How DID We Survive? — Page 164

*suddenly sits up with an idea*

Hey Shira... who are their partners? Sometimes you can use frequent flyer miles on a different airline. For example, I can use my NW miles on Continental; my nephew used part of his AA miles on Alaska.

---

Actually, Shira, a word of advice from a former travel industry professional. Never, ever, ever, yell at the reservations desk people. Always remember this: the person on the other side of the phone has the ability to do whatever they want. They are the gods of the travel industry. If you call, are nice, kiss their feet, whatever, you're more likely to get them to help you out. It also depends on the person you get and the mood they're in. It really does.

Examples: when my dad came to visit, he wanted to change his return flight. Not a little change... like changing a time... but a huge re-routing change. I called the AA, and explained how my dad was getting older, and going all the way back to the city of origing would be hard on him, blah, blah, blah, and the agent changed the flight, gave him bulk head seats, and didn't charge us a penny.

Another time I just wanted to take a later flight, and they wanted to charge me upwards of $300, more than the original cost of the ticket. It's really random, unfortunately.

---

Shira kissing ass...a sight I never wanted in my head...thanks DD.

---

There ARE a limited number of seats they have per flight for Award tickets. But again, there's always a way around it, the thing is finding someone willing to help you. It's usually easier in person.

Example of this: my nephew was flying on AA miles. His SEA-SFO leg was taking him to Dallas. My other nephew was flying direct SEA-SFO with AK. Even though they are partners, the lady at AA said she couldn't make the switch. Lo and behold, when we got to the airport, I spoke to the AA agent at the desk, and he did something or other, a lot of typing into the computer was involved, and we got my nephew onto the AK flight instead.

BEAV-the number of miles used is the same regardless of where you're flying... i.e. 25,000 for a domestic flight.

---

you won't know if you're kissing a hard ass or not.

---

It's just the luck of the draw. The first example I gave re: my dad was over the phone.

Just don't sound demanding or angry. Kiss ass? You betcha! Like I said, they have the power to do whatever they want, if they feel like it. And sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I just can't believe there are NO options... usually the convenient flight is booked, but there might be other flights that aren't... maybe connecting through Pittsburgh (yikes!) or leaving later or earlier; maybe you can leave on Sat. instead of Sunday since you HAVE to be back on Sunday.

---

Boobs...do you know of any hard asses I can kiss?

---

Flask? I could use a flask. Of schnapps. Butterscotch.

---

Sure, I'll take a flask of Rask with a side of men.

---

We're getting rain all weekend long. Which is fine 'cause I have rehearsals.

Tan lines? Living in Seattle means tan lines are a distant memory.

---

I thought you'd recognize it! That was an awesome night!

---

As if you didn't have one already!

---

Look - it's a young Bette Midler as the virgin beggar woman.