Thread: DL out of CDG advice also needed

They haven't even left yet but their trip will be a "living nightmare" for me until they make it home....gee...I don't even get to experience their "fun" moments!!![/b]

Well we can't have this. Lovetofly I'm going to give you my handy dandy tried and true tips for surviving family and friends pass travel.
To begin, you have to get yourself in the right frame of mind.
*think George C. Scott as General Patton marshalling his troops*
Remember rookie pass travelers are by nature a very optimstic bunch (the poor dears ) and it's your job to prepare these former revenue pax for travel in this strange new world. You want your rookies ready for bear. You want them so psyched, that if asked to split up, hold for a later flight or told they will be routing through two hubs, they will consider it initiation in the non-rev travel club. Go Team!

*think Clint Eastwood in The Outlaw Josey Wales*
Ten days before travel
Because their flights are dicey--Tell your rookies that they will be bumped, not probably bumped, will be bumped and they should expect to spend one day coming/going in the airport. While they're reeling from that news tell them they'll probably be rolled over coming home and should be ready to stay at a hotel overnight. (I usually quote 2 to 1 odds and tell them some horror story about a D3 that got stuck in DFW for a week--makes my rookies real attentive Now lay it on thick, remember this is for their, and your, mental health. Remind them about the extra clothes in the carry-on and having to drag their over-stuffed suitcase all over creation. Explain rollover, how to check to see if they are listed and what to do it they are not.
If you think your rookies can handle it, give them back-ups on other carriers. ( I don't do this for my rookies- as the train at DFW was seen as an insurmountable obstable)
At any rate explain airline partners/alliances (especially if they are traveling overseas) and give them a time limit at the airport. Tell them if they are still stuck after ...days (I give mine 2 days) they are to give you a call and you will *think Laurence Fishburne in Mission Impossible-3*
give them new routing instructions.

*think your mom on your first day of school*
Two days before travel review eveything again, especially non-rev travel rules and airport hotel numbers. Most importantly issue any RED FLAG warnings! Trust me, these last minute warnings may be the best thing you can do for your mental health.
Now wish everybody well, suggest they bring you back a great souvenir and remind your rookies that nonrevs don't breathe easy until "wheels up".

BTW, my overseas rookies were flying LAX/DFW/FCO. After two days in DFW, they decided NYC was exotic enough.

Edited to add vital stuff!

Keep'em flying