Originally Posted by
YuropFlyer
1. Use any card to get free movies
This reminds me of it being 1996, and using AOL "free 1 month access" to the internet. If their system allows whatever non-credit card to be accepted, it's more the airlines fault. I doubt that it really works, but if it does, I'd say have fun with it (and the risk they'll later bill you for it..
)
I think it's more likely to work with credit cards that have been canceled. In that sense, no different than paying on board for upgrades, snacks, or duty free with a canceled credit card. The system often allows it when no internet connection. If their system allows though a non-credit card, that's a ridiculous system
3. Don’t get into the line when your schedule changes
That's what all FTers are doing.
If I have lounge access (airline lounge, not 3rd party), I'm heading to the lounge. Otherwise, I'm getting online while simultaneously calling. But it depends on the airline. If I'm flying LY, for example, I aint calling them. I'm calling my travel agent and/or FIL
doing it.
6. Acquire shopping bags. Avoid overweight fees
Pretty much what I suggest to any FTer asking for advise
If the airline wants to close this loophole, they'll better fight the airport authorities (ie, won't happen)
It's what I've done. I don't see it being closed anytime soon, unless they require EVERYTHING you carry on to be placed in your carry-on or simply require EVERYTHING, including purchases, to completely fit in the sizer
10. BYO Snacks
Yeah, but I'm missing the "hack" on this.
Me too
13. Wrangle stray luggage carts for free
This is mostly about landside (and even there, just a few airports do so..)
Ya, never seen it airside
Remembers me of the guys that figured out you could pay the fee by credit card in FRA, and make a "mint" run
If you're really having lots of time, and you're at one of those airports.. but then, just let some homeless people do that. Not really a hack..
What?
14. Make calls from the airport phones to wherever
If it's an emergency, just ask the information desk. Whenever I was in a foreign country and "too cheap" to use roaming (at 6$/minute..) when I needed to do a local call, this worked for me without doing illegal stuff. If there is really no information desk, or you're in deep trouble, I could understand using it to some degree. But why not just ask a stranger for help? Local calls in most countries are free or so cheap I wouldn't object to lend my phone for a moment if asked nicely..
I've borrowed the phones of airport employees (Starbucks baristas are always great)
All in all, some "tricks" are OKish, but nothing really new to me or any semi-experienced traveller. Some tricks are pure nuts
.
^
Originally Posted by
Loren Pechtel
In my experience it's more likely than not that you'll find a luggage cart wandering in the parking lot. Since they are ripoff-priced I have no qualms about grabbing one if I see it.
I don't actually think there's an issue. I've even seen airport employees recommend pax getting out of their cars take the few carts before they (said employees) collected them. But again, this is only in the parking lot. International arrivals, no options but to pay.
Originally Posted by
DavidDTW
I have done this with water bottles, so I have something to drink on long haul flights. Never had a problem getting them past security. One TSA guy even said "oh, so you know about that trick!"
Interesting, didn't know that was specifically allowed
Originally Posted by
airplanegod
I have to ask, what "major" US airports in 2016 don't have free public WiFi? I know many mid-small airports either don't have WiFi or make you pay to use it, but I am curious what major hubs don't or make you pay so I can avoid flying into them.
Port Authority airports (EWR, LGA, JFK) allow half hour of free internet and then it costs money