84fiero

Oh I agree, it doesn't mean there isn't a utility for many of us as well, whatever the reasons behind it. The site did used to be more helpful in detailing how he went about getting the trip and he used to go on more unique routings/award sweet spots and such - but that ship has sailed for OMAAT.

Indeed. And combined with the devaluations on the program side it's kind of a sad time for the "game" these days.

Wow, what a tool. Fiji water is fine and all but not something I'd see someone needing to make a big deal out of.

I'm hoping he does a future article with "Best hotel room door stop ever?!"

MasterGeek

I want to replicate those mechanics for myself !

AAExecPlatFlier

Anyone see Ben's article today about the extension of SWUs? Guess he was denied. I wonder if this is because 1) he is a cheap traveler on AA, booking allot of mistake fares or 2) that AA has coded his account as do nothing for this guy.

But I'll bet he is on the phone or on email with media relations to get a special extension

iadisgreat

Or at least the story makes for a great post to imply that no special treatment exists.

scubadu

Well, if you are actually reading and comprehending this thread, I think you are going to come to the conclusion that you can't. Lucky is playing a very different game than you are...

Regards

JonNYC

But didn't he do the opposite?

iadisgreat

I'm sure you know there's no need to rehash basically this entire thread, but if one believes that Ben receives no special treatment from AA (beyond the occasionally disclaimed trip), then his post is fine. If one is skeptical of the above for whatever reason, one might think something else. There's plenty of evidence in his own writing to think either side is the case (in my opinion at least).

Either way, it's a good story for the blog!

JonNYC

I haven't really read the entire thread (at all, like almost none of it-- I certainly, absolutely trust you that there's plenty of discussion of this,) but I know he doesn't get special treatment from AA in this context, for a fact.

iadisgreat

Color me surprised, to say the least. But, per usual, if you say, erm, write it, I believe. Thanks for the candor, though it will likely end quite a bit of action in this thread.

Adam1222

How do you know that "for a fact"?

It's really a sliding scale and a question of what constitutes "special treatment." I think Ben's complaints are responded to differently than other passengers. He may not get special treatment prospectively, but the service recovery is different when something doesn't go according to his high standard.

I'm waiting for post 4 about how absurd the draconian policies of Qatar are....In their first class lounge. The rest of the country is obviously an example of freedom and liberty.

JonNYC

Because I absolutely do with regard to AA-- no idea whatsoever what relationship to other airlines he may have, but when it comes to AA, I know 100% for sure.


Actually, that's a very different matter, and agree completely. Common sense, really.

And, yeah, actually I agree there as well-- that QR thing I think he really had a strange reaction to.

CodeAdam10

lol do some of you ever realize that you are infatuated with Lucky and nitpick on his every little detail like some spoiled brats? Most of the time when I read this thread ... I feel like it's full of a bunch of jealous high school kids who make fun of the popular kid. Seriously y'all ... maybe it's time to grow up. It's not befitting a lot of you.

belfordrocks

+1

This thread is like talking about Kim Kardashian on Women's Weekly...

iadisgreat

+1 for critical thinking. *Rolleyes*

Adam1222

Thanks for your perspective. That NY Times is nitpicking so much these days, like a spoiled brat, with its opinion pages having thoughts on what's going in Washington, treating the President like the popular kid.
Having a view on someone who has had a huge impact on the hobby, and sharing that view on Flyertalk, is not being a spoiled brat. And jealous, nah, bro. I prefer seeing the world to airports, and having a job where I contribute to making the world better.

If you don't like the thread, perhaps don't read it instead of calling people names. Perhaps what compels you to criticize members of the FT community is similar to what motivates others to identify ridiculous posts by Ben. You've made it clear that you have different thoughts on topics like the use of templates. No one has impugned your integrity for thinking that is a good thing. The only posters on here who attack other posters are those who think a public figure's writing shouldn't be criticized. It's also ironic to call people "spoiled brats" for pointing out multiple posts complaining about the Qatar Airways First Class lounge.

As for JonNYC, I really don't think it's that big of a deal, mostly because I assume Ben gets special treatment and and never assume his experiences are typical of most travelers, but was rather persisting in response to being called a fool for asking for details.

PS: In the US, Womens Weekly is a crocheting publication, so the reference might not be clear to everyone.