CommunityBuzz! - Party in the Metroplex - September 21-23

Mark September 21-23 on your calendars for a gathering of FT members in the DFW area.

Tentative events for this weekend include dinner in Dallas (Bob's Steak and Chop House)and Ft. Worth (Joe T. Garcia's), a possible tour of DFW Airport (maybe there's something you have not seen there before!), and who knows what else.

Applefan will be putting together a website in the near future on the PIM, so, stay tuned!

Studley

Sounds great, I'll know my schedule for then by the end of June. Perhaps a stop off at the AA museaum as well?

Originally posted by burkey:
Perhaps a stop off at the AA museaum as well?

That's a great idea! Maybe they will let us "fire up" the jet engine display there. LOL

Burkey,
Fantastic ideaa. I always forget about the CR Smith Museum. If anyone has AA internal contacts maybe we could set up a tour of AAdvantage Marketing or AA operations on Friday. I'm still working on the website and hope to get it up sometime this weekend.

Originally posted by Applefan:
If anyone has AA internal contacts maybe we could set up a tour of AAdvantage Marketing or AA operations on Friday.

Or, we could ask Mr. Chemel when he visits chat tonight! :-)

Hopefully we'll be able to give you something to put on the site this weekend or so.

O.K., guys....Mr. Chemel has answered the questions on tours of AA HQ....

Now, how comfortable is everyone with this particular weekend? How about the tentative events? I need to know, and I'll need some backup here...LOL

Studley

A tour of DFW is quite possible on Friday.

Also possible is an ATC tour on Saturday -- either DFW Regional Approach(TRACON) or Fort Worth Center (ARTCC) offer good tours that include a chance to control simulated traffic in the Dynamic Simulator and "plug in" with a controller to observe live traffic.

We'll need a reasonable count to coordinate all of those.

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My Aviation Pages (http://www.bollar.org/aviation.htm)
My Travel Pages (http://www.bollar.org/travel.htm)

If we contact CR Smith in advance, they can probably screen all of the AA promo films on the big screen and have a volunteer run the exhibits and open up the DC3 for us.

Im not sure if the official AA tour includes the AAdv center, which is not located in the HDQ building, or the other buildings that have been mentioned. But it is on the HDQ campus. I have never seen tours in the building.

But, if allowed, I would be happy to assist with such a tour on Saturday 9/22. The AAdv building includes AAdv telephone customer service, membership services (mail), e-mail, correspondence, customer relations, security, marketing, and AA vacations.

The other issue is that there is a possiblity the employees in this building may be relocated in this time period. And its possible it may not be on the AA HDQ campus, as it is now. Its a wait and see.

Let me know if I can assist.

Island,

Cool!

We certainly will keep you in mind! How much lead time do you believe you will need?

Studley

It's great to see that there is still interest in this event. I quickly finished the website tonight and the link is below. Keep in mind that since we have not decieded on the firm events yet the website is hardly complete yet. Also, this is my first attempt at making a website so it's not exactly perfect. I guess I should keep my day job. Is this weekend still good for everyone? Does anyone else have any other suggestions? I have Bob's Steak and Chop house down for dinner on Friday but of course this is not set in stone. I picked it because it's a great steakhouse and steak seems to be the food of choice by Flyertalkers. However, I feel strongly that the Sat. dinner be at Joe T's since that is what I think of as most unique place in DFW and would be a cool place for people from other locations to eat at. Take a look at the site and please give me feedback.
Thanks,
James

http://jbradleyc.tripod.com/pim/

I think the most interesting thing to see @ AA is the Operations Center, especially if we were to be blessed with truly horrible weather someplace in the country.... <evin grin>. I'm sure we'd all like to meet the person manning the "cancelator" desk. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

However, I think tours of the OC are more difficult to come by & we'll need to see what the Tour Desk can come up with for us.

Interesting article which mentions the AA OC (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/metro/chicago/ws/item/0,1308,49182-48175-48066,00.html)

As for seeing the AAdvantage CS, I found it vaguely reminiscent of the cube farm at our own HQ, so not really all that exciting.

Also interesting is the AA Flight Academy, especially if we can stick our noses into one of the full-motion simulators.

A sample Academy tour (http://www.wildfilly.com/AmericanAirlines.html)

PIM Team,

Please keep me posted on the progress of the get-together. I would be interested in attending at least Friday and Saturday..

Thanks, tovaz

Applefan,

I love the restaurant choices, especially the Fort Worth one. It's always a rare treat for me to go there.

The website looks great! Things are coming together.

You, bollar, Island, and I (and any other DFW FT'ers who want to) will have to get together and do some advance planning.

Let me know what's cool with you all.

Studley


[This message has been edited by studley (edited 07-16-2001).]

I will be visiting relatives in Plano on Sept 22 to Sept 25. I bought the $86 NW ticket from SNA to DFW. (gives me 4750 miles plus 1K online bonus http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif-decent mileage run,too!) I will try to make an event or two (or more http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif).

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by studley:

You, bollar, Island, and I (and any other DFW FT'ers who want to) will have to get together and do some advance planning.

Let me know what's cool with you all.
</font>


Some upcoming weekend lunch sounds good, but if some other time works better for the rest of you, I'll see what I can do.

Also, I see that there was an announcement in the AA board about this -- I'd suggest adding an announcement in DL as we don't want our friends in Terminal E to be left out. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I see the State Fair of Texas (http://www.texfair.com/) starts the following weekend. Shoot! That would have made a good Sunday activity.

Please put me down as possible. I probably won't be able to attend the whole weekend but at least one or two events!

This could be my first FT event! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I would be happy to help out where I can.

This sounds like a fun event. An AA tour should be interesting, expecially if we can sit in on the AA/Union negociations! HA. Maybe we could help out.

Let me know.
Frank

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TANSTASFL - but if you work it right, FF miles comes pretty close.

Keep me posted. Nice way to see the faces behind these names.

If you want to go to Rangers game that evening let me know as I work out there and I could see about discount tickets.

This is really starting to sound exciting. When should we hold a planning meeting? I am about to leave for the San Diego event and will take notes on how everything was organized. I will try to add everyone's names to the website when I get back from SoCal.

Bollar, how many people do you think we will need in order to take the ATC and AA operations tours?

IIRC, the AA tour needs 10 people.

The ATC tours don't have a set number, I've done it solo, and I've done it in a group of 40 -- it all depends on their staffing. Once we have a reasonable idea as to how many people we have interested, I'll call the two ATC facilities and see what they could do for us.

As for the DFW tour, I have no idea what their requirement is, but I do know that it's run by the DFW Volunteer staff.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Applefan:
This is really starting to sound exciting. When should we hold a planning meeting?</font>

Applefan,

When do you get back from SoCal? I think next weekend would be a good time for it. What do you all think?

I'm working on an AA contact to get a location over there in which we can hold the meeting. I probably should have an answer tonight.

If that doesn't happen, we will have to find an alternate location.

If anyone else is interested in meeting to help organize this event, let's hear from you.

Studley



[This message has been edited by studley (edited 07-19-2001).]

Will many FTers be traveling to DFW on that Friday? Just wondering if we arrange the tour of DFW on a Friday, whether most people can make it. Also will it be very crowded that day?

I suspect that the DFW and AA tours will have to be on Friday and yes, I do expect DFW to be busy!

O.K., we can meet over on the AA campus next weekend. Who's in, and which day is better for you? I need to know to let our "host" know how many to expect, and to give everyone (who needs them) directions to get there.

Thanks to the "host". You know who you are!

:-)

Studley



[This message has been edited by studley (edited 07-19-2001).]

I am up to help out where I can.

I will be in LAX from 7/26 - Aug 6th.

After that let me know what I can do.

Frank

I'm up for the DFW FT Get-Together. Having just attended the SAN Get-Together, I think this one also has the potential for a truly great event. In mid-August I will be moving to DFW, and hereby offer my services if possible (pending new work schedule).

I have previously toured both the AA Museum and DFW ATC (East tower), and they are excellent places to visit. Also toured the AA training center and it is quite interesting! Simulators, cockpit trainers, and FA training devices would be a nice touch. Maybe we could all try our hand at evacuating into the pool! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I can see what I can stir up on my end if you like. My AA contacts are from 4 years ago, hopefully still around somewhere.

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preez mine da pratform gahp.

FTers will find most everything very interesting at AA HDQ - from the C.R. Smith Museum, to the mockup cabins used during F/A training at the Learning Center, to AA AAdvantage Marketing.

You might even be able to set up a tour of the SRO (Southern Reservations Office) where
FTers can become familiar with how their calls into AA are processed and handled. One might even be able to 'double jack' with an agent.

And that for many FTers might be very enlightening!

And, don't forget that not too far away there's a spunky little company located on west side of the DAL runways - that definately has made its own history.

For 30 YEARS now. One mission. Low fares.

I think their ticker symbol is LUV!

Please put me down as a maybe for this, it sounds like fun. Would also get a chance to learn more about AA. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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Regards,
- Anna

I've created a Yahoo Group for the PiM -- basically a mailing list where we can update everybody interested in late-breaking news on PiM. We've got a couple of polls as well, which will help us plan events that people are interested in.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex

We will, of course, be posting all updates to this thread, so don't feel like you'll be missing anything if you don't sign up.

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My Aviation Pages (http://www.bollar.org/aviation.htm)
My Travel Pages (http://www.bollar.org/travel.htm)

Put me down as a definite maybe. I know I'll have to work that weekend; hopefully it'll be up in Big D!

Count me in!

bollar,

Thanks for the Yahoo! Group!

ChuckDEE, thanks for your offer. We will appreciate any and all who assist in this matter. And an early "Welcome to the Metroplex" to you!

There's an AA contact who is doing just fine with some of the events right now! We'll keep ya posted!

ChuckDEE, Anna, techgirl, and SuperSlug, I'm letting Applefan know your interest, so you'll be on the list.

:-)

Some of us are meeting this Saturday, to get some firm events/dates/times, so there'll be new information to give to you after then.

Studley



[This message has been edited by studley (edited 07-26-2001).]

Please put me down as confirmed, thanks.

What about a tour of (and possibly lunch at) the new AA arena?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by techgirl:
What about a tour of (and possibly lunch at) the new AA arena?</font>

Hi techgirl,

That was discussed today in the meeting.

Tours will not begin until the month of September, and will only be conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, according to their website.

However, there is a Dallas Stars-Washington Capitals hockey game on Friday, 9/22, at 07:30 P.M., and Janet Jackson's "All For You" concert is in the facility on Saturday, 9/22, at 08:00 P.M.

Our only hope would be that tours would be allowed while they set up for the game on Friday afternoon, and this is contingent on the final slate of events decided on for that day. I'll check into it.

