Funny you should say that. I explained to my parents the realities of novreving and it was enough to keep them away. Saved us both from a real headache.

They can also use the record locator/ reservation number you gave them and check in on line. Have them indicate the number of bags they want checked and then they can go right to the bag drop upon arrival at the airport. Each non rev or fly confirmed for less/even less passenger gets two free checked bags up to 50 lbs.

*She can select a boarding priority upon check-in on line as well.

I do not think that parents get S-2 if you have a wife or dependent children so be careful in giving that advice. They travel S-3B alone or on your priority when traveling with you.

dalcomm.alpa.org
**UPDATE** THE 09NOV11 AE BID WILL NOW CLOSE AT 1400E ON MONDAY NOV 21. ENSURE YOUR AE/VD/MD BIDS ARE UP TO DATE AND APPROPRIATE.

My parents are the exact opposite. I tell them the 0700 flight is wide open. "Too early, we will go on the 1030 flight" says Mom. Not looking good says I.

They end up getting first class. Thinking about that must explain my non-reving luck. Its easy to see who got all the non-rev "Karma" in the family.

Scoop

Do what I do, buy them the Fly Confirmed for Less tickets at a discount. My parents love it and travel all over the world.

Thanks for all the medical plan help. Still not sure what is best but leaning towards Gold HRA.

As far as parents, mine have traveled all over. They loved the S2s since I was single for a while, but they have adapted to the S3Bs. The real tricky stuff comes when they've flown on ID90s, that can be a nightmare. They got caught in Panama City, Panama for 3 days trying to get out on COPA, but finally did. All depends on the parents, but mine are used to traveling and going with the flow.

I have sent parents, friends, family all over the world with non-rev / buddy passes. With them being flexible on travel dates I have more than gotten my money out of the benefit. My parents are retired and I have called them on short notice and have told them some travel options with wide open loads. Never had a problem and they have seen the world almost always riding 1st class.

ACL, is that expensive?
I have used the PPO option has helped us more than any other option. I have a family and we are at the DR. OFFICE quite a bit (even with the free preventative mx). We have even had a minor surgery this year. Even with the company funding for the other plans, the PPO has come out ahead. Take a look at it and when you use the COMPANY calculator/tool make sure you are realistic with the numbers provided. I had to input my own numbers and forecast to get an accurate result.

TEN

I've been doing the Diamond HSA and for the most part have been pleased with the predictability of it. This year kind of stinks though as they transition to a 90/10 copay when you meet your deductible. The maximum out of pocket is $6k I believe. When I did the HSA vs. HRA calculator the HSA came out ahead by about $800. One of the benefits I liked about the HSA was that if you maxed out your contribution to the bank you pocketed at least $1500 every year that you could in theory bank to retirement and then use that money to pay for medical expenses in retirement. Now that we have the 90/10, if you make it to the $6k limit, you will only bank $150 into the account. Since there is no way to make extra tax deductible contributions they've taken away a big advantage in my book for it.

As others have stated, I like the HSA during pregnancy years because the kids can be expensive. My wife has four weeks to go before number 2 and we met our deductible in July. Everything now is a copay of zero. Very nice going into the holidays. Plus, if your wife is over 30 there are a lot of additional tests doctors run during pregnancy that can add significantly to your bill. The HSA takes that uncertainty out.

TYG;
They can be, but it relieves the hassle of hearing the complain about getting stuck in places like PRG with it is Payload Optimized. I can generally get our BE seats for about 700 bucks less with the discount. They are happy, and I do not have to worry about them getting stuck. They love our BE service and actually sleep. Well worth the cost, imo! :D