Flying on trips with hubbies

[specks95]

HI Everybody, I was wondering if any of you have ever flown with your hubby on their trip and how you went about doing it. I want to go on my hubby's 4 day trip over christmas. anyway, any advice would be great? did you have a hard time getting on their plane? He flies for Chq so he thinks it might be tough getting a seat. I would like to hear any advice and what we have to do

[Brenda]

You plan on going on the entire 4 day trip? It really all depends on which side he flies for. Wher eis he based? After knowing that, I can help a bit more.
Christmas eve can get busy. Christmas day flights are wide open, usually, and then the 26th is crazy. Of course if you are with him you'll have highest seniority possible cause he is the one flying the plane. well, except for space positive deadheads or comp bus., Where is his trip?

[Chi829]

Originally Posted by Brenda

Of course if you are with him you'll have highest seniority possible cause he is the one flying the plane. well, except for space positive deadheads or comp bus., Where is his trip?

Brenda, I was wondering, is this a CHQ thing? It's def not that way at ASA, I have flown with Bill on many of his flights and have also been bumped by other standbys,,, Wish it were this way at ASA though...

[Hokuspocus]

I know at xjet when I went with dh just because he was flying the plane didn't give me high seniority(sp?) Christmas day probably very open and probably Christmas eve if its late? Maybe everyone is already where they are going? The whole 4 day might be hard, but no harm in trying. I usually just went on the overnight leg with dh and sometimes not even on the same plane if it look crowded I would go earlier or later which ever one I could get on. Good Luck!!

[Brenda]

Originally Posted by Chi829

Brenda, I was wondering, is this a CHQ thing? It's def not that way at ASA, I have flown with Bill on many of his flights and have also been bumped by other standbys,,, Wish it were this way at ASA though...

I'm not sure. I think it also depends on the agent.?? Some agents that I've had to deal with have put me on dh's seniority but as a crew member seniority.??? DH will never leave without me. Well, he better not! lol

[katbuad]

I agree with other posters, the whole 4 days might be pushing your luck. (Non reven' gods only smile on you for so long ) Might be better to take a close look at the trip and see what are the best overnights, ie most time at hotel & loads for the trip, and just shoot for that. Especially if it is the first time non reven' too. Non reven' can be stressful and spending Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in the airport either on pins and needles or ALONE might not be the best introductary experiance.

Some possible helpful suggestions . . . purchase some ZED's and have them in your back pocket in case you can't get on hubby's plane (you can always get your money back later if you don't use them). And passrider, print the pages with all the possible flights to your destination, so you know immediatly what your options are. And finally make your self an index card or sheet of paper with all the different airline listing phone numbers and hubby's employee number and hire date. Yeah gate agents can help you but sometimes they are not the most helpful people in the world, if you know what I mean.

[Rebes]

I also have to agree with buying ZED fares. I have used them in a pinch if I got stuck. Whatever you don't use, you return.

[mrs767er]

Originally Posted by Brenda

I'm not sure. I think it also depends on the agent.?? Some agents that I've had to deal with have put me on dh's seniority but as a crew member seniority.??? DH will never leave without me. Well, he better not! lol

I've never hard of that! I thought it was strictly DOH and choice of priority where allowed. Mainline DL gets lower priority on ASA since we sold them, same with some other feeder lines (but equal at Comair)

I don't know how they can give you crew status for nonrev? That sounds like a bad practice to me. We've had a few incidents at ATL and Domnican Republic that cost us plenty of $ and several days. Once it got reported, a few staff members lost their jobs and they had to get a new station mgr in DR.

PS--are you sure he won't leave without you?/ HAHA Mine would! But he'll be certain I have a zed in my pocket--good ol' plan B!!
PPS--GOOD LUCK! and have a great time if you make it there (and back!)

[Kristie]

mine would certainly leave without me too...because if he was working the flight and didn't perform his duty, that would mean he'd be quitting on the spot. haha

I heard one story not too long ago about a family of 5 that went to Cairo while dad was flying the plane and Cairo flights have cargo issues (weight/balance)...well, the family of 5 couldn't get on the plane to get home with the pilot and said pilot put up a stink (admirable thought but not smart)...anyways, after 45 mins or so of push and shove by the pilot to crew sched and cargo operations (move cargo so pax can get on plane), the airline came back and asked him if he was going to perform his job or if he was quitting.

anyways, i too wonder if the OP is going on all 4 days, all legs of the trip or is the trip a 4 night layover? it'd be nearly impossible to fly on all the legs of the trip and NOT get bumped, esp during the holidays.

I'd say xmas day is the only day where flying is soft.

[pilotwife3]

All good advice. Christmas is probably one of the worst times to press your luck non reving (especially multiple flts) but if you have a back up plan and aren't upset about being left at the gate - go for it!