Maybe there is a music industry insider here on FT who can get us backstage passes to her concert, or Platinum seats or a skybox! Even better if a Stars or Capitals insider is here. We could go to the game after the dinner in Dallas.

I like the idea of seeing the arena, especially the AA-owned area with the model aircraft displays.

:-)

Studley



[This message has been edited by studley (edited 07-28-2001).]

The PIM website has just been updated!!! Please visit the new events page of the website with a list of the exciting plans for the weekend.

http://jbradleyc.tripod.com/

Too bad this isn't happening a week earlier (http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/Forum13/HTML/000007.html). http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

This looks like fun, put me down as tentative. It would be great to see AA and DFW behind the scenes.

Would like to attend hockey game as well, hope you don't mind I cheer for the Caps though! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

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"Fly me to the moon and let me earn alot of miles."

I'm checking my schedule to see if I can confirm as well. Is there any "official" hotel? Downtown vs airport?

burkey,
There is no official hotel as such but if you need a recommendation please ask us local FTers. Also, there is a long list of hotel possiblities on the PIM website. The DFW Hyatt would a great place with its central location, low weekend rates, free parking, and bonus promotions. One confirmed person is staying there so far. It would also give an airport atmosphere for the weekend.

Wow... sounds like a fun weekend! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I'm still hoping to make it that weekend.

With regard to the hote, I have stayed at the DFW Hyatt a few times and have to say that it is getting old. I heard that the hotels just outside of the immediate airport area is nicer. I think Marriott is one of them. Anyone else have suggestions?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bagold:
I think Marriott is one of them. Anyone else have suggestions?</font>

I'm partial to the D/FW Marriott North. Spend something like 40-50 nights a year there. Pretty nice place, shuttle, 5-min. ride to the airport, etc.

But there's all sorts of stuff around there.

For those with a Hilton affinity, there is a very large Embassy Suites directly north of the airport. In the same vicinity, there is the DFW Hilton Lakes... I've had friends get great room rates there.

Re: the D/FW Marriott:

Uh-oh. I forgot there's a Cowboys game in town that Sunday. The Cowboys (and, consequently, a bunch of their fans) overnight at the D/FW Marriott North before home games. This means several things:

1) Lots of loud football groupies in the lobby (but I've never had a noise problem in my room)

2) Book a room early if you want to stay there, it'll fill up quick

3) You won't get upgraded to the Presidential Suite, because that's where the coach stays. Sorry. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by SuperSlug (edited 08-02-2001).]

There's a rather new Marriott in the heart of Las Colinas but I have no idea how the quality is. Great location though. The Omni a block away is where John Madden stays when he is in town doing games. Priceline is also a valid option. The link to Sheryl's wonderful website for the Dallas thread is at http://pub4.ezboard.com/fpricelineandexpediabiddingdallas

This sounds like fun, but I will not be able to attend this time. Hoping for a "re-run" some other time.

What do you guys think is the best Starwood property to stay at for this? It looks like there's a Sheraton at DFW but are there any other better properties that are also convenient? I have a free weekend to use so the more upscale for free, the better! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

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Regards,
- Anna

Anna,
I would say that the Westin Stonebriar resort in Frisco is the nicest by far but it would be a very long drive from the weekend events. The Sheraton Grand at DFW would be best located of course and is an ok hotel. It is a little tired though. The Westin Galleria would probably be the best choice if you don't mind driving a bit. I don't like the two Park Central locations (Sheraton and Westin) at all. There is also a Sheraton (Brookhollow I think) near Market Center which is has a good location but the hotel looks pretty old from the outside. Too bad the Westin Beachwood near the racetrack doesn't open for a few more months. It sounds like it is going to be a good property.

FWIW, I would suggest that, where possible, our visitors stay at one of the hotels on the north side of DFW. Since this will be one of the first events that will require lots of driving, it will make things much simpler if we're all reasonably close together and can share rides (my suggestion that everyone stay at the DFW Hilton @ Grapevine Mills was shot down hehe).

Anyone who wants to stay further afield needs to know that they'll need a car.

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Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

This is correct. Time to use those free weekend rentals!

:-)

BTW, I wish we could have a central hotel, but we also know some people have a preference towards one brand or other (Ex. AnnaS and her search for a Sheraton, to get the perks with that brand), or they may be in the middle of a promotion requiring multiple stays.

We definitely don't want to get in the way of anyone who needs to get points, miles, or status with this trip!

So, bollar's suggestion was "shot down" in the name of preference and personal choice.

An idea: Maybe there should be a poll on the Yahoo site: Central hotel vs. individual hotels? And can it be done in time for the out-of-town guests to make reservations?

Studley

[This message has been edited by studley (edited 08-02-2001).]

this FT event looks great! i will try to reroute a vacation i'm planning to south america through dallas, so please add me to the attendee list as a "maybe" for dinner on 9/21 and the tours on 9/22

to help me figure out flights, could someone pls tell me:

how far is Bob's Steak House from DFW?

is the AA Training and Operations Ctr in the same building/campus? adjacent to DFW? how far from the actual terminals by taxi/shuttle?

thanx!

I am looking at staying Las Colinas. Can't splurge on Four Seasons but would like to stay at Omni. Is this a good property?
Not concerned as much about points as Hyatt Reunion Arena is showing sold out and trying to stay near airport.

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"Fly me to the moon and let me earn alot of miles."

I have participated in conferences at both the Omni Mandalay (Las Colinas) and the new Marriott (which is right across the street from my current office). Both appear to be nice properties... I have no feedback on the rooms or upgrade availability, however.

I have also heard good feedback from colleagues on both the Wyndham Garden and Summerfield Suites (Wyndham program) for those with a Wyndham preference. Both are in Las Colinas.

All four of those properties are about 10 minutes from DFW airport (the airport is due west) and probably 10-15 minutes from the AA facilities for Saturday's activities.

Bob's for Friday night dinner is about 10 minutes due southeast of Las Colinas... easily accessible from that area.

If anyone is needing Las Colinas area directions that weekend, I would be glad to act as Las Colinas area hostess/expert since I live there.

PIM Attendees, We Could Use Your Help!

This is a request for information. Two things:

First, the AAdvantage Customer Service tour on Saturday morning requires real names for security purposes. Additionally, we are trying to coordinate some extra activities and they are dependent on the number of participants and their Elite level in the AAdvantage program.

If you are a definite or a maybe and have not done so already, please write to Applefan (http://www.flyertalk.com/forumcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=email&ToWhom=Applefan) and let him know your name and your AAdvantage level (not your AAdvantage number).

Second, if you're not a US Citizen and will attend the Fort Worth Center ATC tour on Saturday morning, please write to Applefan (http://www.flyertalk.com/forumcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=email&ToWhom=Applefan) and give him your name, citizenship, passport number, birthdate and birthplace. FAA requires this information at least two weeks in advance, so if you're still a "maybe," consider sending in the info anyway, so you don't miss out.

We've organized some cool stuff -- stay tuned for an update later this week!

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Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

I'm in.

All,
I will try to add all of the new confirmed and possible people to the PIM website tonight. I was out of town last weekend and because of that darn code red thing I don't have internet access at work right now. Worldbanker, the Omni was orginally a Four Seasons when it opened in the early 80s. It's still pretty nice. I live next door to it and on occasion have breakfast there.

Great to hear it! Look forward to breakfast at Enjolie in the Omni.

PIM Team,

Still very interested in coming for the weekend, sounds like things are rounding into form well. Looks like I will be able to attend both the Friday and Saturday functions, and will probably stay at the D/FW Hyatt.

AA is running a great special right now to DFW from TUS. For this non-stop, approximately 3.5 hour round trip, they are currently running in Coach a fare of....$1347. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

tovaz

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tovaz:
AA is running a great special right now to DFW from TUS. For this non-stop, approximately 3.5 hour round trip, they are currently running in Coach a fare of....$1347. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

tovaz</font>

Yow!

FWIW, AA has a web-only fare TUS-DFW arrive Friday afternoon, depart Sunday morning for $225....

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Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

bollar,

Just checked it out, and found the same fare. Even without being a financial analyst, I could figure out:

$1123 fare savings vs. $100 Hotel Room and $50 for dinner and cervezas at Joe T's

is probably a pretty good trade-off.

Thanks.

tovaz

[This message has been edited by tovaz (edited 08-07-2001).]

[This message has been edited by tovaz (edited 08-07-2001).]

Thanks to AA's fare sale today, please move me from the maybe to the confirmed list. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Question though: I decided to stay at the Sheraton Grand DFW and was wondering if I'll need a car or will I be able to share rides? Thanks, this sounds like fun!

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Regards,
- Anna

It will be fun, Anna!

:-)

Hard to say on transportation. Some of us will be offering rides to some of our out-of-town guests, and there may be some who rent vehicles.

This will be the first event in which more people will be driving between venues.

Please go to Applefan's site to change your listing to "Confirmed", and as you do this, please state your name and FF status. This is in reference to bollar's post above.

Studley

Big update coming on Friday, but figured you would smile at this letter I received from CR Smith Museum today:

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">....The right of other museum visitors must be respected. Group members need to use indoor voices, must not run, act in a boisterous manner, or abuse exhibits. Adult supervisors are responsible for the conduct of their group at all times, including the gift shop. Due to our campus security policies, we reserve the right to ask unruly visitors to leave the building. These policies apply to all groups who visit the museum.

For every 10 children you will need 1 adult. For children under the age of 5 you will need to have 1 adult for every 5 children.</font>

They know us too well. Who's willing to be adult? I'd much rather be a child! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

[This message has been edited by bollar (edited 08-08-2001).]

I have to use my indoor voice and I can't run?

Darn!

So much for having any fun at the PIM!

Thanks to AA one day sale - please change me to a definate

See current update later in this thread

[This message has been edited by bollar (edited 09-03-2001).]

Not interested in all of this group stuff during the day?

Not to worry! You might be surprised to know that the D/FW area has lots of tourist attractions and fun things to do on your own. We've put together a list of our favorites and all of this information will be in your welcome packet when you arrive.

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Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

I decided to wax nostalgic today. Here's the thread which started the whole concept of a Party In the Metroplex.

www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum95/HTML/001115.html (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum95/HTML/001115.html)

Studley

why is it that i'm ff'ing when things are going on in town? must be inherent in the mania of us. [why stay home when you can travel!]

I'm in. Just found out that I can creativly re-route a trip thru DFW for the weekend. I'll be staying at the Hilton Lakes north of
DFW.

Question: should I hold off on the rental car until after the DFW airport tour on Friday (or, can somebody gimmie a ride to the administration building, and then back to pick up my rental)?

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Saving the world, one clue at a time.

I just updated the PIM website and there are now 25 confirmed for some or all of the events. If I have made any mistakes or need to add your AA status please contact me. ClueByFour, we are going to arrange a ride system but if you can rent a car it would probably be a little more easier for you. Weekend rates at DFW tend to be very affordable.

