Cheap Weekend Travel: A Lesson in Benevolent Greed
Oct 28 '99
You've probably heard of the outrageously cheap weekend fares many airlines offer. (If you haven't, see http://www.smarterliving.com and sign up for their free newsletter. You'll receive a weekly email with weekend sale fares from your departure city.) And it's probably no surprise to hear that they're slathered in restrictions. Generally, domestic departures are on a Saturday, with returns on a Monday or Tuesday. They're non-refundable, non-transferable, non-changeable (is that a word?)...you get the idea.
But where these great weekend fares save you money, they spend your paid time off from work. Even if the price for your ticket was a steal, you'll inevitably miss some work when Monday rolls around, thanks to the "restrictions" of your ticket. (Missing work isn't bad, but using up paid time off - when you don't have to - *is*.)
So - upon your arrival, go straight to the ticket counter. Pick the agent that looks the least annoyed. Ask if you can be booked on an earlier return flight. Be as kind as you can possibly be, and if you're good at affecting the local accent, speak it. Don't tell them you're on a reduced-fare ticket. Throw in a believable reason or two, if you're feeling creative.
Generally, airlines will try to accommodate you on an earlier flight without penalty. If you don't succeed, don't worry. Either try again later in the weekend, or give their 800 number a call until someone changes your return flight.
Also see:
Smarter Living - has all major airlines' weekend specials, including restriction information.
http://www.smarterliving.com
Best Fares' Snooze You Lose Specials
http://www.bestfares.com/travel_center/desks/SnoozeDesk.asp
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