I was excited for this promotion as I have my first JetBlue flight later this month. As I wrote early this year, one of the new routes JetBlue is adding from National is to Hartford, Connecticut. My excitement for the promotion was quickly diminished after reading the terms and conditions.
To qualify for the bonus points, only tickets booked after registering count. : (
Either way, I am excited to try out JetBlue.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints!
I have a confession to make, I know nothing about JetBlue. Never flown with them. Don't have a TrueBlue account. Never even used JetBlue.com. But JetBlue might be my new go to airlines.
JetBlue announced some of the new cities they will be flying to from their new Reagan National slots. One of those new destination is Hartford, Connecticut (BDL).
Hartford/Springfield Bradley Airport is my "home" airport. Non-stop flights from Washington, DC to Hartford are rare and expensive. Southwest flies from Baltimore to Hartford, United from Dulles and US Airways from National. The addition of JetBlue should bring down the price of the route. There will be two roundtrip each day:
To Hartford (BDL):
To Washington National (DCA)
To say I am excited is an understatement. While this is great for me to get home, its even better for my family and friends to visit me. Gasp! I might have opened Pandora's box with this post.
Hartford isn't the only destination JetBlue announced this week from DCA. The other two are Charleston, SC and Nassau, Bahamas. I have always wanted to visit Charleston, SC. Maybe another trip on JetBlue is needed.
I am liking the results of the merger so far!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints!
In December, the Flight Deal post a great deal from DCA to BOS (nonstop) for only $98. I was just about to go to bed when I saw the post, but decided to jump on it. At the time, I was 1200 miles short for Aegean Gold Status. I quickly booked a weekend trip for Martlin Luther King Weekend and decided to book another quick mileage run.
Yesterday, I went on the mileage run. A quick four hour trip. My goal was to be back in DC for brunch with a friend. As I do with every trip, here are my thoughts:
National Airport (DCA) is a great airport for two reasons: 1) The Metro Goes Directly To The Airport
The Metro entrance is through those doors and down that hallway is security.
2) Great Views of the Monuments from the ground and air:
The Capital in the far background:
The Pentagon from the air:
3) US Airways Won My Heart With Biscoff Cookies
On both my US Airways the new American, they gave Biscoff Cookies. I am addicted
to these things. My first introduction was during US Airways GrandSlam. I ordered
these from Biscoff get a "hit."
4) 40,000 Miles US Airway Barclays Credit Card Offer
On both flights, the flight attendants were hawking the new 40,000 Mile Barclays' Credit
Card offer. If you applied in air, you got a bonus 500 miles, regardless of approval.
The attendants didn't mention an annual fee; therefore, I assume its the $89 offer.
5) Eating Healthy In An Airport is Difficult
One of my 2014 goals is to eat healthier. One of the unhealthiest activities in my life is
travel. Especially, during mileage runs. I tend to eat whatever is available and airport
food is not always healthy.
In Boston, I was looking for a quick breakfast and decided on this egg white avocado
on a skinny bagel and a banana:
Overall, this sandwich was a fail. It had a lemon aioli, which over-powered the
entire sandwich. However, the sandwich was only 400 calories, so a win!
6) Who is Pen Air?
This airline had a plane here. It peaked by interested, so I did some research.
Pen Air is an Alaskan based airline that has a East Coast hub at Boston Logan. From
Logan, Pen Air flies to Bar Harbor (BHB), Long Island Islip (ISP), Plattsburg (PBG)
and Presque Island (PQI).
More research will be needed to find out why they are on the East Coast.
7) Exit From The Back of The Plane
On my way back from Boston, the flight attendants announced that we will be
deplaning from both the front and back of the plane. Since I sit in the last row,
I was one of the first people off the plane. This was a double first for me.
1) Deplaning from the back of the plane at DCA
2) Being the first off the plane.
Have you every deplanning from the back at DCA?
The most important question you might be wondering. Yes, I made our brunch reservation at 1:30 pm at
Matchbox....
Overall, a great Sunday!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints!