The AA Tour Desk will need a firm number next week of people confirmed for the tour on Saturday, so they may assign the proper number of tour leaders. At that time, I will also let them know the number of people who are not confirmed, but possible to attend the tour.

If you have not signed up yet, please try to do so by Monday, at the latest. If you are on the "Possible" list, please let us know by Monday if your status can be changed to "Confirmed".

Don't forget to give us your real name and your FF status as well!

Studley

FLASH! I just booked a room at the Hilton on LBJ Parkway using the 50% AAdvantage coupon! This hotel is about 1/2 hour east of the airport according to the maps I've seen, but I'll have a car, so that's O.K. The rate in the computer showed $85.00 per night, so at $42.50, how can I beat that for a Hilton, even on Priceline? I'll be arriving at DFW around 1:00 or 1:30 on Friday afternoon, and I'll be doing all the tours and dinners, leaving from DFW at 12:30 on Sunday. Any FT'ers wanting to ride with me to any or all events are welcome.

I've always been able to beat those hotel coupon deals sent by AA by just booking the weekend rate, but not this time! Call 1-800-HHONORS and join me --- QUICK!

Captain Mike,

You're up close to where I work. That's a pretty good Hilton property. I stayed there for an off-campus retreat about a year after I moved here. The access to DFW is great. Just get right onto I-635 West (LBJ Freeway), which is the side the hotel is on, and you're on your way! (Edited to include more information.)

I saw on the local TV news recently that Dallas hotels are offering reduced prices or specials due to the decline in biztravel. This includes the high-end properties like the the Mansion at Turtle Creek, which is where the live report took place.

Thanks for the offer of carpooling. We need to definitely get that noted.

Only one major loose end left. That is the Friday restaurant location, and I'm working on that. I may also have some new information for you later next week.

Studley




[This message has been edited by studley (edited 08-18-2001).]

Can family members be included in the PIM?
Just asking.

Sure! We will need the same information we ask from you, if they are going to participate in the tours, and to get a total number for the restaurants.

Studley

[This message has been edited by studley (edited 08-18-2001).]

I just wanted to remind FTer's thinking about attending the PIM to please let us know for sure as soon as possible. I'm going to extend the deadline for the Saturday events till tomorrow at noon. The website is update as of now. If there is any incorrect information please let me know.
Thanks,
James
http://jbradleyc.tripod.com/

Applefan -- I emailed you earlier... mark me as confirmed for the Saturday events. Cap Mike -- hopefully I can still get in on the Hilton deal... if I can, I'll have to trade you a beer for a car ride...

Anyone else looking for hotels... I just used Hotwire.com and used DFW Airport area, and got upscale for $49/night and it was the Hilton DFW Lakes Exec Conference Center. Use Hotwire coupon code: PLECC3PFF1 for another $10 per booking and it's $45/night.

If anyone needs a Hotwire referal let me know, and you get an extra $10 off also.

I just booked Hotwire PHL/DFW, with a $25 coupon from burkey, came out to $149. Works for me. I'm flying UA, in friday morning PHL/ORD/DFW, and back DFW/ORD/PHL on sunday late morning.


Going to try to stay at the Sheraton Grand @ DFW, since that's where it looks like some people are staying. If anyone's staying at the Westin Galleria on Friday, please email me.

For anyone looking for evening activities, the local Oktoberfest is going on that weekend in Addison, about a half hour drive from DFW, or a 5 minute drive for anyone staying in the LBJ/Galeria area.

http://www.ci.addison.tx.us/current/Special%20Events/newindex.htm#oktoberfest

Are kids allowed on tours? I live in metroplex and would consider bringing daughter (age 11 - well behaved) if that's allowed.

Let me know. Frank

------------------
TANSTASFL - but if you work it right, FF miles comes pretty close.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by CFM3RD:
Are kids allowed on tours? I live in metroplex and would consider bringing daughter (age 11 - well behaved) if that's allowed.

Let me know. Frank

</font>

She's definitely welcome to CR Smith and will have fun there, as it's very kid-centric. She's also able to come to the FAA ATC tour, but that is going to have lots of talk about weather and stuff -- mitigated by the radar screens and watching the controllers work, which she might enjoy.

I don't believe it would be a problem for the AA Tour, and I think it would be very interesting for her to see all of the cabin mock-ups and the like.

My opinion is that the AAdvantage tour isn't all that exciting to see, more of an information exchange, but maybe she needs tips on completing her 20 partners....

If you have a choice, I'd suggest giving her the morning off and have her join us at lunch time for the afternoon activities.

------------------
Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

Bringing this to the top, as we are passing thru 21 and 14 day advance airfare purchase times.

Come join us at the PIM!

New York Times Sunday Travel Section article on "What's Doing in Fort Worth"

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/02/travel/WDWORTH.html

Has there been any final decision on the Friday/Saturday night dinner locations? The website still lists Bob's/Joe T.'s which I understood were no longer correct... (just curious, as I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy Tech football tickets for Sat night or tickets to the Red Raider club gala on Fri or either...)

Also - bollar, Studley, and Applefan (and other Dallas-ites I may have missed) - are we going to start a carpool list? Several of the FT-ers in chat have asked about ride-sharing (including at least three who may still be waivering on coming).

I can transport three (and coming from Las Colinas, my logical pickups would be anyone from MacArthur over to the airport - i.e. Four Seasons, Summerfield Suites, Marriott, Sheraton, Harvey, and DFW Hilton Lakes)... a couple of folks have already asked me individually about rides and I'll take care of them unless we come up with a more formal system which might make more sense...

Madam, please have the bell boy ring my room when my ride arrives. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Shall I wear my chauffeurs cap, dear Burkey? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

studley, studley, where for art thou studley?

I haven't seen you around in a couple weeks.... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by techgirl:
Has there been any final decision on the Friday/Saturday night dinner locations? The website still lists Bob's/Joe T.'s which I understood were no longer correct... (just curious, as I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy Tech football tickets for Sat night or tickets to the Red Raider club gala on Fri or either...)</font>

You're right about the website being outdated. The agenda posted in this thread is authoritative.

We're still working on Friday night. Expect a Tex-Mex experience in the Irving area. studley will be able to report back on that shortly.

Saturday will be @ Cool River Cafe (http://www.coolrivercafe.com/) in Las Colinas. Total cost per person will be $52.00 & will include choice of two salads; choice of a shrimp, salmon, ribeye or vegetarian main course; and choice of two deserts. Includes soda, coffee, tea, tax & tip. Booze extra.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Also - bollar, Studley, and Applefan (and other Dallas-ites I may have missed) - are we going to start a carpool list? Several of the FT-ers in chat have asked about ride-sharing (including at least three who may still be waivering on coming).

I can transport three (and coming from Las Colinas, my logical pickups would be anyone from MacArthur over to the airport - i.e. Four Seasons, Summerfield Suites, Marriott, Sheraton, Harvey, and DFW Hilton Lakes)... a couple of folks have already asked me individually about rides and I'll take care of them unless we come up with a more formal system which might make more sense...</font>

I agree that we need a carpool list -- I had hoped that we would have e-mailed all of our guests to see if we could pair people up, but hasn't been sent yet. Leesa and I will take three, each and hopefully the committee will have some communication shortly.

------------------
Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

Thanks bollar for the update!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by techgirl:
studley, studley, where for art thou studley?

I haven't seen you around in a couple weeks.... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

Ah, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and techgirl is the sun!

:-)

I've been out of pocket, with the last of the Labor Day/Summer travel season. This one's been a real challenging one to make projections for. Kind of thought I'd be in NYC this week on business, but I'm here.

I can take two (three is stretching it) in my car. I figure 2 Many Miles will ride with me, since he'll be staying across the street from my office!

That leaves one more person I can take from the Hilton @ I-635 (LBJ Freeway), if anyone else stays there, or DFW, or elsewhere. (Edited information.)

I'm taking that Friday off, so I can have a long weekend. As bollar stated, I'm working on the Friday dinner.

Studley

[This message has been edited by studley (edited 09-03-2001).]

I should amend my original carpool offer to state that I will give rides to everything EXCEPT Cool River on Saturday night.

Why?

Because I live close enough that I can walk home should I need to... therefore I don't plan to have to be driving. I'll suggest cabs to the others (although I'll graciously offer up my floor if need be)!

With sincere regret, I have to let everyone know I will be unable to attend after all.

Please know that I was looking forward to meeting all of you, and hopefully will be able to some time in the future.

If circumstances change, I'll try and come, but as of now, it's not looking good.

The latest update on the PIM!

Superceded by a later update.

[This message has been edited by bollar (edited 09-09-2001).]

Live from TPE, I have just updated the PIM website. I will also be able to take up to 3 other Flyertalkers to all events. Also, I am thinking of organizing a field trip Sunday Late morning to go eat lunch at Joe T Garcia's since our plan of dinner was unfortunately not possible there. It's a place not to be missed. Just email me if you are interested.

Is the Cool River Cafe part of AA dining program?

I'm local, and will be driving from Far North Dallas. I'm happy to offer lifts to up to 3 others.

Count MRKEY and tvl4free in for dinner both nites...2 Many Miles..sorry we won't see you....I'll be with tvl4free @ Homewood Suites..Market Center location..I will keep everybody informed of our developments and arrival times. Thanks Studley!

------------------
MRKEY

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ChaseTheMiles:
Is the Cool River Cafe part of AA dining program?</font>

No, they are not and that reminds me that they also are not able to accomodate separate checks for the main meal.

I would like to provide a facility for our guests to pay in advance via PayPal, but I have not received the committee's approval to do that yet.

------------------
Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

I will be flying AA # 865 ETA DFW
9:58 A.M. on Friday..return flight AA # 1334 Sunday nite 7:04
P.M. Would be happy to meet fellow Fter's at gate or you choose the spot. Can't wait to fire up those engines!

------------------
MRKEY

I will not be able to attend the PIM as previously planned. It sounds like a great gathering and I am so hoping it will be repeated next year. Have a great time all!

My DFW info:

9/21 AA 2265 ORD-DFW 22:00-00:13 9/22

Staying @ Westin Galleria, not renting a car
Attending Sat. activities & Sat. night dinner but not Fri.

9/23 AA 2248 DFW-ORD 13:00-15:26

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

------------------
Regards,
- Anna

[This message has been edited by AnnaS (edited 09-06-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MRKEY:
Count MRKEY and tvl4free in for dinner both nites</font>It's definitely worth a trip to DFW to hang out with these two!

I still wish that I could make it

[This message has been edited by chexfan (edited 09-05-2001).]

