DFW to LAX on AA for Jeopardy Taping
Sep 5, 2002 | 12:52 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Worth, Texas USA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum 5 million miles
Posts: 1,007
DFW to LAX on AA for Jeopardy Taping
Background:
In May 2001, I took the test to audition for the television show Jeopardy! I did not realize at the time that about 250,000 people try to take the test every year and only about 10,000 actually take the test. Of the 75 people who took the test with me, only 4 passed. We were told that we might be selected as contestants and would be notified within the next twelve months.
In May 2002, I was contacted that I was selected to tape on June 10 or 11; five shows are taped per day. Being a true frequent flyer (over 2,000,000 on AA), my first thought was gee how many miles can I get?
I was able to get a decent fare from DFW to LAX on AA (under $200 by travelling with my senior citizen mother). Exactly 72 hours before the flight our upgrades cleared (we are both Platinum). I made my Hertz reservation and my reservation at the official Jeopardy! hotel; I used Expedia to get the rate half off the official Jeopardy! rate.
Flight Report
Saturday, June 8, 2002
AA Flight 2409
Seats Somewhere in First
Since I needed a minimum of three outfits and tons of make-up, I checked a bag (something I almost never do since I have mastered packing really light). We arrived about an hour before departure and zipped through check-in and security. We waited for the sacrificial lamb to board so we would not be searched. On board we were offered drinks. Breakfast was served and was quite skimpy but I was trying to stay thin for my appearance. We were offered yogurt or cereal, a fruit plate, and muffins or bagels. The flight was uneventful.
We landed, retrieved my bag, and proceeded to Hertz. My economy car was an Isuzu Trooper. We headed to the Getty Museum for a last minute art and architecture overview. Then we checked in the Radisson at Culver City. I do not know if they were a tad snippy because of my cheap rate or if the desk clerk was having a bad day. The room was nice but nothing special. It did have an iron and ironing board so I could be wrinkle-free.
Fast Forward
If you want to know how I did on Jeopardy!, watch the episode on Friday, September 6, 2002. I am the only female and I am wearing bright red. I had listed my mileage accruing hobby as one of my discussion topics, but Alex (a very attractive and extremely personable man who looks da*n good up close and personal) chose another topic, my third choice. I really wanted to relate how I almost killed Bucky Fuller when I served as his chauffer for the day.
Oh, well I went on the show to prove to myself that I could and I was really happy with how everything turned out...
Return Flight
June 12, 2002
AA Flight 2418
Seats First Class
I was getting cranky because our upgrades had not cleared, but they did around three hours before departure. We checked-out, filled the tank, returned the car, and checked-in. I was stopped at security and had to twirl, feel the wand, and sacrifice my tweezers. I did not want that experience again so we waited to board until another passenger was twirling.
On this flight we had a more deluxe breakfast with an omelet, turkey sausage, potatoes, fruit, and bagels.
We also had a lot of priests and a monk or two (all in coach) on the flight. When I claimed my bag at DFW, the claim area was filled with men of the cloth. Later that day while watching the news, I found out that a "Priest" conference was in Dallas. Oh well, I felt safer flying.
This is my first trip report and I really wrote it so people will watch me on Jeopardy! tomorrow.
If you have ever had an inkling to try-out for the show, do it; it was a great experience.
In May 2001, I took the test to audition for the television show Jeopardy! I did not realize at the time that about 250,000 people try to take the test every year and only about 10,000 actually take the test. Of the 75 people who took the test with me, only 4 passed. We were told that we might be selected as contestants and would be notified within the next twelve months.
In May 2002, I was contacted that I was selected to tape on June 10 or 11; five shows are taped per day. Being a true frequent flyer (over 2,000,000 on AA), my first thought was gee how many miles can I get?
I was able to get a decent fare from DFW to LAX on AA (under $200 by travelling with my senior citizen mother). Exactly 72 hours before the flight our upgrades cleared (we are both Platinum). I made my Hertz reservation and my reservation at the official Jeopardy! hotel; I used Expedia to get the rate half off the official Jeopardy! rate.
