The Heart Attack Grill in the Neonopolis building was full of diners dressed in hospital gowns.  Although the couple had passed it before in former visits, it still amused but didn’t attract their business.  The old man commented, “I’ve had one heart attack – don’t need another! And that goes for riding the zipline too.”

However, close by, a new food outlet since their last downtown visit did attract their attention, a memory jolt-back to their days living in Indianapolis where they would often head to a White Castle restaurant for a late-night fast-food snack favorite.  Although there had been some food at the cocktail party, one can always eat a couple of these little sandwiches anytime, so they stopped in.  The man parked his walker beside a tall stool to enjoy a rest, while the lady stood in the long line to order.  When she got to the cashier, she ordered just like she had done for decades – “burgers,” – refusing to call them the fancy new name of “sliders.”  A White Castle is not a slider!

On they went down the street, stopping to enjoy some of the sidewalk entertainers performing in their assigned “circles.”  They were pleasantly surprised that they were, on the whole, in good taste, not the crude or skimpily dressed presentations they had had seen in past years – at least those they saw on their brief walk on just part of the street. The couples energy level was going down fast – and progress had come almost to a stand-still because they were running into a packed-in raucous crowd in front of the 3^rd Street stage where a very loud band performance was going on.  The man was muttering, “They call that noise music?”

“Should we duck into the D Casino and discuss what we want to do next?” asked the woman.

The man quickly agreed, “Anything to get out of this pandemonium.”

Resting at slot machine seats, the lady pulled out from her purse their LVA coupon books and found the D coupons:  “Two $25 matchplays.  Should we do these?”  It would involve finding a ramp for the man’s walker to get up to the raised players club to activate the offer, but he was re-gaining a little strength and said he was up to it.

Back down on the casino floor walking amongst the table games, they discussed whether to use the matchplays on roulette, where their loss on this one-shot play would be limited to $50.  If they chose blackjack, they could lose $50 if they lost both coupons – and even more if they had to double-down and/or split.  But as they were discussing this, they passed by a blackjack table where a jovial lone player noticed their indecision and gave a loud invitation as he pointed to sloppily scattered piles of green and black chips in front of him, “Come sit with me.  This is a lucky table.”

Now this couple had been looking for an uncrowded table.  When using a coupon for a one-time play, you don’t want a bunch of players ready to complain about your “holding up a game.”  But here was just one player and he wanted  company.  And you never know, a cheery inebriated player was just as apt to give you a lucky tip as a stone-cold sober grouch.  So, the couple sat down, each putting out $25 with the phantom $25 chip given to them at the players club.  Each was dealt a “9” and a “2” and the dealer turned up a “6” – that added risk they had discussed.   But there was no way they wouldn’t double down!

The woman whispered to the man, who had the bankroll in his pocket, “Get out a $100 bill.”  When the dealer gave him four green chips, the woman quickly grabbed them and added $50 to each hand.  Sometimes when you do this fast, the dealer will then give you a card right away.  Sad to say, this time it didn’t work. “Sorry, you can double only on your own money.”  Well, it never hurts to try when you don’t know the casino policy on this.

The disappointment didn’t last long, however.  She slapped a face card on each of the couple’s hands, and then pulled a face card and another “6” on her hand.  She smiled as she paid off, and the intoxicated cheerleader fellow player gave them both high-fives, laughing boisterously.

The couple didn’t really like this kind of hit and run, but while they were coloring up explained that they had to get back to their machines, that they really weren’t good at table games – perhaps only a partial truth.  But this excuse was good enough for a smile from the dealer after the man slid her a $5 tip as they were leaving.

Now it was time to proceed down Fremont, pressing through that concert mob – a pretty slow process with a walker although much of the friendly crowd was thoughtful to step aside and make way for the oldsters.  They wanted to get to the Four Queens, their old stomping grounds so many year ago.  Actually, back then the woman had been memorized with other VIP players with her name on the cement sidewalk in the front of the casino.  But fame is fleeting – and all those sidewalks have now been torn up for new more modern renovations.

Did the couple want to go in and look around, maybe use their two $10 free-play coupons? They looked at each other’s tired eyes. They were thinking about protecting that $150 profit from the D and $5 from the El Cortez.  Their muscles and bones were making a strong bid for a major rest.  And a nearby security guide was ready with directions for the nearby share-ride pickup area, in front of the entrance to the Binion’s garage, just a half a block up Casino Center Boulevard.  Some things never change – a few pedestrians were still taking their lives in their hands and crossing this traffic-heavy street against the light.

