<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by doobierw:
???... Isn't the point of earning miles to earn a FREE TICKET? In the "FF accrue miles" mindset, this was the equivalent of 25,000 miles being given to you free! Or am I missing something completely here? Wow...</font>
Well....I volunteered off MSP-SFO flight on Memorial day. They were offering choice of free domestic ticket, (no mileage accrual) or $300 voucher. If one takes the R/T voucher, you get a free flight in the lower 48 & that's it (not that that's a bad thing). However, I took the $300.00 voucher, went to the airport yesterday & booked SFO-SIN for $357. So for $57.00 out of my pocket I will earn 16,880 miles towards status, & with elite bonus, 33,760 miles towards future travel (more than one free domestic R/T).
So a free R/T is nice, but give me the $$$
Also, even if the gate agent only announces that they are offering the free ticket, probably wouldn't hurt to discreetly ask if they can give the $ voucher instead. I do believe they have the ability to offer both, but maybe only offer one or other to simplify things.