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I gave my parents a couple zed passes for travel
to their vacation place in New Mexico. I hear many people discussing a plan-b for their folks.
They are both retired and their travel dates are faily open. I don't want them to get stranded but it's not the end of the world if they have to stay in MSP for the night.
This will be their fisrt trip on my benefits, and I was looking for advice for myself and to give to them, aside form being on their best behavior (now that they are having more fun than I am I have to treat them like children sometimes, "it's for your own good", and "because I said so." and so forth).
Any advice would be appreciated.
adam
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Adam,
Best advice, especially if you are not travelling with them, is to have back-up tickets for not only Plan B but also Plans C and D if they exist. Get them back-ups before they travel ... you should be able to get refunds if they are not used. If something does go wrong with their plans, especially on the return leg, the last thing you ( or they ) need is to have to rush around arranging alternate routes and tickets.
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Hi Adam, welcome to the forum.
It has been my experience that no matter how dark a picture you paint, first time pass users are by nature a very optimistic bunch, the poor dears http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emotic...on_biggrin.gif. So like Paul, I would suggest you go over in minute detail back-up plan B, C and D and then explain how 'priority lists' and/or thunderstorms a thousand miles away can wreck a whole operation. With my first timers I emphasize the 'space available' point and hammer it home by providing hotel and rental car 800 numbers and suggest putting a night's provisions in their carry-on. (Trust me, nothing explains bumping like pj's and an extra shirt in the carry-on http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif) I recommend having the 'will we split up' decision made before starting for the airport and advise checking in e-a-r-l-y, traveling light and being flexible and patient. Finally I put my number on speed dial and remind everyone it's always nice to bring a little something home for me. http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emotic...on_biggrin.gif
Edited for spelling and stuff http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emotic...on_biggrin.gif
Keep'em flying
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Thank you for your input.
I'll get together with my pass bureau to gather several more options for them. Most of the basics, like 'space-available' and basic non-rev behavior, have been hammered in but I will do it again just for good measure.
thanks again,
adam
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Hi, I recently used the Zed fares and loved it. What I loved about the Zed fares was the ability to fly on any airline that are within the Zed system without getting the tickets re-issued and purchasing multiple tickets. I suggest that you check to see what other airlines your parents may be able to fly on with their Zed tickets if they have to go to plan B or C. Also perhaps teach them how to call the airlines to list (sometimes, if the agents are busy at the airport, they direct you to call the 800 number to list rather than list you on a flight at the counter).
Hope they have fun
