LA Times: The frequent fliers who flew too much [lifetime AAirpass withdrawn]
Jun 16, 2012, 11:20 pm
#241
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,047
Agreed - a lawyer probably should have kept him from divulging half of that info, but it would have been to our detriment. Imagine how much more info there must be that we'd love . . .
Also like the fact that he still wants to flies AA, and pays and uses his middle name to do so.
Also like the fact that he still wants to flies AA, and pays and uses his middle name to do so.
Jun 17, 2012, 3:45 am
#242
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
Mr Vroom did himself no favors doing this interview and any good attorney would have advised him not to do it. He pretty much admitted in so many words that he violated terms he was aware existed in the "tariff". He also didn't deny he received payment for the companion tickets he used which is a clear violation.
On first glance of this story when it broke, i was in the clear camp that AA was being ridiculous in breaking a contract they agreed to, even if it was a bad deal on their part. After getting some more facts..esp those provided by the defendant himself, it's pretty clear to me there was abuse that AA was probably justified in cracking down on.
The good news for Vroom is AA likely has much bigger things to worry about these days and will let the case drop.
On first glance of this story when it broke, i was in the clear camp that AA was being ridiculous in breaking a contract they agreed to, even if it was a bad deal on their part. After getting some more facts..esp those provided by the defendant himself, it's pretty clear to me there was abuse that AA was probably justified in cracking down on.
The good news for Vroom is AA likely has much bigger things to worry about these days and will let the case drop.
Jun 17, 2012, 2:06 pm
#243
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 739
AA needs a Herb Kelleher ...
Yeah, they offered a promo that ended up costing them money. Yes, it seems a few
exploited the program for personal enrichment ... but an alternative (creative) settlement
may have been possible. Sadly; there are no "Herb K's" at AA.
FWIW; I was once seated beside a Chicago-based(?) AirPass holder. He was treated like
royalty by the AC, GAs and FAs. His (retirement) schtik was collecting AAdvantage miles
for a Catholic charity. When I checked-in to the AC, the receptionist mentioned that I was
seated next to a "celebrity." I cringed. Actually, I think I swore ... and begged for another
seat. Then she explained the situation. He was a wonderful row-mate.
Yeah, they offered a promo that ended up costing them money. Yes, it seems a few
exploited the program for personal enrichment ... but an alternative (creative) settlement
may have been possible. Sadly; there are no "Herb K's" at AA.
FWIW; I was once seated beside a Chicago-based(?) AirPass holder. He was treated like
royalty by the AC, GAs and FAs. His (retirement) schtik was collecting AAdvantage miles
for a Catholic charity. When I checked-in to the AC, the receptionist mentioned that I was
seated next to a "celebrity." I cringed. Actually, I think I swore ... and begged for another
seat. Then she explained the situation. He was a wonderful row-mate.
Last edited by dranz; Jun 17, 2012 at 2:21 pm
Jun 17, 2012, 2:13 pm
#244
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 739
> ... the fact that he still wants to flies AA
Being DFW based, the alternatives are, um, burdensome.
> and pays and uses his middle name to do so.
Yet another possible "fraud" allegation by AA ...
and; yet another tip to those that wish to "game" the
DHS apparatchiks, who will likely over-react to those
of us who use their middle names.
Being DFW based, the alternatives are, um, burdensome.
> and pays and uses his middle name to do so.
Yet another possible "fraud" allegation by AA ...
and; yet another tip to those that wish to "game" the
DHS apparatchiks, who will likely over-react to those
of us who use their middle names.
Last edited by dranz; Jun 17, 2012 at 2:21 pm
Jun 17, 2012, 10:21 pm
#245
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Meanwhile back on topic (which does not include claims about the creation of the Internet from ARPANET or the like...) /Moderator
Jun 18, 2012, 3:43 pm
#246
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 3,851
Jun 19, 2012, 8:29 am
#247
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 527
Podcast on someone who flew 40 million miles
http://thestory.org/archive/The_Story_61412.mp3/view
I am curious why he would send a letter asking about various hypothetical situations where he got compensated for his airpass. To me, that is what must have led them on to him. Otherwise there is no easy to to find out about it.
I am curious why he would send a letter asking about various hypothetical situations where he got compensated for his airpass. To me, that is what must have led them on to him. Otherwise there is no easy to to find out about it.
Last edited by show_me_the_points; Jun 19, 2012 at 8:39 am
Jul 20, 2012, 12:58 am
#248
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,346
Sorry to bring back an old thread but I'm curious as to what happened to the other 50 or so AAirpass holders who did not "abuse" their passes? Are they continuing to fly it today? Were only individuals like Vroom targeted, and those who did not book under phony names or sell seats allowed to keep using the pass?
Jul 20, 2012, 8:36 am
#249
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
Sorry to bring back an old thread but I'm curious as to what happened to the other 50 or so AAirpass holders who did not "abuse" their passes? Are they continuing to fly it today? Were only individuals like Vroom targeted, and those who did not book under phony names or sell seats allowed to keep using the pass?
I, personally, don't think anyone using the Aairpass judiciously for their own travel needs has anything to worry about.
Sep 20, 2012, 12:04 pm
#250
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: TX
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Plat Pro
Posts: 446
Any updates on this?
Sep 20, 2012, 12:25 pm
#251
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
Sep 20, 2012, 2:34 pm
#252
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
http://thestory.org/archive/The_Story_61412.mp3/view
I am curious why he would send a letter asking about various hypothetical situations where he got compensated for his airpass. To me, that is what must have led them on to him. Otherwise there is no easy to to find out about it.
I am curious why he would send a letter asking about various hypothetical situations where he got compensated for his airpass. To me, that is what must have led them on to him. Otherwise there is no easy to to find out about it.