Latest on Li Ion travel.....

[Philip J. Martinez SOC]

So it sounds like we all need to get some new Batteries if we want to fly with are gear. Yes?

[Jeff Muhlstock SOC]

Just got back from a travel job, Continental Airlines, here is what happened. Nothing! As a precaution, I packed some NiCads on my AB charger, that went under the belly. Because that is one of my smaller cases, it went right on the belt behind the ticket agent, seemed to by pass TSA check point. My other cases (over-sized) went to inspection. My AC and I each carried on, 3 Dionic 90s (in clear bags). We marched right through security without further inspection. Same experience on both sides of the trip (Newark/Phoenix). Go figure. As a separate note, there seems to be a new guideline for media travel baggage discounts. It used to be just show a network ID of some sort and get a reduced excess bag charge. Now, at least Continental, is requiring a special "card" from the corporate office that states you are media. This is a card that needs to be obtained prior to each trip. For me, this would have been a difference of 30 bucks a bag (50 with the card, 80 without). Also note, that 1st class allows 70 lbs and 3 bags, versus coach, that allows a max weight of 50 lbs and 2 bags. Always fly the front of the plane.

 

Happy trails,

 

Jeff

[Mike McGowan SOC]

I've used my SOC membership card as my proof for the media discount before... It doesn't sound like that would work any more (at least on Continental). Did the ticket agent seem to have a good grasp on the rules and know exactly what type of card he or she was looking for?

 

mm.

[Jeff Muhlstock SOC]

I've used my SOC membership card as my proof for the media discount before... It doesn't sound like that would work any more (at least on Continental). Did the ticket agent seem to have a good grasp on the rules and know exactly what type of card he or she was looking for?

 

mm.

 

Yes Mike, I have Network ID's from NBC and CBS and they are now useless for the discount (some airlines had done away with the discount anyway). The agent was pretty specific about this new "card" that must be presented. He said prior arrangements with corporate must be made to obtain this magic "card". He seemed to have a pretty good handle on the rules, but then again the rules have always been pretty vague and at the discretion of the present ticket agent on duty.

 

good luck,

 

Jeff