Tentative Itinerary given to us by TA

[nana541]

Sarah, if you use a CC in an ATM that is simply a Credit card then you are getting a cash advance with all the fees that would entail.

If you have a Debit Card tied to a savings or checking acct then there is just a small convenience fee.

 

I guess I am a lazy traveler. I do like to pay a very small fee and order some Euros from my bank at home. They don't usually have this $$ on hand but order it and it comes to your branch in a day or two for you to pick up.

 

When I get to the airport in Europe (Frankfurt) I am usually too tired and busy trying to get to my next gate to look for an ATM machine. I'm sure they are there someplace but I am always a bit overwhelmed with "ok now where do I go".

 

So for me I bring my 150 Euros from home, just one less thing to deal with!

 

PS: both you and grandpa need to call your banks (credit cards & debit cards) to let them know you are taking their cards to places they rarely if ever go. Banks will want dates and where you are going with those cards. Grandpa should bring a least 2 cards and you should hold one for him. That way if his wallet is lost or stolen both cards are not gone.

 

 

PS Call United!!! And keep checking both reservations.

 

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Edited April 22, 2014 by nana541

[sarawithanh]

Good tip on splitting the cards up between gramps and me!

 

I have a travel belt that I will have him wear and put his passport in for when we go to the casino in Monte Carlo. Or I may just wear everything since I'm a bit more "aware" of possibilities of theft and such when traveling. I also have a travel bag that is theft proof - i.e. has zips and buckle flap and strap is not easily cut :)

[sarawithanh]

Looked up United flight. we have our seats.

 

Though, I told the TA about 2 concerns:

 

1) my name is wrong again "SARAHANN" instead of Sarah Ann Sarah is my first name. Ann is my second name. grrr.

 

2) There was a strange message that said

"This reservation is not ticketed.

We will hold this reservation until midnight Tue., Apr. 22, 2014 in Washington, DC (IAD - Dulles)."

 

So I have an email into the TA about that. Strange.

[nana541]

Looked up United flight. we have our seats.

 

Though, I told the TA about 2 concerns:

 

1) my name is wrong again "SARAHANN" instead of Sarah Ann Sarah is my first name. Ann is my second name. grrr.

 

2) There was a strange message that said

"This reservation is not ticketed.

We will hold this reservation until midnight Tue., Apr. 22, 2014 in Washington, DC (IAD - Dulles)."

 

So I have an email into the TA about that. Strange.

 

 

I don't think the spelling will be a huge issue as it's pretty clear the space is just missing. But if it can be fixed that would be best.

 

The note in the United records I think is typical for tickets purchased by cruiselines and I've seen this before. But still have your TA look into it.

 

Maybe others with more current experience can address the way tickets and the contracts Regent has with airlines work. They don't pay for tickets until much closer to sailing, this is normal.

 

Don't forget to log into both those airline accounts often between now and departure... Check and double check!

 

You are on the final stretch and will be leaving for this magical cruise before you know it!

 

 

 

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[Travelcat2]

Sarah, if you use a CC in an ATM that is simply a Credit card then you are getting a cash advance with all the fees that would entail.

If you have a Debit Card tied to a savings or checking acct then there is just a small convenience fee.

 

I guess I am a lazy traveler. I do like to pay a very small fee and order some Euros from my bank at home. They don't usually have this $$ on hand but order it and it comes to your branch in a day or two for you to pick up.

 

When I get to the airport in Europe (Frankfurt) I am usually too tired and busy trying to get to my next gate to look for an ATM machine. I'm sure they are there someplace but I am always a bit overwhelmed with "ok now where do I go".

 

So for me I bring my 150 Euros from home, just one less thing to deal with!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

I am a bit surprised that you order foreign currency from your bank. Is this a special service that you qualify for at your bank? It has been our experience that the fees are far more at banks than using a debit card in an ATM machine.

 

In terms of Frankfurt airport, I do want to stress that it is a LONG walk from one terminal to the other. I understand that there will be a wheelchair for your grandfather which is good. In my opinion, this is the worst airport in the world in terms of going from one gate to another (in terms of time). However, as long as you know this in advance, there is no reason to stress about it and there will be time to stop at the ATM. Also hope there is time to stop at the Lufthansa lounge to relax and get a bite to eat.

 

Try not to let the pre-trip "stuff" get stressful. Everything will work out. Flights rarely change dramatically. I would check on them a week or two prior to departure. We have flown around the world for 30+ years. The worst plane delays were into Miami and leaving Vancouver (due to weather). Not bad considering all of the flights we have taken since 1987. We have never had an issue with Lufthansa or United.

[nana541]

Have ordered currency from our broker Morgan Stanley and our small town Chase Branch. Both times got maybe 200 to 250 Euros in about two days. Fee was small and reasonable, exchange rate fair. I would just rather not mess with an ATM when I have just flown from the West Coast of the US and my gate is still a good 45 min walk in Frankfurt!

