Warm Nuts And A Moist Towelette

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Book Upgrade Story My wife, Irene and I dreaded a trip in coach.

We had obtained two frequent flyer program tickets on American Airlines departing from Orange County heading to Dallas, Texas.

While riding in Coach is not as difficult as traveling in the rowing section of a slave galley ... its close.

What to do

You can never get a First Class upgrade from a frequent flyer mileage ticket ... or can you

The Platinum desk repeated the policy to me over the phone.

The counter personnel laughed at my request.

The gate personnel rolled their eyes.

My last chance was the flight attendant.

Handing my book Negotiate like the Pros to the flight attendant with the inscription, Thank you for the complimentary First Class upgrade you are about to give my wife and me! I held my breath.

Ha-ha! she said. Sorry but you know I cant.

Thats okay, I replied, it never hurts to give it one more try!

Then, right before the aircraft pushed back, the flight attendant waved at me and gestured come forward with her finger.

First Class to Dallas! And they said it couldnt be done!!!!

The glamour of travel wears thin for many seasoned veterans.

Shortcuts, time and money, savings techniques are a big part of the road warriors survival.

Deals with air carriers, hotels, ground transportation providers, and restaurants are plentiful and fun to make.

Air Travel Pick one or more:

Flying is fun.
Flying is awful.
Flying is boring.
Flying is a necessary evil.
Flying is nerve wracking.
All of the above.
None of the above.

Frequent Flyers Frequent flyer programs can help smooth the way for the frequent traveler. American Airlines, United Airlines, Northwest Air, TWA, Continental and a number of other carriers allow for bonus travel and benefits for frequent flyers. Belonging to one or more of these programs is essential to the experienced traveler. And, many of the major domestic American carriers are members of World Wide Alliances. American Airlines is allied with British Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Singapore, South African, and others. United and others have similar relationships with other major carriers.

The best part of these programs is that they are all free and available to any frequent flyer.

Upgrades, special seating, advanced boarding privileges, and airport club memberships are all negotiable with one of these frequent flyer programs.

Hotels

Sheraton International (soon to be Starwood), Hilton, Marriott, and other major hotel chains have frequent traveler programs too.

Upgrades to suites, concierge or club levels, free nights, and travel benefits can all be negotiated with the assistance of these programs.

These programs are also almost universally free of charge to the frequent traveler.

Restaurants Tip on the way in. You have a better chance for good service.

Ask the maitred for his or her suggestions. In fact, ask them to order your meal. Youll get the chefs best that evening and youll make a friend for the future.

Never send your food back ... If you do they will spit in your soup!

Bio

As a California Criminal Trial Lawyer with 28 years of courtroom experience, JOHN PATRICK DOLAN has handled everything from traffic tickets to death penalty murder cases. Dolan is a recognized California State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law and a true courtroom veteran. He is AV (highest) Martindale-Hubbell rated.