Re: [Philmont]: Philmont Fee Schedules

Roy: Back from the Sierras. Some comments:

In my experience, each airline will have their own regs on
substitutions. The maximum flexibility is usually when you are
travelling as a group, when everyone has the exact same travel plans
(that is, that the group stays as a group start to finish), and when
no-one has used frequent flyer miles. The airlines are usually most
flexible when dealing with groups.

On those occasions where we have had to make substitutions past the
deadline, or switch someone's travel plans, there was usually a fee
involved. However, it has not been outrageous - something on the order
of $75. Where things get ugly is when you add new people at the last
minute - that's when you end up paying a full or nearly full fare. This
happened to us once, and the adult involved ended up paying over $900
(negotiated down from over $1200) for Dulles to Denver. Again, this was
an addition, not a substitution. [Note that this may have changed since
9/11.]

As you already know from my diaries, we go through Colorado Springs and
do quite a variety of rather pricey activities in central Colorado,
including horseback riding, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain
biking, Pike's Peak, Royal Gorge, Cave of the Winds, etc. In all cases,
I always try to make the reservations generically, as "Troop 111". If a
name is demanded, I make it "Troop 111/Bob Klein/Other Primary Adult's
Name". To date, none of these activities has ever penalized us for
having either fewer or more people than the original reservation - even
for things like horseback riding or the Cog Railway, where they really
do want pretty solid numbers. But then again, we have never been off
the original reservation numbers by more than one or at worst two, and
unless it's a last second thing (injury or illness preventing
participation in Philmont), I have always notified them (the vendors) in
advance of our arrival. Even 24 hours notice is appreciated.

I can't speak for Albuquerque, but based on my personal experiences, the
folks in Colorado Springs involved in adventure tourism are very
flexible, at least for Scout groups.

- Bob

R Fisher wrote:
> Greetings All,
>
> I have been reading with interest the comments related to posting fees
> for Philmont. We are in the initial stages of putting together a group
> for 2006 (hopefully - all fingers are crossed). Like many crews from
> our area, in the past, we have driven out to the ranch - this is part of
> why you see all the Texas license plates in the parking lot. I am
> looking at the possibility of flying out to C. Springs or Albuquerque
> and spending some time doing other fun things as well as getting
> acclimated. For those of you who have done this, how do you handle
> these arrangements to maintain maximum flexibility? Do the airlines
> work with you to transfer tickets, etc. or do you just take the hit?
> Ditto other advance purchase types of arrangements.
>
> Any feedback and/or war stories would be most welcome.
>
> Happy Trails
>
> Roy Fisher
>

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Received on Tue Aug 10 06:03:26 2004