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I've made a couple of trips now to Europe as a non-rev, and I have some air travel tips to share. These tips refer to Delta travel especially, but some might apply to other airlines as well.
1. Cross the pond on your own airline
A flight operated by your own airline gives you the best chance at business class, which makes the trip so much more pleasant. Some codeshare partners won’t put you in business class even if seats are available. Also, it’s also easier to check seat availability to find the most likely flights to have space for nonrevs.
2. Speak up (nicely)
In the U.S., nonrevs are taught to be invisible. However, once you’re in Europe and flying nonrev on European airlines, it’s possible to be too inconspicuous and be left behind simply because you weren’t noticed. Be polite and gracious, but, if you think you’ve fallen off the radar, go ask!
3. Tickets, please
Delta codeshare partners AirFrance, AirItalia and Czech Airlines now require ID-96 fare tickets. To get these, first call the partner airline’s reservation number and list on the flights you want. Then buy an ID-96 ticket at any city ticket office. The increase to ID-96 fares is another good reason to fly your own airline for the longest and most expensive leg of your trip. For Delta-operated international flights, you still need paper passes imprinted with your pass card. Get extras imprinted just in case.
4. Not all airports are created equal
This tip could be subtitled “Avoid CDG”. In Paris (CDG), nonrevs must check in and then collect their baggage and wait in a basement holding pen for a seat assignment. Once you’ve been given a seat and checked your bags, you have to tear off through the airport and try to make it through passport control and to your gate before the flight leaves. On a full flight, if you’re cleared at the last minute, this can be quite a challenge.
On the other hand, I had good experiences traveling nonrev through Amsterdam (AMS), Prague (PRG) and Budapest (BUD). My next trip will be through Frankfurt, so I’ll report back on the nonrev situation there soon.
Happy flying!
Susan
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Don't Check Luggage - I’ve Non-rev’ed on OA and LH plus my own airline UA and not having to check luggage is a big help.
