Business TravelGuys (1 Viewer)

[ffjunk]

Made it to ConciergeKey this year apparently. Pretty cool so far. Like I was aware of it, and there's the obvious boarding thing and such but man is it a whole other level of service. They text me when I get to the airport to see if I need anything. It actually is surprisingly nice to not have to try and hold a spot near the line to make sure you board early enough in your group to ensure overhead space.

But then the upgrade priority jump, the waitlist/booking for a flight jump (flight cancelled, they will bump someone else to get you on next plane) and the like...wow. I'm also opening us up to more flights on family travel with tight connections because they'll do a plane-to-plane transfer via SUV on the tarmac. Can't wait to report back on that one.

Thats some major BS right there on the airlines part.

 

[McBokonon]

$200 hotel credit (but only for their collections, I probably won't use this one)

Don’t sleep on this. You also get a $100 food/service credit. If you use Fine Hotels and Resorts, specifically, you can not only get 5X AMEX points for the purchase, but if the hotel is part of a chain for which you already get rewards points, you’ll get those too. It’s great for a weekend or even midweek mini-vacay to a resort you might not have done otherwise.

 

[nirad3]

Well shoot. Was looking forward to a steak and some beers at the only place in tiny Ozona, TX tonight. Maybe watch the 1st half of the Mavs/Wolves game.

CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS!

I was so looking forward to it since I last dined at this spot in 1996 whilest on a cross-country trip with a college buddy.

Only place in town that has a bar. I am going to end up getting a 6-pack of beer and taking it to a Mexican restaurant and will watch the game in my hotel room. Oof... luxury biz travel.

 

[beer 30]

Well shoot. Was looking forward to a steak and some beers at the only place in tiny Ozona, TX tonight. Maybe watch the 1st half of the Mavs/Wolves game.

CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS!

I was so looking forward to it since I last dined at this spot in 1996 whilest on a cross-country trip with a college buddy.

Only place in town that has a bar. I am going to end up getting a 6-pack of beer and taking it to a Mexican restaurant and will watch the game in my hotel room. Oof... luxury biz travel.

You're living right @nirad3

Just came back from a trip to Minneapolis then to Toronto. Was actually perfect weather in both places for a change, took in the falls and had a fairly good couple of meals while in Canada along with a lot of 23oz Molson. Will be making the trip once a quarter for a while now so starting to learn the lay of the land. Off to Appleton, WI next month for a whirlwind 4 day trip to Miller Electric to become a welder

 

[beer 30]

Looking for a bullet proof carry on. My current Swiss Gear 7272 is fine but it ain't gonna make it given the abuse I'm putting it through. It's flexible hard sided plastic and I just know one of these days it's going to explode and I'm going to be screwed. One of the issues is I have pack steel toed boots most everywhere I go so I've had to get creative with space. Looking to upgrade to metal if possible and still keep it within the boundaries of not super expensive.

 

[nirad3]

Well shoot. Was looking forward to a steak and some beers at the only place in tiny Ozona, TX tonight. Maybe watch the 1st half of the Mavs/Wolves game.

CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS!

I was so looking forward to it since I last dined at this spot in 1996 whilest on a cross-country trip with a college buddy.

Only place in town that has a bar. I am going to end up getting a 6-pack of beer and taking it to a Mexican restaurant and will watch the game in my hotel room. Oof... luxury biz travel.

You're living right @nirad3

Just came back from a trip to Minneapolis then to Toronto. Was actually perfect weather in both places for a change, took in the falls and had a fairly good couple of meals while in Canada along with a lot of 23oz Molson. Will be making the trip once a quarter for a while now so starting to learn the lay of the land. Off to Appleton, WI next month for a whirlwind 4 day trip to Miller Electric to become a welder

I was also in Toronto during that 1996 cross-country jaunt. Spent my "magic birthday" (23 on the 23rd of July) there, and had MANY Molsons. Man those Molson Triple-X (not sure if they even still make those) were strong!

I try to do it right!

 

[Ron Swanson]

Well shoot. Was looking forward to a steak and some beers at the only place in tiny Ozona, TX tonight. Maybe watch the 1st half of the Mavs/Wolves game.

CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS!

I was so looking forward to it since I last dined at this spot in 1996 whilest on a cross-country trip with a college buddy.

Only place in town that has a bar. I am going to end up getting a 6-pack of beer and taking it to a Mexican restaurant and will watch the game in my hotel room. Oof... luxury biz travel.

