Airmiles Armchair Chatter

[tinkerone]

Have you ever stayed on deck 2? Had I booked a week ago I could have had deck 9 which would have allowed us to stay out of the elevators. The thought of trying to get from the bottom deck to the top in the elevator My knees will let me walk down but not up. The good news is that the cabin is right between the mid and forward elevators so we can use either. Oh well…it’s my own fault for waiting. Things like this usually happen to me.

Even if you were right about discounting other ships it wouldn’t happen tomorrow before I have to pay. I’m already having second thoughts about spending this much on one trip. If it were 9-10 days it would be ok. I haven’t even factored in spending money yet. Could I isolate myself to my house for the next 82 days, never spending a dime outside of regular bills?

Never on deck 2. It's always been decks 5,6 and 8. Deck 5 being my favorite. Which ship are you looking at? I'm assuming Fantasy but could be wrong. If it is the Fantasy I think deck 2 would be great. It's close to Enchanted Garden and there is the staircase up to deck 3 which leads to the other restaurants, the shops and the theater. I don't think you could go wrong.
The main reason we have never booked deck 2 is that I get sea sick easily and I'm not sure if it would affect me, being so close to the ocean. Looking out and seeing the sea rolling is not my idea of a good time. With the upper decks you look further out and it doesn't seem as wavy, if that makes sense.
Whatever you decide, you will have a great time.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Never on deck 2. It's always been decks 5,6 and 8. Deck 5 being my favorite. Which ship are you looking at? I'm assuming Fantasy but could be wrong. If it is the Fantasy I think deck 2 would be great. It's close to Enchanted Garden and there is the staircase up to deck 3 which leads to the other restaurants, the shops and the theater. I don't think you could go wrong.
The main reason we have never booked deck 2 is that I get sea sick easily and I'm not sure if it would affect me, being so close to the ocean. Looking out and seeing the sea rolling is not my idea of a good time. With the upper decks you look further out and it doesn't seem as wavy, if that makes sense.
Whatever you decide, you will have a great time.

Yes, Fantasy. It's the last inside cabin, so I have no choices...unless someone cancels today and another one opens up. My thinking is that most of the time we are going to be out on deck 11/12. Yes, we can walk up to the atrium which is a perk. I guess I'm imagining having to stop at every floor trying to get up to 11. Also, the way people squeeze themselves in to a full elevator really gives me anxiety.

Supposedly you are better the lower you go for seasickness. I don't know, I haven't had a problem. I did constantly feel movement but it never bothered me. LOL....I would be walking along like I was drunk. Bumped into the walls often. Actually, motion sickness in general is due to a disconnect between the eye and the brain. So looking outside is helpful. It is also genetic.

 

[Days In the Sun]

Has anyone travelled from MCO on a Porter Reserve flight? I will be travelling with a family member with disabilities and I'm concerned about getting through security with her on return. The Porter Reserve ticket lists faster security access but the MCO Reserve security "fast pass" line says the flight time doesn't qualify for the MCO reserve line available to anyone. (flight returns at 835pm and MCO Reserve says only flights until 830pm qualify ie 5 minutes too late).

I have until 7pm today to cancel the Porter flight. Am I out of luck?? I'm not sure I understand how Porter Reserve relates to MCO Reserve.

From Porter Reserve ticket description:
"Dedicated check-in, boarding & security 1"

 

[hdrolfe]

Has anyone travelled from MCO on a Porter Reserve flight? I will be travelling with a family member with disabilities and I'm concerned about getting through security with her on return. The Porter Reserve ticket lists faster security access but the MCO Reserve security "fast pass" line says the flight time doesn't qualify for the MCO reserve line available to anyone. (flight returns at 835pm and MCO Reserve says only flights until 830pm qualify ie 5 minutes too late).

I have until 7pm today to cancel the Porter flight. Am I out of luck?? I'm not sure I understand how Porter Reserve relates to MCO Reserve.

From Porter Reserve ticket description:
"Dedicated check-in, boarding & security 1"

Porter uses the other terminal, we had no issues with security at all when we came back. Porter Reserve got us a shorter line to check in once the counter opened. But after that there was no benefit. We do have Nexus so were able to use TSA Precheck which is usually shorter.

