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In Great Falls we have the Allegiant Flight/Hotel packages to Las Vegas. I just booked a 4 day trip to Las Vegas. Will be staying at the Golden Nugget. I haven't been to downtown in about 12 years. The flight/hotel package is $430. I'm looking to generate mail offers to cut the cost on future flights. I'm figuring 4 Queens and Main Street is where I want to run some action. You guys got any suggestions or recommendations? Thanks.
Hey, mickey, I'll be in town the 25th through 29th, so let me know when you're going. I'm trying to catch the sweet spot before March Madness so I can scout futures. Also have to cash an SF ticket at the Golden Nugget, so I'll have some fun with that, even though it's not a big ticket.Quote:
Originally Posted by mickeycrimm
If you're heading there later, I'll have an excuse to go after March Madness, so let me know. Allegiant is running flights here out of Knoxville twice a week to LV and out of Nashville every day. Frontier and Allegiant are dirt cheap out of BNA.
The GN video poker is lousy, but I have to say that my friend, Gary (from the Retro Road Trip thread) has made the GN his home base in LV. Both he and a friend of mine who owns a title company in Manhattan switched from Mandalay Bay to the GN as their base. They are older, so they appreciate downtown a little more now, plus the GN treats them considerably better than Mandalay did.
I'll spend at least one full day downtown, so if you're heading out in March, I should have a report of some kind ready for you by then.
I got a free room at The D courtesy of my AP friend. I like the place quite a bit, except one problem. I was there on LGBQT weekend. Whatever, but at 8am on a Saturday morning this pack of gay boy types get on the stage and practice their dance routines at full volume. Maybe that was when they were legally allowed to do it, but it was so loud in the room. 8am on a Saturday. Didn't mind music til midnight/2am, but then at 8am! Awful.
My 2 cents.
Almost want to camp out and catch Mickey. The machine master himself. I'd buy him a drink or offer him a pack of smokes but hes moved on in life. Once I introduce myself he'd have to tolerate me to some degree because he can't get away so fast. Anyway, j/k Mickey, I won't be in Vegas so please don't be alarmed.
Downtown isn't what it used to be....even in the last year or so, it continues to deteriorate.
When staying downtown, most experienced people ask for a room away from Fremont Street Experience. That is just one of those things you learn after your first time. lol.
For blackjack I have 3 properties that are still in my rotation. Unfortunately 2 are at extreme ends of Fremont experience and one in the middle, so there is some walking involved each time I hit downtown. I also have a 4th very marginal game in that middle area. The kind of game I wouldn't normally play (not in my rotation) but if I am walking by it, and can play heads up, I might sit down for a session.
Anyway, I used to have two more games. Games that look good on paper (simulations) by rules and conditions, but I just don't seem to win at those two locations. They are owned by the same owner. I constantly get high counts but never win. It almost seems like some high value cards might be missing. THAT would result in many high counts, but no high cards coming out. lol I am not ready to publicly declare they are cheating, but I wont play them anymore.
And one of those two properties has gone bonkers with their free play as well. I still get weekly free play, even though I haven't given significant machine play in 6 months. Problem is they have removed almost all video poker machines and the few they have remaining don't accept free play. between the blackjack and no VP, It is like they really have tightened up all around and don't want anything but drunk tourists. :rolleyes:
AS for the "experience" itself...I don't know, maybe I am getting older, but once you have seen Fremont Street, that is enough. ;) Lots of homeless downright begging or hawking trinkets, like things they have made out of Palm leaves. Costumed "artists" wanting tourists to take a picture for cash. To the really bizarre, which I won't even get into. There are a couple decent street artist acts. A guy that looks and sings like Sammy Davis Jr comes to mind. There also used to be a decent Michael Jackson, but for the most part...garbage.
I've actually heard downtown is doing quite well in terms of casino revenues. It certainly seems to get pretty busy.
