It was fun while it lasted. A wrap up of the AAdvantage 30th Anniversary Promotion
“The Party’s Over” Photo Credit: Bob Franklin on Flickr
Well, the big AAdvantage 30th Anniversary 30 Days of Deals and Promotions is over. I was able to take advantage (no pun intended) of some of the deals: Shop, Dine & Travel Your Way to 3,000 AAdvantage Bonus Miles, Triple Miles for Charitable Donations, the Citicard 1,000 AAdvantage Miles thank you bonus, the Sheraton & Westin Hotels discount and bonus miles offer, and the 30 Days of Dining Bonus from AAdvantage Dining.
Most of the other offers were really good in my opinion, though I wasn’t able to make use of them either because the offer was for new customers (Admirals Club and Netflix) or because I’m not usually able to make travel plans until just before I book a trip, so with some of the offers (like the 30,000 Bonus AAdvantage Miles) that required being able to plan ahead I wasn’t able to qualify for all the bonus miles. But don’t get me wrong, that was a really cool deal. Some of the other offers were probably useful to a more limited audience and were a really good deal for the right person (LendingTree and the American Cellars Wine Club).
Here’s a list of what I thought were the 10 best offers (excluding the contests and in no particular order):
• Join Netflix and Earn 3,000 AAdvantage Miles
• Save 30% on a New Admirals Club Membership
• Save 30% on Car and Hotel AAdvantage Awards
• Earn Bonus Miles and Save 40% at Sheraton & Westin Hotels
• Earn up to 3,000 Miles & Save up to 35% with Hertz
• Shop, Dine & Travel Your Way to 3,000 AAdvantage Bonus Miles
• Earn 300 AAdvantage Bonus Miles for Every $30 in Dining
• Earn Triple Miles for Charitable Donations
• Earn up to 30,000 bonus miles for round-trip travel booked on AA.com
• Save 30% on buyAAmiles Purchases
I’m a big fan of Avis and normally I would have put their deal on the list, but they currently have a much better offer of 2,000 AAdvantage bonus miles, plus the standard 150 AAdvantage miles per rental day, and a 25% discount. Unless you’re renting a car for 7 or more days, you’re better offer with 2,000 Bonus AAdvantage Miles offer.
One of the offers I really wanted to like but I’m mostly ambivalent about though, is Deal number 30: the chance to save 30% on Select MileSAAver Awards. On the face of it, and for some people, it’s a really good offer, but for me (and probably some others) it’s not that great of a deal. Here’s why:
• It’s only good in the Continental U.S. and Canada, so it excludes the kind of destinations to which I would want to redeem my miles: Europe, Asia, South America, India, or even Hawaii. Unless maybe you’re using your miles to book travel for several people or for a family, redeeming miles for destinations in the lower 48 states and Canada isn’t a very good value. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics most recent average price for a domestic ticket is $337. At 17,500 AAdvantage Miles for a round-trip domestic ticket, you’re earning about 1.9 cents per mile redeemed. Even a heavily discounted transatlantic fare of about $1,000 will yield you about 2.5 cents per mile redeemed. Using your miles for Business Class travel to London will earn you about 4.5 cents per mile redeemed. My point is, that if you’re looking to earn the most travel value for your miles, it’s not that attractive of an offer.
• You have to book by June 10 and travel between September 7, 2011, through November 8, 2011. If I can plan ahead that far in advance for travel at the end of the year, I’m sure I can find a pretty cheap ticket, so redeeming miles for an otherwise cheap ticket to a destination in the Continental U.S. or Canada doesn’t give me maximum value for my miles. Pretty much for me, the only way I use miles for domestic travel is to redeem them for otherwise expensive last minute travel or for an upgrade on a transcontinental or Hawaii flight.
Of course, I realize that for others, it’s a really good deal. If you’re looking to spend miles instead of cash, then this is a very good offer: save money and save miles. Nothing wrong with that.
