Originally Posted by
theroyalwe
First off, thanks to everyone for all of the wonderful information here. This forum has always been my go-to for info on how to make the most of my travelling. So much so that this is actually the first time I've posted in over 10 years!
So here's the deal. I previously was travelling for work about one week per month. In the last two years it's been down to only once every 3 months or so. Luckily for me, I'm getting a nice promotion at work and that will put me on our Field engineer team which means about 70% travel.
I expect to be travelling 3-4 days per week, mostly domestic US, but some international (canada, carribbean and one or two trips to Europe per year). I'm based out of PHL and have primarily used UA in the past, but since my travel started to slow over the last 2 years I've used the points to get my luggage (Tumi Continental Carry-on) and most of my hilton points are also used up.
So I look at this as an excellent opportunity to start over. I know the USAir and AA merger will affect me since I fly out of Philly. If you knew you were up for a lot of travel and would have control over the airlines hotels and rental cars, which would you use primarily for the best perks?
Home : PHL
expected 75-100k per year, possibly more. probably 2 different locations per week.
I've already signed up for global entry, waiting for the appointment to be scheduled.
Thanks to anyone that has read this, I look forward to your input!
I fly AA. And they have a STRONG(EST) presence in PHL (my home as well.) They are the main airline operating out of there. They have a ton of clubs spread wide. They are changing how award miles are earned, effective in August. But they are really following other major airlines. Anyways, the miles wont rack up for economy seating as it is shying away from distance-based earnings and moving to revenue-based. It increases the earning for premium cabins however, as premium earns a multiplier. Thats how I understand it. If anyone can second that, please do. I got the AAdvantage Executive card that earns 60k miles with $5k in purchases in 90 days. The annual fee is a discounted Admirals Club Membership fee and includes the membership. A one-way First Class ticket on BA (dba AA) can be $12,000.00 USD to Europe. Or 85,000 miles. I'm cashing in 240k miles in October (not including my 60K.) Woot woot! By the way, yes, BA will be the partner airline flying you to/from EU, UK if you choose to go AA. AA & Partners:
http://www.Oneworld.com
Southwest I believe has the second most number of flights, but certainly limited destinations.
United is next, but typically requires a layover it seems no matter where you go (from my experience.)
Delta is actually very light in PHL from what I know of. Another one that in the bulk requires layovers.
Frontier, which until last year or two only flew out of Trenton, is growing but you could list all the routes on a single sheet of paper.
Spirit (has grown up from Atlantic City) is very limited also, but I think has a larger presence than Delta IMO. I could be wrong.
-Copy and pasted from an earlier post of mine today on another thread->
Someone in this thread and another asked when the GE (Global Entry) scheduling availability is updated.
GE schedule IS updated in real-time. Fact.
Note: PHL automated voice greeting (also confirms above) says that they do not accept walk-ins and that you will be turned away. The CBP Officers said they WILL take walk-ins (not a guarantee). They had 4 officers rotating doing interviews. THEY ARE EXTREMELY FRIENDLY!!! I cannot stress that enough.
PHL GE Location:
Go to International Arrivals (Arrivals Rd Philadelphia, PA) Terminal A Parking garage.
Do not pull into the short-term. Enter the garage.
Drive to third floor of garage.
When on the third floor make right turns and you will eventually see "A West." There is an entry door on the side (where you will find at least one officer smoking at a time) which takes you straight to the hallway leading to the CBP GE Entry office. There is a button outside of the GE door (which the door is loudly marked by a giant floor sign) on the left that doesn't look much like a button at all. Press and they will answer you.