Oh, absolutely! Downtown is a tourist destination. Just like the strip, they are almost always busy. And while I don't follow the revenue numbers, I am sure that goes to casino revenue.Quote:
Originally Posted by smurgerburger
I was speaking strictly as an advantage player or even any gambler just looking to get a decent game and chance of winning. Downtown really isn't the place for that. Not that there isn't an occasion promotion or play and not that an expert like Mickey won't find something worthwhile. I am sure he will. I am just saying downtown Vegas...ahh....nothing special anymore.
Next time I will have my friend request a room away from the FSE. It was a busy time, so not sure what was available but something to ask for going forward. I guess there would be rooms where it would not be near as bad.Quote:
Originally Posted by kewlJ
A lot of the buskers are garbage but they're also kinda LOL. I mean, you can't expect any decent act to be grinding out there outside of the friday/saturday nights.
The guys who make origami out of palm leaves are all over. I'd like to see the daily aspect of their collecting those leaves. Is there some palm tree somewhere that has been stripped bare??
There was one guy off the main busker circles, on a sidestreet not under the lights. He was selling "artwork". Now i'm fairly liberal about what I'm willing to call art but this stuff was pretty damn bad. I could do far better and I only took art in HS. Anyway, so I'm feeling sorry for the guy thinking I'll give him $20 for this shit and be nice. I then see a sign where he wants no less than $60, but even phrased it in some hostile manner. So I just lol'd on the inside and moved on.
Gf and I ate a lot at Tony Roma's $13 (14?) steak/lobster deal. It isn't anything fancy (or good. veggies are horrible) but I'm cheap. I should probably spend more money, but I didn't do much productive for the first 20 years of adulthood. ;) Same casino as tony roma's has these chocolate/toffee covered candy apples in the back. Damn they were good. (I believe I have my casinos straight)
My understanding is downtown is doing well too. The other casinos spend too much expanding trying to be the latest and greatest at a time when gambling has expanded all over the US. If I really just want to go gamble the strip is just awful. Great to visit with friends but so meh otherwise.
To answer mickey's actual question of this highly knowledgeable forum....MSS is the ticket for what you're looking for. Comp rooms there are easier than making kew look like the "lost in Las Vegas" huckster he really is. Same goes for the food comps. And why is all this? Because MSS makes it their JOB ONE to reel in and keep as loyal customers, as many Hawaiins as they possibly can. Which translates into getting any long distant travelers/gamblers into their nest. As a perk, their brewery is one of the best casual places to eat in town. Any LV local or regular visitor who blows smoke on the gambling forums should know all this.
As usual Singer doesn't know what he is talking about. It isn't MSS that is the "home base" for Hawaiians, it is The Cal (California hotel casino). There is some spill over to other Boyd properties, like MSS, Fremont and even Sam's Town, but it is The Cal that really caters to the Hawaiians.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob.Singer
That said, MSS is not a bad choice for a downtown casino. It is nice enough and currently a little bit away from the action, although that will change next year when Circa opens.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob.Singer
The brewery has a couple of separate happy hours, including a late night one, with some nice food specials. I would call to verify hours, or wait until I report back in two weeks. The specials, as I recall, include sliders, nachos, tacos of some kind, and a chicken tenders option. But again, I'll verify shortly.
Also, I like the Main Street buffet room for breakfast, not because the food is special (it's not), but because it's a good wake-up-and-meet-the-day setting. Lots of sunlight, you can spread your paper out on the table, and plenty of room.
As to comped rooms, Main Street and the other Boyd downtown properties are of a piece. As for non-Boyd, Four Queens appears to be pretty easy. I have a soft spot for the snack bar and coffee shop at Fremont, but I'll report on those after my next meals there.
Mickey, wait'll you see the new Plaza! The smell is gone!!! LOL.
As expected, kew just couldn't help his underwhelming self and took the bait. How EASY it is to expose this perpetual phony!Quote:
Originally Posted by kewlJAs usual Singer doesn't know what he is talking about. It isn't MSS that is the "home base" for Hawaiians, it is The Cal (California hotel casino). There is some spill over to other Boyd properties, like MSS, Fremont and even Sam's Town, but it is The Cal that really caters to the Hawaiians.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob.Singer
That said, MSS is not a bad choice for a downtown casino. It is nice enough and currently a little bit away from the action, although that will change next year when Circa opens.
