================================================= Expat Worlds Bi-Monthly Digest ================================================= 17 June, 2005 Vol. 7, Issue 10 .....IN THIS DIGEST..... ==== THE STORY =================== -=Getting the Upgrades=- ==== OTHER EZINES ================ ==== EW SPECIAL ================== -=Free Paper PT book=- ==== HUMOR, TRIVIA, NEWS AND MORE... == -=Trivia=- -=News Story=- -=Jokes=- ==== THE RESOURCE TIP ============= -=DoctorAdware 1.0=- ==== INSIDE THIS MONTH EXPAT WORLD == -=Table of Content=- ==== THE STORY ================================== GETTING THE UPGRADES Travel on a Hotdog Budget But Fly Like a Golden Eagle Many of you regular Expat World readers travel quite extensively, so as a service to you and also the uniformed, EW tries below to give you the advantages needed in getting a free upgrade on your favorite airline. Read on: The attraction of premium-class air travel is obvious: the higher level of attention and service. On any average aircraft, staff in business class have only about 40 to 60 passengers to serve. In the economy sector, the number is easily four times that. Then there is the food served, which tends to come in more generous portions, is better presented and of superior quality. Unfortunately for those traveling in cattle class, a seat upgrade these days is as rare as the mythical unicorn. Major airline companies contacted decline to comment on this fearing that it may trigger a surge in upgrade demands. But EW got its info from the real people in airline industry. It culled the following advice and tips from cabin crew and ground staff of various airlines plus frequent business travelers. This was done incognito, of course. A famous business travel magazine was also consulted. A word of caution to the Joe Six-Pack public is necessary though. These strategies may have worked for all those who contributed in this article but their results vary, depending on the airlines and circumstances. Oh, and once the airlines read this and realize what's happening they may revise their approach and may even make it harder to receive preferential treatment. Lets go through major points to receiving that upgrade: * The later the better - Try checking in five minutes before the counter closes, say most business travelers. If the plane's full, ground staff will upgrade before bumping passengers off. Also, if you're the last person to arrive at the gate and there's a double booking for an economy seat, especially on a full flight, the first one with the economy boarding pass gets that seat. The second one gets to turn left for grander pastures of business or first class. * Favored flier - One of the easiest and most orthodox ways to an upper-class heaven is to join a Frequent Flier Program (FFP), Most FFPs are free and what you spend on credit cards like American Express can also earn you points. Once you've accrued enough mileage points and advanced to the mid and top tiers, you'll be issued with upgrade/vouchers, about every two years, depending on the airline. Airport staff also tend to consider FFP members first if they're looking to upgrade passengers. * No special requests - Don't request things like the special meals and seats reservations in advanced. As these special requests are allocated against your seats way before you check in, it will be a hassle to make changes if you were to be upgraded. * Important information - If you book through a travel agent ask them nicely to add an OSI or Other Significant Information to your PNR or Passenger Name Record if you are someone important traveling at your own leisure and expense. The OSI might say something like "CIP" Commercially Important Passenger) or "CEO of travel magazine". In the event that an airline is looking through the passenger list to see who to upgrade, such information can make the difference between first/business and economy. Attempt this only if you are someone significant or be prepared to bear the shame if exposed. * Go for the bump - If you have flexible travel plans, volunteer to get bumped off over-booked flights. Most gate agents - they are the most powerful decision-makers on upgrading so work your charm on them – have two options: put you on the next flight or upgrade you. If the next flight is booked solid, most airlines will upgrade you as compensation. * Service Recovery - Upgrades are also offered for what airlines call "service recovery". This is an on-board upgrade, say for example, a malfunctioning seat. In such cases, in-flight staff can move you to a better seat or, if you're lucky, to another class. * Nice and easy - If you're a passenger and always use the same airline, it's likely you will be served by the same check-in ground staff. Be polite and friendly to them, as they, especially the supervisory staff, can upgrade you sometimes as a bonus. * Agent at work - If