 

[ottawamom]

I had neither Porter Reserve or Nexus and getting through check-in and security was a relative breeze. The lines are short as the terminal isn't as large. I wouldn't worry about it at all. At that hour the terminal will be very quiet.

I didn't look for one but I'm sure they will be able to pull you aside for a calmer trip through the security process. @Donald - my hero may have some knowledge about special help through screening.

 

[tinkerone]

Yes, Fantasy. It's the last inside cabin, so I have no choices...unless someone cancels today and another one opens up. My thinking is that most of the time we are going to be out on deck 11/12. Yes, we can walk up to the atrium which is a perk. I guess I'm imagining having to stop at every floor trying to get up to 11. Also, the way people squeeze themselves in to a full elevator really gives me anxiety.

Supposedly you are better the lower you go for seasickness. I don't know, I haven't had a problem. I did constantly feel movement but it never bothered me. LOL....I would be walking along like I was drunk. Bumped into the walls often. Actually, motion sickness in general is due to a disconnect between the eye and the brain. So looking outside is helpful. It is also genetic.

Yes, those elevators can be dreadful. People pack in with no thought to others. The good thing though is that being in a cabin on deck 2 you won't need to use the elevators during heavy times. Think about the show getting out and how many people are waiting for the elevators. That is a mess. You would be able to just walk down one flight of stairs and your 'home'. The elevators also pack for dinner so that is an advantage to deck 2 as well. You don't need one.
You will need one for the buffet or for top deck but that would be throughout the day so the crowds will stagger, they won't be near as busy. I wouldn't think twice about deck 2 if that was all that was available. It has a lot of advantages.
Also, you can keep your eyes peeled even after booking and can change cabins if one becomes available without having to cancel and rebook.
Fingers crossed for you.

 

[Days In the Sun]

I had neither Porter Reserve or Nexus and getting through check-in and security was a relative breeze. The lines are short as the terminal isn't as large. I wouldn't worry about it at all. At that hour the terminal will be very quiet.

I didn't look for one but I'm sure they will be able to pull you aside for a calmer trip through the security process. @Donald - my hero may have some knowledge about special help through screening.

Thank you! I've booked returning on a Thursday night which I was hoping wouldn't be as busy as the weekend at least. Surprised the reserve line closes so early.

 

[bababear_50]

So my call back from Airmiles didn't come?

I called back today and was able to speak with a Agent.

He apologized for delay.

3 types of shops 200AM Deposited into account after checking my postings.

250 for 3 Airmiles online will be deposited in a week or so.

We discussed problem I am having when I try to scan 4 separate receipts for the same product ,,,
example 4 bags--- 24 rolls toilet tissue paper. (same date , time , location,, but different receipt).
It kicks back to me *** OOps we 've seen this one before***
So I will try to now try time between the scans and if not maybe buy the products with a delay in time purchase.

Overall this guy was the most knowledgeable Agent for Airmiles I've ever had.
And he was polite and courteous too !
Touchdown Airmiles.

Hugs Mel

 

[Donald - my hero]

@Days In the Sun - I think it's you looking for help going thru security? I'm on my way out to a doctor's appointment but I PROMISE I will respond ASAP.
DO NOT cancel that flight, i can give you lots of info about how to bravely handle the security both go to and coming home from MCO.

 

[Days In the Sun]

Porter uses the other terminal, we had no issues with security at all when we came back. Porter Reserve got us a shorter line to check in once the counter opened. But after that there was no benefit. We do have Nexus so were able to use TSA Precheck which is usually shorter.

Thank you for the info. We do not have Nexus unfortunately. I'm going to hope for short regular security lines. Hopefully begging works if it's a long line. (I'm not sure if I'm kidding or not lol).

 

[hdrolfe]

Thank you for the info. We do not have Nexus unfortunately. I'm going to hope for short regular security lines. Hopefully begging works if it's a long line. (I'm not sure if I'm kidding or not lol).

I don't think it will be an issue to be honest, Terminal C is just better than the other ones If you look at the TSA wait times, the Terminal C ones are less than the other terminals on average. I believe there is some sort of thing you can do for disabilities as well which I think Donald will give you more information on.