And BTW, the vast majority of Hawaiians stay at MSS. One reason is the sushi at the brewery. Another is because that's where they "feel" luckier. Kew put up the California because he found a connection online. Just like his posting countless of BJ info that he pulls out of books written by his idols.
You seem to be portraying a "Hey everybody I'm chummy with mickey" attitude here, so I'm inquiring: what is it about you that makes it another one of your "locks" that you feel mickey has travel dates similar to yours or your stalking plans....or that he even wants to have his travel plans trampled upon by someone like you?Quote:
Originally Posted by redietzQuote:
Originally Posted by Rob.Singer
The brewery has a couple of separate happy hours, including a late night one, with some nice food specials. I would call to verify hours, or wait until I report back in two weeks. The specials, as I recall, include sliders, nachos, tacos of some kind, and a chicken tenders option. But again, I'll verify shortly.
Also, I like the Main Street buffet room for breakfast, not because the food is special (it's not), but because it's a good wake-up-and-meet-the-day setting. Lots of sunlight, you can spread your paper out on the table, and plenty of room.
As to comped rooms, Main Street and the other Boyd downtown properties are of a piece. As for non-Boyd, Four Queens appears to be pretty easy. I have a soft spot for the snack bar and coffee shop at Fremont, but I'll report on those after my next meals there.
Mickey, wait'll you see the new Plaza! The smell is gone!!! LOL.
I'll give you a hint: meet up with kew for one of your "sure things". After the babble of what gambling greats you both are and he compliments you on how much he likes your loafers, you can finally marvel about the lengths of the chocolate stains on both your underwear. IF you wear any, that is.
Downtown is one of my old stomping grounds. I used to spend months at a time there. If you go back to the late nineties/early to mid 2000's there were plenty of vulturable machines there, video poker progressives, and of course the Horseshoe and Golden Nugget poker rooms. So there was plenty for a guy to do. I was at the grand opening of the new poker room at GN in 2004.
First, I'm going to meet someone there that does a podcast called the Ringer. He wants to interview me. Second, I hear the buffaloes and farm animals are pretty good downtown right now, plus some other stuff. No telling what else I might find. My slot cards haven't been activated downtown for like 15 years or better. But I won't be getting married to just one joint. I'll run just enough action to let them know I'm there and see what the mail brings down the road. I did the same thing in Laughlin a while back. Recieved plenty of offers but never followed up. What I saw there was not anything I would want to make a return trip to. We'll see if downtown Las Vegas is different.
The flight end of my package is $228. The hotel end is $200 but I get $30 food credit per day. If I generate future hotel offers the cost will be petty cheap for me to fly down anytime I want to.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob.SingerYou seem to be portraying a "Hey everybody I'm chummy with mickey" attitude here, so I'm inquiring: what is it about you that makes it another one of your "locks" that you feel mickey has travel dates similar to yours or your stalking plans....or that he even wants to have his travel plans trampled upon by someone like you?Quote:
Originally Posted by redietzQuote:
Originally Posted by Rob.Singer
The brewery has a couple of separate happy hours, including a late night one, with some nice food specials. I would call to verify hours, or wait until I report back in two weeks. The specials, as I recall, include sliders, nachos, tacos of some kind, and a chicken tenders option. But again, I'll verify shortly.
Also, I like the Main Street buffet room for breakfast, not because the food is special (it's not), but because it's a good wake-up-and-meet-the-day setting. Lots of sunlight, you can spread your paper out on the table, and plenty of room.
As to comped rooms, Main Street and the other Boyd downtown properties are of a piece. As for non-Boyd, Four Queens appears to be pretty easy. I have a soft spot for the snack bar and coffee shop at Fremont, but I'll report on those after my next meals there.
Mickey, wait'll you see the new Plaza! The smell is gone!!! LOL.
I'll give you a hint: meet up with kew for one of your "sure things". After the babble of what gambling greats you both are and he compliments you on how much he likes your loafers, you can finally marvel about the lengths of the chocolate stains on both your underwear. IF you wear any, that is.
I'm just happy that mickey is well enough to travel and planning on enjoying himself. I'm actually really glad.
