We can start booking outbound air this week. What are everyone's plans for time in Bangkok? One day? Two? Three? I know many are taking Regent's pre-cruise to Angkor Wat or Chang Mai; how many interested in seeing the tigers and elephants? Here is the info on the two day tour to play with tigers and elephants. Unfortuntely, this tour ends in Bangkok instead of taking us directly to the ship (causing need to stay overnight in Bangkok); if we had enough people, maybe we could have them drop us and our luggage off at the ship?

Any interest?

Marc, I am interested but don't know about Andrea. We have only talked for a short time about the pre-cruise and at that time we were thinking of going over about 5 days early. BUT nothing has been decided. Since I have never been to Thailand there are several things I want to do and see in the Bangkok area. I will be using Regent Biz air and have a night in their free hotel the night before we sail. Sorry to be so iffy but haven't given it much thought yet.

I'm interested Marc, but I'm also waiting for Orient Express to release their schedule for the Road to Mandalay as I'd like to go to Myanmar. It should be out any time now. I definitely want to spend a few days in Bangkok as my one night there last month just wasn't enough!

Andrea, I wish I had time to go to Burma!

I was thinking of flying out on Wednesday which gets us in close to midnight Thursday night. Spend Thursday and Friday nights in Bangkok. Tour would leave early Saturday monring and would return Sunday afternoon to Bangkok. Sumday night in Bangkok (maybe Regent hotel for transfer) and Monday to ship.

If we went to Burma instead, I am afraid it would be too close a shave with respect to vacation days.

We're talking about doing a pre to Angkor Wat on our own. Trying to decide if we want 2 or 3 days there. Then to decide if we go directly there or stay over in Bangkok 1st. Sunday night in the Regent hotel is a given.
Any suggestions are welcomed.

Doug

We're doing both the included pre-cruise to Angkor Wat and the post-cruise to Taj Mahal with Regent. We're having to pay for the less expensive Taj Mahal end, but I think the price is quite a bit less than we could do it on our own, not to mention the hassle factor. Unless you're strapped for time (the Ankor Wat pre cruise is 4 days, including a day in Bangkok) , why don't you join us on the Regent trip.

Peggy:

Based on what I have found -so far - doing it on our own is a whole lot cheaper than Regent. And we can avoid the 'big bus' tours that I so hate. Private guides are ever so much better.... & often cheaper!
But you are right..there is the 'hassle factor'.
I'm thinking a day in Bangkok. Off to Angkor Wat for 2, maybe 3 days, back to Bangkok for the Regent overnight.
It all depends on the airlines. A direct flight to Siem Reep (I use the term 'direct' loosely) would get rid of the 1st night hotel in Bangkok. However, there might be baggage restrictions on that last leg.
So much to process, but the good news is that we will be with you two for the cruise And the post Taj Mahal Regent trip.
Going to be another great trip!

Doug

Doug, when we went to Seem Reap on our own as a post-cruise we just splurged a little extra for business class to get the extra luggage then found that there were other perks too.

We are taking the Regent Business air. Will stay overnight at the hotel they provide. Would love to see the elephants & tigers. I don't know if we can come in a day or two early. We will see.

Doug, after PANDA we went to Angkor Wat on our own. I had read an article in the NYT about a package offered by a hotel that sounded really good. It was the Hotel de la Paix, and the package details are below (I just looked at the hotel's Web site, and they still have several packages to choose from, but I didn't do a side-by-side comparison):

* 3 nights accommodation for two in a Deluxe Guestroom, Deluxe Suite or Duplex Spa Suite
* Cocktail of Peace upon arrival
* Daily a la carte Breakfast for two
* Psar Char(market) excursion with Hotel de la Paix staff
* A seven course Khmer-set degustation menu(as selected by you)
* Community based activity OR a Temple picnic lunch
* 30 minute massage by the blind -(Duplex Spa Suite only-advance booking necessary)
*One day temple pass for two including private vehicle & driver(inside Angkor area only)
* Complimentary use of iPods with pre-programmed narrative for temple tours
* Complimentary music selection
* Local fruit selection
* Daily gourmet treat
* Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
* Private vehicle airport transfers

The hotel was wonderful, and we had a great time. (Have sent others there, who also enjoyed it.) In fact, we stayed a couple of extra days instead of going into Bangkok before returning to the States. I had arranged our flights on Bangkok Airways from here, and we stored some of our luggage at the airport while we went to Siem Reap. Just be prepared for the oppressive heat and humidity. (Think Safari clothes.) Linda Litteken was there about a month ago, and she said I wasn't kidding when I talked about the heat and humidity. One day we had to return to the hotel at noon just to cool off and shower before the afternoon trek. There is a lot to see, and I'd recommend a minimum of 3 days. Of course, the Hotel de la Paix has one of the best spas in SE Asia, and the prices are a fraction of what they are here, so that's a great place to cool off and relax. If you have any specific questions, let me know.