Ooof. I spent a night in Ozona once. Was riding my motorcycle with my brother from Alpine to Houston and hit sideways rain barely above freezing. First hotel we saw outside of Ft. Stockton was in Ozona. I think we must have both been so beat we didn't even try to find a bar. I do remember putting my soaked boots in the dryer and it sounded like I had a couple small children in there.

 

[nirad3]

Well shoot. Was looking forward to a steak and some beers at the only place in tiny Ozona, TX tonight. Maybe watch the 1st half of the Mavs/Wolves game.

CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS!

I was so looking forward to it since I last dined at this spot in 1996 whilest on a cross-country trip with a college buddy.

Only place in town that has a bar. I am going to end up getting a 6-pack of beer and taking it to a Mexican restaurant and will watch the game in my hotel room. Oof... luxury biz travel.

Ooof. I spent a night in Ozona once. Was riding my motorcycle with my brother from Alpine to Houston and hit sideways rain barely above freezing. First hotel we saw outside of Ft. Stockton was in Ozona. I think we must have both been so beat we didn't even try to find a bar. I do remember putting my soaked boots in the dryer and it sounded like I had a couple small children in there.

The Holiday Inn Express is actually quite decent. Just no bars in town, even in a spot that's close to 3,000 in population. I figure the spot I was fixin' to go to is the hoppin' "bar" in town. I should have done my research and scheduled myself to be here on a Thursday instead. Live and learn. I'll make the best of it!

 

[Instinctive]

Looking for a bullet proof carry on. My current Swiss Gear 7272 is fine but it ain't gonna make it given the abuse I'm putting it through. It's flexible hard sided plastic and I just know one of these days it's going to explode and I'm going to be screwed. One of the issues is I have pack steel toed boots most everywhere I go so I've had to get creative with space. Looking to upgrade to metal if possible and still keep it within the boundaries of not super expensive.

I pack steel toes in my suitcase with regularity. And workout shoes. And a weeks worth of clothes for work, workout, and leisure.

I have the Tumi sized for biggest possible carry in. Bought it in 2016. It’s been incredible.

Under $100/year at this point. Given I’m at around 6 years of just over 2 flights a week ~40 weeks a year…it’s probably around 300 flights. So $2/flight or so and showing no end in sight.

Fantastic value.

 

[beer 30]

Looking for a bullet proof carry on. My current Swiss Gear 7272 is fine but it ain't gonna make it given the abuse I'm putting it through. It's flexible hard sided plastic and I just know one of these days it's going to explode and I'm going to be screwed. One of the issues is I have pack steel toed boots most everywhere I go so I've had to get creative with space. Looking to upgrade to metal if possible and still keep it within the boundaries of not super expensive.

I pack steel toes in my suitcase with regularity. And workout shoes. And a weeks worth of clothes for work, workout, and leisure.

I have the Tumi sized for biggest possible carry in. Bought it in 2016. It’s been incredible.

Under $100/year at this point. Given I’m at around 6 years of just over 2 flights a week ~40 weeks a year…it’s probably around 300 flights. So $2/flight or so and showing no end in sight.

Fantastic value.

I sport a Tumi backpack, if I get a Tumi carry on would I be considered metro?

 

[Instinctive]

Looking for a bullet proof carry on. My current Swiss Gear 7272 is fine but it ain't gonna make it given the abuse I'm putting it through. It's flexible hard sided plastic and I just know one of these days it's going to explode and I'm going to be screwed. One of the issues is I have pack steel toed boots most everywhere I go so I've had to get creative with space. Looking to upgrade to metal if possible and still keep it within the boundaries of not super expensive.

I pack steel toes in my suitcase with regularity. And workout shoes. And a weeks worth of clothes for work, workout, and leisure.

I have the Tumi sized for biggest possible carry in. Bought it in 2016. It’s been incredible.

Under $100/year at this point. Given I’m at around 6 years of just over 2 flights a week ~40 weeks a year…it’s probably around 300 flights. So $2/flight or so and showing no end in sight.

Fantastic value.

I sport a Tumi backpack, if I get a Tumi carry on would I be considered metro?

idk what metro means. But their backpacks do tend to nicely attach to the suitcases I think. I have a cheap travel backpack.