It was time for the ending of a perfect evening.  An unexpected $155 in their pocket.  And a big bright full Harvest Moon lighting the Uber ride back home as they snuggled in the back seat thinking of how they were still making happy Las Vegas memories.

The problem with this party that they both wanted to attend was that it was in downtown Vegas – a bit of a drive from their home. The man, at 87, finally had recently turned in his keys – so the woman would have to drive.  She had driven her whole adult life until the man’s retirement 30+ years ago.  Then they were always together and she had taken the wheel only a few times – mainly like when he was having a heart attack or was in the hospital.  She was now afraid that she had perhaps lost some of her safe-driving skills.  She could cope with the chaotic scary Vegas traffic when the destination was on a familiar route near their home, but she just didn’t want to tackle the downtown maze of constant construction and unknown parking possibilities. At one time they had known every nook-and-cranny of the area and every detail of every casino, but this hadn’t been their gambling stomping ground for many years, and they knew things had been changing.

But then they remember their handy friend, Uber!  They had used share-rides to and from the airport in the past, but decided that this could be the way that they could still enjoy going out even when driving themselves sometimes was not a good option.  The woman hesitated, as usual thinking of the cost.  The woman’s daughter finally convinced her that at age 80 she could let up a little on the extreme frugal concept.  And the man, who had never joined in 100% to the “crazy frugal” concept, reminded the woman that this was the “old age” that they had been saving for all these many years.

So… their beautifully warm autumn evening jaunt began with a jolly Uber driver picking them up at their condo and cheerfully loading the man’s walker into the trunk.  With no concern about the traffic, the couple could enjoy sight-seeing out the windows as the driver took a route they hadn’t been on for several years, noticing all the many changes in the city that had been their frequent vacation destination and then their home for almost 36 years.

The experienced Uber driver knew all the shortcuts and the trip was over quickly, the couple and their walker dropped off conveniently right at the back entrance to the El Cortez, where the party was happening.  They were about a half-hour early so they did what they had been doing for 36 years when they visited a new casino or one that they hadn’t been in for a long time: the woman pulled out coupon books from her purse and found two joining-bonus coupons.  They didn’t know how many years it had been since they last played at the El Cortez.  Would their names still be in the players club database and they wouldn’t qualify as a new member for this bonus?  They knew some casino databases seem to stretch back forever.

The man reminded the woman that he clearly remembers playing a $1 Triple Deuces VP machine here and hitting 4 deuces for $3000.  He doesn’t remember when it was – probably almost 20 years ago – but he said he would never forget the stir it caused as all the “little” players crowded around him, marveling at someone who hit a jackpot on a dollar machine – and at “full-coin” to boot!

Anyway, there was no record of either of their names so the players club clerk processed the coupons for them.  They would each have $10 of free play.

What machine to choose?  This was no time, they agreed, to look for “good” video poker machines; they would go for something fun.  They came across a nickel Triple Play Ultimate X, which was often their “just-for-fun” short-time choice – who cares what the paytable is! They played 5 minutes and then had to quit to head for the party.  Turned the $20 into $5 – cash out – okay – that covers the tip for the Uber driver one-way.

Although the couple had been on the El Cortez casino floor many times, they had never had a room there – and they certainly had never been up in the penthouse suite, which is where the long-time owner, Jackie Gaughan, lived for 25 years, until his death in 2014.  The suite has remained unoccupied by a permanent resident since then although it may be rented out – at a high price, of course, by someone who wants to enjoy the throw-back luxury of the 50’s-60’s.  It is also available for group functions, such as this party the couple was attending. They not only enjoyed chatting with old friends and making new acquaintances, but the 15^th floor patio view at dusk gave a beautiful picture of downtown, with both the familiar old sights they remembered and the new buildup beyond the Fremont Street Experience.

The couple left the party, happy that they had made the effort to get out of the house that evening.  It had been an interesting and entertaining get-together.  Should they order up an Uber and go straight home from the El Cortez?

Or, should they continue down Fremont Street and revive some more memories?  There were still lots of coupons in the lady’s purse.

Tune in next week for the answer.

This may be the longest time ever we have not been around casinos since we moved to Vegas 20 years ago.  Our vacations have normally been planned around casino offers and comps – free hotel rooms, free cruises – and then combined with visits with friends and family.  And some people, hearing that we will be gone for 19 days, have already been asking whether we are getting bored and antsy to get back to VP.  And my answer is indicative of our change of attitudes and interests as we are getting older.  Yes, no matter how much one enjoys vacations, you are always glad to get back to your own home and a routine.  But we have not missed our casino life at all.