-------------------

Eugene

Eugene

You are always a great resource for great deals. We stayed at La Residence but didn't get all those perks but did get a wonderful breakfast. We used the private guide that Ngaire had used and were well satisfied. Both these hotels have great locations. We happen to be lucky enough to have the River Race Festival going on while we were there right outside our door. I agree, you have to do three days to really enjoy it at a realistic pace. Leave time for shopping and Spa treatments.

Thanks, Eugene & Pam!

On Zodiac Ngaire was surprised that you (Eugene) & I have never cruised together. I look forward to meeting you one day.

Doug

Well, I quickly looked at the Roll Calls for which we are signed up, and I guess the first one coming up that we'll be on with you is TAJ.

--------------

Eugene

I was able to book out go air a few days ago. Lax - HKG - BKK. Used AA miles. So I am now really committed to this cruise.

I'm going to fly BOS-JFK-HKG-BKK on Cathay. Taxes on CX are much less $$ than if I flew on a BA award ticket, although I will probably be flying BA back from DEL. Just need to figure out what date I want to arrive in Bangkok.

I booked us on American to Chicago and Cathay to Hong Kong and on to Bangkok. Holding British Air out of Mumbai to Chicago now. Haven't found anything out of Delhi so we most likely will not take the post tour since we want to do a land trip to northern India and will do the Taj Mahal then.

And a tip for all you One World people - through May there is a 50% bonus for transferring Amex Membership rewards points to British Air. (ie transfer 50k you end up with 75k British miles, or Avios as they now call them.)

Ok, we're booked for the flight getting there.
Cathay: JFK - HKG -BKK.
One night in BKK (free Hyatt night) then to Siem Reep. Looks like we'll be on a cash ticket, but it is not an expensive flight.

Yes, Leslie, we, too, got that 50% bump for BA Avios. But, I seem to remember paying fewer miles to get to Jberg. A mile isn't worth what it used to be!

Now, let's see if we can get home.

Doug

This question might have to wait until Ngaire returns; but hopefully, someone here can help me out.

I need to find out the earliest time we can schedule a flight out of Delhi on the 20th. I also need to find out the latest time that Regent will put us up in Delhi if we don't fly out until 21st.

The materials I saw assume a late night flight back to USA. If we go eastbound, flights are at different times; therefore, my need to know whether to fly out on 20th or 21st.

Marc:

I do not know what schedule Regent will offer and I do not know what arrangements you will need.
However, I have found that flights seem to be around 2am local time, with connections. At least to NYC area airports
Going the other way may work, but I have no details on that. But that would avoid London! (always a good thing)

I wonder if it would be longer in-air time vs connections? And if the miles required would be different. I would rather be in the air instead of slogging thru yet another airport for a connection.

We're using miles to go... have yet to see who/what we will use to get home.

Please share whatever you learn.

Doug

Marc,
Are you doing the Taj post trip. That trip brings you back to hotel day room on 4/20. All flights for US leave early am so flight to book is a 4/21 date flight. I did a expert flyer search using destination of ATL , which I guess is your point of entry to US, and all flights were in early am. All after midnight. So flights to book would again be 4/21. The Taj trip will be very tiring one. Taj in early am, then a drive to Delhi. Me thinks some sleeping on the bus will occur.
I was worried about the flights and various dates so did an excel schedule to layout the pre and post trip dates. I emailed this to Ngaire about three four weeks ago and she said it looked right to her. I am doing the pre trip to Ankor Wat and with the date line I did not want to mess up the flights. It really gets tricky with these early am flights and the date line etc.

I specifically called Regent about this last week and they verified that early morning on the 21st was the correct date that we wanted for the flights heading to the States from DEL.

------------------------

Eugene

Not sure if this helps anyone. We are flying Singapore Air from DEL to SIN on 21st at 7.30am, and of course we will connect to Brisbane but Singapore Air does a great non stop all business class flight from Singapore to New York . Friends did this last year and said it was fantastic.