 

[beer 30]

Looking for a bullet proof carry on. My current Swiss Gear 7272 is fine but it ain't gonna make it given the abuse I'm putting it through. It's flexible hard sided plastic and I just know one of these days it's going to explode and I'm going to be screwed. One of the issues is I have pack steel toed boots most everywhere I go so I've had to get creative with space. Looking to upgrade to metal if possible and still keep it within the boundaries of not super expensive.

I pack steel toes in my suitcase with regularity. And workout shoes. And a weeks worth of clothes for work, workout, and leisure.

I have the Tumi sized for biggest possible carry in. Bought it in 2016. It’s been incredible.

Under $100/year at this point. Given I’m at around 6 years of just over 2 flights a week ~40 weeks a year…it’s probably around 300 flights. So $2/flight or so and showing no end in sight.

Fantastic value.

I sport a Tumi backpack, if I get a Tumi carry on would I be considered metro?

idk what metro means. But their backpacks do tend to nicely attach to the suitcases I think. I have a cheap travel backpack.

Which one you rocking? https://www.tumi.com/c/luggage/carryon-luggage/international/

 

[Instinctive]

Looking for a bullet proof carry on. My current Swiss Gear 7272 is fine but it ain't gonna make it given the abuse I'm putting it through. It's flexible hard sided plastic and I just know one of these days it's going to explode and I'm going to be screwed. One of the issues is I have pack steel toed boots most everywhere I go so I've had to get creative with space. Looking to upgrade to metal if possible and still keep it within the boundaries of not super expensive.

I pack steel toes in my suitcase with regularity. And workout shoes. And a weeks worth of clothes for work, workout, and leisure.

I have the Tumi sized for biggest possible carry in. Bought it in 2016. It’s been incredible.

Under $100/year at this point. Given I’m at around 6 years of just over 2 flights a week ~40 weeks a year…it’s probably around 300 flights. So $2/flight or so and showing no end in sight.

Fantastic value.

I sport a Tumi backpack, if I get a Tumi carry on would I be considered metro?

idk what metro means. But their backpacks do tend to nicely attach to the suitcases I think. I have a cheap travel backpack.

Which one you rocking? https://www.tumi.com/c/luggage/carryon-luggage/international/

This one looks like a slightly updated version of what I have: https://www.tumi.com/p/international-expandable-4-wheeled-carry-on-01171541041/

I have used the expandable part for bigger, longer trips if I was gonna have to check anyway, and got like a full second week's worth of clothes in there.

 

[nirad3]

BusinessTravelGuys, please say a prayer to the TravelGods for me for my trip to DFW next week. I've heard that American Airlines has been sucking butt lately and I really don't want this trip to get messed with.

 

[SFBayDuck]

BusinessTravelGuys, please say a prayer to the TravelGods for me for my trip to DFW next week. I've heard that American Airlines has been sucking butt lately and I really don't want this trip to get messed with.

DFW in summer....godspeed.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

BusinessTravelGuys, please say a prayer to the TravelGods for me for my trip to DFW next week. I've heard that American Airlines has been sucking butt lately and I really don't want this trip to get messed with.

Flew in and out of Dallas last week. On Tuesday when I arrived, the airport looked like a war zone. People are lying all over the place, and long lines at customer service. They had been hit with some storms earlier in the day that caused a lot of chaos with cancellations and delays. Since I was flying from hub to hub (from Miami), neither of my flights was canceled. On the return, the flight was delayed 90 minutes or so because the flight crew was running late, but I knew it wouldn't be canceled because they needed that 787 in Miami for an international flight. That's a pro tip.....if you are flying in coach from DFW to MIA or vice versa, if you are lucky, you can score a Premium Economy seat for the price of a Coach ticket because there are only 2 classes of service on domestic flights.

 

[beer 30]

One of the things i recently discovered (almost the hard way) was there are different size carry on sizes for domestic US flights and international flights. Trying to stuff my carry on in an overhead on a international flight recently on the return trip from Toronto to Charlotte required more muscle than I am accustomed to. I tend to think there is a cabal somewhere sitting around thinking of ways to make the flying experience as miserable as possible for the general public.

 

[Instinctive]

BusinessTravelGuys, please say a prayer to the TravelGods for me for my trip to DFW next week. I've heard that American Airlines has been sucking butt lately and I really don't want this trip to get messed with.

