As soon as you get to know that your travel plans are finalized, decide on which airline and consequently what alliance of airlines you would want to join to start earning frequent flier points. Pick one airline and try to remain as loyal as possible to it. The miles you earn will provide some succour to the dreariness of travel.
There are 2 major airline alliances out there, Star Alliance and One World. You can google to check which airlines belong to which alliance. If you are an individual traveller (as opposed to a corporate traveller) cost of airline ticket plays a really big role. At that point it doesnt really make sense to worry about alliances and frequent flier points because you would be loyal to what ever airline that gives the best price. Even there, it makes sense to check British Airways or Cathay pacific to see if it has any good deals. They are part of One World alliance and you may stick to them in future as well since they have some really competitive pricing.
The world is your oyster if you are a corporate traveler (without any budget) Depending on which region you travel to most frequently (US, Europe of Asia) you can pick your airline - Lufthansa's Miles and More is very popular because they cover loads of US and European destinations and you also earn miles on almost all classes of economy (Unlike some other airlines)
Contrary to popular belief, all economy seats are not priced the same. There are some which are at a higher rate than others on which you will earn complete miles. For some really cheap economy seats you may not get miles at all. For some reason, Luthansa doesnt seem to offer really cheap seats to corporates and hence you will end up earning miles on all your flights (albeit your company might be shelling out more for indulgences)
Companies usually have some price band from the cheapest airline within which you will have to pick your choice of flights. To get your pick of airline, try to communicate your travel requirements to your travel desk as early as possible.
Of course, when its time to redeem your miles for a free international ticket remember these points:
- You will still have to pay the taxes
- Book your tickets well in advance as there are not too many seats available for this quota.
- If it as international alliance (like star/one world) redeem for international flights. You will have to shell out too many miles for one domestic ticket.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Packing, Baggage rules, Customs
Depending on where you are going - US or Rest of World, there will be different rules applicable. US is on piece basis whereas ROW is on weight basis. Best to check on your airline website the exact details of how much you can carry. First time travelers tend to pack too much; I know because that's what I did! Try to be as minimalistic as possible to reduce the stress of lugging your luggage around in an international airport you have just landed. Remember you will not have porters there. You may have to pay for a luggage cart as well; but I have noticed that it is usually free to use carts when you arrive in these airports. They tend to charge when you depart.
If you are using a domestic flight before your international flight, you will of course have additional luggage allowance. But best to check-in earlier than usual to negotiate the crowds in the Indian airports.
Through checkin - If you are using same airline till your final destination you can ask for through check-in which means you will not have to retrieve your luggage at an intermediate dest and recheck it in (For eg. at Frankfurt if you are using Lufthansa). Check the airport code on the sticker they put on your bag before it goes away into the bowels of the airport. But if your final destination in US is not the same as the one you land in US first; you will have to collect your luggage and go pass customs to the domestic lounge. Even if the lady issuing your ticket tells you its been checked in till the FINAL destination in US, dont believe her; you will HAVE to collect your luggage at the first port of entry in US. The same holds good when you are entering India as well.
Do NOT lock your check-in luggage if you are going to US, unless you have a TSA issued lock. If US authorities on a random basis decide to open your check-in luggage and they find it locked, they will break it open. (TSA lock is one issued by Transportation Safety Administration of US for which they have duplicates, so your lock will not be broken if they decide to open your luggage)
US Customs: You will have to fill one form for the entire family. Its straight forward and not cause many problems. There is one question which may pose a dilemma - Are you bringing in food? Its easy to say NO for it. But you should never lie. These guys are very smart and when they see elderly Indians they knw they are usually bringing in food. Better to say YES and explain the items to them. Even if it takes some time and you will be tired after long journey. Best is never to lie.
Things not to pack- Use your common sense. Also check on the airline website for items not allowed on board. Carry small tubes of liquid (incl toothpaste) on board in your hand luggage. Anything more than 100ml will not be allowed.
If you are using a domestic flight before your international flight, you will of course have additional luggage allowance. But best to check-in earlier than usual to negotiate the crowds in the Indian airports.
Through checkin - If you are using same airline till your final destination you can ask for through check-in which means you will not have to retrieve your luggage at an intermediate dest and recheck it in (For eg. at Frankfurt if you are using Lufthansa). Check the airport code on the sticker they put on your bag before it goes away into the bowels of the airport. But if your final destination in US is not the same as the one you land in US first; you will have to collect your luggage and go pass customs to the domestic lounge. Even if the lady issuing your ticket tells you its been checked in till the FINAL destination in US, dont believe her; you will HAVE to collect your luggage at the first port of entry in US. The same holds good when you are entering India as well.
Do NOT lock your check-in luggage if you are going to US, unless you have a TSA issued lock. If US authorities on a random basis decide to open your check-in luggage and they find it locked, they will break it open. (TSA lock is one issued by Transportation Safety Administration of US for which they have duplicates, so your lock will not be broken if they decide to open your luggage)
US Customs: You will have to fill one form for the entire family. Its straight forward and not cause many problems. There is one question which may pose a dilemma - Are you bringing in food? Its easy to say NO for it. But you should never lie. These guys are very smart and when they see elderly Indians they knw they are usually bringing in food. Better to say YES and explain the items to them. Even if it takes some time and you will be tired after long journey. Best is never to lie.
Things not to pack- Use your common sense. Also check on the airline website for items not allowed on board. Carry small tubes of liquid (incl toothpaste) on board in your hand luggage. Anything more than 100ml will not be allowed.
Intro
I have been on the road for a few years now and have picked up a few tips along the way which I have put together here. Hopefully this will be helpful for a first time international traveller from India.
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