Lesson Learned - do NOT buy airfare through NCL!

[schmoopie17]

10 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

I've used NCL BOGO Air twice. I never had any issue, whatsoever!

You're in the camp that says BOGO stands for:

Book

Our

Great

Opportunities

 

Others say BOGO stands for:

Better

Off

Getting

Own

 

People either love it or hate it.

If there is one thing that truly qualifies under the mantra of YMMV, it's BOGO.

[cruiseny4life]

59 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

You're in the camp that says BOGO stands for:

Book

Our

Great

Opportunities

 

Others say BOGO stands for:

Better

Off

Getting

Own

 

People either love it or hate it.

If there is one thing that truly qualifies under the mantra of YMMV, it's BOGO.

And I'm in that first camp, because I know exactly what to expect. If more folks would educate themselves first, they'd either a) know NCL isn't going to give them more than the minimum, b) not book NCL BOGO Air. 

 

Plenty of folks can be Better Off Getting Own (Registered Trademark, @schmoopie17, 2024). I have no issue with that. I just truly do not understand why they have to constantly post about how terrible the NCL BOGO Air Program is. If you haven't experienced...just scroll on by. There's plenty of me's (that appreciate the program) and plenty of @rivkadr's) (that used and hate the program). Let us provide the facts, either way rather than the ranting and raving by unqualified folks who have no experience with the program. 

[BunnyHutt]

On 6/2/2024 at 7:13 AM, RocketMan275 said:

I've seen the claim but I've never seen the proof.

I’m going to guess some sort of interline rate. 
 

My husband is airline so we, technically, could cruise for super-cheap. Unfortunately we’re not at a phase in our life where we can travel at the drop of a hat so we book in advance and I watch for fare drops like everyone else. 

[Nola26]

On 5/29/2024 at 6:38 AM, Acruzaholic said:

I would never never never let NCL handle the air flights.Did it once-learned lesson you will get the worst departure/connections times, and cheapest flights they can find.

It varies we had Nonstop United Newark to Barcelona round trip, awesome times both ways, $399pp RT.

 

Athens had us connect in Copenhagen on SAS, new planes. Not my preferred airline, but good experience, $398pp RT.

 

Upcoming cruise will be into Stockholm and out of Paris. Potentially multiple connections so not really stressing about that. I hope for certain airlines and pray to avoid a few others, but I signed a deal and will go with whatever comes our way. I think our fee was $1100 for two people, we'd have to be under $300pp for each trip to match that price.

 

If you have status with an airline you still get to use those perks. NCL books Coach, not Basic Economy so you can collect miles/segments as usual.

Edited June 10 by Nola26

[Nola26]

Just wanted to share that we have our flight information for our 3rd NCL BOGO Air trip. 

 

Iceland Air Friday 8pm one stop in Iceland (extra passport stamp!) and Stockholm midday Saturday. Connection under 2hrs.

 

Return from Paris is United nonstop mid morning and back in Newark around noon.

 

Cannot complain with these options other than Iceland Air isn't part of one of the bigger Carrier networks so miles won't be worth much. 

 

We'll be able to tour Stockholm on Saturday and Sunday AM and Paris all day on Friday, all good.

[ontheweb]

4 hours ago, Nola26 said:

Just wanted to share that we have our flight information for our 3rd NCL BOGO Air trip. 

 

Iceland Air Friday 8pm one stop in Iceland (extra passport stamp!) and Stockholm midday Saturday. Connection under 2hrs.

 

Return from Paris is United nonstop mid morning and back in Newark around noon.

 

Cannot complain with these options other than Iceland Air isn't part of one of the bigger Carrier networks so miles won't be worth much. 

 

We'll be able to tour Stockholm on Saturday and Sunday AM and Paris all day on Friday, all good.

For those who fly Iceland Air, be aware that they do not serve a free meal even when crossing the Atlantic.

 

The one airline that Iceland Air shares miles with is Jet Blue/

[jame_g]

We only booked air through NCL (or any cruise line) once, back in 2006 for our very first cruise. NCL booked us on a flight scheduled to land at the same time the ship was scheduled to leave port (after all aboard time). Fortunately the flight landed on time, and there were also at least 30 other people from the flight booked on the cruise. So the ship waited for the bus load of us all to arrive. But the terminal was already closed and locked. They had to unlock it to let us in. There were only a couple people left to check us in. And although they were literally rushing us off the bus and through the terminal, there was no one available to help the elderly or handicapped who needed assistance. Yet they still wanted us all to stop for boarding photos. When we got to our suite, ice in the champagne bucket was melted and the champagne was warm, and the canapes had set out all day and were inedible. Ever since then, I make all my own travel arrangements.

[jrt.mom]

That's a good reason to ask for a variance and arrive at least a day early if you can.

[Catchum]

For short haul 2-3 hours I'm prepared to risk it - especially if it is from different embarkation/ disembark airports and includes transfers. For long haul we travel up to a week before and after. The flights are expensive so maximise your time away.

[Wayward Son]

3 hours ago, Catchum said:

For short haul 2-3 hours I'm prepared to risk it

 

Flight duration doesn't really matter.  If it's cancelled, it's cancelled.

 

[ontheweb]

33 minutes ago, Wayward Son said:

 

Flight duration doesn't really matter.  If it's cancelled, it's cancelled.

 

And similarly, if it is delayed, it is delayed.