I'm sure the "Singer" response above serves some purpose. Not sure what it is, but my IQ's below 180, so what do I know?
Meanwhile, regarding Hawaiians: The Cal had been closed for renovations for quite awhile, and many Hawaiians had shifted their stays to Main Street. Main Street, historically, has been where Cal funneled their spillovers when the Cal was open. Anyway, with the Cal re-opening, it's almost certain that the Cal will "out-Hawaiian" Main Street, simply because the Cal has almost twice the number of rooms and suites as Main Street.
Nope, didn't look anything up. Didn't need to. I hit downtown 2-3 times a week. I know what I am talking about. You should try knowing what you are talking about some time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob.SingerAs expected, kew just couldn't help his underwhelming self and took the bait. How EASY it is to expose this perpetual phony!Quote:
Originally Posted by kewlJAs usual Singer doesn't know what he is talking about. It isn't MSS that is the "home base" for Hawaiians, it is The Cal (California hotel casino). There is some spill over to other Boyd properties, like MSS, Fremont and even Sam's Town, but it is The Cal that really caters to the Hawaiians.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob.Singer
That said, MSS is not a bad choice for a downtown casino. It is nice enough and currently a little bit away from the action, although that will change next year when Circa opens.
And BTW, the vast majority of Hawaiians stay at MSS. One reason is the sushi at the brewery. Another is because that's where they "feel" luckier. Kew put up the California because he found a connection online. Just like his posting countless of BJ info that he pulls out of books written by his idols.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kewlJNope, didn't look anything up. Didn't need to. I hit downtown 2-3 times a week. I know what I am talking about. You should try knowing what you are talking about some time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob.SingerAs expected, kew just couldn't help his underwhelming self and took the bait. How EASY it is to expose this perpetual phony!Quote:
Originally Posted by kewlJ
And BTW, the vast majority of Hawaiians stay at MSS. One reason is the sushi at the brewery. Another is because that's where they "feel" luckier. Kew put up the California because he found a connection online. Just like his posting countless of BJ info that he pulls out of books written by his idols.
I mean, really, the only time Main Street had more Hawaiians than the California was when the California was closed. So maybe Rob was just stating that when the California was closed, Main Street had more Hawaiians. Yup, true dat.
I'm sure more pearls of wisdom will be forthcoming.
And Rob, I'm sorry if I may know a little more about Main Street than you. My bad.
Some of the Hawaiian regulars get comped airfare for not really hi-level play, so depending on what you do at those properties you might be able to eliminate that expense also. Overall though, the trips should always be pretty inexpensive for downtown stays and play.Quote:
Originally Posted by mickeycrimm
No, it's me that's sorry. I've only been to MSS once in the past dozen years. But I am friends with a host there--someone I met years ago. Hawaiians choose MSS over the Cal for two reasons: the sushi and the rooms. And the HAWAIIAN host doesn't hurt.Quote:
Originally Posted by redietzQuote:
Originally Posted by kewlJNope, didn't look anything up. Didn't need to. I hit downtown 2-3 times a week. I know what I am talking about. You should try knowing what you are talking about some time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob.Singer
I mean, really, the only time Main Street had more Hawaiians than the California was when the California was closed. So maybe Rob was just stating that when the California was closed, Main Street had more Hawaiians. Yup, true dat.
I'm sure more pearls of wisdom will be forthcoming.
And Rob, I'm sorry if I may know a little more about Main Street than you. My bad.
As I said, you two should have your own "meet & greet". Then you can make up all the misinformation you like and still smile.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob.SingerNo, it's me that's sorry. I've only been to MSS once in the past dozen years. But I am friends with a host there--someone I met years ago. Hawaiians choose MSS over the Cal for two reasons: the sushi and the rooms. And the HAWAIIAN host doesn't hurt.Quote:
Originally Posted by redietzQuote:
Originally Posted by kewlJ
I mean, really, the only time Main Street had more Hawaiians than the California was when the California was closed. So maybe Rob was just stating that when the California was closed, Main Street had more Hawaiians. Yup, true dat.