Due to my workload, I booked my trip to Connecticut for the holidays, on the weekend beforehand. Therefore, my chooses were very limited. I decided on the following itinerary:
When flying to Connecticut, I typically I fly either Southwest or US Airways. Both have direct flights to BDL (Hartford/Springfield) from the DC area. The flight cost me an arm and a leg:
When I check-in on Monday, United notified me that my flight was oversold and that they may need volunteers. At the time, they were offering $150 for the voluntary bump. I added my name to the list. I had all day to get home..why not?
The day of my flight, Christmas Eve day, I was running late. I left my apartment later than I want to, but plenty of time to get to the airport. Luckily, I had TSA PreCheck and flew through security in minutes. Strange at DCA, nowadays.
Arriving at the gate 30 minutes before boarding, I joined the line to speak with an agent. The line was 6 people deep, but I overheard that the flight was oversold by 7 people. My chances of getting a bump looked likely. The people in front of me were asking stupid questions ie "is this the flight to Newark," "I have a seat assignment, do I need to check-in." Finally, it was my turn. "Do you need volunteers still?" "YES!" Still $150? No, I am offering $350.
Then the next problem. The agent did not like that my final destination was BDL. He kept looking for other volunteers, which upset me. I kept on throwing out suggestions including Boston or Providence. Neither of those options provided acceptable options for him. He started looking for other volunteers including those flying to Europe and Africa.
I tried one more option, would they buy me an Amtrak ticket? That's an option, but only if they have tickets. A quick call to Amtrak and I became the new owner of $350 United voucher.
Now the next problem, he could only get me a ticket to Newark Airport's train station:
I arrived at the airport at 11:15 am for my 1pm trip. I went to the Amtrak ticket desk to exchange my ticket to Newark for one to Connecticut. After talking to three agents and a supervisor, they all agreed that I could not exchange the ticket. I would have to buy a ticket from Newark's Airport to Connecticut. The cost $45. No problem, I handed the credit card over. Then I looked at the tickets:
Leave 1pm from Washington, DC and arrive at Newark Airport at 4:30 pm.
Exit train, wait for another train to depart at 6:30 pm and arrive in Berlin, CT at 9:45 pm.
Arriving at 9:45pm would ruin my Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is when my entire family gets together. I sulked away from the ticket counter to find food. Now its 11:35am and I have 90 minutes to kill....
At this point, I am seriously regretting my decision to take the bump. Then a major light bulb came on my head: I have Ultimate Reward Points.
Ultimate Reward Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to Amtrak's Guest Rewards. More importantly, Ultimate Rewards points transfer instantaneously to Amtrak Guest Rewards.
I was so excited about my discovery that I walked out of a food line without paying for my food. I went back to pay later. A quick look at my watch its 11:40 and I remember something about a 12 noon train.
I quickly opened up my work laptop and personal laptop to transfer Ultimate Reward points to Amtrak. A one-way Northeastern ticket cost only 4,000 points.
At the same time, I was booking the award ticket. Time was ticking down and I had no idea if award tickets were still available for a train leaving in 15 minutes. After transferring 4,000 UR points to Amtrak, I tried to book the ticket without luck. I kept on getting this error.
I knew the points were in my Amtrak account. I refreshed the page and tried again. Success!
Now the next problem, I had to get my ticket from the machine and get to the train in 6 minutes. I threw both laptops in the bag without shutting them off and ran. I ran dodging people to find a ticket machine. Of course, the machine did not pull up the ticket with my credit card. Now, I had to find the email with the confirmation code...time was short and so was my patience. Find the email with the confirmation code and my ticket printed. Then I rushed to the train...
With minutes to spare, I boarded the 12 (noon) train headed north. The train was packed, but I found a seat and settled in for my 5 hour trip. In the end, I remember family from southern Connecticut was coming to Christmas Eve and they were more than happy to pick me up from a train station near their home.
In the end, Ultimate Rewards saved my Christmas Eve.
BTW...I cancelled the train ticket from Newark to Berlin via telephone, so I lost no money.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints!
Fireworks exploded throughout the miles & points community. Some people love the merger. Others despise it with a passion. Personally, I am indifferent except for my strong dislike for future CEO Doug Parker.