Thanks all. No problem if I am heading west; however, if I take a Jet flight to BKK to connect back to the states, I don't think those flights leave in middle of night. In fact, I might see if I can get on the Singapore flight that Sheila and Ken are on if I can get an onward flight to USA. Just trying to keep options open.

Sheila and Ken, do you know if Regent will let you stay at hotel in Delhi until your flight is ready?

Unless there has been a change since I asked Ngaire about this, yes they will. We are all able to have the whole night of the 20th/21st if we wish. It is booked and paid by Regent. So regardless of when your flight departs, the room is yours for the night.

Would be great if you were on our flight. Usually we travel by ourselves since no one flies to/from Brisbane.

You are booked on the package for the night of the 20th. NOT the 21st. Most people will be leaving in the early AM of the morning of the 21st. If your plane leaves later on the 21st then I am sure the regular check out time would apply and if you wanted an extension you would need to ask the front desk of the hotel to see if they can allow that on an individual basis.

Just FYI, Hotel De La Paix in Siem Reap is closing for renovation - to reopen as a Park Hyatt (not sure when its supposed to be in 2013).

Thanks, Peter

Very interesting about the Hotel de la Paix. As I mentioned above, we loved it when we stayed there after PANDA. I have recommended it to numerous people and have never received negative feedback.

--------------------------

Eugene

When I researched the Hotel de la Paix, they seemed to indicate that they'd be open by the time we would want to go there.
But as I am learning only too well, construction often takes longer than originally thought.

Doug

While focusing on this trip, I noted that a Visa for India is required.
Regent is charging a bit over $500 (for 2) as per my invoice.
So I powered up Google and discovered that the visa is about $76 for six months. 3rd party companies that move your app thru the system seem to charge about $55.
Seems to be a rather large cost savings in DIY.

wanted to share.... Doug

Doug, we also need a visa for Cambodia -- Regent is charging 89.00 pp for those. I'll have to look into the details for getting these on our own.

Peggy:

Since we are doing Cambodia on our own, I did look at Visa costs. I don't recall what they were, but I seem to recall that they were a lot less than $89 PP.
As I see it, Regent is selling a luxury product that it full of "easy for the customer". They deserve to make a profit on that service from those who want it. And many do, and are glad about it!

Some of us, however, are willing to spend some time and do it on our own. To each, his (or her) own.

Doug

Peggy:

Ok, the Cambodia Visa looks to be about $45 incl service fees.
Might be easier to just let Regent deal with it since you are taking their tour.
Me? I'll save the $$.

Doug

Not sure how current the information is on this website, but I recall it was easy to get the visa upon arrival at Siem Reap

http://www.cambodia-airports.com/in...ticle&id=2&Itemid=20&lang=en

Cheers, Anne

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1080.html says same thing.

And this from my brother, who also visited recently:

I got ours directly from the Cambodian Embassy in DC. Sent in the application (obtained on-line), with $25 for each application, and self-addressed stamped envelope.

I'm not sure how you will be entering the country, Doug, whether it is before or after TAJ..

Olivia:

we are doing Siem Reep pre-TAJ

Thanks for the link!!!

Doug

And THIS, dear friends, - to anyone reading this - is why we all are here!
We have an amazing travel agent AND an amazing group of friends, many of whom we have traveled with!, who offer great tips to save money and improve our trip!

Doug

It is a snap to get the Cambodian visa when you arrive. You just go through the immigration line and get the stamp. If you don't want to wait in the somewhat longer visa line then you can get it ahead on your own.

For Cambodia, it is advisable to process your visa online - http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/ - the cost is $25 per person - beware that you need to complete payment quickly or the system times out. They want a digital picture which will be on the visa which you can print out about 3 days after application. We did this for our trip last October and everything went smoothly. Just don't do it earlier than 3 months before your trip.

You can also get it on arrival at the airport but the majority of the people on the Bangkok Airways flights will be doing that so there could be quite a backup. If you already have the e-visa, you can proceed directly to the officer counter without having to stop for the visa.

Dear Doug I totally agree with you! The help/tips etc are so valuable - Joanna

Unfortunately, the Cambodia e-Visa is for a single entry. As I read the info on Peter's link, those of us going to Angkor Wat would have to get two visas since we also have a port stop in Cambodia after we get on the ship. Let me know if I'm reading that wrong.