Some of the offers were just plain lame:
• LifeLock credit monitoring. I guess maybe some people might use it (and 5,000 miles is 5,000 miles) but I get these offers from my bank and credit card companies already, and it really seems like a service that benefits the banks and credit bureaus more than it does the consumer.
• The Citibank offer was lame for one reason, they ran out of Thank You Miles. I was lucky enough to get mine, but if you didn’t sign up for the offer by 11AM eastern when they ran out of miles, you were out of luck. Considering that Citibank probably buys miles by the billions, and that they give away tens of thousands of miles to lure new customers, limiting the number of “Thank You” miles that they gave away to current customers was just plain cheesy. They would have been better off and looked less stingy if they had just limited their offer to new customers, much like Netflix and the Admirals Club did. Instead, I’m sure they probably disappointed a great number of their customers and looked miserly to everyone else.
There were several contests and opportunities to win miles, all of them fun and imaginative, but my favorites were:
• Win First Class around-the-world air travel for two on any combination of the twelve oneworld airlines.
• American Airlines “Behind the Scenes” Package
• The daily 30,000 AAdvantage Miles sweepstakes.
• AAdvantage eShopping 30th Anniversary 300,000 Mile Sweepstakes (which by the way ends today, so you have one more change to win)
You can find a list of lucky winners by going here (sadly, for me, you won’t find my name on the list).
Overall though, it was a really great promotion. I think that the team over at AAdvantage did a great job of putting together the whole 30th Anniversary celebration. In fact, even without the Deal 30 promotion, the AAdvantage marketing team has been busy this year: 2011 has been a very big year for offers, promotions, and imaginative contests. They deserve a lot of credit for making 2011 a great year to be an AAdvantage partner or member of the AAdvantage program.
Anyway, here’s a summary of all the offers and sweepstakes, some of which are good for several more months.
Contests
In addition to the expired daily drawing for 30,000 AAdvantage Miles there were two additional sweepstakes.
AAdvantage 30th Anniversary AA.com Booking Sweepstakes (Expired)
Thirty AAdvantage members will win 3,000 AAdvantage miles and a $50 AA.com gift card. Enter by booking a flight, car rental, hotel stay or activity on AA.com by May 27, 2011, or by submitting a completed entry form.
Each member is limited to one online entry per day and a maximum of ten entries through bookings made on AA.com and online entries combined during the promotional period.
American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping 30th Anniversary 300,000 Mile Sweepstakes (Expiring soon, May 31 is the last day)
Looking for more ways to celebrate? How about celebrating with 300,000 AAdvantage miles? From May 3, 2011, to May 31, 2011, enter for your chance to win 300,000 miles with the AAdvantage eShopping mall.
If you’re already a member, go here to submit your daily entry.
Here’s a complete list of all the 30th anniversary Deal 30 offers and promotions:
Deal 1 – April 28, 2011 (Expired April 30, 2011)
Earn up to 30,000 bonus miles for round-trip travel booked on AA.com by April 30, 2011, for travel starting May 15, 2011
Members will earn 1,000 bonus miles after one (1) round-trip;
3,000 bonus miles after two (2) round-trips for a total of 4,000 bonus miles;
6,000 bonus miles after three (3) round-trips for a total of 10,000 bonus miles;
9,000 bonus miles after four (4) round-trips for a total of 19,000 bonus miles;
and 11,000 bonus miles after five (5) round-trips for a total of 30,000 bonus miles.
A maximum of 30,000 bonus miles may be earned from this promotion in conjunction with flying five (5) eligible round-trips.
Deal 2 – April 19, 2011 (Book by June 15, 2011. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
Earn Triple Miles with Avis, Plus Enter to Win a 2012 Camaro
Book with Avis from 4/19 to 6/15 for rentals between 4/19 and 12/15/11 and earn triple miles per day for any rental up to 3 days plus receive a discount of up to 25% off your rental. Use coupon # MUAA043 and AWD # K817100.
Deal 3 – April 20, 2011 (Expired May 27, 2011.)