Originally posted by chexfan:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">It's definitely worth a trip to DFW to hang out with these two!</font>

Then we should add you to the list? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

------------------
Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

[This message has been edited by bollar (edited 09-04-2001).]

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif
I am looking forward to seeing all the dedicated AA Fter's...this one ought to beat 'em all! Thanks bollar, studley, Applefan and the other contributers for putting this together. Now, who has the keys to the DC-3 ?
------------------
MRKEY


[This message has been edited by MRKEY (edited 09-04-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by swag:
I'm local, and will be driving from Far North Dallas. I'm happy to offer lifts to up to 3 others.</font>

That makes two of us from Far North Dallas.

With the cancellation by 2 Many Miles, I now have two seats available.

Who knows - with Hilton and WN also here, we could make this an annual event. If we get enough interest in putting a brick commemorating the PIM under the C.R. Smith DC-3, we could have a January gathering. (Edited to further clarify this point.)

Studley

[This message has been edited by studley (edited 09-05-2001).]

I will be attending the Friday afternoon tour (not dinner). Saturday events and dinner as well.

See everyone there! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

How does one get on the list? I would like to attend the friday and sat activities and dinners.

[This message has been edited by cigarman (edited 09-05-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cigarman:
How does one get on the list? I would like to attend the friday and sat activities and dinners.
</font>

I've added you to the list & forwarded your name to Applefan, who is the official list keeper. All you need to do now is let us know your flight and hotel info and if you're renting a car.

Looking forward to seeing you there -- especially since my heirs didn't have to collect on that insurance you coordinated for me. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

------------------
Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

I believe I can make it! Woohoo!

Now that cigarmans coming can we have another poker party? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Want to win some more!!!!!!!!!!

In the true spirit of someone who can never successfully plan in advance, I will now be attending PiM again. My plans for that weekend have changed.

I'll be there Fri-Sun. [ Bollar, you have e-mail. ]

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Given that I like to harass 2MM, I will be attending the PIM as well -- arriving Saturday afternoon, out Sunday....

I will be flying into AA country, on a UA wagon, with the bumper sticker saying smell my exhaust.