Peggy, I think you are right with the port stop.

I think that there is a visa with multi-entries.
Not the e-visa, tho

More research is needed. The web sites are very lacking in details.

Doug

We finally got our air to Bangkok on AA using miles. I had to transfer some points from Starwood which took longer than expected, but got a good agent at AA who held the seats for us until the points transferred. We arrive in Bangkok at 10:40 pm on the 27th and will stay at the Peninsula for two nights (unless Regents changes the hotel), so we'll see Ralph and probably others there before we head over to Angkor Wat on the 29th. I'll worry about visas later, but when I checked on the ZVS website, by the time all the fees and postage charges were added, the visas were only a few dollars less than Regent charges.

Was just reading through the Angkor Wat pre-cruise information on Regent's website. The visa for Cambodia is included in the tour. All you have to do is remember to bring one passport photo.

"Documents and Visa Requirements: passport and x1 passport photo will be required for the Cambodian entry visa which is included in this program."

One less thing for you to worry about!

We're not doing the Angkor Wat pre-cruise, but noticed that Sihanoukville, Cambodia has been substituted as port of call after departing Bangkok. Our invoice looks as though we do need to obtain a Cambodia visa before sailing.

This is my first cruise where visas are an issue. Would someone help me please. Regent is charging $259.00 for the visa package. I am on the pre-cruise tour to Ankor Wat and of course will be in India. It seems the Peggy's comment is correct the hassle and cost of doing ones own visas does not seem worth the time and effort. In my view one would need to save almost the entire 259 to make the hassle worth while. I did put a passport photo in my cruise file in case I need it. Thank you Andrea. Takes all the worry out of this area if you just put it into Regent's hands. Maybe I am getting old and too lazy but am I missing something.

Ralph, as I mentioned, you are covered for the pre-cruise trip to Angkor Wat as Regent will be paying for the visa. However, it is only a single entry visa, we will still be responsible for getting a visa for our port stop in Sihanoukville . The e-visa is NOT supported in Sihanoukville (see chart here), so we will have to submit an application, picture, etc. to the Cambodian embassy in DC. Cost is $25 plus we need to provide a prepaid return envelope. The visa is only good for 90 days from date of issue, so we should probably apply in February '13. I don't have a recent invoice that gives the cost of what Regent would charge to get the visa for you. Here is the link to information on how to obtain the Cambodian visa:

Embassy of Cambodia

As for the India visa, their government now outsources the process to Travisa. Here is a link to information to apply by mail:

India visa

The consular fee for either a 5 or 10 year visa is $155, the service fee to Travisa is $13.00 for a total of $166. They will send your passport back to you via Fed Ex for $21.00, so now we're up to $187, plus the cost of however you send your passport, application, etc. to Travisa. If you only wanted to get a 6 month visa the cost is $76.00 with the service charge.

Hope this helps - I should say I am not an authority, this is what I've found out from the internet!

Andrea et al; what is wrong with the six month visa?

We will probably never go back to India again so no need for five year visa.

Are you saying the Regent visa package won't cover all visa??

Our B&K invoice indicates the cost of India visa package @ $289pp, Cambodia visa package @ $89pp.

Marc, absolutely nothing wrong with a six month visa, especially if you would save so much over the Regent cost if you get it yourself.

Pam, if you want Regent to get the visas for you then their package will cover both the India and Cambodia visa. I don't remember if you are doing the Angkor Wat pre cruise, but if you are then they are covering the cost of that one. The charge for the India visa is $259.00 per person and the one for Cambodia is $89 (thanks Tombo).

Thanks. Done angkor wat before so doing Chiangmai but on our own. Doing taj with the group post cruised. I'm like Ralph. I think I'll let regent take care of this one. Have done it on our own before. Cambodia is easy and we did it at the airport. Not that big of a hassle. What was a little intimidating was the machine that checked your temperature as you entered the terminal. That was during one of those flu outbreaks. Wonder if they still do it.

They didn't do the temp check last Oct.

Notices are coming out from Regent about Cambodian visas. We are adding a note to the Regent notices when Jennifer from my office sends the Regent notice to you.

Getting the Chinese, India and Brazilian visas on your own does save money if you wish to handle those yourself.

These are the issues with the Cambodian Visa.

It is less expensive to purchase your own Cambodian visa the rate being $20 plus a $5 processing fee. Visa services will issue these for you at varying prices once they add their service fees. This is VERY easy to do when you fly into Cambodia you can do it at the airport.

