The opening fesitivities of Frequent Traveler University (FTU) Seattle are about to begin: a reception this evening and then a full day of seminars tomorrow and Sunday. I will be be delivering a presentation tomorrow afternoon called “Hacking United Airlines.”
I cringe even saying the word “hacking” because it just sounds illegal, or at the very least unethical. But travel hacking is only about taking advantage of rules and polices to hack down the cost of your trip–there is no shame in doing this.
My talk will be elementary to many used to flying on United, but I will go through, as best as this MillionMiler flyer who has been exceedingly loyal to United for the last decade can, the whole United experience–from planning and booking to the travel itself and all the little tricks to save money, earn points, and maximize comfort.
I hope to meet some of you this weekend and hope to help those who attend my session better understand all aspects of United Airlines.
I’ve got thoughts on United’s dismal financial numbers released today, but I will hold those till next week.
I cannot honestly beleive people would waste their money on FTU when one could easily read online or do the research themselves. And the fact that you are profiting off of this people disgusts me. I guess I really should stop reading your blog now. I thought you were above such a thing, guess not!
Aside from James’ ridicolous comment that you shouldn’t be allowed to profit for giving people information, I would have thoroughly enjoyed being able to learn from you regarding this even if I could have researched it myself.
James, a little education for you. That’s how capitalism works, you pay for information you don’t have AND if you do have it, you pay for the conveinence of having people like Matthew (who is aware of many more tricks and has practiced this himself) present this to you.
Do us readers, who appreciate Matt’s expertise and thoughts a favor, don’t read his blog anymore. At least we won’t have to deal with your ridicolous comments.
James: I have been reading Matthew’s and other bloggers’ posts for years. I would even consider myself a semi-pro. However, I am at FTU and have found it quite useful. In Matthew’s presentation he shared one tip that might help me clear upgrades more frequently than my experience suggests. Well worth the time and admission fee.
Matthew I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation at FTU. I think the numbers in the room were a reflection on the high interest and quality of your presentation. Thank you very much for spending the time with us and giving us some fantastic insights into the UA product. I am a relatively new convert to United and normally fly Qantas. Unfortunately, you can’t please everybody but if you have somebody who disagrees with you then you have stood for something worthwhile. I encourage you to continue to thrive in your business and wish you well in the process. Hope to see you in Los Angeles or Germany sometime in the future.
@ James — Matt isn’t profiting off “this people” (sic). AFAIK, speakers aren’t paid for participation in FTU. They do get exposure to more readers, of course. Given that you get drinks (Fri.) & two lunches (Sat. & Sun.), $99 isn’t too bad. And they do move FTUs around so that many people are local or don’t have to travel far.
@ Matt — sorry missed you session at FTU. Are you doing FTU Advanced in September? I guess, the fact there are multiple breakout sessions is why people attend multiple FTUs 🙂 Also, perhaps you could suggest to FTU folks that they post short descriptions of panels on their site. Understandably, there’s no space in a printed program but I know many people weren’t completely clear what some of the panels were going to be about.