Shop, Dine & Travel Your Way to 3,000 AAdvantage Bonus Miles
Simply enroll in the AAdvantage eShopping mall and the AAdvantage Dining program if you have not already and spend $30 with each program. Then either earn miles by flying American Airlines, renting a car or staying at a participating hotel. Do all three by May 27, 2011 and you will receive a bonus of 3,000 AAdvantage miles!
Deal 4 – April 21, 2011 (Expired May 3, 2011)
Tweet for a Chance to Win 30,000 Miles
“Tweet Now” to post a tweet containing “#Deal30? and be sure to follow AAdvantage on Twitter by May 3, 2011. Well pick 30 of our followers with this post to win 30,000 miles!
Deal 5 – April 22, 2011 (Expired April 24, 2011)
Save 30% on buyAAmiles Purchases
Ready to get away? Don’t wait! Simply purchase the AAdvantage miles that you need to reach award and book your trip! Purchases must be made through the buyAAmiles program beginning 12:00 am CST April 22, 2011, through 11:59 pm CST April 24, 2011, to be eligible for the discount.
Deal 6 – April 25,2011 (Expired April 29, 2011)
American Airlines “Behind the Scenes” Package
Bid…on this one-of-a-kind experience including the opportunity to fly an American Airlines Simulator plane, tour Americans System Operations Control and the American Airlines Operations Tower at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and more.
Deal 7 – April 26, 2011 (Through May 31, 2011. Use promo code AA30)
Drive Off with 1,000 Miles at Dollar Rent A Car
Were celebrating the 30th anniversary of the AAdvantage program by offering 1,000 bonus miles per rental. Just rent any car type for 3 days or longer at participating locations worldwide. Valid for pick up April 26, 2011, through May 31, 2011
Deal 8 – April 27, 2011 (Offer valid on enrollments between 4/1/2011 and 7/1/2011. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
Earn 3,000 AAdvantage Bonus Miles + Get 6 Wines for $6.99 per bottle
Join American Cellars Wine Club and start enjoying great tasting wines delivered right to your front door. Earn 3,000 AAdvantage bonus miles and receive 6 wines for only $6.99 a bottle, free shipping on your first shipment, plus earn 4 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent.
Deal 9 – April 28, 2011 (Expired on May 27, 2011)
Book on AA.com and Enter to Win 3,000 Miles + $50 Gift Card
Book a flight, car rental, hotel stay or activity on AA.com by May 27, 2011, and be entered to win one of thirty prizes!
Deal 10 – April 29, 2011 (Offer valid 4/29/11 6/30/11. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
Your Electric Bill is Worth 30% More AAdvantage Bonus Miles!
Enroll with Energy Plus and receive our limited-time AAdvantage program 30th anniversary offer. You’ll earn 6,500 bonus miles (thats 30% more than our standard bonus) plus 3 miles for every $1 you spend on the supply portion of your electric bill.
Deal 11 – May 2, 2011 (Expired)
Shower Mom with Love and Flowers, Earn 30 Miles per $1 Spent
Mothers Day is May 8th – send all the mothers in your life beautiful flowers! Find the perfect gift when you shop with 1800Flowers.com, FTD or Teleflora. Earn 30 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent while celebrating Mothers Day and the 30th Anniversary of the AAdvantage program.
Deal 12 – May 3, 2011 (Expired May 31, 2011)
Enter for a Chance to Win 300,000 AAdvantage Miles
Looking for more ways to celebrate? How about celebrating with 300,000 AAdvantage miles? From May 3, 2011, to May 31, 2011, enter for your chance to win 300,000 miles with the AAdvantage eShopping mall. Only one lucky AAdvantage eShopping member will win, so enter today!
Don’t forget you can earn an additional entry each day by visiting this link to view daily AAdvantage eShopping offers.
Deal 13 – May 4, 2011 (Expired)
Book a Vacation, Earn up to 3,500 AAdvantage Bonus Miles
Book an AmericanAirlines Vacations package and earn 3,000 AAdvantage bonus miles!