I'm sure more pearls of wisdom will be forthcoming.
And Rob, I'm sorry if I may know a little more about Main Street than you. My bad.
As I said, you two should have your own "meet & greet". Then you can make up all the misinformation you like and still smile.
S'okay, buddy. Glad to see you've turned over two new leaves -- using hosts and loving other ethnicities.
Now that we know that, as you say, "Hawaiians choose MSS over the Cal" we can only wonder if that's "all Hawaiians?" Or do you mean "some Hawaiians?" Or maybe just "the Hawaiians who are staying at MSS?" Or is it "Hawaiians who stay at MSS while the Cal was closed?"
Now personally, given the choice, I'd prefer MSS to the Cal. But I don't think it has much to do with me being Hawaiian.
Meanwhile, the Cal has almost twice the rooms and twice the suites, so I think maybe more Hawaiians stay at the Cal than stay at MSS.
And finally, if you've stayed there once in 12 years, why did you initially tout the place as the easiest downtown property for snagging rooms and comps? How do you know? Did your host tell you that? Well, I'm sure your host was correct, eh?
I acknowledge that you're an expert on everything, but if you got things correct once in awhile, it would help other people understand this.
Either you have poor reading comprehension or you've got too much of that drunk old bat Nancy Pelosi inside your head. I did not say she was "my host", I said she was a friend. I never use hosts in my gambling. And yes, in addition to seeing the trove of mailings I've received from MSS for what I consider to be nominal play once, most of what I posted about the place came from her.Quote:
Originally Posted by redietzQuote:
Originally Posted by Rob.SingerNo, it's me that's sorry. I've only been to MSS once in the past dozen years. But I am friends with a host there--someone I met years ago. Hawaiians choose MSS over the Cal for two reasons: the sushi and the rooms. And the HAWAIIAN host doesn't hurt.Quote:
Originally Posted by redietz
As I said, you two should have your own "meet & greet". Then you can make up all the misinformation you like and still smile.
S'okay, buddy. Glad to see you've turned over two new leaves -- using hosts and loving other ethnicities.
Now that we know that, as you say, "Hawaiians choose MSS over the Cal" we can only wonder if that's "all Hawaiians?" Or do you mean "some Hawaiians?" Or maybe just "the Hawaiians who are staying at MSS?" Or is it "Hawaiians who stay at MSS while the Cal was closed?"
Now personally, given the choice, I'd prefer MSS to the Cal. But I don't think it has much to do with me being Hawaiian.
Meanwhile, the Cal has almost twice the rooms and twice the suites, so I think maybe more Hawaiians stay at the Cal than stay at MSS.
And finally, if you've stayed there once in 12 years, why did you initially tout the place as the easiest downtown property for snagging rooms and comps? How do you know? Did your host tell you that? Well, I'm sure your host was correct, eh?
I acknowledge that you're an expert on everything, but if you got things correct once in awhile, it would help other people understand this.
That would be news to me; I run through these places ~3x a week, and have only found one play so far this year at those 2 games. If you don't mind sharing, what criteria are you using?Quote:
Originally Posted by mickeycrimm
Hi mickeyc. I post on another forum, but joined this one to contribute here. I'm a huge fan of your stories. I hope you write a book some day. I live in Alaska, spent a lot of time traveling, and spent my share of time sleeping in fields and underpasses. Still, we are way different, and I'm really happy that you are alive and kicking and doing things your way.
I'm a low stakes VP player who plays with a small edge, makes a little money and lives for free while in DT Vegas. I come 3 to 4 times a year for 8 to 9 weeks total. It is possible that my edges are too small for you to consider, but I'll go ahead and tell you what I know about.
D and GG are pretty easy comps. Averaging 5k coin in on VP a day gets me 4 nights at each, some FP, MP's, and food comps every month. I play quarters there on their 8/5 BP 3 way progressive. This game is usually around between .994 and 102%. I keep detailed records of my play there and my progressive wins usually wipes out the house edge. Offers seem to come out fast.
