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PLAYING THE FREQUENT-FLIER GAME

My husband and I have been planning a trip to Costa Rica with our kids for a few years now. We planned to use our Mileage Plus Visa account. We finally have enough miles and have been totally flexible with our travel dates (leaving any day from the end of January to mid-February and returning eight to nine weeks later). They can find an outbound flight for us, but state that the partner airline United did not have any return flights available (not for any day in February, March, or even April!).

We’ve tried to book this flight about five or six times during the past four months. They advertise Central America flights for 35,000 miles. We have that for each member of the family and can get flights there, but can’t get back home. We realize that for all the miles we put on this card, we could have purchased our tickets if we would have had a cash back card instead of the Mileage Plus.
-Leneke H.

Unfortunately, you’ve joined the very frustrating game of redeeming miles. As Peter says, “The airlines are guilty of running an unregulated lottery when it comes to their loyalty programs.”

According to United spokesperson Robin Urbanski, “As of two years ago, miles earned on the United credit card are not inventory-controlled when used to fly United. So that means that if there is a seat available for sale and you use your credit card miles, you can get a ticket on United—no if, ands or buts.”

But United doesn’t actually fly to Costa Rica. Instead, they fly you through partner airline US Airways, which only has one return flight a day. Therefore, United is subjected to whatever inventory is allocated from US Airways. So while United can officially advertise its Central America flights for 35,000 miles, following through on that offer isn’t guaranteed.

However, there is a way to beat the airlines at their own games.

Your situation is that you can get there but not back, and you can be flexible on your return dates. So here’s what you do: You can get an outbound flight through your miles. Then purchase your return tickets—pick ANY returning flight, even one that’s six or seven months away. You just need that confirmed ticket. Then, go to the airport with those return tickets on the day you want to fly, (early in the morning) and ask if there are any seats available on that flight and go standby. Some of you will get back that day, and others may get back another day, but you will get back.

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LOVING YOUR LAYOVER (IN HONG KONG)

I am going to Vietnam in February ’08 with three other people. We have a 21-hour layover in Hong Kong. What can we do and see to fill up our time there and how difficult is it to leave and return to the airport to continue our journey?
Thank you,
Martha G.

The Hong Kong airport is connected to downtown by an express train that runs daily from 5:50 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. at 12-minute intervals. The journey takes approximately 24 minutes, and costs HK$180 (about $23) roundtrip. In addition, taxis, shuttles, and bus services are available from the airport.

But probably the best way to tour Hong Kong is by using the MTR (Mass Transit Railway). Trains run every two to five minutes and are in service between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. daily. At HK$50 the MTR one-day pass will give you unlimited travel.

With limited time in Honk Kong, you may want to simply see a few of the most famous sites while factoring in time for leisure and strolling in order to get an overall feel for the city and its culture.

Visiting Hong Kong’s famous harbor is a necessity. You can take the Star Ferry from central downtown to Kowloon, the location of many popular museums and spiritual attractions. Harbor cruises, including some in traditional Junk boats, can also be arranged. They are fun either during the day, or at night when the skyline of the city is illuminated.

If you are looking to get a real feel for the layout of the region, the ride up to Victoria Peak on Hong Kong’s highest hill is worth the trip. It offers you a view of the city, harbor, and eight mountains of Kowloon. If you are up for a little climb, consider a hike up to the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Or pay a visit to Tian Tan Buddha: Located outdoors on Lantau Island, it is the world’s largest. Reaching it (up 268 steps) will grant you the opportunity to visit Po Lin Monastery as well as a stunning view of the island itself.

Hong Kong is also known for its shopping and range of both colorful and diverse markets. The Kowloon Flower Market on Flower Market Road (metro: Prince Edward) is open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is filled with bright blooms. Take the winding bus ride to famous Stanley Village market to find bargains on clothing and linens (from Central bus route 6, 6a, 260). For a traditional night market, try the lively Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon, which sells clothing and gadgets as well as food.

If possible, try to squeeze in a breakfast or lunch of dim sum, a specialty in Hong Kong. It is composed of a variety of small dishes such as dumplings to be shared by the table. Try Serenade Chinese Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui for an inexpensive option with a view of Victoria Harbor. In terms of other dining options, Lung King Heen is said to be the best Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong or even the world. Yellow Door Kitchen in SoHo is a Sichuan restaurant that offers a $250 set dinner including six starters, six main courses, and dessert.

The most important thing to do when trying to see a city with limited time is to narrow your to-do list. Choose the sights you most would like to see, and then plan to spend the rest of your time visiting and exploring neighborhoods of interest at leisure. You may come across an interesting market, relax over a cup of tea, or simply get some great photos. Even if you don’t have time to check off all the sights and attractions off your list, you will come away with a great feel for the city, and an overview of its culture and people.

Want even more information on Hong Kong? Don’t miss our Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Hong Kong, China. And check out this travel feature: A “Belonger” Looks Back at Hong Kong as Its Capitalist Heart Beats On.

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AVOIDING HEATHROW AT ALL COSTS

Would it be a good idea to fly into Bristol (Continental has a flight) instead of Heathrow? Once you get into Bristol, it is only a short train ride to Paddington. What do you think?
Love your show & books.
Best Wishes,
Marianne W.

As you may know, Peter has declared a boycott on ALL British airports, based on the current one carry-on bag restriction (which includes Bristol). While this boycott may soon be lifted thanks to a rule change, if your destination is London, avoiding the zoo that is Heathrow is certainly good idea to help save your sanity … and your baggage.

Keep in mind that Bristol is 120 miles from London. But a train ride will offer you a great opportunity to see the English countryside. The train can take you to several major stops in London, including Paddington Station, Charing Cross and Kings Cross. A train from Bristol Airport to Paddington Station will take about two-and-a-half hours, and includes a 25-minute bus ride from the airport to the depot at Bristol Temple Meads. This route starts at £53 (about $100) each way).

You may want to contact the airport at Bristol: 01275 474444 and www.nationalrail.co.uk to find specific train times and customize your journey.

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