[lujack]

I am so sorry to hear this!  Last Summer we had a similar experience to Iceland.  My biggest complaint is NCL had no one to help, Air dept, cruise specialist....no one.  My daughter had gone ahead of us and was on the ship.  After all kinds of near misses, we landed in Iceland with 1 hour to get to the ship.  (no luggage made it) It was about an hour to the ship and no one could say that the ship would wait.  My daughter telling them we were literally speeding there, me telling NCL we were on our way and praying the ship would still be there.  They were pulling the stairs away when we arrived and allowed us to board.  If someone could have just helped a little, all the numbers they give you in advance meant nothing as you're panicked as you are paying a small fortune to make it to a ship you're not sure will be there.  Also if you have 2 rooms, your party may not fly together AND if you want to remove the BOGO even 1 day after final payment there is a huge penalty.  No flights booked, just taking off a benefit and they hit you.  Never again.

[wncretired]

I have used NCL Air for my last 6 cruises. Everything was great. Until it wasn’t!!

I don’t mind a little inconvenience, if I can get decent seats. This fall will be my last trip using NCL Air to Rome and back. From now on, it is me and Delta. Bottom line is that I want to fly when I want to fly, and sit where I want to sit. Whatever it costs, it just costs. 

[RocketMan275]

10 hours ago, wncretired said:

I have used NCL Air for my last 6 cruises. Everything was great. Until it wasn’t!!

I don’t mind a little inconvenience, if I can get decent seats. This fall will be my last trip using NCL Air to Rome and back. From now on, it is me and Delta. Bottom line is that I want to fly when I want to fly, and sit where I want to sit. Whatever it costs, it just costs. 

We're too old to skimp on comfort.

Remember, your grandkids will spend the money you saved by flying coach for them to fly first class.

[Katrina1547]

37 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

We're too old to skimp on comfort.

Remember, your grandkids will spend the money you saved by flying coach for them to fly first class.

Exactly! Which is why my sisters and I are trying to convince Mom (almost 80, with health challenges but very well off), "Time to stop flying Southwest, book yourself a first class seat for cryin out loud! We'll be getting enough of your money once you're gone"

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, Katrina1547 said:

Exactly! Which is why my sisters and I are trying to convince Mom (almost 80, with health challenges but very well off), "Time to stop flying Southwest, book yourself a first class seat for cryin out loud! We'll be getting enough of your money once you're gone"

A wise friend said that one of the biggest challenges in retirement is achieving the understand that it's time to spend your savings.

[Catchum]

22 hours ago, Wayward Son said:

 

Flight duration doesn't really matter.  If it's cancelled, it's cancelled.

 

Agreed but there is a greater chance of a later flight and catch up with a short flight - plus when you are cruising "locally" and have no other costs to consider I will let the cruise line take the hit.

 

May be I should have said I'll risk booking a flight with a cruise line when missing the ship would no be the end of the world.

[wncretired]

5 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

A wise friend said that one of the biggest challenges in retirement is achieving the understand that it's time to spend your savings.

Yes indeed. A VERY WISE friend!!

[IRMO12HD]

On 6/10/2024 at 2:00 PM, ontheweb said:

For those who fly Iceland Air, be aware that they do not serve a free meal even when crossing the Atlantic.

 

The one airline that Iceland Air shares miles with is Jet Blue/

I believe Iceland Air also shares miles with Alaska Airlines

 

[jrt.mom]

8 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

A wise friend said that one of the biggest challenges in retirement is achieving the understand that it's time to spend your savings.

My goal is to run out of money about a month before I run out of time...🤣

[RocketMan275]

11 hours ago, jrt.mom said:

My goal is to run out of money about a month before I run out of time...🤣

My dad timed it too perfection.  He was always afraid of having to go on 'relief', ie, welfare.  He lived in assisted living his last two years.  He paid all his expenses.  He died one month before having to apply for welfare.  He's my role model.

[PATRLR]

On 6/11/2024 at 1:33 PM, Catchum said:

For short haul 2-3 hours I'm prepared to risk it -

 

On 6/11/2024 at 4:57 PM, Wayward Son said:

Flight duration doesn't really matter.  If it's cancelled, it's cancelled.

Not true.  A cancelled BOS-MIA flight is far easier to work around than a cancelled BOS-BCN or BOS-ATH.  Heck, even BOS-LHR has far few options than BOS-MIA.

 

Don't get me wrong, I am not an advocate for NCL air, but, I can see less risk in the short hauls.

Edited June 13 by PATRLR

[PATRLR]

21 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

A wise friend said that one of the biggest challenges in retirement is achieving the understand that it's time to spend your savings.

As I haven't hit retirement yet, I can't say I've achieved that understanding.  But, I have on multiple occasions made it clear to my wife that I have no interest in dying on a pile of money and I've made it clear to my daughter not to expect to inherit a penny. 

[roddy good boy]

I hope to leave my kids just a bit. My parents enjoyed their retirement, but left enough to pay for my daughter’s last year of undergrad (huge burden lifted) and for us to give my son a down payment on his condo. My in-laws ( who lived to be 90 plus)  wouldn’t spend a dime, wouldn’t even improve their home enough to install a much needed walk in tub. So now we’re using their money to upgrade our tub to a walk in. 🤦🏻‍♀️I think it’s all about balance. 

Edited June 13 by roddy good boy

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, roddy good boy said:

I hope to leave my kids just a bit. My parents enjoyed their retirement, but left enough to pay for my daughter’s last year of undergrad (huge burden lifted) and for us to give my son a down payment on his condo. My in-laws ( who lived to be 90 plus)  wouldn’t spend a dime, wouldn’t even improve their home enough to install a much needed walk in tub. So now we’re using their money to upgrade our tub to a walk in. 🤦🏻‍♀️I think it’s all about balance. 

We have no need to leave any for our son.  He makes more than I ever did and let's just say he married well.