The merger created winners and losers. One group of winners that have been neglected are the other airlines. Say what? Other airlines can be big winners in this merger. For the merger to be approved by the DOJ, the "new" American Airlines needed to give up "52 slot pairs at Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA), 17 slot pairs at New Your LaGuardia Airport (LGA), along with certain gates and facilities used to support services at those airports. [In addition}, the airlines agreed to divest two gates at: Boston Logan, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas Love Field, Los Angles International and Miami International." Other airlines will be able to bid on these divested slots. In a nod to consumers, the DOJ ordered that the only airlines that could bid on these slots are LCC or Low Cost Carriers. The Motley Fool put together an amazing article on how Southwest and Jetblue will be the true winners of the AA & US Merger. According to Adam Levine-Weinberg, the author of the article, "The DOJ wants these slots to go to 'low-cost carriers' to enhance competition at these two key airports. Instead of specifying low-cost carriers, or LCCs, it would have been more straightforward to call outSouthwest Airlines andJetBlue Airwaysdirectly. Not only are they the top two LCCs in the U.S., they are also by far the most interested in expanding at Reagan and LaGuardia and have the greatest financial resources." Who Is A LCC?
LCCs or Low Cost Carriers typically are non-legacy airlines. "On paper, at least, the U.S. still has a substantial number of LCCs that could potentially bid for the slots that American and US Airways are giving up. Beyond Southwest and JetBlue, privately held Virgin America and Sun Country Airlines fit the LCC designation. Even Alaska Air-- which is technically a legacy carrier -- markets itself as a 'low-fare' carrier. Additionally, there is a growing group of airlines that brand themselves as 'ultra-low-cost carriers.' This includesSpirit Airlines,Allegiant Travel, and Frontier Airlines." Even though many of these airlines are categorized as low cost carriers, not all of them are likely to bid on the spots of DCA or LGA. Why Not Bid? This is where the Motley Fool article gets really good. Many have predicted only Southwest and JetBlue will bid on the now empty slots. Why? A few reasons: 1) No West Coast Flights - DCA & LGA have flight distance restrictions of 1,200 miles. Frontier and Virgin America have hubs on the West Coast. They are unlikely to bid on the slots at DCA & LGA, because their flights from those airports will require a stopover. No direct flights to their respective hubs.
Why would you want slots that would require layovers?
2) $$$
DCA & LGA are airports with lots of customers with money. Money that can be spent on
airlines tickets. All the airlines know this. For this reason, the cost of the slots are going to
be pricey. "The last time slots became available at LaGuardia and Reagan (in late 2011), JetBlue paid $40 million for eight slot pairs at Reagan and $32 million for eight slot pairs at LaGuardia." The cost of all the slots will reach $200-$300 million range. The cost to buy the slots might knock-out a few LLCs. Sun Country and Frontier are probably out. Both airlines do not have the capital to invest in those slots. While Sun Country and Frontier are LLCs without the money to buy the spots, Allegiant and Spirit Airlines do have the cash. The two airlines have the cash, but the two still won't bid on the slots. It will go against their ultra-low cost carrier model. "Investing tens of millions of dollars in slots does not seem to fit the ultra-low-cost carrier "profile." They are more likely to serve alternate airports where operating costs are lower. That's because ultra-low-cost carriers cater to leisure travelers who are very price-sensitive, as opposed to business travelers who will pay extra for the convenience of using a close-in airport." For these reasons, Allegiant and Spirit Airlines will bow out of the bidding. Who Does That Leave? That leaves the two giant Low Cost Carriers: Southwest and Jetblue. These airlines are going to get slots at two of the business national airports in the country and access to millions of customers. How do I know this? Look back to the 2011 sale of slots at DCA and LGA. Who bid on these slots? Only Southwest and JetBlue airlines and they will do it again. Who will be the real winner of the merger? Southwest and JetBlue!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints!
Have a question for me? E-mail me at jd@doitforthepoints.com
Super Shuttle is a door to door shared van service to and from various airports.
All vans in the Super Shuttle fleet are bright blue and very noticeable.
You can earn United miles for each trip booked at Super Shuttle's website. Currently, you can earn 50 miles for each one-way trip (100 miles per round-trip). For those choosing private sedan service, the earning rate jumps to 150 for each one-way trip (300 round-trip). The sedan service looks like this:
The cost of super shuttle depends on where you are being pick-up/drop-off. For instance, when I used Super Shuttle to IAD, its cost $25 without tip.
On the other hand, I used Super Shuttle in San Diego and the cost was only $12.