Flight Report
Saturday, June 8, 2002
AA Flight 2409
Seats Somewhere in First
Since I needed a minimum of three outfits and tons of make-up, I checked a bag (something I almost never do since I have mastered packing really light). We arrived about an hour before departure and zipped through check-in and security. We waited for the sacrificial lamb to board so we would not be searched. On board we were offered drinks. Breakfast was served and was quite skimpy but I was trying to stay thin for my appearance. We were offered yogurt or cereal, a fruit plate, and muffins or bagels. The flight was uneventful.
We landed, retrieved my bag, and proceeded to Hertz. My economy car was an Isuzu Trooper. We headed to the Getty Museum for a last minute art and architecture overview. Then we checked in the Radisson at Culver City. I do not know if they were a tad snippy because of my cheap rate or if the desk clerk was having a bad day. The room was nice but nothing special. It did have an iron and ironing board so I could be wrinkle-free.
Fast Forward
If you want to know how I did on Jeopardy!, watch the episode on Friday, September 6, 2002. I am the only female and I am wearing bright red. I had listed my mileage accruing hobby as one of my discussion topics, but Alex (a very attractive and extremely personable man who looks da*n good up close and personal) chose another topic, my third choice. I really wanted to relate how I almost killed Bucky Fuller when I served as his chauffer for the day.
Oh, well I went on the show to prove to myself that I could and I was really happy with how everything turned out...
Return Flight
June 12, 2002
AA Flight 2418
Seats First Class
I was getting cranky because our upgrades had not cleared, but they did around three hours before departure. We checked-out, filled the tank, returned the car, and checked-in. I was stopped at security and had to twirl, feel the wand, and sacrifice my tweezers. I did not want that experience again so we waited to board until another passenger was twirling.
On this flight we had a more deluxe breakfast with an omelet, turkey sausage, potatoes, fruit, and bagels.
We also had a lot of priests and a monk or two (all in coach) on the flight. When I claimed my bag at DFW, the claim area was filled with men of the cloth. Later that day while watching the news, I found out that a "Priest" conference was in Dallas. Oh well, I felt safer flying.
This is my first trip report and I really wrote it so people will watch me on Jeopardy! tomorrow.
If you have ever had an inkling to try-out for the show, do it; it was a great experience.
Last edited by FlyForFun; Jun 10, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Sep 5, 2002 | 2:28 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: DFW, 3.5 MM, AA EXP, LIFETIME PLATINUM, MARRIOTT LIFETIME PLATINUM, STARWOOD AMBASSADOR 223 NIGHTS, AND LIFETIME GOLD, HILTON DIAMOND, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE ELITE
Posts: 5,847
Congratulations (I think) - will try and watch the show tomorrow.
So, you are also Lifetime Platinum member on AA - that is a significant accomplishment as well. Congrats.
Thanks.
So, you are also Lifetime Platinum member on AA - that is a significant accomplishment as well. Congrats.
Thanks.
Sep 6, 2002 | 10:37 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Indian Harbour Beach, Fla, USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plt
Posts: 1,986
Congratulations, most definitely. I'll be watching (for several days, I hope) to see how you did.
Is Jeopardy still sharing a soundstage? When I was on in 1988 they set up a buffet on the other show's set to feed us during a taping break.
Eating lasagna on the set of 'Soul Train' is high on my list of I-never-thought-I'd-do-THAT experiences.
Is Jeopardy still sharing a soundstage? When I was on in 1988 they set up a buffet on the other show's set to feed us during a taping break.
Eating lasagna on the set of 'Soul Train' is high on my list of I-never-thought-I'd-do-THAT experiences.
Sep 6, 2002 | 8:04 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Worth, Texas USA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum 5 million miles
Posts: 1,007
The returning champion set a record for the most money ever won in one show; he won $50,000; he won on Thursday. On Friday (today) he bet all but $1 on final Jeopardy and gave an incorrect response. The young law student in the middle won over $41,000 or the second highest one day total ever. Just my luck to compete with the two all time one game winners. I had a really hard time ringing in, but knew all but four of the responses. I did not provide any incorrect responses (yeah!) and I answered Final Jeopardy! correctly and it was a sports question so I came in second and won $2,000. I also got to say "Let's Get Married for $200, Alex." I did not curse, I did not cry, and thanks to a wonderful make-up artist, I looked good.
