Curriculum
LEARN THE SYSTEM BEFORE YOU WORK IT
Travel has become a complex and heavy burden for most people, and for many frequent fliers it’s almost a high science.
However, once you’ve grasped that science, you can be a happy traveler again. After all, in order to work the system, you have to know it well. And if your grasp is really good, you could save hundreds of dollars — that’s just on one ticket — but travel in luxury and enjoy top elite perks.
It’s time you took the power in your own hands and stopped depending on travel agents, airline employees and more knowledgeable friends. In fact, what incentive do travel agents have to find you a lower fare if a higher one would bring them a bigger commission? In most cases, airline employees would do what’s best for their company, not for you.
If you are ready to invest just a bit of time, learn things you never knew existed, save a lot of money and travel conveniently and comfortably, you’ve come to the right place. Here is some of what you will learn:
Before travel
- intricacies of booking classes, airline tariffs and inventory;
- booking secrets only airline agents are taught;
- how to keep an eye on fares and book when they hit bottom;
- how to choose creative routings in order to lower your cost and/or maximize your mileage;
- how to keep track of airline fees, rules and restrictions;
- how to recognize a fake “direct” flight — two separate flights sold as one for marketing purposes;
- how to qualify for fee-waivers;
- how to use schedule changes to your advantage;
- how to choose the best frequent-flier program for you;
- intricacies of upgrades and award tickets;
- published and little-known elite benefits.
During travel
- how to complete as many tasks as possible without help from airline employees;
- how to select the best seat on the plane;
- how to improve your upgrade chances;
- how to track where your plane is coming from and if it’s running on schedule;
- how to look for alternate flights in case of delays or cancellations;
- how to avoid long airport customer-service lines if you need to get rebooked;
- how to recognize when an agent is making up rules or looking for excuses to avoid helping you;
- how to make your journey less stressful and more comfortable;
- how to gain access to airport business lounges;
- how to receive better service from flight attendants;
- how to get compensation if something goes wrong during your flight.
After travel
- how to make sure you receive full mileage credit for your flight and to request it if necessary;
- how to receive compensation if your flight was delayed or canceled;
- how to contact customer relations and get compensated for other incidents during your trip;
- how to determine what kind of compensation is best for you, if you have a choice;
- how to request a refund if one is owed to you;
- how to use any discount vouchers an airline might give you.
*