 

[Days In the Sun]

@Days In the Sun - I think it's you looking for help going thru security? I'm on my way out to a doctor's appointment but I PROMISE I will respond ASAP.
DO NOT cancel that flight, i can give you lots of info about how to bravely handle the security both go to and coming home from MCO.

Yes! Security is the issue. I read through your post below before I booked. We have ordered the Sunflower lanyard. Is this a separate line at MCO? Thank you for your help. Your post below has already helped.

At Disney (not sure if we will even go to the park, most of her park days are about 3 hours) but she always has the option to leave or get out of a line. Not really an option when you need to get through security. Her worst lines are the ones that weave ( like security ... or Mickey's Runaway Railway lol). A 90 minute security line would likely result in a seizure right there as well as seizures for days.

Bunch of random thought, observations and comments from our spontaneous Birthday Weekend Trip in no specific order:

• Porter Airlines was spectacular! Service was top-notch, agents were friendly and helpful. The upgrade to the Reserve section was such a great birthday treat, it would 100% be worth the cost to do it again by choice.
• The bulkhead row in the Porter Reserve section is not wide-bottom friendly since the tray tables are in the armrest you are in a very solid little box. The legroom more than made up for it though- seriously, hubby has short legs and he couldn't touch the wall!
• If anyone in your party needs special assistance in any of the airports that use the Sunflower Lanyard program GET IT! You don't need to explain why you need it, they will mail it from Pearson or you can pick it up at an information desk. I love to fly but airporting is very hard on me - wearing this, along with my earphones, and the standard deer-in-the-headlights eyes while I was trying to open up the US border app someone came over and told us to just go to the Nexus lane, the agent had us look at the camera, asked where we were going and waved us thru, he didn't even scan our passports! Apparently the new-fangled facial-recognition tech that Air Canada forced us to use last trip has linked our picture to the US border services? Coming home the line at security was listed as 45 minutes but the Sunflower line had maybe 10 people in it. It doesn't mean it will be quicker but it is much more civilized, no pushing, no one barks orders at you and they are generally quite pleasant. From the moment we got into the car at the resort until we were putting our shoes back on at the other side of security it was 90 minutes.
• Before we left home I made a list of things that would need to go into grey bins and tucked an empty canvas tote bag into the front of my carry-on. When we got to Pearson we slowly put those things into the tote bag and zipped everything else up. I had included an empty zippered bag, think the size of a pencil case, and we emptied our pockets, took off watches, pins and various things that cause bells, put them into that bag and popped it into the top of my backpack. Got to the security line and it was SO EASY! Put the bags in the first 2 bins, then our shoes, jackets & sweaters and my headphones went in the next one, backpacks went into the next bin and our liquids and electronics went into the last one. That order meant that nothing was hanging out on it's own without one of us being able to see the important things. One thing got questioned, but we expected it (my polenta is dense and registers as a liquid) so easy! Did the same thing on the way home and it was just as smooth. Can't praise myself enough on this brain wave
• DO the trip - yes, just do it! Life is short and comes with no promises, we are both so happy we went. Money well spent, memories are priceless!
• It is 100% possible to enjoy a trip at the busiest time of the year and not step one foot inside a park (other than getting my Donald sipper and a gift for a friend in Epcot) One day we didn't even leave the resort
• If you need a scooter, just rent the danged thing before you leave home from a 3rd party and get it delivered to the resort - saw several people struggling to get from a park to the bus stop.
• So happy we got the Annual pass with Memory Maker, best use of our miles, seriously EVER!!
• Wear the buttons, for whatever you're celebrating, the whole trip. They are great conversation starters, we didn't get anything (gawd, some very entitled people who were demanding things!) other than a ton of good feelings
• I will be making many many MANY more goodie bags for our next trip. Everyone who got one was so happy to be recognized and the smiles we got warmed our hearts. It feels so good to give concrete thanks. There are a few "rules" for non-tipped CMs but homemade items and/or small items like candy are perfectly acceptable
• If you are anywhere during a holiday period (heck even at home) be sure to acknowledge how grateful you are that others are missing out on their family gatherings so they can work for YOU. I asked the cashier in the gift shop at MCO how her Thanksgiving was and she was touched that I even asked her.
• If you have 2-step authentication set up on any of your accounts to send a text to your phone and you plan on swapping out SIM cards, eeeek, havoc if you want to do any online shopping (Hello Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping that didn't go quite as planned) That's on my to-do list for next trip the switch to email confirmations instead
• If your phone decides to download a security patch/update while you're stateside, run screaming! That created a few headaches as well because the security "features" are different in the states and I could NOT convince my Samsung phone to deny the access. Several hours yesterday to clear that up (Side note, this happened to my Kindle about 10 years ago and we were never able to have it be CDN again, several apps didn't work including the library one. It became a useless piece of technology)
• When you see a good price for a flight, just BOOK IT! Porter cost about $100 more because I decided to sleep on it and our flights in February would have been about $350 more if I waited until the actual Black Friday and we wouldn't be able to travel on the dates we wanted.
• Reconsider how much you actually need in your personal item, how much will you really need access to? Bulkhead seating means no bag at your feet during take-off and landing, and using the tabletop to watch the surface because they swapped out the plane to one with no seat-back entertainment meant I couldn't reach the danged thing anyways. I was ready though and had a smaller bag in the top of my backpack that had the essentials - snacks, earbuds, wipes (eeew WestJet plane was on it's final run of 4 flights that day!) gum, kleenex I pulled that out and stuffed it beside me on the seat
• If you're flying after dark and you need to swap out your SIM card, good grief, do it in the airport before getting on the plane!
• For the love of all things holy, pay to either at least pre-select your seat or if you can afford it, upgrade for the flight home. Flight was delayed, everyone was snarly, and there was very little overhead space left. Online check in was a mess when the power went out at the resort, took us over an hour first using the app, then switching to a computer and finally calling support to get that task completed! I've already put a bid in to upgrade our flight home in March.
• Packing an empty duffle bag was another stroke of genius - stuffed it full of dirty laundry, leftover food, liquids we wouldn't need on the plane and could do without if they got lost and our jackets. That left one carryon to put the fragile items into and made travelling thru the airport much easier
• Download movies/tv shows/games whatever you need to stay entertained on the plane before you leave home