Flew in and out of Dallas last week. On Tuesday when I arrived, the airport looked like a war zone. People are lying all over the place, and long lines at customer service. They had been hit with some storms earlier in the day that caused a lot of chaos with cancellations and delays. Since I was flying from hub to hub (from Miami), neither of my flights was canceled. On the return, the flight was delayed 90 minutes or so because the flight crew was running late, but I knew it wouldn't be canceled because they needed that 787 in Miami for an international flight. That's a pro tip.....if you are flying in coach from DFW to MIA or vice versa, if you are lucky, you can score a Premium Economy seat for the price of a Coach ticket because there are only 2 classes of service on domestic flights.

I imagine it's every flight in and out of DFW this week and last - the storms have been insane. Heavy duty hail, crazy lightning and absolute downpours and flooding. It's probably wreaking the most havoc for AA given the main hub but holy cow has it been bad.

 

[nirad3]

Just looked at 10-day forecast for DFW. Looks like it'll be in the upper 80's / low 90's with no storms predicted while I'm out there. Fingers crossed.

I mean, I would roll with the punches and if I need to stay in DFW another night it wouldn't be too horrible. I just don't want to be stuck in the airport for a bunch of hours. I'd honestly rather have a flight canceled and have to spend an extra night than sit around an airport waiting on a delayed flight for 5-6 hours.

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

Travel 3-5 times a year so don’t want to pay Tumi prices.

Looking for a new carryon and a backpack personal item that would allow me not to check a bag on a week long trip.

I do travel internationally at least once a year, so whatever I get I would like it to fit in the international guidelines.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Instinctive]

Travel 3-5 times a year so don’t want to pay Tumi prices.

Looking for a new carryon and a backpack personal item that would allow me not to check a bag on a week long trip.

I do travel internationally at least once a year, so whatever I get I would like it to fit in the international guidelines.

Thanks in advance!

I really like the backpack I have. It's Matein (i think, check spelling) off Amazon for like $30 or something. It's held up well so far (like 9 months of constant use), has great pocket divisions and ease of access for different things.

If you travel 3-5 times a year who cares what carry on you have is JMO. Get a cheap one and replace it every couple years. Whatever Costco sells would be my guess for works and decent quality and price. Maybe others have better ideas!

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

Travel 3-5 times a year so don’t want to pay Tumi prices.

Looking for a new carryon and a backpack personal item that would allow me not to check a bag on a week long trip.

I do travel internationally at least once a year, so whatever I get I would like it to fit in the international guidelines.

Thanks in advance!

I really like the backpack I have. It's Matein (i think, check spelling) off Amazon for like $30 or something. It's held up well so far (like 9 months of constant use), has great pocket divisions and ease of access for different things.

If you travel 3-5 times a year who cares what carry on you have is JMO. Get a cheap one and replace it every couple years. Whatever Costco sells would be my guess for works and decent quality and price. Maybe others have better ideas!

I recently looked at the Martein on Amazon. No problem with it being considered a personal item size?

 

[nirad3]

I have this Swiss Gear carryon and it has a ton of room, easy to maneuver and seems pretty sturdy.

I just have a Patagonia backpack provided by my company for my "personal item" that easily carries my laptop, various chargers and iPad/Bose headphones.

 

[Instinctive]

Travel 3-5 times a year so don’t want to pay Tumi prices.

Looking for a new carryon and a backpack personal item that would allow me not to check a bag on a week long trip.

I do travel internationally at least once a year, so whatever I get I would like it to fit in the international guidelines.

Thanks in advance!

I really like the backpack I have. It's Matein (i think, check spelling) off Amazon for like $30 or something. It's held up well so far (like 9 months of constant use), has great pocket divisions and ease of access for different things.

If you travel 3-5 times a year who cares what carry on you have is JMO. Get a cheap one and replace it every couple years. Whatever Costco sells would be my guess for works and decent quality and price. Maybe others have better ideas!

I recently looked at the Martein on Amazon. No problem with it being considered a personal item size?

I have this one and it has always fit under the seat easily and never been an issue, multiple airlines, up front or in back. On the tiny planes if I don't overstuff it I can get it in the little overhead that doesnt fit real bags sometimes too. It's not a particularly big backpack like it's smaller than what I had in HS/college.

 

[krista4]

Travel 3-5 times a year so don’t want to pay Tumi prices.

Looking for a new carryon and a backpack personal item that would allow me not to check a bag on a week long trip.

I do travel internationally at least once a year, so whatever I get I would like it to fit in the international guidelines.

Thanks in advance!