However, on this trip you will be arriving by ship.

You can purchase a visa ahead of time and have it in your passport when you board the ship. This may work just fine with no problems at all HOWEVER, we have had clients that did this and then on arrival in Cambodia the officials said the visa was not done correctly and they had to get a new visa.

The issue here is not the extra money for a new visa but if an official gets difficult on a ship this could hold up the entire ship from clearing as they create an issue over one persons visa.

This is entirely up to you either add it to the invoice to not worry about it or do your own visa to save the money.

I think the odds are that would be fine but we just felt we had to advise you that there could be an issue.

I took another look at the regent web site and the land tour to Angkor wat says it includes a VIP visa. Not sure what that is but hope that it takes care of the visa needed for the new port.

Will look forward to the communication from regent. To me the 259 for India avoids a lot of hassle.

A VIP visa probably means they got a GROUP VISA for everyone.This is really pretty simple on these visas and knowing what you need.

(a) The required visas will show on your invoice unless you ask to remove it.

(b) If something changes and you need a visa Regent will send out a notice that a visa is required and the price to add the visa to your booking.

This is about to arrive for Cambodia and is required for the PORT STOP and this is a new addition to the itinerary.

(c) Some ports may say visa required if you research on line but they may not be required for a simple in transit port stop

If nothing comes from Regent then there is nothing to worry about they do not want problems with visas and you can rely on them to make sure you and the travel agent knows it is necessary.

You can save $$ doing your own visa. This is fine for some but others do not mind paying the extra not to have to worry we all see things differently.

Ken and I always buy a visa from Regent when it is a port call issue such as this one for Cambodia and also for Turkey if you call into Kusadasi first. The savings are not worth it to me it just eliminates my problem worrying about it.

When it is China, India, Brazil we often do our own as the savings then are worthwhile. There is a visa service close to our office and Ken runs them over there. They charge fees too so it is not as reasonable as going straight to a consulate but time is money in my world

Ngaire

Got the return air done this am. Had to take a 4 /22 departure to use ff miles in the class I wanted. Return is on cx via hkg. After some thought I decided that extra hotel night in Delhi may not be all that bad. Can get some real rest after taj visit and maybe see a few things in Delhi. Cost of a night in Delhi may be a small price to pay. Do not expect to be back in this part of the world soon

FYI. If booking cx on AA you need to ask AA for the cx pnr which is different than AA pnr to access booking on cx. I always like to verify booking on the partner web site to hopefully avoid problems.

Ralph:

What is "cx"?
We are looking at Etihad, which is not "one world", but seems to have some sort of deal w/ AA.
Learning as I go.
BTW, are AMEX points still useable on AA? I did not see AA listed as destinations for AMEX points.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

Doug

Hope Ralph doesn't mind me answering. CX is Cathay Pacific, Etihad would by EY - it's the airline code.

Amex points aren't useable on AA. Hopefully one of these days!

Cx is Cathy pacific. I do not think you can transfer Amex to American. You can transfer Amex to BA and until 5/31 maybe a little longer get 50 % bonus. There is the modest tax charge when using BA but never viewed that as a huge negative. I used 30,000 miles for the del to hkg flight in business and 67,500 for the first class hkg to lax. A good value for the miles in my view. India is considered a different area than other Asia locations so had to agree to the 30,000 mile charge.

I am happy with these flights. The more I have thought about the extra night in Delhi the more I like it. It is another hotel night but think it will be smart in the long run.

I agree with you Ralph about the extra night at the hotel. I might actually be there 2 extra nights as it looks like BA doesn't have award availability until the 23rd. CX will probably load their awards for the 21st in the next couple of days, but I would have to fly DEL-HKG-ORD-BOS. I'd rather have a couple of extra days in New Delhi and have only 1 connection. I'll be interested to see what the taxes are by flying BA metal. My award in F on CX to BKK was 67,500 miles, and $5.00 for the redemption.

My flight to bkk from lax on cx was 67,500 plus $27.50. A week or so ago I found 4/21 available on BA for 130,000 BA miles plus around $380.00 in taxes. With the 50% Amex transfer bonus and 4,000 miles in a BA account I almost did it. Was on cx. Del -hkg-lax. At the time I did not realize I would need 30,000 miles for the del to hkg flight. I still think saving the Amex for later use is a good decision. I may need those for family safari tickets in July 2013.

