This is my very first post here, so let me first say that FT has proven to be one of the friendliest and most useful bulletin boards I have ever used. I've lurked here for weeks just soaking in all the information and experiences of other flyers, and I never cease to be amazed at the power of the Internet to bring people together.

As for the 20/20, it's nice to know I'm not the only one who can't decide whether this is the most fun I've had in a long time or the worst hobby I've ever acquired.

Anyway, here's my actual question.... I am taking my girlfriend on an international trip over New Year's that I would like to remain a surprise as long as possible. She knows that we're going, and she'll play along with the secret. I feel confident that I can achieve surprise until the point we check in at the airport. At that point, however, how far can I go?

I realize that once we're on the plane, the crew will announce where we're going. But can I make it past all the ticket and gate agents and signs without giving away our destination?

Thanks again for the wonderful community everyone here has created.

Once I took my wife on a surprise trip. It was GREAT. First I told her we were going to the airport only to pick up a rental fo our drive to 'the country.'

Once it was clear we were gettin on a flight, I told the check in agent not to mention where we were going as she checked us in nd told ehre why. She was happy to comply. As luck would have it, we ended up boarding at a gate at IAD where you cant see the counter from the door C-28, I think.

So we are sitting there in first class and the FA says, "this is flight xyz to Chicago." My wife is pleased! Except at Chicago I admit that this is not our final destination.

I had fun walking down the C terminal at ORD stopping at various gates that read 'miami', then 'San Jose, ' etc, etc until we finally got to 'New Orleans'.

It was only then that the cat was out of the bag. It was really fun!

Enjoy giving the surprise!!!

Except there is usually a sign at the gate...

Of course you could go the blindfold route. That could be romantic.

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"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."

Don't they announce the destination several times at the gate during boarding? "This is the final boarding call for flight 123 service to xyz"

You could get some of the noise cancelling headphones to go with the blindfold

Sounds like a wonderful trip..good luck!

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Have a great day!!
~~Missy~~

Ok, this is my first post and I can't tell you how excited I am to become the newest member of your group!!!!!!!!! You are such a fun bunch! Here're my thoughts: sounds like the most tasteful/romantic use of a blindfold I've ever heard! "Bonne chance" sp? to a very lucky lady and gentleman!

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Aly

Make sure you (or she) have her passport with you.

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Have passport, will travel...
LAX, LHR, CDG, et.al.

Throw her off by getting a visa for a country that you don't actually plan on visiting...

... as well as some foreign currency

I've done this before with my husband and it was a lot of fun. So he didn't have to walk around the airport in a blindfold, I took a pair of wraparound sunglasses and attached dark paper to the inside of the lenses so they were blacked out. Then I had him listening through headphones to a Walkman so that he couldn't hear boarding announcements. The tough part I thought was the packing ... will you pack for her? Or do you give her some clue as to where you're going by telling her what the weather will be? I would hate to think what I would look like if my husband ever packed for me ...

Have fun!

Oh, my gosh!! That would be horrible! That is why American Express was invented. A little power shopping just might be in order when you get there.

No, I have enough trouble dressing myself presentably. She already knows the dates, and I'm just going to give her the forecast the week before we go. We're not going anywhere with very extreme weather, so it shouldn't be a problem.

I can even keep a trip a secret from myself! In fact, I have no stress about travel since I don't think about it (no anticipation) til about 2 or 3 hours before the flight. Then I pack and head off.

But I do like the surprise idea. As long as you tell your significant other enough details to pack the right clothes. This is very important for women (based on my experience!).

Uh, half of my trips are secret trips. I keep them a secret from everyone at work. Cuts down the questions of why, where and how. Especially the WHY?

I say, why not?

I do like that idea of surprising someone, though.

a long time ago hubby went to Paris and scolded by a rude Parisian because hubby did not speak french
since then he swore he was never going back to Paris

well, before he knew it, he had been back to Paris thrice because each time i had kept a secret until the last minute (like, already at the airport)

now he does not mind anymore because the Parisians have become friendlier, could also because i speak french a little fluenter

one more secret, for every trip hubby never knows what he will be wearing until he gets there!

Aly,

Welcome aboard!

Studley