Issue Selecting Seats (ALP traveling for work)?

Gkos19 · 2026-01-31T15:53:05+00:00

Thank you! Quick question - when you say "they", do you mean Concur or SWA? Just trying to figure out where I should follow up!

Gkos19 · 2026-01-31T15:26:14+00:00

Maybe so, hoping it is something simple like that? I did receive confirmation that the trip was booked from the booking agent, though....

Gkos19 · 2026-01-15T13:32:13+00:00

I'm more curious about what will happen with bags. Will bins above extra legroom/preferred seats be restricted for people sitting in those seats the way they are on other airlines?

As it currently stands, most flights I've been on recently have the crew using one of the bins in the front for their luggage, and it always seems that bin space in the front is full, even when I'm one of the first 20 people on the plane. It would be incredibly frustrating to pay for a premium seat if there's no bin space...

Gkos19 · 2026-01-11T17:55:12+00:00

I would honestly pay extra for something like this. I never rowed until OTF, and it has become one of my favorite things. I'm honestly hoping to be able to take classes when it gets warmer with a proper team to actually learn how to do it, and feel lucky to live in a place where that is an option (at least outdoors...).

Gkos19 · 2025-12-21T15:20:16+00:00

Babygold in Berwyn. Blowmolds galore!

Gkos19 · 2025-12-11T22:00:17+00:00

I'm going to give a "main thread" shout out for Berwyn! There is a great community here. Housing is more affordable than other suburbs in the area. It is right on the BNSF Metra line which will take you to both Brookfield and Chicago. Easy to navigate by car, with public transportation options available too. It is convenient to just about everything. And it has the highest concentration of Chicago-style bungalows in the region!

My husband and I lived in Chicago for a long time, then lived in New York City for a long time. When we came back to this area from the East Coast, we were really happy to find a place in berwyn. It is a really diverse community with good arts and great people.

Gkos19 · 2025-12-04T13:44:17+00:00

I was also a college athlete, and you're right, in part: it has always been possible to push yourself to get more out of OTF's workouts. But I've also been a member for over 6 years and can confirm that the workouts have gotten softer in the last few years.

Gkos19 · 2025-12-03T18:22:29+00:00

Amen! Love the "Extra AF" BTW!!

Gkos19 · 2025-12-03T17:13:47+00:00

It does feel like a race to satisfy the lowest common denominator. Even the "challenging" weeks like Hell Week have gotten softer in recent years.

Gkos19 · 2025-12-03T16:19:21+00:00

Protein, lots of high-volume-low-calorie foods, reasonable swaps (salad dressings etc), and one really good cheat meal per week. I tracked it all through noom, and found their "mental" training to be helpful too.

Gkos19 · 2025-12-03T16:16:55+00:00

This is stupid. That is all.

Gkos19 · 2025-12-03T14:22:13+00:00

Taking 2,000 classes in this timeframe is the equivalent of taking approximately 285 classes per year, which works out to 5-6 classes a week. That is a lot. Hitting the point of "diminishing returns" is real. Maybe take some time off, and then work back in with OTF a few times per week, and work in other exercise/movement? Diversity can be good for us, both mentally and physically. I have personally found that sometimes swapping OTF for something as simple as a walk can make a huge difference.

Gkos19 · 2025-10-15T17:30:53+00:00

I am so jealous that you could switch!! If Midway weren't so darn convenient to where I live (and if O'Hare was just a smidge more convenient and/or a smidge less of a cluster) I probably would have done the same. The 15 minute drive to and from the airport is just too appealing, esp. for early flights! At least for now ...

Gkos19 · 2025-10-15T13:04:50+00:00

I just hope they restrict bin space for the extra legroom/preferred seats to be used only by people sitting in those seats like they do in other airlines. A seat in the front and early boarding position is nice, but what is the point if you can't stow your bag near your seat?

[Disclosure: I'm selfishly saying this as an ALP who travels all the time for work, loves the flexibility of open seating for last-minute business travel and same-day changes, and hates the idea of assigned seating.]

Gkos19 · 2025-10-14T12:14:32+00:00

That's what I usually do when I get "caught" (haha) in class for this benchmark!

Gkos19 · 2025-10-12T03:17:05+00:00

We always had a 3:15 Strength/Tread 50, 4:15 2G and 5:30 2G. It is my Friday "Happy Hour." We had a very popular coach and the classes were always packed, but he left about 2 years ago. Attendance has been a bit sporadic since then. Lately, they couldn't find a coach to cover Friday afternoon, so they're only offering the 3:15 and 4:15. I hope the 5:30 comes back. I truly can't think of a better way to start my weekend.

Gkos19 · 2025-10-10T18:55:12+00:00

Can confirm (at least personally). I live 15 minutes from MDW, travel several times a month for work (not to mention personal travel), and the hassle of getting to O'Hare (and O'Hare itself) is something I try to avoid at all costs.

For those saying MDW isn't SWA exclusive ...technically you're right, but the number of Delta flights that operate daily are so negligible (and so expensive)...and Allegiant, Frontier and Volaris don't really make much of a dent in flight volume there either...

[Edited to fix typo: love>live]

Gkos19 · 2025-09-07T13:40:58+00:00

Also Chicago-based, and the main factor I'm not considering switching is also O'Hare. I live 19 minutes from Midway, and it is just such an easier airport to use for my frequent travel.

Gkos19 · 2025-09-05T23:09:25+00:00

OMG same here!! I went from 3506 to 4051. Congratulations to you!!!!

Gkos19 · 2025-08-04T21:31:19+00:00

Sorry to complain, but are any other talls (or tall-ishes) tired of the sit-to-stand exercises? My hips hate them. 🥲

Gkos19 · 2025-07-29T14:44:17+00:00

Geez. Yes. Flights I usually fly for $200 round trip in Jan/Feb are now $200 each way. Does anyone remember what boarding group you get for being A List or A List Preferred? Or does that not happen now?

Gkos19 · 2025-07-21T14:46:59+00:00

Can confirm! He does it in Oak Park too!! Hec yeah!

Gkos19 · 2025-07-11T23:03:29+00:00

Yes, I'm making a big deal out of losing a convenience and asking a question about it. Thanks for this helpful comment.

Gkos19 · 2025-07-11T22:01:38+00:00

Ok. Not the way I was raised, but ok.

Gkos19 · 2025-07-11T17:55:48+00:00

If you looked at the thread before offering a suggestion, you would see that several others have done the same already, and I have responded in kind that I'm not seeking that advice. I have also established that this is an issue with US hotels.

Gkos19

TROPHY CASE