AA Gift Cards - Save 10% @ Costco [only remaining supply left - phasing out]
Jun 21, 2012, 11:44 am
#1217
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,047
Very sound advice no matter how long it takes someone to use them.
I hope that people aren't buying several years' worth of gift cards at one time, as the annual return basically evaporates if they aren't used within a year or two.
Right now, the gift cards produce a total return of 13.11% if used within a year. The 2% executive rebate remains constant no matter how long it takes you to use them (since you get that within a year), but the 11.11% return ($30/$270 = 11.11%) begins to shrink dramatically if you don't use them up quickly.
I hope that people aren't buying several years' worth of gift cards at one time, as the annual return basically evaporates if they aren't used within a year or two.
Right now, the gift cards produce a total return of 13.11% if used within a year. The 2% executive rebate remains constant no matter how long it takes you to use them (since you get that within a year), but the 11.11% return ($30/$270 = 11.11%) begins to shrink dramatically if you don't use them up quickly.
Jun 24, 2012, 12:55 pm
#1218
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Rancho Cordova, CA
Just visited the Costco in Citrus Heights, CA (near Sacramento) and asked about the AA GCs. They do not carry them (yet), but she looked up on their computer and said Rancho Cordova, CA, does have them. I haven't been there to confirm, but that's what I was told.
Jun 24, 2012, 5:40 pm
#1219
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: ord
Programs: aa exp, ihg plat amb
Posts: 80
They still have over 200 at the Oak Brook, IL location. They are not at the Bloomingdale one...and I was told they are not expecting any.
Jun 24, 2012, 6:03 pm
#1220
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SAN
Programs: UA MM Gold
Posts: 1,193
Any COSTCO can scan other local stores and give inventory info. Several stores here in SAN have them OR did a few days ago. Going fast. I bought 20....
Jun 24, 2012, 11:07 pm
#1221
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: Miami,FL
Posts: 243
I found some at the St Louis Clark Costco in Minneapolis. 
Got 3 Grands worth
http://www.costco.com/Warehouse/Ware...ouseNumber=377
Got 3 Grands worthhttp://www.costco.com/Warehouse/Ware...ouseNumber=377
Jun 27, 2012, 12:09 pm
#1222
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: san jose,calif
Programs: AA explat,Adm Club,Priority Club, and all nonsense in my comic book mind.
Posts: 747
I hope this hasnt been answered, but I've only used the cards for domestic flights on AA metal. We are contemplating a trip to Sri Lanka, which would involve numerous airlines. We will start out on AA over the pond, then probably BA to head on. If booked on AA website, will we be able to use the cards for this?? It would help, and I have a bunch. Thanks in advance. (this thread is 31 pages long!!)
As an aside, the last time I checked the Mountain View Ca. Costco still has them. P
As an aside, the last time I checked the Mountain View Ca. Costco still has them. P
Jun 27, 2012, 12:18 pm
#1223
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Frisco, Texas
Programs: AA Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 95
I hope this hasnt been answered, but I've only used the cards for domestic flights on AA metal. We are contemplating a trip to Sri Lanka, which would involve numerous airlines. We will start out on AA over the pond, then probably BA to head on. If booked on AA website, will we be able to use the cards for this?? It would help, and I have a bunch. Thanks in advance. (this thread is 31 pages long!!)
As an aside, the last time I checked the Mountain View Ca. Costco still has them. P
As an aside, the last time I checked the Mountain View Ca. Costco still has them. P
Jun 27, 2012, 12:53 pm
#1224
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,529
IIRC, as long as the trip begins in the US, and is all AA flights (including codeshares) or OW partner flights, you should be able to use it.
Jun 27, 2012, 4:02 pm
#1225
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,419
I hope this hasnt been answered, but I've only used the cards for domestic flights on AA metal. We are contemplating a trip to Sri Lanka, which would involve numerous airlines. We will start out on AA over the pond, then probably BA to head on. If booked on AA website, will we be able to use the cards for this?? It would help, and I have a bunch. Thanks in advance. (this thread is 31 pages long!!)
From first post:
https://giftcards.aa.com/terms.jsp
Q: What can I use my gift cards for? Are there any restrictions?
A:
- Gift Cards are redeemable toward the initial electronic ticket purchase of air travel wholly on flights operated by American Airlines, American Eagle® and the AmericanConnection® carriers for itineraries sold and originating in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
- AA Gift Cards are also available for payment of air travel on any oneworld® partner or AA Codeshare flight.
- They cannot be used for payment of air travel on any other airline.
- Flights sold or originating outside the U.S., Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands or operated by other carriers are not eligible.
Q: What can I use my gift cards for? Are there any restrictions?
A:
- Gift Cards are redeemable toward the initial electronic ticket purchase of air travel wholly on flights operated by American Airlines, American Eagle® and the AmericanConnection® carriers for itineraries sold and originating in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
- AA Gift Cards are also available for payment of air travel on any oneworld® partner or AA Codeshare flight.
- They cannot be used for payment of air travel on any other airline.
- Flights sold or originating outside the U.S., Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands or operated by other carriers are not eligible.
Jun 27, 2012, 4:36 pm
#1226
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: LAX
Posts: 3,639
(For example in the AA gc rules the last line 'Flights ... operated by other carriers are not eligible' is in conflict with 'are also available for payment of air travel on any AA Codeshare flight')
Jun 27, 2012, 5:06 pm
#1227
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EXP, UA former 1K (1.9MM and gone), Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,111
With due respects to the hard-working moderators I think nall's response deserves the applause. AA's quoted 'gift card' rules were written by the same monkeys that create the fare rules - perfectly clear to those who already understand them, but plenty of bad English and ambiguous relationships for mere native English-speakers. Which is why we're told 'if you don't like what the res agent told you, call back and talk to another. (And those are the insiders that 'already understand'!)
(For example in the AA gc rules the last line 'Flights ... operated by other carriers are not eligible' is in conflict with 'are also available for payment of air travel on any AA Codeshare flight')
(For example in the AA gc rules the last line 'Flights ... operated by other carriers are not eligible' is in conflict with 'are also available for payment of air travel on any AA Codeshare flight')
I read that text earlier and couldn't figure out whether there were two different types of gift cards and you needed to be careful you got the right type for your flights.
Also, how come the FAQs don't say anything about refunds? Does anything you buy become completely nonrefundable? If not, does the credit go back to the card? If not, does your credit gain the same restrictions as the card?
Jun 27, 2012, 5:55 pm
#1228
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador, AA EXP
Posts: 2,704
I recently was able to use the gift cards on CX (marketed and operated) booked on AA.com for SFO-HKG-SFO without issue.
Jun 27, 2012, 6:40 pm
#1229
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: DFW
Posts: 413
Also, you can't use these in conjunction with a voucher, found that out last night.
--wes
--wes