Yes, we will be back “in action” in April, but at the slower pace we had already embraced before this trip.  We no longer go out to a casino every day –just 3 or 4 days a week.  Of course, part of this is because of the decrease in good advantage-play opportunities, but more is based on our reduced energy level.   The days we do visit a casino our sessions are usually just 2-3 hours.

Now for answers to reader questions and some tidbits of information that I have found as I have had time to go through my files.

Q: My concern is a tax diary for my daily trips. Any chance maybe you and Bob Dancer can get together and collaborate on a diary to sell? At least we know it’s coming from highly reputable sources.

A: Thank you for your kind words! It would be hard to standardize a diary that would fit all gamblers’ need.  I put a couple sample diary forms in Tax Help for Gamblers, one an electronic example and one a hard-copy version.  If you aren’t skilled with electronic record-keeping, I think nothing beats a little calendar notebook in which you can, after each session, jot down all sorts of info you need/want to remember.

Q: Have you and Brad stopped playing blackjack?

A: We rarely play BJ unless we come across a coupon play or we are on a cruise ship and want to join friends in a purely social entertainment environment.

BRIEFS

I like it when casinos give detailed information about a promotion.  Here was the explanation from an Arizona Charlie’s about bonus points:

     7X Bonus Points: Every Sunday and Thursday in March, all players club members will receive 7X points on all same-day base slot points earned. All players club cards must be removed and reinserted no later than 11:59 p.m. on each promotional date to receive credit.

This is something you need to watch for.  At some casinos, when you are earning drawing entries, you need to remove your card before the stated deadline when the drum will close so your current play will count in figuring your virtual ticket total.

Something I don’t like casinos to do.  Give incomplete promo details that make you feel “tricked”:

SWIPE N’ WIN: Win up to $100 Free Slot Play!

And you win a scoop of gelato!

Frugal transportation hint:

Discount tickets for Nevada residents are available at all of the Monorail’s customer service ticketing offices upon presentation of your valid Nevada driver’s license, State of Nevada government-issued identification card or Nevada Sheriff Card. Local fare is $1 per ride.  Maximum purchase: two single ride tickets per person per day OR one 20-ride ticket no more frequently than every ten days.

Looking to learn how to play a new game?  Many casinos give free lessons, often during not-so-busy daytime weekday hours.  Here is a good one if you are in downtown Las Vegas:

Learn to play a new game or perfect skills with Golden Nugget’s free daily gaming lessons. Lessons are held on the casino floor.

• Three Card Poker, Crazy 4 Poker, Let it Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em and Mississippi Stud Poker

Daily – 10:00 a.m.

• Craps Lessons

Monday-Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.; Thursday-Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

• Blackjack Lessons

Daily – 11:00 a.m.

• Roulette Lessons

Daily – 11:30 a.m.

And in the I-hope-it-happens-but-I’d-bet-against-my-living-long-enough-to-see-it department:

The AGA (the American Gaming Association, which lobbies for the gaming industry ) recently highlighted six key policy areas that they were working on, one of which was “updating gaming tax policy, including an increase to the jackpot reporting threshold from $1,200 to $5,000.”

One can “get lucky” on recreational non-advantage play, but we did not on this trip.  So, our losses on our play just went into the column of “Vacation Expenses.”  But we had a relaxing and fun time, which was our goal.

We aren’t finicky foodies, so we enjoy the buffet, especially at breakfast.  Locals – and Vegas residents are considered “local” – automatically get the 2-for-1 price during the breakfast/lunch serving time.  We also like their Beach Café where prices are very reasonable. We have eaten at the Range Steakhouse many times and it is always top-notch when we want to go gourmet.

Since we are both at the Seven Star players club level, we took advantage of their Diamond Lounge frequently.  They serve hot food from 4 p.m. opening weekdays, at noon on the weekends.  We eat very lightly these days, so we often find items we like to make our complete small meals.   We especially like their chunky chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts. Seven Stars have an added benefit of a special-order appetizer/dessert menu.  Brad is a chocaholic but met his match with the “too-rich” double-chocolate cake selection and the next time joined me in the tasty and lighter ice cream and berry option.