QQQQ's might be more attractive to you. They have positive games for VP at the $1 level with 10/6/40 DDB and 10/7 DB (which earn half points) If you average 2,000 to 3,000 daily points, you're likely to eventually get bimonthly offers of 3 nights, $300 to $400 FP, $50 to $75 food. Their points are worth close to a third of a percent and they comp for an additional 2/3's of a percent. Once you are established at that level, you should get invitations for Memorial and Veteran's Day WE's which offer up to an additional $500 FP based on play and June has like a $400 opportunity for everyone. The South Tower rooms have greatly improved since you left Vegas. Offers can be slower.
Boyd: I don't know of any profitable VP play until you can earn points with the Sapphire level. Playing 9/6 JOB, that requires me to play over $80K coin in annually. Since you are an AP slot player, you can cut that to under $4,000. I like MSS. I generally play quarters, especially on point multiplier days, because the scratch cards and tax implications make that the highest EV for me. There is currently a slightly positive play on higher denominations, but I don't know if the EV is much better than what you would get with their quarter multiline. I only know of one VP play at DT Boyd that approaches 100.5%. Might be too small for you, but it's the biggest edge I know about. I assume you can PM me if you want it. I wouldn't just drop in and play a little in these places. I think that $6k a day vp coin in is enough to make a good impression.
DTG is an easy comp, but the profitable VP that I knew about is gone.
Hope this helps a bit and thanks for your entertaining and informative posts.
Hey, Wasila, you must live in Wasilla. Thanks for all the info.Quote:
Originally Posted by wasilla
There’s usually a coupon for 1% of your coin in up to $100 (10k) at D/GG in LVA or American casino guide books, not sure about this year haven’t gotten one or looked. You can safely walk down to the old western nowadays, that block has turned into hipsterville.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcap
Those coupons are still in ACG for D/GG.
Also, I haven't played enough video poker recently to have a definitive feel, but I think Wasilla has got to be roughly correct with the action needed on vp to get to Sapphire at Boyd. I have read estimates of 65K coin in. That's too rich for me, frankly, just to get to Sapphire.
I would think the Four Queens and maybe the Plaza (they have redone their players' club again) may be the best places to play video poker downtown with an eye to comps.
Rooms at the Plaza have been renovated and are quite nice. Your odds, however, of walking through the parking garage at night and surviving are still about 50/50. If you get a chance, the comedians who work the Plaza have had their own television show, on Netflix I think. These comics are pretty entertaining, so probably worth checking out.
And yes, you can now walk to the Western without encountering gyroscopically challenged Quasimodo crack hookers. Takes all of the charm out of the hike.
And finally, there is a documentary about the downtown LV buskers called "Surviving Las Vegas." You might want to check it out if you get the chance.
Hey, Wasila, you must live in Wasilla. Thanks for all the info.[/QUOTE]
I do, and you're welcome.
Quote:
Originally Posted by redietzQuote:
Originally Posted by mcap
Those coupons are still in ACG for D/GG.
Also, I haven't played enough video poker recently to have a definitive feel, but I think Wasilla has got to be roughly correct with the action needed on vp to get to Sapphire at Boyd. I have read estimates of 65K coin in. That's too rich for me, frankly, just to get to Sapphire.
I would think the Four Queens and maybe the Plaza (they have redone their players' club again) may be the best places to play video poker downtown with an eye to comps.
Rooms at the Plaza have been renovated and are quite nice. Your odds, however, of walking through the parking garage at night and surviving are still about 50/50. If you get a chance, the comedians who work the Plaza have had their own television show, on Netflix I think. These comics are pretty entertaining, so probably worth checking out.
And yes, you can now walk to the Western without encountering gyroscopically challenged Quasimodo crack hookers. Takes all of the charm out of the hike.
And finally, there is a documentary about the downtown LV buskers called "Surviving Las Vegas." You might want to check it out if you get the chance.
Does Tring post here? He has given pretty accurate TC earning rates for Boyd pay tables on another site. 65K is way too low to hit Sapphire on 9/6 JOB that I play. It's probably a little high if you're playing 8/5 BP. If I were starting form scratch, I would still play quarter JOB at MSS BHB and collect all my scratch cards. If I wanted too accelerate the process and sacrifice some EV, I would probably play MSS's nickel 10 play Dream Card DDB. The EV is horrible and should earn several times the TC per dollar that 9/6 JOB does. For every 4OAK, though, they give you a $1 SC. I think that Tringlomane calculated that this brought the game up to a tad more than 99.5% w/o points.