Check out the Away carry-ons, which are about half (or less) the price of Tumi and great quality.

 

[Instinctive]

Travel 3-5 times a year so don’t want to pay Tumi prices.

Looking for a new carryon and a backpack personal item that would allow me not to check a bag on a week long trip.

I do travel internationally at least once a year, so whatever I get I would like it to fit in the international guidelines.

Thanks in advance!

Check out the Away carry-ons, which are about half (or less) the price of Tumi and great quality.

I actually hate Away. I find them in that weird area where the quality isn't that great (each one we've had has cracked or broken at least once and customer service was pretty meh) and they're still pricy enough that I'd expect more.

I'd rather get something cheaper, or something better.

 

[krista4]

Travel 3-5 times a year so don’t want to pay Tumi prices.

Looking for a new carryon and a backpack personal item that would allow me not to check a bag on a week long trip.

I do travel internationally at least once a year, so whatever I get I would like it to fit in the international guidelines.

Thanks in advance!

Check out the Away carry-ons, which are about half (or less) the price of Tumi and great quality.

I actually hate Away. I find them in that weird area where the quality isn't that great (each one we've had has cracked or broken at least once and customer service was pretty meh) and they're still pricy enough that I'd expect more.

I'd rather get something cheaper, or something better.

Interesting. Your experiences seems to be outliers based on public reviews (NY Times, Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure, etc.) and the general travel community (I'm in a lot of different travel groups). I wonder if it's timing and maybe they're better now, or they were better before (depending upon when you had yours). You're the first person I've heard say they didn't love them, so that's all I can figure.

 

[Instinctive]

Travel 3-5 times a year so don’t want to pay Tumi prices.

Looking for a new carryon and a backpack personal item that would allow me not to check a bag on a week long trip.

I do travel internationally at least once a year, so whatever I get I would like it to fit in the international guidelines.

Thanks in advance!

Check out the Away carry-ons, which are about half (or less) the price of Tumi and great quality.

I actually hate Away. I find them in that weird area where the quality isn't that great (each one we've had has cracked or broken at least once and customer service was pretty meh) and they're still pricy enough that I'd expect more.

I'd rather get something cheaper, or something better.

Interesting. Your experiences seems to be outliers based on public reviews (NY Times, Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure, etc.) and the general travel community (I'm in a lot of different travel groups). I wonder if it's timing and maybe they're better now, or they were better before (depending upon when you had yours). You're the first person I've heard say they didn't love them, so that's all I can figure.

Yeah could be. Just figured I'd share. I find the inner mesh cover thing to be flimsy and break all the time, not really any pouches, and like I said I've had the shell break at least once on each one we have (we've had two carry ons and the big checked bag).

Edit: we got them as a wedding gift in 2018

 

[krista4]

Travel 3-5 times a year so don’t want to pay Tumi prices.

Looking for a new carryon and a backpack personal item that would allow me not to check a bag on a week long trip.

I do travel internationally at least once a year, so whatever I get I would like it to fit in the international guidelines.

Thanks in advance!

Check out the Away carry-ons, which are about half (or less) the price of Tumi and great quality.

I actually hate Away. I find them in that weird area where the quality isn't that great (each one we've had has cracked or broken at least once and customer service was pretty meh) and they're still pricy enough that I'd expect more.

I'd rather get something cheaper, or something better.

Interesting. Your experiences seems to be outliers based on public reviews (NY Times, Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure, etc.) and the general travel community (I'm in a lot of different travel groups). I wonder if it's timing and maybe they're better now, or they were better before (depending upon when you had yours). You're the first person I've heard say they didn't love them, so that's all I can figure.

Yeah could be. Just figured I'd share. I find the inner mesh cover thing to be flimsy and break all the time, not really any pouches, and like I said I've had the shell break at least once on each one we have (we've had two carry ons and the big checked bag).

Edit: we got them as a wedding gift in 2018

Yeah, that’s good info to share. Disappointing to hear that.

 

[beer 30]

Get a cheap one and replace it every couple years. Whatever Costco sells would be my guess for works and decent quality and price.

we bought some American Tourist stuff from Sam's years ago and still use it from time-to-time but it's lasted us 20+ years for a couple of trips a year. For the limited travel you are looking at get something cheap(er) and just replace as necessary.

The whole international thing threw me for a loop when I found out. Not going to switch out my carry on because of it but if I traveled elsewhere other than Canada I'd probably consider it.