[dupe sorry ]


[This message has been edited by violist (edited 03-23-2000).]

Thanks, crews, I'm scheduled out on the dreaded March 25, and the first leg is on US Scaryways, so assuming I eventually get there, a good steakhouse will be most welcome.

Bringing this back up front, for all the newbs...

I guess I have posted enough that I need to leave a short bio.

I have been in FF programs from the Start (about 1982 I think). The best deal was the CO "We're Sorry" program shortly after they took over People's Express. My wife and I got 6 free RT tickets to Europe, NZ, Australia, etc. If the Web were active then, it would have made Latin Pass look like small potatoes. But without easy communication - most people didn't benefit.

Also I volunteer for "bumps" often. Unsually get 4-5 a year (either free tickets, $$ vouchers, etc. Once in HI I "lead" a family group of 10 for vacation on UA (back in the old "1st Class voucher for 6 segment" days. We all earned the voucher + each got a $800 bump on the return (when $800 could buy something).

I write letter to airlines, hotels, etc. (good and bad experiences). Some seem concerned, other probably just hit the big round file.

My home is in Ohio, but I am on the road (air) almost every week. Accumulate lots of miles and points - so most vacation travel is very low cost. Work travel is usually in Midwest, but also in France and Germany about 6 times a year. Enjoy traveling, so do not get weary of flying and new cities. But it does make it difficult to keep all the "daily tasks" as home completed. At least I have Web banking, invenstments, etc. that I can do on the road. That has helped a great deal.

Will be doing the Latin Pass thing at end of April. I am a worry wart, so try to get info on possible problems, delays, etc. and plan for it. But when on vacation, I usually just get a car and take off without hotel reservations. (With LP, have short stopovers, etc. so have it planned out.)

Grew up overseas. Graduated in Berlin, Germany the year the wall went up -- yes, I am an oldie. Also spent time in Asia during my wild and crazy youth. Still have contacts from those days - thanks to the WEB.

I like the Board. Am on it every week. I wish WebFlyers would post their LP trips all in one place with dates. I am sure I will be on planes, in hotels, etc. with some -- but may never know it. YES, We need a sign/signal. I think I will place a WebFlyer sign on my Carry-on. Perhaps I should have got a hat or shirt (not a tee shirt) to wear for traveling. I haven't looked recently - but does Randy sell these?? Maybe I am too consumed with all the travel, bonus plans, etc. I need to get a life??

Good to hear from all of you. Hope we can meet someday.

I guess I'd better say hi. I'm living in Kentucky, been here for 18 months. Love living in the US, but sometimes need a translator, despite speaking English(well it is the South!)
Born in Wales 32 years ago, but parents emigrated to South Africa when i was 6. Lived in Botswana after that and went to school in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. Dad believes that travel is best education so was fortunate to travel around South America, US and Europe as child. Went to boarding school in UK for last few years of High School and my sister and i became addicted to scoring upgrades (in days before FF).

Went to Medical School in London, and travel restricted to pleasure, and limited by cash!!but am addicted to getting cheapest deals to exotic places!

Sent to Louisville, to do some Research, and told colleagues that liked travelling. Don't think they realised how much until managed to get away at least once a month for last year. Joined lots of FF but now travel mainly CO/VS transatlntic and UA around US.
I love this forum as it proves that its not just me addicted to getting miles, getting upgrades etc. Managed to score 2 elusive operational transatlantic upgrades, one VS in Dec, and UA in March so am v happy at moment.

Thanks for all the advice/ info etc

First off, Thanks Everyone so much for the great info. I have really learned a lot since I started reading these messages.
A special thanks to the people who mentioned the 500 mile bonus on AA last year for every trip taken.- all I had to do was make 1 phone call to get it.

I live in Dallas and am a Senior Consultant with a well known accounting firm. the job requires a lot of travel.

I am AA Platinum and CO Gold. It tends to be a nice balance. I also have Marriott and Starwood Platinum status.

My favorite vacation spot in the world is Maui.

I will be in Seattle from 4/15-4/28, so if anyone else will be there at that time maybe we can get together for a drink.

Once again, Thanks to Everyone for all the Great advice.

Welcome on board everyone. Anyone else care to post?

Hello to all
I am probably the strangest individual on this board, for you see - I hate to fly!!! Give me a valium and a stiff drink and I am good to go. Only kidding - wellllll maybe; maybe not. I only fly because I must (work) and I love to travel - plus, if I didn't force myself this fear would definetly get the better of me - so off into the wild blue I go! Granted - medicated sometimes, but I'm going!

I live in NJ - lived in LA for a bit - born in NY - work in NY. I graduated from Rutgers College with a BA in Psychology and did some post graduate - research, and the like. I am 31 (female) and still deciding if I would like to go forword with a PhD program...(go figure) Yet, what I do for a living has nothing to do with my schooling. I am a self employed photographers' representative as well as a photo stylist/assistant on occasion.

