The Upgrd Podcast

By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast In this week's first class podcast we talk about: Ben's trials and tribulations in economy (gasp!) Video of American Airlines new 737 seats United's new policy for passengers of size Clarification on Ben's "always have upgrade instruments available" claim We are taking next week off, so check back in two weeks for our next episode. Please leave comments below.

By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast In this week's airline podcast, we are joined by guest contibutor Gray from his Wing and a Prayer blog.  We discuss: Gray's recent trip to Uzbekistan, including how you get there on Star Alliance Matthew's 95,000 United miles accrued already A free op-up on Emirates Our main topic is our opinion on current advertising from the airlines, including some of these recent (and not so recent) ads: Delta "Change" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhNW_3AIek0 80s cheese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k4v3EQ6lZk American "We know why you fly" Airline with best tear jerkers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rts3ezaXQBs Ummmm...someone trying to be creative? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-A5fTVBCcU United - "It's time to fly" Gershwin Too cheap to hire real actors? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9vWCKlseus They don't make em like they used to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeXrMRf25U8 Contintental "Work hard, fly right" An entire campaign around pseudo meals? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUQaGkgsYEM Take away http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjaFRiWCUMg Which ads do you like? Let us know below!

By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast Listen in to this week's frequent flyer podcast where we discuss: Continued discussion of the double elite qualifying promotion and our current progress We start discussing how we can rate our flights. What criteria do you think we should use? Price comparison of the major airline lounges Amenity differences between carrier lounges Are they worth it? We chime in, but what do you think? Please leave a comment or quetion below.

By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast Catchy title, eh? In this week's podcast we discuss the two major frequent flyer program structures between the big four airlines. Both United and American have similar programs, as do Delta and Continental. In addition to the frequent flyer comparison we cover: Ben's taunting of the air marshalls Comparison of the pros and cons of using stickers/coupons to upgrade versus free upgrades Difference in mileage requirements for top status International upgrade coupons and their limited fare classes on some airlines And, shockingly, Ben and Hunter disagree about some things.. Please leave a comment below!

By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast In this week's frequent flyer podcast we discuss first and business class amenities while on the ground. In addition we discuss: Delta's report card on delayed and stranded passengers Ben's joins us from Manila to discuss his OneWorld award including first class flying on Cathay Pacific Service on American makes Ben consider jumping ship Credit card churning for miles Arrival lounges for first and business class passengers and more... Please leave a comment or question below!

By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast In this week's podcast, Hunter joins us to provide first hand experience with Delta airlines. We continue our "food up front" discussion, from episode 9, and discuss first class meals including: Meal times and flight distance requirements for first class How meal choices are taken and (perhaps) sorted for first class passengers Delta Airlines Royal Crown room changes Delta's inflight coach food menu and cocktails Snack boxes Delta's international upgrade program (or lack thereof) and, of course, more talk about hot nuts! Please leave us a comment below!

By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast After a long week of traveling, podcast number 11 is finally edited and ready to go. We met in Las Vegas for a meeting of Flyertalk members and recorded this podcast "live" at the Encore hotel on the strip. We discussed: Las vegas (of course!) Sky kits The TSA's new ridiculous policies Ben's note to the Captain Ben and Matt's upcoming walk-off challange Listener mail - Go for Global Services on United, or continue to split premium travel between United and Cathay Pacific to Asia? Show and tell - Please tell us how you keep cables organized in the comments below. Please leave a question or comment below!

By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast In this week's travel podcast we discuss the Continental Airlines Do (meetup event) that just took place. Ben discusses the events and activities that occurred including a mystery flight around the state of Texas. Since this is episode 10, we are taking a few extra Dear Ted listener questions this week including upgrd.com member portishead's question on the relative value of miles in other programs Nate from Orlando's question about which airline program to use now that he has moved to Orlando Josh, a previous Dear Ted writer, provided a number of great travel gear links including a travel bag with airline buckle, power adapter for American Airlines, and other useful tips. And we ask in this week's poll, how far would you go to attend a frequent flyer meetup? Next week we are recording together in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 21st. Next week's podcast, episode 11, will not be ready until Monday the 23rd at the earliest. Please ask questions below or send an email to: feedback (at) uprgrd.com

By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast In this week's podcast we begin to look at services provided in the premium cabin, starting with pre-departure drinks and hot nuts on take off. In addition we discuss: Ben's Priority Club bonus mile bonanza The newly released air traffic control recording from US 1549 US Airways double elite qualifying mile promotion Pre departure drink service Hot nuts after take off - does it make or break a flight? see poll. Our Ask Ted reader mail asks whether to book upcoming overseas hotels through Priceline for a discount or through one hotel chain for status Please leave a comment below!

By Upgrd Podcast - Upgrd Podcast In this week's podcast we look at what we travel with both in our bags and the bags themselves. In addition: Ben reviews his experience on Northwest and some of the changes to Delta's frequent flyer program Mike and Matt discuss the GoGo internet on American airlines Should mistake fares be honored? American's current issue with the number of life rafts on their 767-300 series aircraft The bags we carry and the equipment in them including noise canceling headphones, aircraft power adapters, computers and other items What do you carry in your bag? What is your bag? Let us know below with a comment.