How to explain our disease to agents?
 

I was recently on the phone with a heavy accented United rep (where I have no status) attempting to book a triple connection routing on an awesome fare to PDX. The agent simply could not understand why I wouldn't want to fly with 1 stop opposed to 3, so he kept reading me back the most logical get-to-your-destinations options. After several "but sir" interjections we were getting nowhere.

When I explained that I was interested in routing through different cities to earn more miles there was a long silence followed by square one.

When I could finally give the agent my return date/ time (same day run where I was at my destination for <50 minutes), he put me on hold presumably to nudge his co-workers about how insane Mr. JewJetter was. By the time we priced the ticket, the fare bucket inventory was exhausted and the trip was history.

Most people simply cannot comprehend why a person would book a 14 hour 5 airport tour of all the Aunt Anne's around the country.

What do you say on the phone to explain yourself to MR infidels?

for the most part I don;t book MR on the phone, I've found that using Orbitz/Expedia I "usually" can easily replicate most US runs that I find on ITA. (SJU-PHL-PHX-LAS-SFO-LAX) Did a lot of them when I used to get 300% credit to bmi for those cheap-o A fares...

.bomb for UA sucks, but sometimes you can replicate it on Orbitz

but if you have to talk with an agent, just say it's an MR, 95% of them get it, the 5% that don't... ehh, not worth explaining it to them...

Don't explain it. Just tell them what you want. There's no reason you can't find the itinerary and exact flight numbers on ITA. Whenever I have to call anyone about a flight, I say, "I want flight numbers 111, 222, and 333, on so and so date." And I get what I want. Sometimes they'll know what I'm trying to do and offer me something better (I had this happen when a GA helped me reschedule a MR after it went mechanical). However, I don't every say "give me a flight from A to Z with three connections." They won't understand, and quite frankly, they're working from a computer system that, like most online reservation portals, is intended to satisfy the 99% of passengers who want 0 or 1 connection.

Hang up and call back.

Some people just don't get it. There's naught you can do for them.

If you have more time, call back 8 or 12 hours later. By then the call center may have shifted to a different part of the world and someone may be more "reasonable" in servicing your request as a paying customer.

"Hello. I'm giving you money. Let me do what I want to do."

"How to explain our disease to agents?"

Let's rephrase that.

How to explain our disease to family/friends/counter agents/FAs/CSRs on the phone, etc...?

They don't get it, most won't.

I did have a FA once thank MRers during the sweet deal AA had a couple years ago, (BOS-LAX/SFO 3x). She knew what was going on. On the flip side I was checking in for a flight from BOS-LAX-ORD-FRA and the agent looked at me like I had 3 heads. When he asked I shrugged my shoulders and told him I need the miles.

Like was already suggested upstream, just book it on via Kayak or another online service.

Don't forget to throw in immigration agents... had a tough time explaining what I was doing entering Canada for a night once...

Reminds me of when I flew to Mexico overnight for 10 hours. Trying to clear immigration/ customs in CLT proved difficult. "Sir, you're telling me that you flew to Mexico for pleasure for only 10 hours? Are you sure you're not bringing anything back with you?"

I used to have this disease... but now I'm a reformed MR..er. :p

I used to do the hub and spoke flights. Now I just try to fly point to point or else just one connection and that's it. 2 is the max I can take. I'm really getting too old for this. Been there, done that.. and especially through the US airports.. I don't want to go through the trauma anymore. Its so much better on my health and sanity.

Nowadays I just shake my head and see the crazy routings that you guys can come up with. And honestly, for this disease... it will pass for most of you. Some of you might go on and on..

Enjoy the best ( or worse, ie snowstorms, tornadoes etc) of it. Then you can say that you've done it when the disease starts healing..

I'm bringing miles back.;)

Well, not for MR per se, but for mileage awards in business or first... it all makes sense (at least for me :D) to fly as many quality carriers in longest possible routing! Of course, whether or not the agent 'grants' the desired routing is completely at the agent's interpretation of the rules, luck, etc. Nonetheless, my approach when agents ask 'but sir, there is a shorter connection, more direct routing, etc..." I just say "well, I love flying..." :D But then again, there are days when I just want to get home quickly (never if I get to visit Lufthansa F terminal :D)!

I have mostly had a pretty easy time explaining it to agents, Admirals Club AAngels, and airport staff. They are generally understanding of what is going on.

Now my family.... WHOLE DIFFERENT BALLPARK!

My problem exactly. My family/friends don't won't travel with me. No one outside of FT seems to like to step on more than 1 plane to get somewhere despite the class of service.

Israeli security once gave me the full inspection due to a MR. Even had to unbuckle my trousers. I didn't have to get completely naked, though.

You don't. Our lot is to live silently with our shame, and eventually die alone in the throes of a syphilitic fit muttering nonsensicals about things such as Baht Runs.

Guess What? I got a fever and the only prescription is more miles. :p