-A

------------------
~~~
Adam
1K Superstar
rexskyler@aol.com

Malibu in the house!

:-)

Studley

Don't you have to be 21 to play poker? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Welcome back 2 Many Miles!

------------------
MRKEY

Okay I'm in for the Pim!

I just booked my flt and I'll likely stay at a Sheraton (for the free friday) unless no one else is. I can go with the Hilton if that seems to be the general meeting place.

I sent studley a email saying I get in late Friday night and have to miss diner on Saturday.

I look forward to seeing everything and meeting everyone. If anyone needs any info from me just email me.

Thx,
Dudemon

Sure Jan... you can TRY to take my money... friday night after dinner perhaps? or sat late? Other than that I'm not sure there is a hole in the schedule. Since we took all of marks lunch money in SAN, I can now afford the PIM. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

At long last, the Friday dinner is now set! Details to follow shortly.

Studley

Unfortunately, I am now unable to make the PiM. I am very upset. I could blame AA for this, as the most affordable flight I could get back from San Diego puts me in at 8pm, or I could blame myself for being cheap. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I was really looking forward to the activities on Friday! The rest of the weekend's activities I can't make because of my new work schedule.

What's everyone doing after 8pm on Friday/Saturday? If up in the Addison Circle/North Dallas area, please post!

------------------
preez mine da pratform gahp.

Greetings, Party in the Metroplex Guests!

Only 13 days and counting until the PiM and we look forward to seeing you at DFW! In order to simplify the meals, we've chosen set menus for each of the three group
meals and we'd like to ask you for payment at this time. Receiving payment now will let us finalize the reservations, hold the spaces and pay our deposits. It also relieves you of worrying about settling the check at the end.

The meals include all courses, tax & gratuity, soft
drinks, tea & coffee. Details of
each meal follow at the end of the message. Adult drinks will be billed separately and we ask that you settle your own drink bill at each meal.

We have coordinated group meals for Friday night @ La Casa in Grapevine, Saturday lunch @ Founders' Plaza, catered by Bartley's
BBQ & Saturday night @ Cool River in Las Colinas.

We have setup a PayPal account so you can pay for your meals either with a credit card, or by an electronic transfer from your checking account. We prefer you pay by electronic check, as that saves us a transaction fee, but if credit card works best for you, by all means, do so. We want this to be easy &painless for you.

To pay by PayPal, just click on the link that's appropriate for the events you're attending. If you need to make alternate payment arrangements, please write me at bollar@bollar.org so we can coordinate that with you.

PiM All Meals @ La Casa, Founders' Plaza & Cool River (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=bollar@bollar.org&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=PiM+All+Meals&amount=82.00) $82 per person.

PiM Friday Dinner @ La Casa Only (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=bollar@bollar.org&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=PiM+Friday+Dinner&amount=20.00) $20
per person.

PiM Saturday Lunch @ DFW's Founders' Plaza Only (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=bollar@bollar.org&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=PiM+Saturday+Lunch&amount=10.00) $10 per person.

PiM Saturday Dinner @ Cool River Only (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=bollar@bollar.org&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=PiM+Saturday+Dinner&amount=52.00) $52 per person.

If you're not able to attend, please let us know so we can take you off our lists.

We look forward to seeing you in less than two weeks!

On behalf of the PiM Planning Committee,

bollar

Menus:

Dinner @ La Casa
7pm until…?
$20.00 per Person, including Appetizers, Entrée, tea or soda, tax & gratuity

Grapevine’s La Casa isn’t fancy, but it’s honest Tex-Mex in a friendly, family atmosphere. We’ll be served in the private covered patio. It’s under the approach path for 13R, so expect to hear a plane or two.

Happy hour is from 2pm-7pm, if you need to get an early start on getting rid of that jet-lag.

We’ll begin with appetizer platters of flautas and quesadillas served away from the dinner tables cocktail-style. When we’re ready, we’ll move to the tables for a hearty dinner of “all you can eat” chicken & beef fajitas accompanied by all the stuff you need to make fajitas.

Tea & Sodas

Lunch @ DFW Airport’s Founders’ Plaza, Catered by Bartley’s Barbeque
12noon-1pm
$10.00 per Person, including barbeque, bread, desert, tea or lemonade & tax.


If the weather is fine, lunch outdoors at DFW's Founders' Plaza, the observation area located at the end of DFW runways 35 Left & Center. Prevailing winds are from the South, but if we luck out and have winds from the North, we'll have good views of the planes taking off along with the DFW East Tower piped in for atmosphere.

We'll be bringing BBQ from the finest 'que-house in the Metroplex (yes, that's quite subjective) and will enjoy it al fresco in traditional "tailgating-style."

We expect to serve sliced beef, sausage, & chicken, accompanied by BBQ beans, coleslaw & Texas toast, followed by a simple desert.

Tea & lemonade

Dinner @ Cool River Cafe
7pm until…? Business Casual Dress, Please
$52.00 per Person, including Salad, Entrée, Desert, coffee, tea or soda, tax & gratuity

Las Colinas' Cool River is a convenient & popular lunch & dinner venue located southeast of DFW. It’s decorated in an interesting hunting lodge theme, with a great bar, pool tables & live music off to the side. We're located in a function room off of the main dining room.

Cool River Cafe Steakhouse and Southwestern Grille Welcomes FlyerTalk

With Your Choice of:

Republic Salad or Caesar Caliente

You may choose one of the following entrees:

Devil Creek Shrimp
Six Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Pepper Jack Cheese and Wrapped in Smoked Apple-Wood Bacon, Grilled and Basted with a Chipotle Hickory Sauce.

Shiner Bock Rib-Eye
14 oz. Grilled "Shiner Bock" Marinated Rib-Eye Steak

Grilled North Atlantic Salmon
10 oz. Farm Raised Sterling Salmon

A vegetarian choice is also available

Seasonal Vegetables & Smashed Potatoes served family-style with your entree.

You may choose one desert from the following:

Texas White & Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

Passion Berry Duo
Wild Berry Mousse layered with a thin Chocolate Snap and Tropical Passion Fruit Mousse with a Mirrored Berry Glaze.

Coffee, Tea & Sodas




------------------
Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

[This message has been edited by bollar (edited 09-08-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ChuckDEE:
Unfortunately, I am now unable to make the PiM. I am very upset. I could blame AA for this, as the most affordable flight I could get back from San Diego puts me in at 8pm, or I could blame myself for being cheap. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I was really looking forward to the activities on Friday! The rest of the weekend's activities I can't make because of my new work schedule.

What's everyone doing after 8pm on Friday/Saturday? If up in the Addison Circle/North Dallas area, please post!

</font>

Are you able to standby for an earlier flight? We can hold a spot for you if there's a chance.

------------------
Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bollar:
Are you able to standby for an earlier flight? We can hold a spot for you if there's a chance.</font>

I don't know. My flight leaves early morning as it is, and because of it's cheap nature it has many stops, which puts me into DFW late. I'll try for the non-stop, but am almost positive they'll charge me for re-routing. I'll keep my fingers crossed and lay on the charm at the ticket counter!



------------------
preez mine da pratform gahp.

chuckdee, are you flying through lax and Aus. Have seen this routing and you are allowed to fly standby, same day of travel, space available to your final destination only. If DFW is your final destination of travel on that day, then just show up early and go to the gate of any flight you want. The GA will put you on the standby list according to status and if there is room available you will get on. I do this almost everymonth if my plans change. Almost always can get a seat, I usually ask for first and can get it about 50% of the time.
Good luck.

dallasflyer

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ChuckDEE:
What's everyone doing after 8pm on Friday/Saturday? If up in the Addison Circle/North Dallas area, please post!</font>

The dinners are at 7 P.M. on both nights. Most of the crowd may turn in early in Friday to get up bright and early for the FAA tour Saturday morning.

Saturday night is open, although, from reading the posts, I think there will be a high-stakes poker game going on!

;-)

On Saturdays, I usually end up either in Lower Greenville, Deep Ellum, or somewhere in Addison, as I live and work in North Dallas. However, I will probably just hang out with the group, and enjoy their company.

Since tvl4free will be there in person, maybe the information in "The Primer" will finally become clear to me!

:-)

With all the events and many participants being near the airport, it was difficult to try to get activities in Dallas itself. Had the Broadway Grill not closed down, however, I would have vigorously lobbied for hanging out in Addison with my friends, the Emerald City Band! (Edited to include this information.)


Studley




[This message has been edited by studley (edited 09-09-2001).]

High stakes? Ever time I host a Cigarman FT poker game, we set off the metal detector with all those NICKELS and DIMES.
Of course the other late night activity I might do is visit my clients at the mens club dallas... and smoke sticks of course.

Man, what a horrible day fighting UBB code. Basically, it tuned out that UBB can't handle the URLs created by MapBlast.

The update in the following message has a few new items:

First, the addresses & phone numbers for our events.
Second, MapBlast directions between events. If you click on the link, you'll go to my site first and will be immediately redirected to MapBlast because of the aforementioned UBB problem. The maps are pretty cool. They can be downloaded to a PDA and they can be customized to show maps of each turn.
Third, a few miscellaneous bits of info.

We'll have one more update before the PiM and we'll make sure you have Studley and my wireless numbers so we can hook up with you if something does go wrong.

I'd suggest that you give the agenda one more thorough read and make sure you review & print the directions for each of the events, even if you don't have a car -- it'll be useful if you somehow need a taxi.

[This message has been edited by bollar (edited 09-09-2001).]

The latest update on the PIM!

Attendees, we need your help!

First: The Metroplex is a spread-out destination and we're trying to coordinate rides. Please let us know where you're staying and if you're planning to rent a car. If you're local to DFW, please let us know if you're able to give rides. Over the next few days, we'll try to match everyone up to a ride.

Second: Please let us know your airline, flight number & arrival date and we'll try to coordinate rides for your arrival.

Third: Please confirm that you will or will not be attending the Friday & Saturday dinners. We've made reservations based on your instructions, but would hate to have ordered reservations for meals that you're not going to attend.

In order to simplify the meals, we've chosen set menus for each of the three group meals and we'd like to ask you for payment at this time. Receiving payment now will let us finalize the reservations, hold the spaces and pay our deposits. It also relieves you of worrying about settling the check at the end.

The meals include all courses, tax & gratuity, soft drinks, tea & coffee. Details of each meal follow. Adult drinks will be billed separately and we ask that you settle your own drink bill at each meal.

We have coordinated group meals for Friday night @ La Casa in Grapevine, Saturday lunch @ Founders' Plaza, catered by Bartley's BBQ & Saturday night @ Cool River in Las Colinas.

We have setup a PayPal account so you can pay for your meals either with a credit card, or by an electronic transfer from your checking account. We prefer you pay by electronic check, as that saves us a transaction fee, but if credit card works best for you, by all means, do so. We want this to be easy & painless for you.

To pay by PayPal, just click on the link that's appropriate for the events you're attending. If you need to make alternate payment arrangements, please write me at mailto:bollar@bollar.orgbollar@bollar.org</A> so we can coordinate that with you.

Pay for All Meals @ La Casa, Founders' Plaza & Cool River using PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=bollar@bollar.org&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=PiM+All+Meals&amount=82.00) $82 per person.

Remember! We need real names & AAdvantage level (not number) for the AA Tour. If you’re not a US Citizen, we need to have your Citizenship, Date & Place of Birth and Passport Number at least two weeks in advance for the FAA Tour!

Friday:

DFW Airport Tour (http://www.dfwairport.com/)
3200 S. 31st Ave., DFW Airport, TX 75261
3pm-5pm
Conducted by DFW Airport Public Affairs Department (http://www.dfwairport.com/VISITOR/)
Directions from Rental Cars to DFW Administration Building (http://www.bollar.org/pim/dfw-admin.htm)

Go north from car rental plaza to S. Airport Dr. and follow remaining directions.

If you arrive at DFW on Friday afternoon before 230 pm, join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the world’s busiest airports. We’ll meet at the DFW Administration Building and begin the tour at 3 pm. The tour will be all “back of the house” and will include a drive over the runways & taxiways to the new International Terminal (under construction), tours of other parts of the airport’s infrastructure as well as information on the new runway, taxiways & the DFW Airport Master Plan.

Your committee is investigating meeting our guests at the terminals and shuttling them to the Administration Building.

Dinner @ La Casa Mexican Cafe
1689 W Northwest Hwy, Grapevine, TX 76051 817-481-7764 (you must dial area code)
7pm until…?
$20.00 per Person, including Appetizers, Entrée, tea or soda, tax & gratuity.
Pay for Friday's Dinner @ La Casa Only using PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=bollar@bollar.org&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=PiM+Friday+Dinner&amount=20.00)
Directions from DFW Administration Building to La Casa Mexican Cafe (http://www.bollar.org/pim/admin-lacasa.htm). Customize these directions if you're going to your hotel first!

Grapevine’s La Casa isn’t fancy, but it’s honest Tex-Mex in a friendly, family atmosphere. We’ll be served in the private covered patio. It’s under the approach path for DFW's 13R, so expect to hear a plane or two.

