Costume Update

[vixendarkfairy.livejournal.com]

My Rivendell Elf costume is nearing completion. Gotta hem the silk overgown, but it's already cut. The rolled collar has been drafted and cut out, but I need to couch the cord embroidery on before sewing it to the gown. Completed the couched cord on one of my sash tabs today. I should be able to finish the second tab tonight and sew the whole belt together. The undergown will be a simple T-tunic in pinkish-purple faux China silk. I'm having trouble deciding if it should have long fitted sleeves or if my lower arms can peak out bare beneath my overgown's flouncy lower sleeves... We see both in the following pic.:

http://www.lovelylivtyler.com/gallery/showpic.php?cat=_276&count=405&fcat=276&picid=2556&picno=9&page=20

My gown looks alot like Arwen's, which makes me think I should have undersleeves. On the other hand, I don't particularly like how hers look. Votes?

flap my wings

[reannon.livejournal.com]

Okay, is anyone else absolutely horrified at the cost of airfare this year? So far the cheapest price I've seen is $320 round-trip from St. Louis to Atlanta, and it's not like these are out-of-the-way airports. My other friends flying in from Boise and California and other fun places are equally stunned at the prices, which don't seem to be going down at all.

I seem to remember in years past, Delta gave a discount to Dragoncon travelers. This year, the web site just seems to have an advertisement for Delta's SimpliFares or something like that. Do we get a lower price if we call Delta and say the magic words? Or are we on our own?

(cross-posted)

Cheap Airfares to Atlanta

[thetripper]

There has been some comment on getting the best airfare to Atlanta. Here are some tips from a professional road warrior.

1. Use an online travel site (Travelocity, Orbitz, etc.). Duh, but a lot of folks don't know *how* to use them. First, be flexible on when you leave. Choose the "anytime" option for the day you want to leave. Yes, you might be leaving at 7am or midnight, but your ticket just might be $300 cheaper. Use connecting flights. If you miss your connection, the airline still has to get you there and you might get an upgrade. And look a day earlier or later, fares get cheaper on certain days of the week.

2. Use an alternate airport for your departure or arrival. For example, I looked up a fare from someone coming from St Louis and the fare into and out of Birmingham, AL was over $100 cheaper on a round trip ticket. Yes, it's a 150 mile drive to Atlanta, but I know quite a few Atlanta businessmen who use B'ham. Check your departure airports also, O'Hare is a mess to get out of sometimes, so try Midway, or even (ecch) Gary. Yes, Hooters Air flies into Rockford from Atlanta for $200 round trip, but the dates just suck.

3. Do not fly into Atlanta on a Friday or out of Atlanta on the day after a holiday Monday (or a Monday morning). All the business travelers are either coming home or leaving and Hartsfield is an absolute mess.

4. Join the airline's frequent flyer program. No, you won't get miles *that* quick, but they get more perks than someone who doesn't.

5. Con a friend or relative out of a few frequent flyer miles. It's going to be too late to secure a seat now, but start planning for next year. For that matter, get a credit card with a good reward program and save up. BTW, always use a credit card, not cash to buy tickets. Cash is the fastest way for you to be scheduled for the TSA's enema program.

6. Finally, try a travel agent. The $50 fee will get you a pro at finding ways to get somewhere. Since they don't get a percentage of the ticket price anymore, there is an incentive to save you money.