you know your travel agent well and are a good customer, use his airline contacts to help you get an upgrade for a future trip. For example, the agent can put in a good word for an upgrade when a new airline enters a route. Or he can make a case for an upgrade by saying that your company intends to move its business somewhere else unless the service is satisfactory. * No-fuss meals - These days, airlines don't load much spare food for their top tier class. That means that they are loath to upgrade since they have the risk of not having enough food for everyone in that class. Should you find yourself in a situation that might make an upgrade possible, tell them you don't mind being served the cattle-class meals. * Be up front - In the event an upgrade is impossible, a "nicer" economy seat would be one towards the front of the cabin - in front of the wings and the engines with less noise. The worst economy class seats are at the back because you get all the stale air. On large planes, you also get a more turbulent ride there. * No to the loo - Avoid seats that are close to the toilets. You don't want to get nasty odors wafting in your direction each time a loo door opens. * Seating plan - If you have no chance of an upgrade on a flight for whatever reason you CAN book the GOOD seats ahead of time with most airlines. Before booking your seats visit vvww.seatguru.com, an impartial website that details seating plans of 25 commercial airlines including Qantas, SIA and BA. The best economy seats with the widest pitch – the distance between each seat - are detailed in the respective plan of each airlines. * Cabin courtesy - Be polite and nice to cabin crew, especially if you are a regular client of the airline and a particular route. If the crew are familiar and friendly with you, those interviewed concur that they may even serve you food and wine from the first/business if there are spare portions. NOW THAT WE HAVE YOU UPGRADED ON YOUR FLIGHT, LET'S TRY YOUR HOTEL Free hotel room upgrades are notoriously difficult to score but they do happen. In most hotels, room upgrades are based on seasonal promotions, partnership promotions or room availability, says a director of public relations of The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia chain. Here are some ways to get bumped up from Room 101 to Suite 1001 , say insiders and frequent business travelers. * Loyalty pays -- Join a hotel loyalty scheme like Shangri-La's Golden Circle, Marriott's Rewards or InterContinental's Priority Club if you stay often in chain or group properties. These schemes award points which can be redeemed for room upgrades. If you advance to the higher tiers, you will qualify for an upgrade (subject to availability) for every stay. * Friendly ties - If you visit a hotel regularly, book directly and get to know the management. They will upgrade you on future visits. But bear in mind that an "upgrade" could just mean a quieter end-of-corridor room or a more spacious corner room. Much depends on who you are and how busy the hotel is. * Good guest - You're more likely to qualify for "thank you" upgrades if you area good customer. For example, you may only stay twice annually but if you are a generous patron of the hotel's other services (restaurants, bars, business center etc.), you will also be considered for an upgrade. * Feedback time - Be vocal. Customers are always right because without them, the hotels have no business. If something goes wrong with your stay, say, your room faces a wall rather than the view you requested , complain and ask to be compensated. But do it nicely. * Lucky break - Luck does play a part. If you are at the right place at the right time, a hotel being overbooked can lead to an upgrade. * Out of season - Stay during off-peak season and you'll find that hotels will entice you with all sorts of financial carrots. Some will cut rates so much that you can afford superior accommodation for the same price or less than a standard room during a busy period. You'll need to do some research on the internet first. * Frequent Flier - Trade airline frequent-flier points for upgrades at affiliated hotels. Some offers are unbeatable, but weigh this option carefully as it's rarely the most cost-effective way to spend frequent flier credits. ==== OTHER EZINES & BOOKS ======================== ASIAN TIMES ONLINE Asia most trusted source for news, business,commentary and analysis from throughout Asia and our world. (www.atimes.com). ----- SURVIVAL BOOKS Go to and check it out! ----- japan-guide.com Extensive, up to date online guide on Japan living and travel related information. http://www.japan-guide.com/ ==== EW SPECIAL ================================= "THE PAPER PT" FOR THE 21ST CENTURY SECRETS REVEALED - Live a life free of government interference. Information your lawyer won't tell you even if he knew. Get