Happy hour is from 2pm-7pm, if you miss the DFW Airport Tour and need to get an early start on getting rid of that jet-lag.

We’ll begin with appetizer platters of flautas and quesadillas served away from the dinner tables cocktail-style.

When we’re ready, we’ll move to the tables for a hearty dinner of “all you can eat” chicken & beef fajitas accompanied by all the stuff you need to make fajitas.

Tea & Sodas included.


After Dinner is on your own
We'll provide a list of the best nightspots in Dallas & Ft. Worth, but don't stay up too late, as we have an early start on....

Saturday:

ZFW ARTCC (Fort Worth Center) ATC Tour (http://www.zfwartcc.jccbi.gov/)
13800 FAA Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76155
8am-10am
Conducted by Federal Aviation Administration (http://www.faa.gov/)
Directions from North side of DFW to FAA Ft. Worth Center (http://www.bollar.org/pim/dfwnorth-faa.htm). Customize these directions to come from your hotel!

FAA Security requires a government-issued picture ID to attend. If you’re not a US Citizen, we need to have your Citizenship, Date & Place of Birth and passport number at least two weeks in advance!

Fort Worth Center has been upgraded to the new ATC system. You’ll get to see the new equipment, learn how weather affects air traffic and have a chance to “plug-in” with a controller who is managing live traffic. If time allows, you’ll have a chance to control traffic on your own, using the center’s dynamic simulator. Sorry this is so early, but we need to be in and out before traffic gets heavier and a shift change occurs. We need to be checked-in by 8am, so to make the 8am start time, we expect a departure from hotels on the North side of DFW at 730am.

AA AAdvantage Program Customer Service Center
4201 Buckingham Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76155
1030am-12noon
Directions from FAA Ft. Worth ARTCC to AAdvantage Customer Service (http://www.bollar.org/pim/faa-aacs.htm)

AA needs a list of attendees with real names two weeks in advance.

See the AAdvantage customer service call center; tour the departments, “plug-in” with a CSR.

Lunch @ DFW Airport’s Founders’ Plaza (http://www.dfwairport.com/VISITOR/founders.htm), Catered by Bartley’s Barbeque
2829 30th Street (Carbon Rd.), DFW Airport, TX 75261
12noon-1pm
$10.00 per Person, including barbeque, bread, desert, tea or lemonade & tax.
Pay for Saturday's Lunch @ DFW Founders' Plaza Only using PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=bollar@bollar.org&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=PiM+Saturday+Lunch&amount=10.00)
Directions from AAdvantage Customer Service to DFW Founders' Plaza (http://www.bollar.org/pim/aacs-fp.htm)

If the weather is fine, lunch outdoors at DFW's Founders' Plaza, the observation area located at the end of DFW runways 35 Left & Center. Prevailing winds are from the South, but if we luck out and have winds from the North, we'll have good views of the planes taking off along with the DFW East Ground Control Frequency piped in for atmosphere.

We'll be bringing BBQ from the finest 'que-house in the Metroplex (yes, that's quite subjective) and will enjoy it al fresco in traditional "tailgating-style."

We expect to serve sliced beef, sausage, & chicken, accompanied by BBQ beans, coleslaw & Texas toast, followed by a simple desert.

Tea & lemonade included.

American Airlines CR Smith Museum (http://www.crsmithmuseum.org/)
4601 Hwy 360 @ FAA Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76155
1pm-3pm
Directions from DFW's Founders' Plaza to CR Smith Museum (http://www.bollar.org/pim/fp-crsmith.htm)

Guided tour of American Airlines’ fantastic museum. We have access inside the DC-3; a volunteer will operate the flight simulator for us; and we’ll get to fire up the jet engine http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif! Additionally, there’s a gift shop with more AA and TWA Logo stuff than most of us could possibly imagine. We've allotted plenty of time for you to see all of the exhibits and get your AA Shopping done.

We had planned to surprise everyone with a “FlyerTalk” inscribed commemorative brick to be placed underneath the DC3. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time – so we can discuss, as a group, if this is something we want to do.

Total cost is $125 and it would be placed in January.

American Airlines Training Center & Systems Operations Control
3pm-5pm
Adjacent to CR Smith Museum

See the operations end of the airline. This tour includes visits to the flight and cabin simulators where AA’s crews learn their stuff as well as the operations center where AA traffic worldwide is controlled. If the weather’s bad, watch The Cancellator Desk in action!


Dinner @ Cool River Cafe (http://www.coolrivercafe.com)
1045 Hidden Ridge Rd, Irving, TX 75038 972-871-8881 (you must dial area code)
7pm until…? Business Casual Dress, Please
$52.00 per Person, including Salad, Entree, Desert, coffee, tea or soda, tax & gratuity.
Pay for Saturday's Dinner @ Cool River Cafe Only using PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=bollar@bollar.org&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=PiM+Saturday+Dinner&amount=52.00)
Directions from CR Smith Museum to Cool River Cafe (http://www.bollar.org/pim/crsmith-coolriver.htm) Customize these directions if you're going to your hotel first!

Las Colinas' Cool River is a convenient & popular lunch & dinner venue located southeast of DFW. We're located in a function room off to the side of the main dining room & we've selected a set menu to simplify our dining experience.

Here's the menu:

Cool River Cafe Steakhouse and Southwestern Grille Welcomes FlyerTalk

With Your Choice of:

Republic Salad or Caesar Caliente

You may choose one of the following entrees:

Devil Creek Shrimp
Six Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Pepper Jack Cheese and Wrapped in Smoked Apple-Wood Bacon, Grilled and Basted with

a Chipotle Hickory Sauce.

Shiner Bock Rib-Eye
14 oz. Grilled "Shiner Bock" Marinated Rib-Eye Steak

Grilled North Atlantic Salmon
10 oz. Farm Raised Sterling Salmon

A vegetarian choice is also available

Seasonal Vegetables & Smashed Potatoes served family-style with your entree.

You may choose one desert from the following:

Texas White & Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

Passion Berry Duo
Wild Berry Mousse layered with a thin Chocolate Snap and Tropical Passion Fruit Mousse with a Mirrored Berry

Glaze.

Coffee, Tea & Sodas

After Dinner is on your own
Cool River has Pool Tables and a Cigar Bar and it's quite convenient, but if you want to venture into the Big City,

we'll provide a list of the best nightspots in Dallas & Ft. Worth.

Sunday:

On your own

Brunch at one of Dallas’ top restaurants,
Texas Rangers & Dallas Cowboys play,
or visit some of our local attractions.

[This message has been edited by bollar (edited 09-09-2001).]

[This message has been edited by bollar (edited 09-09-2001).]

Bollar --

I hate to say it, but ==&gt; #(*&$#)#()($ Ack!

Is not valid UBB. You need to put the control characters in brackets...

Cheers.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 2 Many Miles:
Bollar --

I hate to say it, but ==&gt; #(*&$#)#()($ Ack!

Is not valid UBB. You need to put the control characters in brackets...

Cheers.</font>

Yes, I've since learned that and a whole lot more about UBB that I hoped I'd never have to know. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

------------------
Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

[This message has been edited by bollar (edited 09-09-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dallasflyer:
chuckdee, are you flying through lax and Aus. Have seen this routing and you are allowed to fly standby, same day of travel, space available to your final destination only. If DFW is your final destination of travel on that day, then just show up early and go to the gate of any flight you want. The GA will put you on the standby list according to status and if there is room available you will get on. I do this almost everymonth if my plans change. Almost always can get a seat, I usually ask for first and can get it about 50% of the time.
Good luck.

dallasflyer</font>

This sounds promising. Actually... SAN-LAX-AUS-DFW wasn't pricing very well either... so I ended up with SAN-ORD-TUL-DFW. I'll try for standby.

No... this wasn't a mileage run!!! I swear!!! Just an avoidance of a $900+ fare (no Saturday night stay)!!! I know that seems hard to believe, especially on these boards. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I'm going to try my hardest. If I get lucky I may be able to get in before 3pm. Let's pray AA is in a good mood on the 21st!


------------------
preez mine da pratform gahp.

Here are updates on the Fort Worth Center tour on Saturday

I had my confirmation call with the FAA today and they're very excited to be giving a tour to Frequent Flyers. We're a nice change from the normal pilot recurrent training and school groups.

The Bad News: They say they have a full two hour program and ask if we can arrive at 7:45 Saturday AM so that we can be signed in and ready to go at 8:00. This will require a departure from North side hotels around 7:15 AM. Sorry about that.

Remember to bring a government-issued picture ID! You'll need it to get in the building.

The Good News: We've got two tour leaders and we'll be split into two groups. First group will immediately go get a tour of the control rooms and "plug-in" with a controller directing live traffic while the second gets a briefing on how the ATC system works. After an hour, we'll swap places.

Everyone will have a chance to plug in with a controller -- and this is fun! You'll be able to talk to them while they're working in an interesting ebb and flow -- sometimes they're busy, then there's a lull where you can talk about almost anything.

The ATC guys are "really anxious" to explain what they are and are NOT responsible for when passengers are told there are ATC delays. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

------------------
Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

Based on my experience at the SAN get together in July, the ATC tour could be the highlight of the weekend.

Having to be there that early kind of stinks, but I guess it's worth it...

PiM Guests!

Over the weekend, I was asked about our offering set menus for our gatherings. Our decision to do so was driven by strong suggestions from prior hosts, a synopsis of which can be found in this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum95/HTML/001349.html

We knew when we started that it would be difficult to meet everyone's needs, but we did want to offer cost and menu diversity between our Friday & Saturday dinners. This was balanced by restaurants' inability to handle separate checks, or to serve a large group reasonably expeditiously with an a la carte menu.

We'd love to have you at all of our events, but what we really want is for you to enjoy yourselves in our city. If we've planned something that doesn't meet your needs, we understand and hope you won't be offended if we help you make alternate arrangements. We'll be pleased to recommend nearby restaurants that are sure to meet your requirements. After dinner, come join the rest of the group for after dinner activities.

The committee has financial guarantees for each dinner, so we would appreciate knowing your plans immediately, allowing us to adjust our guaranteed headcount.

On behalf of the PiM Organizing Committee,

bollar


------------------
Party in the Metroplex -- September 21-23, 2001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyerTalkMetroplex)

ChuckDEE..sounds like a run to me! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Glad you can make it!

------------------
MRKEY

Well, Is the PiM still on? I would assume no. The airport and AA are surley going to have a serious lockdown for sometime re; all the highjacking. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

I am definitely one for the better safe then sorry attitude so you won't hear any negative mumblings from me. I plan on waiting to cancel my trip until Wednesday evening to make sure that is the appropriate action.

Dudemon,

bollar and I will talk later today. Then, we'll post information, and get the word out.

FAA has conditionally cancelled their tour. I'm sure AA will call tomorrow.

Studley

I certainly agree with whatever you guys decide.

Of course, for those with non-refundable tickets or redeemed Free Fridays and such who still want to come down, I'm sure we can still plan something a bit more subdued, albeit away from the airport/airlines...

It is so foolish to call anything off. If you do... they bad guys win. So what if AA backs out... can't a group of flyertalkers have fun hanging out with each other? I REFUSE TO LET A BUNCH of sand sucking, non bathing, mouth breathers, ruin our way of life! If PIM cancells ... look for PARTY in BIG D with the BIG COHIBA. These guys aren't gonna win.

Folks, Cigarman is exactly right. I think and expect the FAA tour to be DOA. Probably the ops@DFW event, too.

So what.

Assuming we are flying by then, calling off the PIM is letting the terrorist element win. We (as a country and as the FT community) are much stronger than that.

Based on my 2 previous FT get togethers, and some trip reports read over the years, I can come down with a couple of packs of virginia's finest, a box of the dominican's finest, 5 bucks in quarters, a couple cases of good beer and wine, several bottles of liquor, 18 frequent travel program cards of various elite levels, a digital camera, and a copy of "My Upgrade is Bigger Than Yours: Making Friends and Worming Status" and kill at least a couple of days http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. Easy. As long as take at least 2 segments getting there and back (lest I be laughed out of town).

Assuming someone of my questionable moral terpitude can board an airplane after today, I'm still planning on coming.

------------------
Saving the world, one clue at a time.

I not so concerned with "letting the bad guys win" as I am with doing the prudent thing. For example, are extra pax in the airport or AC warrented at this time? Probably not (Though I doubt AA will volunteer to lose the business).

I guess I have been trained not to slow down and look at the taffic accident, rather to continue on and try to avoid the scene if I can.

I'm not saying we should cancel for the sake of the bad things that have already happened, but perhaps we should consider cancelling on the basis of getting in the way of considerably complex operations and increased stress levels on the part of all individuals.

My ticket is paid for and I like to come, but only as a welcome guest.

I also agree with cigarman and as long as the nation is flying, I plan to be in DFW the weekend of the gathering. We FTers can always manage to have a good time, regardless of the tours being cancelled (which is completely understandable).

------------------
Regards,
- Anna

Agreed...

... and given that some of us might have (gasp) airline overkill after this week, I would gladly volunteer to help coordinate some non-airline related Dallas activities for those still coming...