Deal 14 – May 5, 2011 (Book now for stays through August 31, 2011)
Earn Bonus Miles and Save 40% at Sheraton & Westin Hotels
For every night you pay the regular rate, enjoy 40% off your next night plus earn 1,000 AAdvantage bonus miles per stay. Register at ww.aa.com/aadvantage30th. Reservations must be booked online here or through a Starwood Customer Contact Center. If making a reservation by phone, callers must mention ZBA.
Deal 15 – May 6, 2011 (At the time of reservation, you must provide discount CDP # 217692, PC# 156214, and your AAdvantage number. Offer valid for vehicle pick-up through 6/30/11)
Earn up to 3,000 Miles & Save up to 35% with Hertz!
300 AAdvantage miles on weekend rentals of 2 or more days, or earn 3,000 miles on rentals of 5 or more days, plus save up to 35%. Valid on fullsize and above at participating locations in the US, PR, & CAN.
Deal 16 – May 9, 2011 (Expired on May 27, 2011.)
Enter for a Chance to Win a Trip Around the World
Our membership in the oneworld alliance can take you around the world! Enter for a chance to win First Class around-the-world air travel for two on any combination of the twelve oneworld airlines and their affiliates to more than 750 destinations worldwide.
Deal 17 – May 10, 2011 (Expired on May 27, 2011.)
Special Anniversary Offers Up To 60k Miles From Citicards
First time Citi / AAdvantage credit cardmembers can earn 30,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after making $1,000 in purchases within 4 months of becoming a cardmember. Plus, earn an additional 30,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after making $10,000 in purchases during your first 12 months as a credit cardmember!
Existing Citicard customers were able to earn a 1,000 AAdvantage Miles thank you bonus while supplies lasted: the offer was removed by noon on May 10. My bonus were posted in my AAdvantage account summary within 48 hours: AADV 30TH ANNV CITI 1K BONUS.)
Deal 18 – May 11, 2011 (Offer valid from April 1, 2011 June 30, 2011. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
From Swissotel and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts: Up to 3,000 AAdvantage Miles, Upgrade, too!
500 bonus miles on your 1st night, 1,000 bonus miles on your 2nd night and 1,000 bonus miles on your 3rd night consecutive stays! Plus a Room Upgrade when available for stays of 2 nights or more!
Book with Swissotel here. Book with Fairmont here.
Deal 19 – May 12, 2011 (Offer good through June 13, 2011. Use promotion code AADV30 when you purchase online.)
Save 30% on a New Admirals Club Membership
AAdvantage members can save 30% on a new individual annual Admirals Club membership when purchased online. Use promotion code AADV30 and click on the Recalculate button at time of purchase. Plus enter for a chance to win an Admirals Club One-Day Pass.
Deal 20 – May 13, 2011 (Expired – But you can still go here to sign up and earn 2,500 AAdvantage Miles)
Join Netflix and Earn 3,000 AAdvantage Miles!
Instantly watch as many TV episodes and movies as you want for only $7.99 a month. Watch right on your TV and watch instantly on your computer too. Join today and earn 3,000 AAdvantage miles!
Deal 21 – May 16, 2011 (Offer applies to all applications received on or before 6/15/2011. Go to www.lendingtree.com/american to sign up and for full terms & conditions.)
From LendingTree: Earn 30,000 Bonus Miles Plus 1,250 Miles per $10k Financed!
AAdvantage members 1,250 miles for every $10k financed plus 30,000 bonus miles for loans closed on or before 9/15/2011
Deal 22 – May 17, 2011 (Offer good through June 16, 2011. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
Earn 3,000 AAdvantage Miles with Radisson
Earn 3,000 AAdvantage miles at Radisson. Just stay three or more consecutive nights at an eligible rate at participating Radisson hotels worldwide.