your money out of the country before your country gets the money out of you. All can be done via the "PT" manner and philosophy as prescribed by the late, great, W.G. Hill. This book takes "PT" one step further by not necessarily voting with your feet but using a "paper highway" instead. Freedom and privacy is possible in the 21st century with this book.. Our newest book is NOT FOR SALE. The ONLY way to get a copy of the 109 large-page PAPER PT is to subscribe to the of the EXPAT WORLD newsletter or renew your present subscription. We will send you the PDF format file via email with the complete book on it. It's readable on line or print it yourself for reading at your leasure. So cutting to the chase, this book is yours free if you subscribe to the Expat World newsletter. Subscribe today to the Expat World newsletter. Go to www.expatworld.net - click "Newsletter" at the top menu and go to the "Subscribe" section, enter a subscription and then put 'PaperPT' in the "Gift Certificate" box. ==== HUMOR, TRIVIA, NEWS AND MORE... ================ NEWS STORIES I'm off on vacation for 3-5 years... COLOMBO (Reuters) - Want a tourism experience with a difference? Sri Lanka is converting a historic prison into a hotel so that visitors can enjoy the holiday of their lives -- presumably with time off for good behavior. The Daily News reported Thursday that Galle prison -- built in a centuries-old fort that is now a United Nations world heritage site -- would be developed into a tourist site. Quoting Southern Province governor Kingsley T. Wickremaratne, the state-owned paper said guests would have to abandon their holiday finery on check-in and would be issued with prison uniforms for the duration of their stay. "Unlike the star class hotels, there won't be luxury rooms fitted with hot water taps ... the rooms are none other than the prison cells fitted with iron bars," the governor said. But the news said a "jailor" would allow guests to keep the keys to their cells and they could move about at will. Galle Fort dates back to 1663 during the Dutch settler era and contains some of the finest examples of colonial architecture in the region. Property in Galle fort is among the most expensive in Sri Lanka, and a number of grand old buildings -- which used to house the colonial Dutch and later British administrations, have already been converted into luxury hotels or museums. A Sri Lankan company converted an old tea factory in the hill district of Nuwara Eliya into a hotel some years ago in its bid to offer tourism with a difference. --- MP launches drug test machine, tests positive THE efficiency of a high-tech drug-testing machine unveiled in Britain was amply proven when the government minister showing it off tested positive for cannabis. Edwina Hart, social justice minister in the semi-autonomous regional government of Wales, was found to have been in contact with the drug after having a hand swab analysed by the Ion Track narcotics machine. William Graham, a member of the Welsh Assembly, who had arranged for police to demonstrate the machine at the Assembly building, also tested positive for cannabis. However, the politicians were keen to stress that such was the power of the device, positive results could easily come from so-called "cross contamination", for example by touching cash or a door handle previously handled by a drugs user. "You could pick it up from anywhere couldn't you?" Hart said. "I can't think where I could have got it from," added Graham. The Ion Track machine can detect minute traces of drugs, or explosives, several days after someone has come into contact with them, even if they have washed their hands. Police explained later that while a positive test could not be used as evidence in court, it could help police to target people to search or question. --- Women wanted to test sex machine A Serbian man who has invented a sex machine for women is appealing to western women to test his device. Nesa Proka, from the central town of Krusevac, made the appeal after failing to find any willing Serbian women. He has taken out a patent on what he says is the "ultimate sex aid" for lonely women after spending three years working on it. The machine, which runs on a 390 volt electric engine, simulates sex and has a seven and a half inch artificial 'penis'. He said: "My sex machine has an artificial penis that can make up to 180 moves in a minute. A man can only manage that intensity of movement for about five seconds but the machine can do it for as long as the woman wants. "And it comes with a set of controls to fully regulate the speed and intensity a woman for individual sex." But Proka said he would have to market it in the west because he had not been able to find any Serbian woman to test it out. "Western women are more liberal. I couldn't find a woman here to try the sex machine," he told