January 21, 2009
MCI to LAS
I travel a fair amount for work. Over the past 6 months, it has been a rare week that I'm not flying somewhere. As someone who focuses on solar energy but maintains a home office in Kansas City, this should not be surprising.
Southwest Airlines is my preferred airline, and as a frequent flier, I achieved A-list status last week. I was senselessly excited about it. Sure, it eliminates the last remaining major annoyance involved in flying SWA: remembering to check in 24 hours in advance. But it is in no way an accomplishment, just evidence that I spend too much otherwise productive time sealed in an aluminum can jacking up my carbon footprint.
My new benefits did me no good this week on my (seemingly monthly) trip to Vegas. Fares on my favorite direct routes were doubled. I'm not claiming conspiracy, but the coincidence of the offer of meager frequent flyer concessions the absurd ($400 each way!) increase in fares is suspect. I showed them, though. I tacked five hours of travel time onto my trip to save a fre hundred dollars ... and even got to visit the Phoenix and Denver airports in the process.
As an aside: now is an incredibly good time to visit Vegas. There are enough people there to make it a party, but still so few that everything's a bargain. If you are going on business (particularly if you have business at NV Energy), I highly recommend Palms Place for the hotel.
Posted by kpjoyce at January 21, 2009 3:55 PMWhat is the incentive for you to penny-pinch to such an extent? Do you get a travel allowance that you get to keep if you don't exhaust?
Posted by: nate at January 22, 2009 2:35 PM