Let's all keep an open mind and not come to any conclusions yet. I will be there as long as it seems safe to fly. I have a family birthday event on the 23&24 in Ft. Worth which dovetails nicely with the PIM.

If all the scheduled tours fall thru we'll find other things to do and enjoy meeting one another.

I want to first thank all of you who want to keep this event on track. That alone makes me feel really great about how things will turn out!

:-)

The gathering will go on as scheduled. If there are any changes to any of the planned events, either I or bollar will let you know.

If you wish to change your mind and not attend, please let us know. If you have prepaid money for the meals, it will be refunded promptly to you.

We won't hold it against you if you do not attend. We understand completely and still love you! However, we'll miss having you here.

:-)

If you do wish to still attend, then it is IMPERATIVE that you remit the money for the meals via PayPal to bollar, so we can get the correct number of people to the restaurants.

techgirl - Since you have volunteered your assistance, would you please put together a list of Dallas activities not related to airlines. We can incorporate them into the gathering if we need to change events out, as well as provide a list of things people may want to do either after dinner, or instead of some of the tour events. Please contact me when you return to DFW.

ClueByFour, I want to see that book!

;-)

I'll have more details for you all later.

Studley




[This message has been edited by studley (edited 09-12-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Dudemon:
My ticket is paid for and I like to come, but only as a welcome guest.</font>

Dudemon,

You are a welcome guest. I want to meet as many of you as possible. I really don't want any of you to cancel, but will understand if you do. I'm sure most of you feel the same way.

Studley

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by studley:

techgirl - Since you have volunteered your assistance, would you please put together a list of Dallas activities not related to airlines. We can incorporate them into the gathering if we need to change events out, as well as provide a list of things people may want to do either after dinner, or instead of some of the tour events. Please contact me when you return to DFW.
...
</font>


Techgirl and Studley,
Please let me know if I can help. I'm in Dallas now, and (it looks like) will be thru next weekend.

swag

Studley...

Will do once we figure out where the gaps are.

I think that if the FAA tour gets cancelled, most will opt to sleep in since that was so early anyhow.

I'll put together two or three ideas that are reasonable based on: 1. the day and time of the gap, 2. the length of time of the gap, and 3. the distance logistics of where we would need to be for other activities (i.e. tour, dinner, etc.)

Well my team meeting in LA was cancelled today so whether or not I think I should come has become a moot point. I hope everyone has a great time and try to make it to SEA for the event tentatively planned for November!

bollar, don’t worry about the ten dollars for lunch, buy a couple of beers for someone in the AC next time you feel like on me.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by techgirl:
[B]Studley...

I think that if the FAA tour gets cancelled, most will opt to sleep in since that was so early anyhow.]

TECHGIRL: we think alike! Also, thank you for stepping up and being willing to make alternate plans. If I can help in some way from San Antonio let me know.

We'll all make this event the best it can be!

Change of plans... I now get in at 6pm on Friday. AA re-accomodated me on an earlier, nonstop flight. As Airport and ATC tours may not happen, I would love to join up with everyone at La Casa at 7pm on Friday night... if it's still on that is... is it?

------------------
preez mine da pratform gahp.

ChuckDEE,

It's still on. It may change a bit, but it's still on.

Studley

I have been to other FT gatherings and truly enjoy meeting and talking with like minds. I think everybody I saw on the list for Party in the Metroplex attending would all be new.

Although you may be "faceless", I feel like I know some of you already for some time. I have exchanged posts and emails on and off FT boards. Therefore, I am sad to say that we will not be making it. It really would have been fun to see AA and DFW behind the scenes.

I will however, keep a list of FT handles and post a topic when connecting or stopping in DFW on one of my next trips. I opted for a voucher instead of a refund because I will still requalify for Platinum this year.




------------------
"Fly me to the moon and let me earn alot of miles."

Please post a new acitivity schedule as soon as you have one. I am still planning on coming.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ChaseTheMiles:
Please post a new acitivity schedule as soon as you have one. I am still planning on coming. </font>

The FAA Tour and the tour of the AAdvantage Offices, both of which were scheduled for Saturday, have been canceled.

We will post a new schedule as soon as it is finalized.

Studley

Are these canceled, and that is final, or is there a chance that the tours may go on next week?

d

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Doppy:
Are these canceled, and that is final, or is there a chance that the tours may go on next week?d</font>

Doppy,

The FAA Tour was "conditionally cancelled" after the Tuesday events. Although it is possible for the status of this to change, it probably will not.

We learned of the AAdvantage Office Tour cancellation today. That is final.

Studley

If the tours are canceled, can we reschedule for sometime later this year? I know many of you would like to get together next weekend anyway, but in addition we could also try to get the same tour lineup to happen in a few weeks.

d

Doppy, some things to consider here:

1. We will not be able to get these tours for some time, much less a few weeks, and understandably so.

2. My schedule (and that of others, probably) will get more complicated after this. In that case, I would not propose anything to be rescheduled until next year.

3. We can use the time slots of the canceled events to sleep in after a great Friday night out! We can spend more time with each other, and we can do something else during the day on Saturday.

There are alternate items being worked out, which are not flight-related.

Therefore, we will go forward with what we have here, and adjust that as needed.


Studley



[This message has been edited by studley (edited 09-13-2001).]

Bollar,

Am I correct to think the Friday events (DFW tour and Dinner) are still on? Also, Sat. we have the Lunch, CRM Museum, AA trining, and then Dinner still?

As a suggestion, we can visit Grapevine's old town. On Main Street there is the Main Street Bakery which I've touted before to everyone. It's a French patisserie with croissants just like those in Paris, and other delicacies. (I believe it caters for Air France). Also purchases there get AA Dining miles.

Mrs dallasflyer and myself are going to have to cancel. I am flying Friday night and we have some activities I was not aware of on Saturday, if I can get back Saturday in a timely manner. Sorry and hope everyone has a great time.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ChaseTheMiles:
Bollar,

Am I correct to think the Friday events (DFW tour and Dinner) are still on? Also, Sat. we have the Lunch, CRM Museum, AA trining, and then Dinner still?

As a suggestion, we can visit Grapevine's old town. On Main Street there is the Main Street Bakery which I've touted before to everyone. It's a French patisserie with croissants just like those in Paris, and other delicacies. (I believe it caters for Air France). Also purchases there get AA Dining miles.

</font>

All of the meals are still on.

AAdvantage tour is definitely cancelled.

We'll know the final status of the DFW, FAA & AA tours on Monday.

CR Smith is definitely on.

Living in Grapevine, I know well the joys of Main Street Bakery. Anyone who doesn't have their AAdvantage Dining partner should make a purchase there!

Hi everyone!

We all understand the gravity of what has happened in the past week. We here in DFW understand if you need to change your plans to come and visit us. Some of you have done this already; thank you very much for letting us know. We hope we can see you another time.

For all who intend to attend as scheduled, we seek your assistance. If you are attending any of the meals during the weekend, we need you to forward the appropriate payment to bollar via PayPal, as we have to get the lists clarified for the restaurants we are using.

We also need to finalize any necessary transportation issues, which now take a higher level of importance, in the wake of the changes currently happening at DFW Airport. This means we need your flight and hotel information and whether or not you are renting a car, if you have not already submitted this information to us.

As you may already know, the AAdvantage Customer Service Tour has been canceled. The C.R. Smith Tour will continue as scheduled. Those are the activities in which we have the most current information concerning them. We should have clarification on the status of the other activities for you by Tuesday.

This includes getting the final word on the FAA Tour, which was "conditiionally canceled" following last Tuesday's events. It is possible that this will change. I posted my personal thoughts earlier in this thread that I did not believe that this would change, for obvious reasons.

We look forward to hearing from you!

:-)

For the PIM Planning Committee (Applefan, bollar, Studley),

Studley


[This message has been edited by studley (edited 09-16-2001).]

Do we have any update on the final word as to what is/is not going to happen?

d

I talked to Studley about 1/2 hour ago and found out that we will not know until tomorrow about the status of the events. We will let everyone know as soon as we find out the status. One thing for sure is that all of the previously announced dinners are on. A revised schedule will be going out hopefully tomorrow.

[This message has been edited by Applefan (edited 09-18-2001).]

Do you guys have any idea about how things are looking? I hate to drive people nuts, but I've got a bunch of reservations with cancelation policies and a guest that I need to be concerned about. I'd love to go and at least catch some of the tours, but I also don't want to pay for reservations that I didn't cancel soon enough.

I'm sure you guys aren't dragging your feet, but someone is. I don't see what's going to be different between today and tomorrow or Saturday.

Thanks

d

[This message has been edited by Doppy (edited 09-18-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Applefan:
One thing for sure is that we will be doing the CR Smith Museum and all of the previously announced dinners.</font>

Last night in chat, studley said that CR Smith was cancelled.

Sorry about that. I just confirmed that the CR Smith Museum tour is canceled.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Doppy:
Do you guys have any idea about how things are looking? I hate to drive people nuts, but I've got a bunch of reservations with cancelation policies and a guest that I need to be concerned about. I'd love to go and at least catch some of the tours, but I also don't want to pay for reservations that I didn't cancel soon enough.

I'm sure you guys aren't dragging your feet, but someone is. I don't see what's going to be different between today and tomorrow or Saturday.
</font>

If you have to make a decision now, assume that none of the scheduled tours will happen and that the FlyerTalkers who make it will enjoy each others' company or perhaps tour some of the local sights.

FAA & DFW are both enthusiastic about hosting us, but neither had permission to do so on Monday. They asked for two days to see what they could work out, which I granted. I'll report back immediately, when they give their "final" word.

Hi everyone!

Over the course of the last week, many of you who are still attending have inquired about the status of the activities planned for this weekend.

Final word on those activities will be disclosed tomorrow. It was originally stated that today would be the day; however, some organizations needed another day to come to a decision.

I apologize for this delay, but needed to have firm answers from them on the status of their events, before exploring alternate options. Please be patient, and we will have an answer for you sometime tomorrow.

Our alternate activities are available and ready to go if necessary. I have seen the list of them, and you will be pleasantly surprised! And we even may be able to tour in Downtown Dallas.

Our original itinerary ensured no one would be just sitting around (of course, unless they wanted to). Our alternate one ensures the same thing!


Studley

Studley, are you guys perhaps missing the obvious? Tour Dallas??? Our common bond is travel... not a great love for Dallas proper. The whole AA thing and all those activities, plus talking to other flyertalkers was key. IMO I might suggest you take that in account, before planning new activities... find slower paced events were we can gather and talk. Not the whirlwind tour of the metroplex. Again, these are mearly my thoughts. What do the other attendees think?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cigarman:
Studley, are you guys perhaps missing the obvious? Tour Dallas??? Our common bond is travel... not a great love for Dallas proper. The whole AA thing and all those activities, plus talking to other flyertalkers was key. IMO I might suggest you take that in account, before planning new activities... find slower paced events were we can gather and talk. Not the whirlwind tour of the metroplex. Again, these are mearly my thoughts. What do the other attendees think?</font>

It's not going to be a whirlwind tour. There will be activities which will be left up to the people as to whether or not they wish to take part in them.

If folks want to just gather somewhere else and talk, they can do that. They can also do that while at these other venues. There will be options and alternatives.

The "Tour Dallas" I mentioned was just as a teaser to try to calm those clamoring for more information on activities, and may actually involve only going to one place in Dallas.

I will not disclose anything further until I get final confirmation from all sources sometime tomorrow. Until then, I ask this from those who have concerns about the final list of activities: Give me some room to get this resolved fully.

Studley

I'd suggest that if we need to find new activities, they be designed to minimize travel time.

Traveling by car (usually) involves breaking people up into small groups, which isn't conducive to the type of "hanging-out" that make these events so much fun. It also increases the logistical complexity of the event.