We have been to Laughlin many times over the last 30+ years and enjoyed many of the fun activities this area affords.  Back when we were younger and long walks was our exercise of choice, we would hike the “river strip” – even in the hot summer heat.  It was an easier walk down from Harrah’s to the Riverside, but then we had to tackle the strenuous climb back up the hill on the way back, stopping often to cool off at each casino along the way.  These days when we want to visit other casinos, we take the river taxi!

Harrah’s is definitely a family destination.  Especially during the weekends, the restaurants, beach, and family pool are crowded with kids.  Good there is also an adult-only pool for a quieter experience!  The sandy beach is popular for all ages and the jet ski rental business there is booming all summer.

Down through the years we have enjoyed many side road trips. The Indian-owned Avi Resort and Casino 25 miles down the Colorado River has a Vegas-style hotel and casino, with many amenities that include a movie theater, an RV park, and beach and water activities.

You can see the original London Bridge, dismantled and brought over from England and reassembled, in Lake Havasu City, AZ.  An adventurous way to get there, which we did with our granddaughter and her friend, is on a jet boat that leaves the beach at Harrah’s for a scenic 2-hour ride 60 miles down the Colorado River.  There will be a stopover in Havasu City to see the bridge and have lunch and then the cruise back to Laughlin.

One of our favorite places to take friends and family is the historic former mining town of Oatman, Arizona, on Route 66, about a 45-minute drive from Laughlin.  These days it is a quirky tourist destination with fake gunfights in the streets, wild burros roaming carefree, and the usual places to eat and drink and buy kitschy souvenirs. If you don’t mind crowds and long walks after you finally find a parking place, hit the town during special events like the annual Bed Races or the Sidewalk Egg Fry Contest on the 4^th of July.  If you don’t have a car, there are commercial tours to Oatman and to many of the other attractions around Laughlin.

Many visitors to Laughlin are those who drive from Las Vegas, as we did.  That drive used to be a traffic nightmare before a divided highway was built.  And now it is even easier since the bypass around the Railroad Pass Casino has been completed.  However, a little bit of the old bad memories came back on this last trip since there is now construction between Searchlight and the Laughlin turn-off and we had to contend with about 16 miles of no-passing single lanes coming and going!  ☹  I talked about bus service between Las Vegas and Laughlin in a recent post but you need to Google that subject  for up-to-date information since these opportunities have come and gone down through the years, especially free trips sponsored by the Laughlin casinos.

One thing that many people may not know about is that Harrah’s Laughlin runs numerous air charter trips from many parts of the country, mainly the Midwest and South.  Some visitors take these charter packages regularly every few months, praising their convenience, with straight-through flights and included room accommodations.  When they land in the Bullhead City airport across the river, a bus is waiting to take them straight to the hotel.  The prices for these vary, but for many visitors, after they pay for the first trip, the future ones can be discounted or completely comped depending on their previous casino play history.  Some gamblers feel Laughlin is more laid-back, more like the good old days, and opt for it as an alternative to the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.

•  Check here for list of free Strip and near-Strip parking and shuttle options (with a list of the various charges for where it is not free).  One bad-news change is that the Rio shuttle to the Strip has been discontinued except during special events like tournaments.  The Gold Coast shuttle is still running but I have heard reports that it is not always available to everyone who lines up; people who have a room at a Boyd property have first dibs on the seats! 

• Be aware that anyone can park free at any Strip MGM or CZR property for one hour, handy for short errands inside like placing or collecting a sports bet, doing some business at the players club desk or kiosk, or picking up or dropping off people.

• Veterans have a great option, an older program at MGM properties and now a new one at the CZR ones.  Both veterans programs include a players club tier upgrade –  to Platinum for CZR, to Pearl for MGM – and one of the benefits of both of those include free parking.

• Of course, you can reach those levels – and score the free parking benefit – by playing but that involves risking your money.  There is one other way that doesn’t involve any risk – unless you can’t handle credit cards responsibly.  Both offer no-fee credit cards that will get you to those levels with a free-parking benefit.

Feel free to put in the “Comments” any details that you can add to help out your fellow parkers.

So here is my best effort at a Strip parking guide for the frugal although I make no guarantees. I encourage corrections – you won’t hurt my feelings!