Deal 23 – May 18, 2011 (Offer good through June 16, 2011. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
Earn 300 AAdvantage Bonus Miles for Every $30 in Dining
AAdvantage Dining members: Register for the “30 Days of Dining Bonus” and you will earn 300 AAdvantage bonus miles for every $30 spent at program restaurants between May 18, 2011, and June 16, 2011. Thats in addition to the AAdvantage miles per dollar you always earn.
Deal 24 – May 19, 2011 (Expired May 19, 2011.)
Save 30% on Car and Hotel AAdvantage Awards
Registration by entering a valid AAdvantage number at AA.com/AAdvantage30th is required to access discounts. Member login is also required upon reaching the AAdvantage Car and Hotel Awards booking site homepage to receive the thirty percent discount. Once logged-in, the discount will be factored into the rates listed when accessing the AAdvantage Car and Hotel Awards booking site from the 30th anniversary Deal 30 promotion site.
Deal 25 – May 20, 2011 (Offer valid through 5/20/11 – 6/20/11. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
Earn up to 5,000 AAdvantage Miles with LifeLock!
From the doctor’s office to the online store, your personal information is everywhere. That’s why LifeLock works 24/7 to protect you from identity theft before it happens. For a limited time, AAdvantage members save 10% on LifeLock protection – plus earn up to 5,000 AAdvantage miles.
Deal 26 – May 23, 2011 (Offer valid through 7/31/2011. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
Stay 3 Times, Earn 3,000 AAdvantage Miles at La Quinta
Now you can earn 3,000 AAdvantage miles after you complete three stays at La Quinta Inns & Suites + 1,500 AAdvantage miles for each additional stay thereafter between May 23 and July 31, 2011. You’ll also enjoy free breakfast, free high-speed Internet and comfy pillow-top beds.
Deal 27 – May 24, 2011 (Offer valid through 7/31/2011. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th. After registration, sign up for Wyndham Rewards membership and book online here.)
Earn Triple AAdvantage Miles when you Stay at Days Inn hotels!
AAdvantage members earn triple AAdvantage miles for stays at Days Inn hotels. Book at daysinn.com today to receive this special-limited time offer! With every stay enjoy free Daybreak Breakfast and free high-speed Internet at participating locations.
Deal 28 – May 25, 2011 (Expires May 31, 2011. Minimum $25 donation required per charitable organization. Register online and donate at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
Earn Triple Miles for Charitable Donations
For a limited time, earn triple AAdvantage miles when you donate to American’s Miles for the Cure campaign, which supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure or to American’s Miles In Support of All Who Serve campaign, which supports USO programs. Donate now to earn 30 miles per $1 donated.
Deal 29 – May 26, 2011 (Offer valid on rentals returned by June 30, 2011. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
Save up to 30% and earn 300 AAdvantage miles per Rental Day with Alamo
Save up to 30% and earn 300 AAdvantage miles every day with no minimum rental on a Compact or larger vehicle at participating Alamo locations in the United States and Canada. Offer valid through June 30, 2011. Book now or call 1-800-462-5266. Please request I.D. Number AA30ALA.
Deal 30 – May 27, 2011 (Book and ticket by June 10, 2011, for travel starting September 7, 2011, through November 8, 2011. Register online at www.aa.com/aadvantage30th)
Save 30% on Select MileSAAver Awards
Redeem 30% fewer AAdvantage miles when you book an Economy Class MileSAAver award for travel within the Continental U.S. and Canada.
It was a really fun promotion, I’m going to miss going to the site each day. The way I calculate it….assume at least a $25 contribution to one of the charities…at least one night at Days Inn….add the Citicard and LendingTree bonus miles….plus 1,250 miles for refinancing $10,000 from LendingTree….figure a 7 day rental with Avis….one stay at a Westin or Sheraton hotel….five round trips and the 30,000 AAdvantage Miles bonus…exclude winning any contest…..you could have earned around 164,200 AAdvantage Miles! Even if you don’t include the Citicards or LendingTree offers, you’d still get at least 73,950 bonus Miles, nice!
Did you win anything? What did you think were the best or worst of the deals? Share your thoughts and add a comment.