Sounds like the Plaza is worth a revisit.
I don't want to hijack your thread mickey. If the tangents bother you, I'll lay off.
How do you edit a post? The Tring DC calculation was 98.5% not 99.5%
I do, and you're welcome.[/QUOTE]Quote:
Originally Posted by wasilla
Thanks from me, too. Great info. Much appreciated.
You only have about 15 minutes to edit a post. And Tring doesn't post here.Quote:
Originally Posted by wasilla
Thanks. 15 minutes often pass before I realize that I made a mistake so that may be a bit problematic. Do any math guys post here? By the way, one of my favorite MC stories was when you talked about finding a new game, locking yourself in a room for a while, and writing a playing strategy. I had foolishly thought that that was the domain of statisticians running thousands of computer simulations. Has anyone suggested that a book would be well received?Quote:
Originally Posted by mickeycrimmYou only have about 15 minutes to edit a post. And Tring doesn't post here.Quote:
Originally Posted by wasilla
Had to cancel my trio to Vegas for health reasons. Talk about getting ripped off!. The flight/hotel package was $449. When i cancelled Allegiant took $98 and cut me a $351 voucher to be used on a future Allegiant flight, one year expiration date. No refunds. Ripoff assholes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mickeycrimm
Well, that was rotten. When you have some time down the road, get a formal doctor's note and write them. They should do better than that. Package deals may not follow the normal rules and regs. I haven't done a package in more than 20 years, so I don't really know.
That’s actually not as bad as others. I fly a lot with America, and am one of their highest level elites. I had to cancel a flight for a death in her family and it cost me $400. They charge $200 a ticket to change or cancel. On some of the cheaper deals I find back and forth to Florida, that is more than I pay per ticket, so basically I lost the ticket. My status was of no help with the situation.Quote:
Originally Posted by mickeycrimm
They justify it as part of selling “discount” fares. Buying a full fare ticket without any change restrictions is usually more than $600 for a ticket you can buy for $200 with restrictions. It’s a no win situation.
Hopefully you are feeling better Mick and the Doc clears you to get out there soon.
There's a reason right there not to fly any more. There's at least a half dozen or more reasons these days also. Airport/airline BS is why we stopped flying years ago. When I flew for my job (which was every week and sometimes every day) situations like this were not the rule. The customer presented an obituary from the paper or a Dr.'s diagnosis report/patient's required method of care, and there was a full refund in your hand promptly. Now the ripoff is the go-to play.Quote:
Originally Posted by mickeycrimm
Whether an individual has personal medical reasons or a death within the immediate family, most airlines have a cancellation fee and will only issue a credit that has to be used within 12 months. This is when a trip insurance policy comes into play. Yes, the break even is usually 7 to 10 round trips, to be beneficial, but who actually plans for death or illness?
I had to leave Chicago on my annual Frozen Four trip (College Hockey Championship) one day early due to the death of a friend (who I introduced to this trip). The Sunday departure was much more expensive than the Monday departure (which is why I wanted to stay the extra day). Thankfully, the airline did not charge me a cancellation fee. I had to pay the difference between the two fares. This was very reasonable as I was in no position to negotiate. Yes, if I cancelled my return flight, I probably would lose everything.
To keep prices low, airlines offer insurance, for those with uncertainties. Again, no one plans for this. The airlines know this is not popular. Then again, we all want cheaper fares. I have walked away from a few Spirit flights to and from Florida. To my benefit, the flight was significantly cheaper than the cancellation fee.
Yes, us older folks must start reviewing every rule before we are screwed.
Yeah, part of the deal with using the walmart airlines like Spirit, Allegiant is accepting that you'll be charged a fee for everything. I usually fly Southwest, no baggage fees, no change fees, etc.
Except if you buy Early Bird. Lose $50 on every cancellation.Quote:
Originally Posted by Guy Incognito