Free Strip self-parking

Caesars Entertainment Properties – (free only for those with a Nevada driver’s license which they can swipe)

Treasure Island

SLS Las Vegas The Venetian / Palazzo

Tropicana

Circus Circus – (Valet charge only)

Stratosphere

Wynn/Encore – (Valet Charge only)

Trump Tower

Casino Royale

Free Parking Close to Strip (short walk)

Tuscany

Westin

Hooters

Hard Rock

Royal Resort

Ellis Island

Free Parking off-Strip (long walk)

Rio

Gold Coast

Palms

The Orleans

Outlying Casinos with Shuttles to the Strip

Palms ( for hotel guests only)

Rio

Gold Coast

Orleans

Sam’s Town

Silverton

M Casino – Shuttle to the Tropicana

J W Marriott (Rampart Casino)

Shopping centers with free parking in walking distance of casinos

The garage for the Miracle Mile shops provides just a short window-shopping jaunt into Planet Hollywood.

The Fashion Show Mall

The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay

The Shops at Crystals

NOTES

Check my last blog entry for details on casino credit card benefits that include free parking.

Check casino websites for players club high-tier parking benefits. Also look for casinos that give the first hour free to anyone for quickie errands into their property. Both MGM and Caesars CET) properties have this benefit.

As usual, and especially on this constantly-changing subject, put in the “Comments” or e-mail me any additional details or changes you personally come across.

And to close on a negative note: I just heard that some casinos in Reno are starting to charge for parking. I don’t know any details yet.

This disease has spread fast!

Free Self-Parking

First, here are the casinos that do not charge for self-parking – at the moment:

SLS Las Vegas

Treasure Island

The Venetian / Palazzo

Tropicana

Hooters (just off the Strip)

Circus Circus – (only MGM property that doesn’t charge for self-parking)

Stratosphere

Nearby Shopping Centers

Then, there are the shopping centers that  have free parking and are in walking distance of casinos:

The garage for the Miracle Mile shops provides just a short window-shopping jaunt into Planet Hollywood.

The Fashion Show Mall, a wonderful place to spend your money before you lose it in a casino.

The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay

The Shops at Crystals

Casino Company Credit Cards

Then there is the option offered by MGM and CZR, which could save you money, depending on your financial situation and how you use credit:  a company credit card with parking benefits as a perk of their players club on the higher-than-basic tier level.  You need to Google the benefits and figure the pros and cons of each of these.

The one from MGM seems to be really easy and involves no cost.  It’s a no-fee Mastercard credit card that gives you Pearl tier with no casino play required.  And at the Pearl level you have free self-parking.  I wasn’t sure how long you could remain at Pearl level after you first got the card if you didn’t play any at any MGM properties (ordinarily your tier level expires after a certain time period of no play) , but I found this VERY SMALL fine-print footnote at https://www.mlife.com/en/overview/mlife-rewards-mastercard.html :     M life Rewards Tier will remain at least Pearl Status as long as your account remains open and in good standing. I haven’t researched how long this credit card remains “open” if it is not used. Perhaps one would need to charge something at least once every year or so? A personal note when I got this credit card a few months ago:  I got some bonus players club points when I charged a certain amount in the first few months.  (I forget the details but offered bonuses may change from time to time.)

On the other hand, the CZR credit card requires an initial purchase in the first 90 days according to the details on their Website.

https://www.totalrewards.com/content/cet-tr/en/earn-and-redeem/with-tr-alliances/tr-visa.html?rd=CET_TR_TRVISA15_PROMORAIL_HOMEPAGE .  Then there are charging minimums in current calendar years thereafter:

UPGRADE TO PLATINUM STATUS⁶

By making your first purchase in the first 90 days. Platinum status provides you with⁷:

• • 15% discount at participating spas and casino gift shops

• • Preferred pricing at participating Total Rewards restaurants

• • Exclusive pre-sale access for select shows

• • Complimentary valet & self-parking

Maintain Platinum Tier status by spending $5000 in the current calendar year!

For both cards, you havtoe show/use a current players card that indicates the required tier level; you can not show the credit card.

 “Free” Parking Options that will Cost You

At the higher players club tiers in most casinos, free self-parking and even free valet parking are often offered as a benefit. Check to see the requirements at your favorite casino. But I can not think of any reason to play high just to get free parking. Sometimes free can be very expensive!!!

For a list of parking fees, both for self-parking and valet, you can go to https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/parking-fees/ on this site.

All of us who are trying to keep track of this subject can’t ever absolutely guarantee our information. I will gladly welcome and encourage all comments from anyone who has very  CURRENT updates –  personally-verified, not I-just-read or I-heard please!