I travel for work often, but not often enough for the elite status yet - am hoping to gain some extra mileage through all of your wonderful advice! Which by the way, thank you all very much - I have already learned so much. When I travel for pleasure it is usually with friends of mine in the travel biz so I do not get the miles, but hey most of the tickets are free - so who's complaining. I am going to Seattle on a free flight this summer and then off to Hong Kong and Bali for only $650.......no complaints here

I see so many are telling of the animals in their lives so for the CATMAN let me just say that I too am a cat lover. We - oh that would be my boyfriend and I - own (or they own, still haven't figured that one out yet) 2 beautiful kitties. They are Simon and Derby. Derby gives kisses CATMAN! We also have a wonderful dog named Maxwell who is the goofball of the bunch.

Again, let me say thank you to all - you are all so informative and I have really enjoyed this board. I am beginning to think too much, I visit it far too frequently.

Lvjava originates from my aol account, my other reads OvrCafnatd, so I think you can all see where my obsession lies. May need to change that to a mileage name soon.
~Leigh



[This message has been edited by Lvjava (edited 04-02-2000).]

LVJVA I also have a dog named maxwell and hate flying, but love to travel. Most of my travel is for pleasure and I have attempted to instill the love of travel in my almost- grown children. With an academic schedule, I often have log periods in which to travel- limited only by financial considerations. This bulletin board has been an informative and fun opportunity to collect and share information.

------------------

Well here it is... My name is Fred Donatucci, I live in Los Angeles, CA.
I am 30 years old, italian (6 foot tall dark hair,etc).. look for the frantic italian guy.

So what can I say, I started flying 5 years ago when I first worked with Deloitte and Touche. I was living in Philadelphia, PA and flew US Airways...first Prefered Plus, the Chairman's Prefered. I started staying with Hilton and got status... then while working in LA, met my wife... got married, moved to LA, switched to United.

I live in a one story house, love to garden (never knew what fun it was until I moved to California with Green winters). I have been married for 17 wonderful months. She is my inspiration and a gift from the Lord. I thank Him for her everyday.

I work as a consultant doing ERP (computer related) implementation projects, so I fly up and down the west coast and sometimes to Texas. I always fly United when I can. I fly out of LAX to PDX alot.. (so if ever in the two airports, you may see me at the RCC or 1K room).

I also want to admit I am a mile-aholic. I have an addiction to Miles.. but practice my addiction in a safe environment (Flyertalk).

So, if you every in PDX, LAX, (or currently in the DALLES, OR) let me know... can stop by for a drink, a hello, or some prayer... whatever you like

Thank you all for being such a blessing online.

I am 49 soon to be 50 Name is Sherman have lived in ND all my life. I am a project manager for a construction company, just started, was self employed for thirty years, my first real job. I enjoy travel and adventure. Almost all my travel is for pleasure usually only two or three trips per year. In the summer like to take back pack trips with sons and grandsons three of each. In winter take vacation to somplace warm with wife who is not into outdoors. We vacationed in HI in Jan 1 week Maui 2 days Oaho. was very relaxing used award miles for trip. I have never reached any elite status although that might change this year as I hope to get to Europe a couple of times this year, as well as a couple of domestic trips. Have always flowen on NW although United Express also flies into Fargo. I have been able to get quite a few FF miles on Contintal about 100K without ever flying through phone and other promos, as well as quite a few on NW also. I am new to computers as well as relearning to type. I enjoy topics and learning new info on this site. Greetingsto all. Sherman :}

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've been dropping in once a week or so for a few months, so I thought it was about time to add my 2� worth. Especially after seeing the talk about baseball and Don & Charlies in Scottsdale. You see, I have signed a couple of items on display there. (with all the humility I can muster)

After a (too-short) playing career, I still wanted to be involved in baseball but didn't want a coaching position. So after a couple years of 'bird-dogging' (an independent free-lance scout), I am currently employed as an advance scout for a major league club. All of my travel arrangments are booked by the organization, but I've picked up a few tips to wrangle an occasional upgrade. Although I seem to have better luck upgrading rooms rather than flights. I'm looking at 50� flights and aprox 70 - 80 motel nights, so the upgrades are really appreciated.

Schedule permitting, I would like to try to attend a get-together sometime. As Rudi alluded to in another thread, I am sure that there are some 'insider' tips passed along in those meetings. Or perhaps I could meet someone for lunch and a couple of brews sometime.

So, thanks for the tips and hints - even though us lurkers don't always acknowledge them.

(Aside to Crews1 - did you have a relative that played at Chavez Ravine and the Jake?)

Welcome EaglePutt, we do have an active FT community (STIFFS in Tucson and some couple that appears to own a restaurant in Scottsdale since they appear there so often .

Hope to meet up along the way. STIFFS is having some kind of get together when I come down April 24-29 after a very brief passage through PHX and Scottsdale on the 23rd.

Thanks for the welcome BlondeBomber. Now that I have introduced myself, I'll try to post more often. I was in Tucson last month and I should be in the area again next month. As soon as I find out a definite date, I'll let you guys know.

Welcome EaglePutt. I too have signed a few items at Don & Charlies -- but they've all earned me miles...

Holler next time you're out this way scouting the D-Backs. We'll definitely introduce you to what BB calls "our" restaurant!