Cathay-Pacific Asia miles just added to MR:

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemi...rship-rewards-transfer-partner/#comments

I just secured our return flights from DEL. I couldn't get the 21st, but was able to get exactly what I wanted on the 22nd: DEL-CDG-IAD, so it looks like we'll also be staying an extra night in DEL.

Glad that is over. I guess flexibility is the name of the game when you're using FF miles, especially for Business. I wonder if something is going on the 21st, since many seem to be having trouble with that date. Maybe Regent has seats tied up.

----------------------------

Eugene

As we get closer to next year we should see what we can put together as a tour to see what the key sites are in Delhi during our extra day. We may find there are several of us staying over. We can make some lemonade out of the ff lemons.

Sounds like a plan. We'll have to see what important sights the included tour of Delhi misses.

-----------------------------

Eugene

Add us to the Delhi tour. We got the same flights as Eugene out of Delhi but decided to spend a night in Paris to celebrate Arlene's birthday. Glad to have everything done (except I am in coach one leg; need to work to get up to business with Arlene).

This extra night lemonade is getting sweeter and sweeter. Great group getting formed. Others my want to plan on going home on 4/22 and join us. The Delhi tour description does sound like it covers the top spots but I would think there will be plenty we can add / do on April 22. Really starting to look forward to this adventure. Always feels good to have air a done deal. Liking the extra night more and more.

I may investigate hotels, too, or independently booking if the Regent hotel for the extra night and transfer is outrageous. The Taj Palace where we are going to be seems very highly rated and not very expensive. However, I think Regent's charge for the extra day with transfer may be another story. I also don't think the transfer should be expensive if done independently from my quick look online.

-----------------------

Eugene

Eugene, I am trying to figure out if any of the Hilton properties are near the airport; so far, I haven't found one close.

Truthfully, with a 12:35am flight do we even need a hotel?

Marc, there is still a night that we have to sleep. We were supposed to be going to the airport for a 12:35 AM flight on the 21st. Now we are going to need to be there for a 12:35 flight on the 22nd. As far as I know, Regent wasn't putting us up for the night of the 21st.

-------------------------

Eugene

My understanding. Use regent to add an overnight in Delhi. Cost yet to be determined. You then get second night like you would have under the taj tour. a day room hotel room to use for freshing up change to travel clothes etc. includes transport to airport as if going out early am on April 21. Effectively using room for night of April 20. would be the hotel they are using in connection with taj tour. It sort of all depends on price for additional night. There also may be a luggage issue as they may require main bag to be transported from ship to Delhi separately and only want small carry on type for taj trip. The main luggage would then be at hotel they are using in Delhi.

Edited to be clearer

Eugene, Ngaire states in quoted post that we should have hotel for full night of the 20th checking out on the 21st. If we have a way to store bags then head to airport after dinner we should be fine. We can use the Clipper Lounge at the airport (don't know about quality of lounge; may not be up to standards we are used to).

I am now following Marc. Yes if they allow a stay to 8 to 9 am. And then check out we may be able to avoid the extra night hotel. I like your thinking Marc. It some what depends on price. A shower might feel pretty good after a day in Delhi and before the long long flights home.

So we have ONE room for late checkout with lots of extra towels from housekeeping. :)

Years ago, my mom's TA didn't understand why I wanted late checkout in Seem Reap as had a 9pm flight to Saigon, Incheon, JFK, and then home. We finally settled on paying for one room and getting enough towels for the four of us.

Looks like we have our return trip booked.
Confirmation tomorrow. Had to move miles from my account to hers and buy a few....but it all worked out.
Amazing that I had to pay to use my earned miles for someone else's ticket. (My wife!)
But it all worked out.... that is all I need.
After all, as you all know, I have simple needs.

Doug

I finally have my return all set too. I had booked a flight returning on the 23rd but I checked a couple of days ago and BA had opened up an F seat on the 8:20 am flight to LHR on the 21st, so I switched. Now it's time to start rebuilding miles in my AA account!

Well, my bean-town friend;
I am sure that you know about the sweepstakes going on to get people to look at their shopping site. Enter the contest but doing your online shopping at shelterdoggies.com (never miss a chance for a plug!).
There is also a small FB promo going on. Only 100 miles, but *HEY* every little bit adds up.
I just signed up for the AA credit card. 35,000 miles after I spend $1,500 within 3 months.
None of these are butt in seat miles, but they do buy travel!

Doug