Actually I really have no opinion on the current controversy and certainly have no advice for United. I’m sure they have a multitude of lawyers and PR people working on the problem. And this issue is with the airlines “involuntary bumping” procedures, that is, denying people a seat when they already have a firm pre-paid reservation. Brad and I are experts in the total opposite procedure which is volunteering to give up our reserved seats. In fact, when Brad and I first saw the dragging video on TV, we looked at each other and immediately had the same thought. Too bad he and I weren’t on that flight; we could have saved United possibly millions of dollars they may have to be shelling out because of this incident – and scored a nice financial bonus ourselves!

We don’t earn “airline comps” – what we have called volunteer bump money – as much as we used to when 33 years ago we started flying from our home in Indianapolis to visit casinos in Las Vegas and all over the US and overseas. For one thing, we don’t have the energy to travel as much as when we were younger and we aren’t as anxious to earn money by spending extra hours in an airport. And since we moved to Vegas permanently, we are already in our #1 casino destination. Also we have found that the airlines have been doing a better job the last few years – thanks to “big data” analysis – in estimating just how much they need to overbook to come very close in achieving full – but not over-full – flights. The need for bump volunteers has not disappeared but, in our experience, has decreased considerably.

That said, I have been surprised that the bumping procedure has not changed much the last 33 years. When I started writing my new majorly-updated Frugal book, I carefully re-read my previous ones. Although so much has changed in the casino world, when I looked through The Frugal Gambler, my first book, written in 1998, the only chapter that had almost no out-of-date details was the one talking about making money with airline bumps. (A good reason why Frugal 1 is still a terrific buy at the sale price offered at ShopLVA since I didn’t have room for that subject in the new book.  However, if you fly to get to your casino destination, there are still tricks you can use that might lead to possible ways to add to your gambling bankroll before you even arrive in the casino.)

We still use the very same techniques we used 30+ years ago when we are interested in possible bumps, checking in with the gate agent as early as possible to see if they are starting a volunteer bump list. We like to be at the top of that list. And even after we board, we listen carefully to see whether they will announce a last-minute juicy bonus for people to give up their seats. Some frugal habits just refuse to die!

Go to  his site for a rich source of his ideas for frugal gambling, accommodations, food, and entertainment.  He is a big fan of bus transportation to get around town and shares those money-saving experiences here.

Here are some of the Websites and Internet forums he and others use to keep up on the ever-changing casinos in a city that is constantly reinventing itself:

https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/resort-fee-hotels/

ACG forum

Vegas Message Board

A number of LVA forums on various gambling subjects, some free and some for LVA subscribers only.

————————

Another frugal resource, from The American Casino Guide:

Travelers looking for savings at U.S. casinos can now get the FREE American Casino Guide app that allows them to instantly download casino coupons directly to their iPhone or iPad. [Available for Android planned for the near future] The app was developed by the publishers of the American Casino Guide, which has been published annually for the past 24 years and is the #1 bestselling book in the U.S. on the subject of casino gambling and travel. A special new feature of the app is its “Instant Coupon” section which allows users to download coupons for FREE, or on a paid basis, for only 99 cents. However, as an introductory 90-day offer, all coupons can be downloaded for FREE, until October 31, 2015.

A friend on one forum who has worked at airline jobs for many years gave some interesting and helpful insight into this subject that she has given me permission to share with my readers:

According to the new DOT (Dept of Transportation) regulations, if an airline cannot get a “volunteer” and must deny boarding to a customer who had a reservation, they have to pay them double what they paid for their ticket in cash up to $650 ($1300 international)–depending on time delay before their rebooked flight.  Therefore, the airlines are not overbooking flights like they used to. In fact, many are booking even–risking going with empty seats rather than having to “pay” to deny someone boarding. So if you’re a “bumper” you may not find as many opportunities available in the future compared to your past experience.

If you MUST be somewhere and you’re flying–GO THE DAY PRIOR!!!  You never know what might happen or how weather or other problems in other parts of the country can affect you and the plane you’re scheduled to fly on.

Also, if you are going to “volunteer” to take a bump, by all means get your name on the volunteer list at the gate as soon as possible. Sometimes it MAY pay to wait and volunteer at the gate when the agent is “desperate” (ie–higher dollar vouchers) but then you risk others getting ahead of you.

Another thing – one that became more obvious during Hurricane Sandy — airlines would rather cancel a flight ahead of time rather than risk a tarmac delay which incurs large fines.

 ———————————–

You can read more about the new DOT regs here and also here.

Also there are many practical hints and details  about the airplane bump in my first book, The Frugal Gambler, where I devote a whole chapter to this subject, one of Brad’s and my favorite money-making tactics!