 

It's just me wanting one less thing to worry about, and that convenience alone is priceless! I have used ATM's in Europe often to get cash for private excursions and guides.

 

Did I say I hate Frankfurt! Try to avoid that airport when ever possible.

 

Sarah, you will be fine don't let any of us scare you off. You are going to have a wonderful adventure with your grandfather! Enjoy :)

 

TC, you are right the fees from an ATM are less, I just want to know I've got that money with me in the event of (gosh I don't know) some emergency, late arrival, I forget, been known to forget .....

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Edited April 22, 2014 by nana541

[rallydave]

No worries on the United status. As Nana stated, this is typical and every day the cancellation date will move one day further until the ticked is paid for. The payment may not occur for awhile but, no worries

 

As to the name on the record, since my middle name is on my passport and drivers license, I put it into United and on line as well as on my boarding pass there is no space between my first name and middle initial so that is something inherent in United's web site and nothing to be worried about or fixed. Haven't had any questions by United, TSA, etc. with the missing space. My DW's account is the same as mine with her middle initial right next to her first name.

 

Nothing to worry about.

[RachelG]

I don't think the name thing will be an issue as it is clear there is just a space missing. My oldest son goes by his first and middle name on airline reservations to differentiate him from his dad, and they almost run the first and middle name together. Has never been a problem.

 

But I would definitely call United this evening if the reservation doesn't show that it is ticketed yet. They may have some plausible answer, but I know from experience that you have to take charge of these things yourself to get it done right. And you can mention the name thing too.

 

I always get some currency from Bank of America before we leave. I just like not having to worry about it. Since everything on the cruise is included, you won't need all that much--maybe $150 or so.

[rallydave]

But I would definitely call United this evening if the reservation doesn't show that it is ticketed yet. They may have some plausible answer, but I know from experience that you have to take charge of these things yourself to get it done right. And you can mention the name thing too.

 

 

Actually United would have no response to a question regarding the flight being ticketed yet as they are waiting for the cruise line to make final payment. Cruise lines booking flights have the ability per their contracts to reserve flights and not make final payment until closer to the flight date. The airline is simply waiting for final payment and will not ticket until all money for the flight is paid.

 

Our last Regent cruise we deviated and paid the extra $999 PP for Business class back home from Europe and United showed the flight booked but, not ticketed from the time we paid the $999 PP + Deviation Fee. I was concerned as many of you are and contacted United as well as the cruise line and was told that it would show ticketed closer to the actual flight and not to worry as the system would roll the date by which the ticket must be paid for every day. That is a system thing but, no reason to worry as the reservation is there with seats assigned and the flight will show ticketed. Seem to remember that the cancellation penalty becomes 75% at the 60 day mark which is tomorrow for the June 22 cruise so hopefully the flight will be fully paid for and ticketed in the next couple of days.

 

Again, no reason to worry or be concerned. You can even go on line and change your seats if you choose with the United site even before ticketing.

[sarawithanh]

Thanks guys!!!

 

I won't let the pre-cruise stuff get to me, its part of the "fun" teehee...but my mind is constantly thinking of things.

 

which is funny b/c i really should be focusing on school - and I am, its just nice to take a break and look up trip stuff!

 

Mom wants me to hurry up and finish school so I can look up stuff for our cruise in January with my parents. bwahahaha. I guess I didn't tell her I only have 1 week of summer "break" between spring semester and summer semester. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I have another topic to post about so I will start a new thread:D

[Travelcat2]

Go back to studying! There is nothing urgent that you need to do.

 

Obviously, regulars on the board like you a lot (so do I:-) and tend to over-mother you (in my opinion). Also, you are receiving conflicting information that can be confusing. Everyone is giving you their experience - based on whenever they sailed on Regent. The same goes for airlines. I know that you are perfectly capable of dealing with the airlines directly when the time comes and can see absolutely no reason to call them immediately (unless you feel you want to do so).

 

I'm trying to be the voice of reason in the midst of all of the helpful posts. Our last Regent cruise was in January and our next is in June. We went into the airline website site for June's cruise and selected seats. I have checked on them once -- they are fine (haven't gone anywhere :D ) and will check again a week before the cruise. My only concern is packing (for a 28 night cruise).

 

P.S. In terms of name issues, I changed my first name (legally) last year. It took all of 5 minutes to make the changes with Regent.

[findacruise]

My husband has the same issue with UNITED running his first and middle names together so no need to worry. Echo OPs comments on ticketing. I have checked flights and that date just keeps moving forward 1 day at a time. I have also noticed that foreign carriers are much better about not changing the times on flights than American carriers.

 

Relax, finish school and get ready for a fabulous time on Regent. I remember our first Regent cruise a few years ago - it was wonderful. You and Gramps will love the space in the suite.

[debijaynes]

Our bank doesn't charge fees either--Northern Trust. Was surprised that some banks do!!

 

Debi

[Suite Travels]

We bank at Northern as well. We are not charged bank fees as well. The only fees we pay are for Trust management. We love Nothern Trust.