Pondering changes...

[lucky81698]

Originally Posted by Kristie

so, let me make sure i get this right before going and ordering a platinum amex card...

do you need to pay the yearly membership fee on top of that? i'm assuming you do?? and then you can get in with a non-rev boarding pass as long as your not in uniform?

that might be fairly worthwile!

Kristie,

As far as CAL goes, no you do not need to pay the President's Club fee on top of the Amex Plat fee. I do remember when I worked for Delta they did not allow employees to join their club. I don't know if you can get around that by using the Amex Platinum Card though. CAL allows you in with a non-rev boarding pass, not sure if DL will. Ask Doug to check the DRS system or check with reservations, they should be able to look it up for you.
Jan

[roz]

The platinum card allows you access to most airline clubs--that's one of the perks for the hundreds paid annually for the card!!!!

[Jan]

Originally Posted by Kristie

so, let me make sure i get this right before going and ordering a platinum amex card...

do you need to pay the yearly membership fee on top of that? i'm assuming you do?? and then you can get in with a non-rev boarding pass as long as your not in uniform?

that might be fairly worthwile!

I signed up for the Business Platinum card, don't know if the personal Platinum Card offers the same benefits, but would be best to ask and make sure before signing up. As far as I was told, you do not need to pay the airport club fee also - just need the Business Platinum Card + boarding pass. The card has some nice benefits, but a hefty annual fee of 300, each additional card holder is 150. But to me it's a deal as it's cheaper than the CAL President's club membership (annual + spouse), and you can access more clubs.

Amex called Delta for me and according to Delta -> Business Platinum Card + "the non-revenue boarding pass should be OK as it is different from the reduced-rate tickets mention on their (Delta's) Website". At the same time, Delta's website states "Airline, airport and industry employees traveling on reduced-rate tickets are not eligible for access. ", so that is confusing- not sure what kind of reduced-rate tickets those could be. However, I would think if you have a Platinum Card + ticket (and no uniform), how are they to know if you work for the airline?

Continental's Customer Service Center told me "Delta doesn't allow their employees access to their clubs when they travel. However Continental doesn't have that rule. If you have a membership you have access to the club."

[lucky81698]

Jan,

The personal Platinum applies as well. The reduced rate tickets that employees would be using that may restrict their access are non-rev tickets. They can tell you are a non-rev by the boarding pass. Delta used to be very strict with ther club admission. I know I asked the people I worked with about it, including supervisors, and they did not admit employees. Of course if you had revenue tickets and a Platinum card, I don't see how they could keep you out. Of course it all depends on how closely they check the boarding passes too!
Jan

[roz]

They are probably referring to ID-90's and the like when they say reduced rate.

Now, with AMEX, the card is only good for the holder, not anyone else. If you want anyone else other than the specific card holder to get into the club, you have to buy the coupons.

[lucky81698]

Originally Posted by roz

They are probably referring to ID-90's and the like when they say reduced rate.

Now, with AMEX, the card is only good for the holder, not anyone else. If you want anyone else other than the specific card holder to get into the club, you have to buy the coupons.

ID90' borading passes will still show you as a non-rev. Not sure if you were just refering to DL but on CAL can bring your immediate family or 2 guests.

[Lurker]

Originally Posted by Kristie

I wouldn't mind living over there for a while!! what airlines are they? might be kindof a fun venture altho DH would have to start back at the bottom of the barrel...

btw, where you been Sarah??

Middle Eastern & Chinese airlines..they are buying planes like crazy and have no one to fly them!...Just the seniority thing would be an issue I guess..depends where you see yourself ending up (I mean, I know a Hong Kong based captain for Cathay whose wife lives in France and he spends about 50% -60% of his time with her)...Flights are longer haul out here so that makes it quite different too.

Anyway - where have I been?...well, I'm always around but this place has a tendency to get so baby oriented that I can't relate and in truth sometimes feel a bit dismissed because BF is not DH - meaning I can't possibly have the same issues Its good to see traffic picking back up though.

BF was here yesterday, just for the day on route to London..he is back on Thurs/Fri for his return before he goes home on Sat.

[Kristie]

Originally Posted by lucky81698

Jan,

The personal Platinum applies as well. The reduced rate tickets that employees would be using that may restrict their access are non-rev tickets. They can tell you are a non-rev by the boarding pass. Delta used to be very strict with ther club admission. I know I asked the people I worked with about it, including supervisors, and they did not admit employees. Of course if you had revenue tickets and a Platinum card, I don't see how they could keep you out. Of course it all depends on how closely they check the boarding passes too!
Jan

I'm assuming reduced rate would be the same as ID-90's or non-rev tickets... altho, I think when revenue pax go on standby for an earlier flight, don't they also carry "stand-by" type boarding passes? i really don't know...

[Amanda]

Originally Posted by Kristie

I wouldn't mind living over there for a while!! what airlines are they? might be kindof a fun venture altho DH would have to start back at the bottom of the barrel...

I gave Nick the green light to fly for an international carrier (like Cathay) as long as he takes me with him! I would love to live in a different country for a while (but not forever)! Of course Nick needs some more PIC and probably another type rating, and lord knows what else! A good friend of his just got hires at JAL and he said it was the hardest medical exam he's ever had to go through, but the job/airline/pay is amazing!

BTW Sarah, I'm single too (Nick is my bf) and I skip over any posts that I can't relate to, no biggie! We need to get more gals on here!

[skibum515]

sarah - no worries! i'm not even attached to the industry anymore, since my bf and i broke up a while ago, but i still love talking to you guys!