the value of my miles and dedication as experienced in her numerous "free" trips to Thailand, all over Europe, and all over the US. Even some of those short flights to Hawaii (which barely counts as travel, I agree). :p Will PM you info directly, opushomes. Grazie...

If she attends, she may see the usefullness of your crazy, obsessive hobby in terms of very comfortable travel not in a middle seat to far off places for a few bucks and a bunch of miles. Have her speak with my wife MarshaB about what it can mean.

And, I do not consider Hawaii a far off place. Think Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Europe, or Mauritius and similar as a result of your pursuit.

I can say mr. squeakr enjoys FT Do's as much as I do, and if the convo gets too focused on points and miles he is quite good at backing away and finding other kindred spirits.
heck I don't even like talking points and miles at a do where I have the chance to talk about many other interesting topics with people I have never met.

My wife and I would like to go if room available.
Dan