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Cheers from an undisclosed location (there’s a hint at the end of this newsletter). We left off last week from the AZUL Blue Resort in Rivera Maya, Mexico. This week we fly to San Francisco to spend a relaxing weekend with some friends, before heading back out of the country. It’s been a while since I visited the City by the Bay, and I had almost forgotten how beautiful and outdoorsy it is. If you want to come hiking and see some great vistas, pack your weekend bag – we’re off to San Francisco!

CANCUN TO LAX
From the AZUL Blue resort I drove 80 miles back up to Cancun through Playa Del Carmen, then flew 5 hours and 20 minutes home. What’s crazy is that there was a nasty verbal fight between two passengers right at the gate area – in fact, they almost threw punches. These guys (one in his early 20s, the other in his late 40’s) should have been denied boarding, and arrested for their crazy episode. Surprisingly, they were not. However, I did see the captain have strong words with one of them. (I’m sure it was something like "If you cause any commotion on my plane, your butt will be headed to jail the minute we land – if the other passengers don’t tie you up and beat you first.") Other than that my Alaska Airlines flight was smooth, on time, and they served the best cheeseburger I’ve ever had on a plane. And because Alaska is partners with American Airlines, I accrued AAdvantage miles.

AMERICAN AIRLINES CHALLENGE
Unfortunately those miles don’t count toward the American Airlines Platinum Challenge I am currently involved in (you can be, too). To obtain the benefits of elite membership (special call-in reservation number, separate check-in lines, better seat assignments, greater access to upgrades, pre-boarding…) without having to fly the actual 25,000 air miles in a calendar year (for Gold status) or 50,000 miles (Platinum), listen up. American has instituted a Gold and Platinum Challenge. But don’t go looking on American’s website for it -- they don’t publicize these challenges anywhere. I learned about it only when I called to see if I could finagle them to restore my elite status, which I lost because I was a few thousand miles short in my 2006 AAdvantage account. I flew close to 150,000 miles last year, but it was on more than 30 different airlines. Only 19,000 miles were on American. The agent offered me this challenge. It’s perfect if you fly American a few times during a three-month period, or take a long international flight. It doesn’t cost anything, and reaching Gold status requires just 5,000 points (10,000 for Platinum) in that three-month time. One mile equals one point with a full-fare economy ticket; one mile equals a half-point for discounted economy fares. Code share partners (like my Alaska flight) don’t count. To apply for the challenge call 800-882-8880 -- and be sure NOT to tell them Johnny Jet told you! (However, you CAN tell your friends and colleagues to sign up for this newsletter at JohnnyJet.com.)

AIRPORT PARKING
Because I went up to San Francisco for only a couple of nights, I parked my car at Park One – the closest off-airport lot at LAX. It’s a 50-yard walk to Terminal 1. If you don’t want to walk, or are headed to other terminals, a platoon of shuttle buses depart every five minutes. Daily rates are $15.95 for self-park, $19.95 for valet. Members of Southwest Rapids Reward’s program can show their card for a 15 % discount; AAA members get 10% off. Airport parking can be nerve-racking: Most people rush to the airport (like moi), and you never know if the only parking garage will have a "Lot Full" sign (especially around the holidays). To alleviate those concerns, you can reserve your parking spot in advance, online. This gives you peace of mind -- and you get a discount as well! With AirportParkingReservations.com you pay online for one day; when you drive out, that one-day fee is deducted from your bill by the parking attendant. They have guaranteed deals with thousands of parking lots all across the U.S. and in Canada. You gotta love it!

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