I was looking at my miles earlier this week and realized that on my trip home this week, I would pass the 2 million mile milestone on AA. So I posted this note on Twitter, not realizing what would come of it...
I usually fly the redeye home from work (LAX>JFK) on Thursdays, but this week decided to head home early, so I moved my flight up earlier in the day. Sadly, that meant the only non-middle seat available was way back in row 18. At least I'd get home early. And as an EXP, at least I'd have a better chance of getting an upgrade to Business.
At the airport, I checked in at the gate and asked that even if I didn't get the upgrade, could they at least see if an exit row or a better seat would open up. She asked for my name and when I told her, she said "Oh, it's YOU. We've been waiting for you." She then proceeded to pull out a large sign congratulating me on the upcoming milestone, and handed me a large basket filled with goodies and a bottle of champagne!
In addition, she handed me a new boarding card -- I would be riding in First Class as I crossed the 2 million mile mark
There was also a lovely card in the basket, with a note from the AA LAX Customer Care team.
If the story would have ended there, it would have been a wonderful acknowledgement of appreciation from the folks at American. But there was more.
When we landed at JFK, the ground team opened the door and took the PA to make the usual announcement (welcome to NY, baggage can be found, etc) -- but then they said "AND WE'D LIKE TO WELCOME AND CONGRATULATE OUR NEWEST 2 MILLION MILER, MORDY GOLDING!".
As I walked off the plane, I was greeted by an entourage of AA Customer Care folks all holding signs welcoming and congratulating me. They had posted signs all the way down the entire jetway!
After exiting the jetway, I posed with some of the Customer Care team, as they presented me with a bag of goodies, including a collectible model of the A321.
The Customer Care team escorted me all the way outside the airport to the curb (after all, I needed assistance carrying all the gifts!) When I got home, I unpacked them all. One of the gifts was a special Heritage edition amenity kit.
And here I am with my new A321, standing in front of my favorite Jasper Johns painting of the map of the US.
It was an incredible day that made me feel like a part of the AA family. My own little "George Clooney Up In The Air" moment, if you will.
On to the next million!
Mordy