Non-rev travel

**spongebue** · 03-Jul-2009, 11:52 AM

That, or I'd be shocked if Continental didn't fly from OKC to IAH (too lazy to check for sure, but it's too much of a given). Maybe the ZEDs would be worth the convenience, otherwise like you said, it'd be just like the DAL/DFW situation.

Also, Cindy, don't be too quick to underestimate your son's abilities to go alone. When I was a senior in high school (17 years old) I flew MSP-SLC-HNL-CVG-MSP on my own (confirmed). I had never flown on my own before, and when I did travel prior it would always be with family and usually a nonstop flight (except for when we took AirTran MSP-ATL-MIA-ATL-MSP). A year later, I did UA MSP-DEN-SAN-HNL-SFO-DEN-MSP. Again, on my own (and again, confirmed). Not to mention the non-rev trip to HNL the day before I turned 20 and all the other places I've been that summer, figuring out public transportation and everything in advance.

I know it's a bit different with international flights, but if your son is 19, he can still get through customs without parents or notes from parents. Come to think of it, I've only crossed the border with my parents once (on a cruise in the Bahamas, starting and ending in Miami) and my dad did all the talking with CBP while the rest of us were a few feet away. I've since been to Canada by air and car 4 times without parents, never had a problem with customs or anything. Anyway, if you talk to your son ahead of time, come up with plans for every possible scenario (including you guys not even making it up) I can't see *too* much of a problem. Oh, and one other story if it helps: My 17-year-old cousin flew from MSP-SEA-HNL on her own recently, too. Only flew nonstop MSP-IAD-MSP with us once before 8 years ago. We helped her at MSP, but she was on her own once she stepped on the plane in MSP, and did just fine.

Of course, it all depends on your comfort level, as well as his, but don't be too quick to worry just because of age. Everyone is different, but don't be too quick to shut out the idea just because of age alone.

Just my $.02, take it how you want... not trying to meddle

**Cindy404** · 03-Jul-2009, 07:05 PM

Thanks, everyone, for all your advice. I really appreciate it. I have to admit, I'm a worrier. I'm sure my son is quite capable of traveling alone. It might be good for him! But now, I'm kind of chickening out, thinking we might ALL just need to buy confirmed seats. My husband's job is not flexible with time off and he has to put in for it soon. My job is more flexible, though. We would definitely use Interline for hotel, tours, and airport transfers. My daughter has agreed to pay for as much as half of the trip. I'm just thinking of the worst case scenario, which would be purchasing the great deals on Interline and then having to cancel it all because we couldn't nonrev in our time frame. Not to mention the whole disappointment of it all. I still have a month or two to think it all through - in the mean time I will do all my homework. Thanks again.
Cindy

**Migflanker** · 04-Jul-2009, 10:40 AM

Hi Cindy, you've gotten some really great advice.
I've done quite a few revenue/non-rev combo trips and the key as all have stated, is flexibility (departure/return airport - travel day) and everyone understanding that your revenue pax (your son) could end up traveling alone and possiblity be in London for a few hours or days alone. If everyone is comfortable with these two key components, I thnk the trip is doable. Hey, I've done LAX/LHR/LAX in the fall with 5 nonrevs and we only had the one LA flight (2 came back through ORD)

DFW- I try not to send my D3's through DFW. Sure there are lots of flights, but there are also lots and lots of non-revs. And you my "Zed fare" friend, board after AA's D1, D2 & D3's. Since you're in OKC, besides JFK, you might also consider ORD as a departure/return aiport. Remember it's better to be in the air than on the ground.

Bottom line- if you're a 'severe worrier', then look for a good fare, but if you're more of a 'moderate worrier', you can look at it as DFW(3) + ORD(4) + JFK(5) =12 flights a day to/from London, + flexible travel days ( I do a 2 day cushion for London) in a month with no holidays (check London calender to be sure) + a daughter that can jumpseat. As I said, seems doable to me.
Let us know what you decide.

**Nick** · 06-Jul-2009, 06:17 AM

Totally agree with Mig... all comes down to how comfortable you are.

I work with a person who never uses her flight benefits. Well at least in the 2 years I have been there she always buys confirmed tickets because she a) can't be bothered,

is worried about not making flights, c) doesn't quite understand the staff travel system. If I hear someone at work describe a ZED as an ID90 one more time...

Unfortunately that worry has filtered down to our newest employee, but what can you do.

The key is information, a plan and a backup plan. I've been burned before on my first trip, and it cost me dearly - $600 (which AA so nicely later refunded) to get back to work on time. That taught me several lessons that I haven't forgotten to this day. Plan ahead, be ready to change that plan in the last few days or on the day, have backups but don't go overboard, plan a day off before you return to work. I normally plan a day in lieu (don't know if y'all get them in the US) so if i am home in time, I go to work and can save that day to use again later. If i don't make it back - all good.

Anyways... just raised spongebue's 2cents with my 10

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