The other variable that changes price is the number of passengers. As you can see above, the 1st Passenger costs $29, but the next passenger on the same reservation is only $10. Therefore, booking 2 people on one reservation drops the per person cost to $20.
The only downside is that you have very little control with Super Shuttle. They try to get you to the airport around 2 hours prior to your flight. Using them to get home, you are at the mercy of the drop-off list. I have been the last one on the drop-off list and arrived home 2 1/2 hours after boarding the van.
Super Shuttle is a great service if your luck is your favor!
Two weekends ago, I had to fly to Austin to help my baby sister, as I described here. Ultimately, everything worked out well: no major delays, decent hotels, and friendly people. However, like all trips, I learned many things:
1) Mr. and Mrs. Pee Pee slowly coming to airports
In college, I spent a semester roaming Europe, I learned of the phenomenon know as
Mr. & Mrs. Pee Pee aka elderly people who you pay to use the bathroom. In return, they
ensure the bathroom is cleaned. I haven't seen this model put into place anywhere in
the United States.
When I got off my flight from DCA and went to the bathroom, I was a little shocked to
see a bathroom attendant. He greeted me when I arrived and thanked me for coming on
my way out. He had a locked glass box for tips. While this is different from the Mr. Pee
Pee model, I fear that airlines and airports, who are on a fee binge, might turn to
charging to go number 1 and number 2.
2) CRJ is a small plane for 2 1/2 hour flight
Most of the flights between CLT and AUS are operated by regional jets. It was a little
cramped height wise. On the other hand, I felt like I had more leg room on these flights
than my flights to and from DCA.
3) Sometimes prepaying for gas make sense
I made a small mistake. I decided not to prepay for fuel when renting the car. They were
offering gas at $3.05, I ended up paying $3.30 a gallon. Normally, I don't accept the
prepay option, because the cost will be taxed making it more expensive.
I was in a mood, so I really wasn't paying attention. My sister asked me why I didn't take
the half tank option. "What half tank option?" I said. Supposedly, the rental car attendant
offered for me to prepay for only half a tank. I have never been offered the ability to
only pay for 1/2 tank; only the full tank option. Is this a new trend?
4) I love the benefits of Chase Hyatt Visa
I wrote here about how I used my two free nights at the Tokyo Park Hyatt. Since I was a
Platinum Member of the Hyatt program prior to applying for the Hyatt Visa, I earned two
suite upgrades on paid stays as well. I used one of those for a night at the Austin Hyatt
Regency and was given a two room suite. This was my first suite, so I was kinda blown
away:
The view from a fifth floor suite was beautiful.
5) A+ Apartment Locators is a great service
My sister contacted A+ Apartment Locators to help her with the search for
an apartment. I was blown away by their service. In essence, Apartment Locators
are realtors for people looking for apartments. First, one sits with them in their
office to discuss the must haves in an apartment. Then, A+ calls various apartments,
on your behalf, to see if they have availability. Finally, they take you to visit the
apartments like a realtor does with houses. The kicker, one owes them nothing. A+
gets paid by the apartment company once a lease is signed.
For my sister, this service was so helpful. When you are moving to a brand new city,
knowing which neighborhoods are safe, trendy or overpriced is difficult. Having
someone guide you through the process is so helpful. Nick, our A+ representative,
was amazing. I would highly endorse him over and over again.
I wish DC had a similar service. Shopping for apartment sucks!
6) The ants didn't even want to stay here
My stay at the Country Inn and Suites started out not so well. We arrived in the room
and saw a massive quantity of ants by the window and AC unit.
The ants had been there for a long time, as many of their friends had passed on to the
other side. The staff got us a new room within minutes and kept on apologizing over
the next two days.
7) Spinning shower head is cool, but not practical
Our shower at the Country Inn and Suites had a spinning shower head:
It was cool to look at it, but I don't know if it added to the shower experience.
Maybe if it had neon lights.
8) The bats under the Congress Bridge are a must see!
Wrote about it here. One of the coolest things we saw on the trip.
9) Stubb's Gospel Brunch Overrated?
My sister got us a table for Sunday brunch at Stubb's. I was excited to try this
place out as everyone talk highly of it. However, brunch was a little overrated.
