16/08/2019
Travel 🧳 Tips
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I flew Toronto to Los Angeles and now heading back. This is my 3rd First Class trip this year and guess what? I paid less than $80 (23K Naira) for this.How?! By accumulating air-miles. Instead of making you think I spent the cost price of $4K (1.2M Naira), let me be kind to share 10 tips on how to be smart abt flying, and the science of getting Biz-Class and First-Class seats even when you belong to the Economy cabin.
1. Join a frequent flyer program (if you haven’t, don’t bother reading the rest)
2. Coordinate ur miles across similar airlines (e.g. airlines with Star Alliance). Be loyal to 1 or 2 airlines and pls allow the miles to pile up.
3. Always log ur miles (provide ur frequent flyer number at reservation or check-in. Most airlines will also allow you to log your miles shortly after ur trip)
4. Monitor times online when you can use miles for upgrades. Sign up for email updates. Take advantage of promo offers. Negotiate with the airline
5. Buy ur tickets early (I book 6- 11 months in advance). The earlier, the cheaper. Always book return flights, avoid temptation of booking 1-way.
6. Inform airline of all ur preferences. Use ur miles only for long hauls.
7. Best time to ask for an upgrade is at check-in. Negotiate to get a cheaper price for an upgrade and if you can’t afford it, don’t beg. Ask nicely: “Pls if you are upgrading passengers on this flight, I wld like to be considered." Be courteous to airline staff. Smile. Travel during peak times, if the flight has too many passengers, chances are ppl will be moved up.
8. If it is ur anniversary or graduation let the airline know, you just might get bumped up. When I graduated from Oxford, I travelled back to Nigeria on my grad day itself. My agent told the airline it was my graduation and I was bumped up from a Business to a First. Also, if you have an impressive title, (e.g. Prof., Amb., Barr., Dr.,) use it.
9. Don’t get to the airport late. Don’t book special meals. Don’t dress too causal (a poorly dressed person will not be upgraded). Don’t travel as a group. Don’t carry 4 pieces of hand luggage.
10. Always check SeatGuru.com for best seats. It's free.
Thank me