Oh yeah, and I got e-mail from Carty this morning -- probably all of you did. He ends by assuring me that AA is going to do everything possible to make my travel as smooth as possible during this difficult time. Has anyone considered calling right up to Carty's or Gunn's office, explaining the situation, and that they have a chance for an enormous amount of good will for VERY little cost to the company? Maybe I'm an idiot, but it seems to methat with the economy down, schedules being cut, and biz travelers flying less, AA (or any airline) would be bending over backwards to make friends with their high revenue fliers. Not to mention those of us who set policy for large numbers of other high revenue fliers...

That's a good idea (contacting the exec. offices). Of course this is short notice, but considering how much money the airlines are going to lose over the next few months, they should really be trying to build as much goodwill with us as possible. And I'd definitely feel some good will if they made an effort to meet with or arrange something for us.

d

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 2 Many Miles:
...Traveling by car (usually) involves breaking people up into small groups, which isn't conducive to the type of "hanging-out" that make these events so much fun. It also increases the logistical complexity of the event....</font>

My family and friends have found those two-way family radios (FRS) to be useful car-to-car, up to 2 miles in the countryside. We all use channel 13 with no sub-channel (no so-called privacy channel). The same might be useful this weekend.

------------------
Middle_Seat

Hi everyone!

As I promised, here's the final status of the activities we had originally planned for you.

AA Corporate HQ Tour - ON as scheduled.
DFW Airport Tour - ON as scheduled.
FAA/Ft. Worth Center Tour - OFF
C.R. Smith Museum Tour - OFF
AAdvantage Customer Service Offices Tour - OFF

The lunch at Founder's Plaza is now OFF. We will still go there, but lunch will not be served there. All those who forwarded money to bollar via PayPal, you will have that portion refunded to you.

The biggest challenge (unprecedented in any FT gathering) has been the reshuffling and rechecking of events, in the wake of what happened last week.

I know this made many of you impatient; however, I'm sorry, that could not be helped. The very nature of the original events, the "backstage" access we were getting, caused several of our prospective hosts to debate among themselves, several times, before canceling on us, for obvious reasons.

We do have alternative activities planned for Saturday. Those of you in the Yahoo group, FlyerTalkMetroplex, you will be receiving this via E-Mail as well.

I will now let the person who so graciously came up with these activities on such short notice describe them to you.

Take it away, techgirl!

:-)

Studley



[This message has been edited by studley (edited 09-19-2001).]

We have two “planned” activities for Saturday to allow our guests to get out of the airport area if they so desire. These are rough itineraries… we will adapt them as appropriate to meet the needs of those who decide to participate.

Of course, we want to stress that everyone is welcome to explore Dallas/Fort Worth on his or her own or relax at the hotel.

If you would like to participate in one of the activites, please contact studley for the first activity listed or me for the second activity, so that we can get a head count and figure out a start time based on participant lodging. For those who might want to get a late start or sample these on their own, we can also provide maps.

Regardless of how you spend the day, please come to Founders Plaza between 2 and 3 pm – we will all depart there at 3 for the AA Tour.


Historical Dallas

While quite young compared to our East Coast brethren, Dallas has nonetheless enjoyed a rich history over the last decade. Start the morning off with a journey back to one of our darker days – the assassination of JFK in 1963. Our tour will begin with a drive by the infamous grassy knoll and a stop at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (sponsored by American Airlines - the museum, not the tour!).

http://www.jfk.org/home.htm

After visiting the museum, we will go to the West End Historical District for lunch. There are lots of restaurants to choose from, but we would recommend Texas BBQ at Sonny Bryan’s BBQ. After lunch, do some shopping at the Market On Market, the West End’s fall weekend street vendor fair. Or if shopping isn’t your bag, visit the Conspiracy Museum or the Dallas World Aquarium.

http://www.dallaswestend.org/

On our way back to DFW, don’t forget to look out the right-hand side where you will first see the new AA Arena – where the Stars and Mavericks will make their championship bids this year and later down the road, Texas Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. The hole in the roof is so God can watch his favorite team play on Sundays.


Dallas Economics 101 (aka Shopping and Eating)

Start the morning off at one of Dallas’s largest shopping mall complexes – The Dallas Galleria, which is the “back lobby” for our guests at the Westin. (In other words, those of you staying on the tollway can sleep in!)

Enjoy world class shopping at one of the large anchor stores (Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, or Macys) or one of 200 other specialty stores. Or, if you are just waking up, enjoy coffee and breakfast on one of the four level balconies (La Madeline, Starbucks, and Corner Bakery are just a few of the places open for breakfast) and watch the ice skaters on the Galleria’s large rink. If activity is what you have in mind, rent a pair of ice skates and take a spin yourself. Or book yourself a treatment at one of several on-site spas.

[URL=http://www.dallasgalleria.com/hines/dallasgalleria/dallas.nsf/web/Dallas_Galleria_Home]http://www.dallasgalleria.com/hines/dallasgalleria/dallas.nsf/web/Dallas_Galleria_Home[/ URL]

After everyone checks out The Galleria, we will depart for the nation’s oldest outdoor shopping plaza – Highland Park Village.

Lunch will be al fresco at Patrizios, one of the best people watching spots in Dallas and a perfect place to spot the indigenous Dallas Big Haired Blonde Matrons in their natural habitat. Patrizios is known for their inexpensive but delightful Mediterranean and Italian fare as well as killer bellinis – a perfect place to nurse injuries from Friday evenings margaritas. After lunch, stay on the patio at Patrizios and talk, try out the potent margaritas at Mi Cocina (the mambo taxi is a killer), or enjoy about 45 minutes of browsing the shops.

The Highland Park Village selection ranges from Banana Republic and The Gap, southern favorite Harolds, or higher end boutiques including Calvin Klein, Chanel, and Escada.

(edited for clarity)


[This message has been edited by techgirl (edited 09-20-2001).]

Hey Studley,

Can you post the final schedule, with events and times, either here or on the website?

Thanks,
swag

Studley-

Can you please clarify when the AA Headquarters tour is being held? I didn't Is it the Training Center event listed on Saturday from 3-5?
Thanks

I just cancelled my mileage run to TPE so count me in. I'll make the dinner Fri. nite for sure. Already sent my paypal transfer in. Should be fun despite everything else http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

The latest update on the PIM!

Friday:

DFW Airport Tour (http://www.dfwairport.com/)
3200 S. 31st Ave., DFW Airport, TX 75261
3pm-5pm
Conducted by DFW Airport Public Affairs Department (http://www.dfwairport.com/VISITOR/)
Directions from Rental Cars to DFW Administration Building (http://www.bollar.org/pim/dfw-admin.htm)

Go north from car rental plaza to S. Airport Dr. and follow remaining directions.

If you arrive at DFW on Friday afternoon before 230 pm, join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the world’s busiest airports. We’ll meet at the DFW Administration Building and begin the tour at 3 pm. The tour will be all “back of the house” and will include a drive over the runways & taxiways to the new International Terminal (under construction), tours of other parts of the airport’s infrastructure as well as information on the new runway, taxiways & the DFW Airport Master Plan.

Your committee is investigating meeting our guests at the terminals and shuttling them to the Administration Building.

Dinner @ La Casa Mexican Cafe
1689 W Northwest Hwy, Grapevine, TX 76051 817-481-7764 (you must dial area code)
7pm until…?
$20.00 per Person, including Appetizers, Entrée, tea or soda, tax & gratuity.
Pay for Friday's Dinner @ La Casa Only using PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=bollar@bollar.org&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=PiM+Friday+Dinner&amount=20.00)
Directions from DFW Administration Building to La Casa Mexican Cafe (http://www.bollar.org/pim/admin-lacasa.htm). Customize these directions if you're going to your hotel first!

Grapevine’s La Casa isn’t fancy, but it’s honest Tex-Mex in a friendly, family atmosphere. We’ll be served in the private covered patio. It’s under the approach path for DFW's 13R, so expect to hear a plane or two.

Happy hour is from 2pm-7pm, if you miss the DFW Airport Tour and need to get an early start on getting rid of that jet-lag.

We’ll begin with appetizer platters of flautas and quesadillas served away from the dinner tables cocktail-style.

When we’re ready, we’ll move to the tables for a hearty dinner of “all you can eat” chicken & beef fajitas accompanied by all the stuff you need to make fajitas.

Tea & Sodas included.

After Dinner is on your own
We'll provide a list of the best nightspots in Dallas & Ft. Worth.

Saturday:

In the morning, either studley's Historical Dallas, techgirl's Dallas Economics 101, cigarman's Poker Game @ the Airport Hyatt or on your own.

Visit to DFW Airport’s Founders’ Plaza (http://www.dfwairport.com/VISITOR/founders.htm)
2829 30th Street (Carbon Rd.), DFW Airport, TX 75261
2pm-3pm
Directions from AAdvantage Customer Service to DFW Founders' Plaza (http://www.bollar.org/pim/aacs-fp.htm)

If the weather is fine, a visit to the observation area located at the end of DFW runways 35 Left & Center. Prevailing winds are from the South, but if we luck out and have winds from the North, we'll have good views of the planes taking off along with the DFW East Ground Control Frequency piped in for atmosphere.

American Airlines Training Center & Systems Operations Control
3pm-5pm
Adjacent to CR Smith Museum

See the operations end of the airline. This tour includes visits to the flight and cabin simulators where AA’s crews learn their stuff.

Dinner @ Cool River Cafe (http://www.coolrivercafe.com)
1045 Hidden Ridge Rd, Irving, TX 75038 972-871-8881 (you must dial area code)
7pm until…? [b]Business Casual Dress, Please
$52.00 per Person, including Salad, Entree, Desert, coffee, tea or soda, tax & gratuity.
Pay for Saturday's Dinner @ Cool River Cafe Only using PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=bollar@bollar.org&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=PiM+Saturday+Dinner&amount=52.00)
Directions from CR Smith Museum to Cool River Cafe (http://www.bollar.org/pim/crsmith-coolriver.htm) Customize these directions if you're going to your hotel first!

Las Colinas' Cool River is a convenient & popular lunch & dinner venue located southeast of DFW. We're located in a function room off to the side of the main dining room & we've selected a set menu to simplify our dining experience.

Here's the menu:

Cool River Cafe Steakhouse and Southwestern Grille Welcomes FlyerTalk

With Your Choice of:

Republic Salad or Caesar Caliente

You may choose one of the following entrees:

Devil Creek Shrimp
Six Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Pepper Jack Cheese and Wrapped in Smoked Apple-Wood Bacon, Grilled and Basted with

a Chipotle Hickory Sauce.

Shiner Bock Rib-Eye
14 oz. Grilled "Shiner Bock" Marinated Rib-Eye Steak

Grilled North Atlantic Salmon
10 oz. Farm Raised Sterling Salmon

A vegetarian choice is also available

Seasonal Vegetables & Smashed Potatoes served family-style with your entree.

You may choose one desert from the following:

Texas White & Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

Passion Berry Duo
Wild Berry Mousse layered with a thin Chocolate Snap and Tropical Passion Fruit Mousse with a Mirrored Berry

Glaze.

Coffee, Tea & Sodas

After Dinner is on your own
Cool River has Pool Tables and a Cigar Bar and it's quite convenient, but if you want to venture into the Big City,

we'll provide a list of the best nightspots in Dallas & Ft. Worth.

Sunday:

On your own

Brunch at one of Dallas’ top restaurants,
Texas Rangers & Dallas Cowboys play,
or visit some of our local attractions.

BTW, re: the DFW Airport Tour, though I haven't been told otherwise, I'm skeptical that we'll actually be allowed into the secured area. I expect the tour will be more of a presentation on the current state of the airport along with the future plans for expansion.

Studley / Bollar,

Thank you very much for arranging everything.

I have had a last minute change of plans. I will be able to attend the Friday afternoon tour of DFW but will have to leave Dallas after that.

I won't be able to attend Saturday night dinner as planned. If it is non-refundable please give my space to someone who hasn't paid yet.

Sorry for the last minute notice. My gf was suppose to be going to NY but cancelled her plans so now she is dragging me down to Houston for the w/e.

Urgent update on the DFW Airport tour tomorrow!

The location has been changed to 3003 South Service Road in blue & grey CDP Building.

I sent a PDF file with a map & driving directions to all of the participants I know about, but if you didn't receive it, you can get it here: http://www.bollar.org/pim/dfw.pdf

If anyone needs a ride tomorrow or if anyone needs help or questions answered, my cell phone # is 214/228-1119. I will probably be at work tomorrow until 2 or so.

I wasn't going to post this now as I am still not sure if I am coming (no tix yet, reworking plans, etc) but I just remembered the board will be down for part of tomorrow.

I was wondering where the majority of people are staying? Does anyone want to split room coasts?. Could one of the organizers forward me a copy of a recent email with the event info?

Don’t worry organizers, if it is too late for dinner I can join everyone before and after. If I come I would fly in Sat late afternoon and back Sunday morning.

------------------
The world is a book, and for those who do not travel, read only a page.
-Saint Augustine

This will be the final post on this thread.

I just want to once again thank all those who attended the Party In The Metroplex, and the Planning Team of bollar, Leesa, applefan, and techgirl, for all of their efforts and hard work in putting things together.

Also, thanks to our AA contact (you know who you are!) for making the effort to try to help in the AA portions of the gathering.

I hope all of you enjoyed being in the company of other FT'ers, and hopefully, you picked up some informative tips to use on your next trip!

:-)

I will post my observations of this past weekend in Trip Reports sometime tomorrow. As a tease, I learned that during the AA Tour yesterday, the Texas pronunciation of "simulator" is "sim-uh-later."

LOL

Studley