 

[Days In the Sun]

I don't think it will be an issue to be honest, Terminal C is just better than the other ones If you look at the TSA wait times, the Terminal C ones are less than the other terminals on average. I believe there is some sort of thing you can do for disabilities as well which I think Donald will give you more information on.

Thank you. Actually, I've been watching today, the longest I've seen for Terminal C was 17 minutes which is great. Currently no line.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

Anyone else have 100 miles post to their account with no description? I think this is the dollarama offer from end of August. It is the only 100 offer I am waiting on.

 

[ottawamom]

Thank you! I've booked returning on a Thursday night which I was hoping wouldn't be as busy as the weekend at least. Surprised the reserve line closes so early.

The other thing to be aware of with Porter. When I flew the agents at check-in were the agents who showed up at the gate to get us on the plane. We had our photo taken going through security and again before getting to go down to get on the plane and then they checked our ID again getting on the physical plane (I guess they wanted to make sure we weren't going to slip off somewhere and stay in the States). I don't know if it's still this way but I hadn't experienced all those checks before.

 

[ottawamom]

Anyone else have 100 miles post to their account with no description? I think this is the dollarama offer from end of August. It is the only 100 offer I am waiting on.

I got 100AM on the 2 accounts we did the Aug 30-31 Dollarama offer on. Not on the 3rd account who didn't. I agree with you that it's likely that offer.

The only other 100AM offer I have that it could be is Global Pets (Aug 23-25)

Thoughts people?

 

[Days In the Sun]

Anyone else have 100 miles post to their account with no description? I think this is the dollarama offer from end of August. It is the only 100 offer I am waiting on.

The 100 today says bonus miles on mine. I also just received 200 airmiles, says flash offer.

 

[damo]

Anyone else have 100 miles post to their account with no description? I think this is the dollarama offer from end of August. It is the only 100 offer I am waiting on.

Yup, me too.

 

[bababear_50]

Ok
I am going with Airmiles is all paid up,,,LOL

 

[Donald - my hero]

rest assured, I'm even more obsessed with checking the security than anyone else is I've got an alarm set on my phone for the 3 hour mark before the flight and I check, every single day!
Here's what it looks like today