local daily Glas Javnosti. But he did admit that some local women were curious about his invention and a few had come into his garage where he keeps it locked away just to look at it. One reportedly told the newspaper: "If I had a machine like that at home I would never go outside the front door." ----- 'Naked rambler' takes girlfriend on nude walk LONDON (Reuters) - A 46-year-old former Royal Marine who braved 14 arrests and five months in jail to walk the length of Britain wearing nothing but his boots sets out on Thursday to repeat the naked journey -- and this time with his girlfriend. Stephen Gough and hairdresser Melanie Roberts, 33, will strip off and set out from Land's End in Cornwall, at the southeastern tip of England, on an 874-mile nude trek to John O'Groats in Scotland. "Why do it with no clothes on? To celebrate the fact that I'm a human being and that there is nothing shameful in being a human being. There's nothing wrong with a naked body," Gough, dubbed the "naked rambler," told Reuters. During Gough's first naked walk across Britain in 2003-4, he was arrested 14 times for breach of the peace -- on one occasion he was held for being a traffic hazard -- and spent five months in jail in Inverness, Scotland. "There are no laws in this country saying you can't walk naked," Gough said. "All it says is that if you are naked and you have an intent to harm, that's a crime." "I have no intent to harm. I'm just going to walk from Land's End to John O'Groats." ----- Oxymoron: political solutions ----- We have an automatic air-conditioner. Everytime the weather gets very hot it automatically breaks down. -- Unknown ----- "We're going to have the best-educated American people in the world." -- J. Danforth Quayle, former U.S. Vice-President, September 21, 1988 ----- When I die, I hope to go to Heaven, whatever the Hell that is. -- Ayn Rand ----- A rather senile old lady went to her doctor complaining of draining and a feeling of fullness in her ear. After the examination, the doctor initiated a conversation that went as follows: D: Why madam, I think you have a suppository in your ear. L: ?eh? D: Madam - You have a SUPPOSITORY in your EAR! L: ??EH?? D: (shouting) --IN YOUR EAR! -- A SUPPOSITORY!!! L: Oh, thank Goodness - now I know where I put my hearing aid.... ----- Dictionary of Musical Terms JAZZ: Five men on the same stage all playing different tunes. BLUES: Played exclusively by people who woke up this morning. WORLD MUSIC: A dozen different types of percussion all going at once. OPERA: People singing when they should be talking. RAP: People talking when they should be singing. CLASSICAL: Discover the other 45 minutes they left out of the TV ad. FOLK: Endless songs about shipwrecks in the 19th century. BIG BAND: 20 men who take it in turns to stand up plus a drummer. HEAVY METAL: Codpiece and chaps HOUSE MUSIC: OK as long as it's not the house next door. ==== THE RESOURCE TIP ============================ DoctorAdware 1.0 DoctorAdware can detect and remove a multitude of adware applications from your computer. The application is easy to install, and very user-friendly. Download the latest version and scan your computer. DoctorAdware will help you to protect your privacy and guarantees the removal of all adware and spyware. Get it at ==== INSIDE THIS MONTH EXPAT WORLD =============== EXPAT WORLD NEWSLETTER (VOL.17 ISSUE 06) Table of Content: - GETTING THE UPGRADES - BITS & PIECES - A SECOND PASSPORT - PANAMA INFO - THE KNOWLEDGE BOX - LIVING AND WORKING IN GERMANY, IT COULD BE A TAX DISASTER - RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME FOR PLEASURE AND PROFIT! - BEATING THE BUREAUCRATS - THE LETTER YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CARRY IN YOUR POCKET - EXPAT WORLD'S PRIVACY WORLD - BEYOND "1984" - REAL ID ACT HAS PROBLEMS - CROOKED COPS ARE ENEMIES TO FREEDOM - A LETTER TO EXPAT WORLD - LETTER FROM AMERICA - MORE COVER UPS AND LIES - DAY 114 OF BUSH'S SILENCE - AMERICA'S LIMITS - THE OFFSHORE WORLD by EXPAT WORLD - CANADIAN COMPANIES STASH OVER US $88 BILLION IN THE CARRIBEAN - EXPAT WORLD'S WORLD OF PRIVACY - FIGHTING BACK - INTERNATIONAL SNIPS AND CLIPS - AROUND THE WORLD With EXPAT WORLD - SAINT-PIERRE & MIQUELON -- Where France Meets North America - CRAPPER RAPPER - NUDES & PRUDES - MURPHY'S LAW YOU MISSING SO MUCH Each week the EXPAT WORLD DIGEST gives you just a smattering of what you can find in the EXPAT WORLD newsletter that we produce once a month. Why not get the whole story and subscribe now to our electronic version for just US $30 per year. Go to our website: www.expatworld.net to sign up. ********************************************************************* EXPAT WORLD - the newsletter of international living URL - http://www.expatworld.net Email - office@expatworld.net ---------- End of Expat World Digest --------------------------------