The food was not very good and then ran out of it. We arrived shortly after 11am
and were seated quickly. They took our drink orders and then told to go outside
for food.
The buffet was hotel brunch quality at best with someone carving brisket, chicken,
and sausage at the end of the table
The real draw must be the band, which is downstairs. There are table down there,
but reservations must be made weeks ahead of time.
I brunch did not impress me. They ran out of food. Did not replenish stuff in time and
it was a little overpriced. I think the brunch at the Hyatt was better:
Overall, the trip was great. My only regret was I wish I had more time to plan things to do.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints!
Have a question for us? E-mail us at chris@doitforthepoints.com or jd@doitforthepoints.com
This is what happiness on a Friday Night at DCA looks like:
Five Guy Burger, Fries and Root Beer.
Heaven on a DCA Friday Night would be an on-time flight, Elevation Burger Burger, Five Guy’s Fries and a Z-Burger shake. It sometimes the small things in life that can make you happy!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints!
Have a question for us? E-mail us at chris@doitforthepoints.com or jd@doitforthepoints.com
My favorite memorial in Washington, DC is one of the most overlooked: Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Theodore Roosevelt was the US's 26th President after the assination of President William McKinley. Teddy Roosevelt is many times overshadowed by his brother, President Franklin Roosevelt, but Teddy had some equally important accomplishments. For instance, he is a Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War, ensured the construction of the Panama Canal and best known for his favorite proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." He is less known for his conservation work. After he became President in 1901, Roosevelt used his authority to protect wildlife and public lands by creating the U.S. Forest Service and establishing 51 Federal Bird Reservations, 4 National Game Preserves, 150 National Forests, 5 National Parks and enabling the 1906 American Antiquities Act which he used to proclaim 18 National Monuments. During his presidency, Roosevelt protected approximately 230 million acres of public land.
For this reason, it is only fitting that his monument is a nature preserve. The Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial is an island in the middle of the Potomac accessible only from the Virginia side. There are two ways of getting there: drive and take public transportation.
Directions by Driving:
The Island can only be reached from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. After the Memorial Bridge follow the sign to turn right to enter the parking lot. There is a limited number of parking spots.
Public Transportation
The island is 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro Station, which is operated by the Orange and Blue lines. When leaving the station, walk towards the McDonald's:
Walk through the little park to the left of McDonald to the stop light.
At the stop light, cross the street towards the Cosi and walk towards the bridge to Georgetown.
Eventually, you will see this sign and the walk path towards the Island.
Be careful, the path is broken up into two lanes. Many bicyclist use this path, so best to stay alert and walk near the grass.
The path will lead to a windy bridge:
At the end of the bridge, you will be in the parking lot.
Walk the length of the parking lot, you will come to a bridge and the entrance to the National Park.
The bridge offers a nice views of Georgetown, the National Cathedral and airplanes, since DCA is slightly down river.
At the end of the bridge, you are on the island. There are three main trains: swamp, upland, and woods.
When I go to the island, I always do a swamp trail first, which takes you on the edge of the island. I typically go right at the sign and you will eventually hit his fork in the road. If you want to see the memorial, go left and up at this fork, if you want to continue on the swamp trail, go right.
The swamp trail gives you amazing views. Right off, the view is of Rosslyn skyline.
Under the Rossevelt Bridge, one can see the Netherlands Carrolion, located at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
After going under the bridge again, there is a small path that takes you to the "swamp." Take this path, because it leads to some of the best views from the island.
The swamp trail has a very nice boardwalk to walk on compared to the dirt style trails on the rest of the island:
The Kennedy Center:
The Watergate
Georgetown Harbour
The Francis Scott Key Bridge
However, no trip to the island is complete until visit Teddy himself:
The statue is huge and very Soviet like. The picture does not do the height of the statue justice. When you first see him, it is breath taking. Other than the statue, there are a few fountains and 4 panels with some nice words. When I went to the island, there was no water in the fountains or water fountains.
The other great part of the island is plane watching. Almost every 5 to 10 minutes, a plane flies over.
I hope that when you visit Washington, DC, you visit the memorial to our 26th President, a true American Hero!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints!
Have a question for us?
E-mail us at chris@doitforthepoints.com or jd@doitforthepoints.com