It was truly an incredible experience and just think I'll be in reruns on the Game Show Network until eternity or the end of satellite and cable.
It was truly an incredible experience and just think I'll be in reruns on the Game Show Network until eternity or the end of satellite and cable.
Sep 7, 2002 | 2:37 pm
#8
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Programs: AA 2MM Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,350
Congratulations...that is very cool! In 1993, I was on an episode of Cheers. I won the appearance at a charitable silent auction. I got to sit on the back side of the bar, over to the left near Frasier.
As for the flight to LA, I flew on Midwest Express out of Milwaukee since I lived in Chicago at the time and didn't have status on any airline. (I flew them a lot back then.) I had to make the trip on short notice which meant paying the full fare of $800.00, something I usually manage to avoid. But on YX, at least it's all one class and more like First Class than Steerage. I love the airport in Milwaukee too since it's small and much less of a hassle than ORD.
As for the flight to LA, I flew on Midwest Express out of Milwaukee since I lived in Chicago at the time and didn't have status on any airline. (I flew them a lot back then.) I had to make the trip on short notice which meant paying the full fare of $800.00, something I usually manage to avoid. But on YX, at least it's all one class and more like First Class than Steerage. I love the airport in Milwaukee too since it's small and much less of a hassle than ORD.
Sep 9, 2002 | 9:01 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Indian Harbour Beach, Fla, USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plt
Posts: 1,986
You did just fine, F-for-F.
And to answer the other question about my own ancient history experience on the show 14 years ago (when Alex still had a mustache and the prize money was smaller).
I defeated a dinner theater actor from Davenport, Iowa to become a Jeopardy champion (I'm sorry if it sounds egotistical but there is a certain panache to being able to say that), but a dentist from Los Gatos, California kept me from retiring as an undefeated champion.
Still, I took home ~$28,000 in cash and "lovely parting gifts" that included a recliner, $1000 in stereo equipment, a case of Rustoleum and $25 worth of Lee Press-on Nails. Along with the home version of the Jeopardy game.
Most of the money was, in the more traditional sense of the word, invested, but FTers will be happy to know I also invested part of it on a month in Australia.
And to answer the other question about my own ancient history experience on the show 14 years ago (when Alex still had a mustache and the prize money was smaller).
I defeated a dinner theater actor from Davenport, Iowa to become a Jeopardy champion (I'm sorry if it sounds egotistical but there is a certain panache to being able to say that), but a dentist from Los Gatos, California kept me from retiring as an undefeated champion.
Still, I took home ~$28,000 in cash and "lovely parting gifts" that included a recliner, $1000 in stereo equipment, a case of Rustoleum and $25 worth of Lee Press-on Nails. Along with the home version of the Jeopardy game.
Most of the money was, in the more traditional sense of the word, invested, but FTers will be happy to know I also invested part of it on a month in Australia.
Sep 9, 2002 | 9:28 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Worth, Texas USA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum 5 million miles
Posts: 1,007
I remember you and you are so correct that there is such a panache about your achievement! Since so few people can actually be a Jeopardy! winner, I feel truly honored just having been a contestant and I did come in second to the second biggest one day winner yet and finished ahead of the returning champion ($50,000 in just one day -the biggest one day winner).
Since I have mastered travelling in style on so few dollars (thanks to all of the excellent advice received from FlyerTalk), I can easily use part of my $2,000 to return to Australia and New Zealand. I spent two weeks in that part of the world in November and December 2001 and spent less than $1,000 for my half of the expenses (of course I used AA miles for the flights so airfare was $53.40 in taxes).
Thanks for the support!
Since I have mastered travelling in style on so few dollars (thanks to all of the excellent advice received from FlyerTalk), I can easily use part of my $2,000 to return to Australia and New Zealand. I spent two weeks in that part of the world in November and December 2001 and spent less than $1,000 for my half of the expenses (of course I used AA miles for the flights so airfare was $53.40 in taxes).
Thanks for the support!