Recap: Two Bumps, SilverKris Lounge, and the SFO Red Roof Inn

I reported yesterday that I scored a bump on my Sunday SFO-PHL flight and was rebooked in First Class on a non-stop flight this morning. The flight was oversold again and I happily gave up my seat for another $600 voucher. I was rebooked into Baltimore this afternoon and now will have to find my way to Philadelphia in the morning. I could have remained in San Francisco another day, but I really need to be back in PHL tomorrow so I do not anticipate taking another bump on the BWI flight, even though it is oversold by 19. Still, if a seat opens up on the SFO-PHL redeye, I would not mind making another $600!

^{My happy predicament}

I’ve had a lot of time at SFO and enjoyed brunch in Singapore’s SilverKris lounge the last two days. If you have a Star Gold card and are ever at SFO between 0900-1215 or 2045-1200, check out the lounge: the food and beverage selection puts the Red Carpet Club to shame.

After my bump yesterday, UA gave me a voucher for the Red Roof Inn near the airport. You know from my trip reports that I have no qualms with cheap hostels or hotels, but when someone else is footing the bill I appreciate at least a three star, especially in the U.S. After seeking advice from Lucky, I asked a really nice agent in the Red Carpet Club to move me to a better hotel. After a few moments of searching, he said that the Red Roof Inn was the only hotel available. I asked another agent in baggage claim on the way out and she confirmed that the Doubletree or Crowne Plaza were sold out.

As it turned out, I spent very little at the hotel (I had a wonderful dinner with my cousins in Fremont), but it wasn’t that bad. At least it was clean.

When I was in the Air Force, "Flexibility is the Key to Air Power" was a frequent slogan plastered on walls and in manuals. After another $1200 in bumps, it is clear that the statement is also applicable to commercial travel.