i can non-rev! educate me...

[spotty4]

Originally Posted by Kristie

Not really....it didn't use to cost that much to go into Canada...just shows how low our dollar has really gotten again.

it costs almost 50% more now to go overseas than a few years ago.

Ok, fair point. But in relation to a last minute fare to see him, we'll take $31 any day. W/ little/no experience flying non-rev (international or domestic), we're thrilled w/ $31.

[skyblupink]

Originally Posted by skibum515

Oct 31-Dec 8. Let's go! Do I get international benefits if he's flying for xjet or do i have to wait till he gets to a major for that?

THough I am pretty sure I can go to mexico since xjet flies there... vacation anyone? hehe

but back to my original post...give me some nitty gritty details about what to do and whatnot. Step by step sorta stuff.

--------------
Hi There,

My hubby's a CO 777 F/O based at EWR (though we live in PHX) and even before we married, when I was his "travel companion" I traveled quite a lot and learned a lot. Here are a few pointers I hope you'll find helpful.

1. Look up/read and get comfy with the dress code and don't try to stretch it. You're much more likely to be offered a comp upgrade if you're dressed for it.
2. Always check in 24 hrs before your scheduled flight ONLINE. Not only will you be able to print a "standby" boarding pass (to get through security) but you save time at the airport and for ticket counter/gate personnel. It's true you'll still need to be issued an actual boarding pass at the gate, but checking in puts you on the standby list so gate agents see you there.
3. XJet travel companions CAN travel internationally on CO. You'll still need to check in 24 hours prior and make sure you have proper identification (such as passport) handy to add info online when checking in.
4. Word to the wise ... carry a copy of his JA screen with you!! I learned the hard way (2 hour security screening coming out of TLV) that it pays to be able to prove why you've got a lot of one day stamps in your passport if security questions you. The JA screen shows you're on his benefits, which explains A LOT!
5. Always have plan B, C, and D when traveling non-rev. There's a popular t-shirt at the CO Company store that says: "Marry Me, Fly Free" ... but it should really say: "Marry Me, Standby Forever". I clearly recall waiving goodbye to my then-boyfriend as he left NRT (Tokyo) leaving me behind. Thankfully I knew who else had flights, what time they left and who and how to contact them. Do your legwork BEFORE you leave home. This applies to Domestic as well as International travel.

I don't want to overwhelm you, much of this is just a learning experience which if you remain open minded and humble will come easily. Feel free to email me directly (skyblupink04@aol.com) if I can answer anything in particular. After 5 years of traveling, first as DH's travel companion and now as his wife, I've gained a lot of insight I'm happy to share.

Happy Travels!! Lori Lamb

[flyershoe]

Originally Posted by spotty4

Ok, fair point. But in relation to a last minute fare to see him, we'll take $31 any day. W/ little/no experience flying non-rev (international or domestic), we're thrilled w/ $31.

No kidding! For example, r/t flight for me to go from BWI-YYZ this weekend would be $1100. Using pass travel bennies it would be around $50.

I have paid full-fare on other airlines if flights looked too tight coming out of wherever the overnight was, but not for international.

[skibum515]

so my first non-rev attempt was insane to say the least! (trying to go to NJC in Vegas from Detroit). Original plan (A) was DTW-EWR (30 open seats) and then EWR-LAS (2 flights, 40+ open seats on each). Storms and whatnot rolled through and my 30 open seats on the first leg went to -6. Ended up going to Houston, then once I got there, there were like 20+ non revs listed for the flight to vegas - which left full. so those 20 non revs got bumped to the next flight which already had 10 listed, so now i'm 26 of 30. It got worse from there. Ended up making a post on JC about it and one of the guys told me if I could get to PHX he'd get me a buddy pass up to LAS on a flight with 45 open seats and 15 non revs listed. cool. Ended up being the last one on the flight to phx out of IAH. (whoa stressful because originally i was going to make it on comfortably but a few commuters showed up and listed at the gate, dropping me down to the sketchy area!). Made the PHX-LAS flight ok. Got into Vegas at about 945pm - same time as John was arriving from EWR.

Majorly stressful!

COming home was a lot easier flights were wide open and i made it back no problem

[pilotwife3]

aaahhh, the 'Domino Effect'. never pretty. but you DID it. it's not always that bad, sometimes worse.....kidding!!

now that the virgin flite has been completed and you've gotten home...the panic attacks will cease...and you will be ready for more

soooo, where are you going next?

[Kristie]

yea...where are you going next?

[flyershoe]

Originally Posted by skibum515

ohhh i don't think john knows that. he told me it'd just be $12.50/leg for wherever.

So...how exactly is it taxable income? that part i'm confused about...

I just wanted to resurrect this thread, because I found where this is described on the companion travel stuff...

On coAIR, - Employee Travel - Pass Travel Information
Under "Travel Companion"

"Costs and Tax Liability:
The current Continental Pass Travel Service Charges are applicable to Travel Companion travel. In addition, all travel is taxable under Internal Revenue Code regulations and will be subject to tax and tax withholding for the value of the travel. All fee-waived travel is also taxable i.e. vacation, perfect attendance, 10-year and 25-year fee-waived service charges, etc. Tax amounts will be calculated on the same basis as buddy passes."

So make sure you get them that marriage certificate ASAP when you get married!