I CALLED AA cust. service just now! Spoke with a nice girl named Michele. Asked if 3 magazines listed would count as 3. Went to ask supervisor and she said EVERYTHING under the AOL/AADVANTAGE site counts as ONE -TOTAL OF ONE. I explained that was not true and that five stores = five credits. She said "no, this is from the executive offices" blah blah blah.......I asked for a phone number for Mr. Chemel and she gave me a fax #. I think we all need to send a fax today to get this cleared up. the poster with the name AADVANTAGE says she works for Amerian Airlines, but we are still getting conflicting information. I want something FROM AMERICAN AIRLINES (not a post that anyone can write) saying a simple YES OR NO to SPECIFIC questions. Aside from the magazine issue, The question about two charities posting under two names was touched on, but I would like it more clear. If the executive office gets a zillion faxes, maybe they will understand that we still need help and THEIR offices are giving conflicting information. I was hoping that when I called AA, they could answer my question and leaving me confident that they knew what they were doing.......When I got information that was EXACTLY OPPOSITE of what we learned about the stores, I realize we have no place to turn. How will we know if we "REALLY" qualify for the bonus before it is too late?

If you want to join me in letting them know this is still confusing, fax 817 967 4162.
She said there was not an executive number that I could call.

It's a good idea. Something in writing from the executive offices in answer to these specific questions would be very helpful. We all know that we have gotten misinformation from reps that don't know what they are talking about. The stores accessed through AOLAAdvantage can often be accessed some other way and when it appears how do they know. 1-800-flowers is a good example.

------------------
DtG

FWIW, the poster AAdvantage definitely does work for AA and is definitely in a position to definitively tell you what will and will not work.

The communication to the rest of the company seems to indicate exactly how complex the promotion is.... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I have just faxed a letter to the executive offices. I would feel reassured with specific answers to my questions. Given that the bonus miles will be posted 6- 8 weeks after achieving the 20 partner rather than at the end of the promotion, gives us time - so those who get the miles posted to their accounts really soon should let us know.

------------------
DtG

re. whether points.com is a partner, there is now a link on aa.com (go to aadvantage/today's news) with information on and a link to the points.com program. This leads me to assume that they will count as a partner.

Of course I'm learning not to assume anything about this promotion; I'm still going to try and get as far beyond 20 partners as I can.

I know this is just guesswork, but do you/we really think/expect that more than 20,000 people will qualify for this promotion.

As we are learning, this is not an easy, informal promo to qualify for...it's taken a lot of collective sleuthing and figuring out for this board/group alone...aside from the few of us (could it be as many as 100-200?) that are reading/participating on these boards and following through on this promo...how many others out there could there be?

AAdvantage,

Thank you for participating here and helping to clarify the promo. A few additional clarificatiins would be helpful:

1. I received a 500 AAdvantage Mileage Voucher from Murrays Wine & Spirits for purchasing a case of wine (he participates in the AIM program). Will these miles count as a partner when posted?

2. Do the different 5 Time Inc. magazines each count, or is Time a single partner?

Thanks.

Actually the clickrewards transfer 1:1.5 with Marriott. I'm using *some* clickrewards plus the 5000 credit card bonus plus credit card charges at a Marriott where you get 3pts/$ to reach the 10,000 transfer. I will probably break even on the points but add a partner.

Deb

there is some info on aa.com under aadvantage ,it is still not clear on the $200 nat'l parks promotion. implies that making gift at any time is good for whole period. if so, i would consider it, but not if it starts after the gift. my sked calls for 36k in period [ 18k already flown] . 9k mi [2k for gift & 7k for 20%] might be ok for me.

dupe

[This message has been edited by clacko (edited 05-17-2001).]

Anyone know what national dry cleaner chain gives miles? I know I have heard one advertsised, but can't track it down. If we all share our ideas (proven or otherwise) we can get this done!

I don't know of a National Dry Cleaner, but here is one that is local to Dallas. http://www.bibbentuckers.com/aadvantage/aadvantage.asp

just got wife's mailed summary [ the change to e-summary didn't take, i guess] fine print still says [ to me], that nat park $200 gift can be made during period & all miles during period count. have looked at aadvantage's posts & don't see anything on it. is there a final answer anywhere?

just got wife's mailed summary [ the change to e-summary didn't take, i guess] fine print still says [ to me], that nat park $200 gift can be made during period & all miles during period count. have looked at aadvantage's posts & don't see anything on it. is there a final answer anywhere?

just got wife's mailed summary [ the change to e-summary didn't take, i guess] fine print still says [ to me], that nat park $200 gift can be made during period & all miles during period count. have looked at aadvantage's posts & don't see anything on it. is there a final answer anywhere?

Ok FSCHER, I sent my fax. I asked four questions, and asked that AA put together a FAQ page for the 20K bonus. I asked:
1) If I donate to two charities that award AA miles for donations, will I earn one partner credit, or two?
2) If I purchase from two companies through the AOLAAdvantage site (e.g. Orvis, and Land’s End), will I get two partner credits, or just one? I have heard of an answer by an AA customer service rep that contradicts what you said on FlyerTalk Chat on this question.
3) If I accept two magazine subscriptions (both from Time Warner) through the AOLAAdvantage site, will I get credit for two partner credits, or just one?
4) I have a certificate from Greenpoints.com for 500 miles. The certificate is not expired. Will this count as a partner, given that Greenpoints no longer awards such certificates?

Here is mine. I think by listing it this way, there is no room for error (if they respond):

May 17, 2001

Attn: Executive Offices of American Airlines
Re: 20th Anniversary Promotion/ 20K bonus

I have some specific questions that I need answered. I have called your customer service department and got conflicting answers and now I need to have something confirmed from the very top! A reply before the end of Friday would be much appreciated (tomorrow). It would be horrible to think I am qualified and to find out much later that I have not.

I am going to list twenty things. ASSUMING that they all post, would this count as twenty partners for twenty thousand bonus miles. I understand that you cannot tell me when or if they will post. My only question is – “IF” they post as I have them listed, does this meet the requirement? If not, please explain why (specifics). I will then list some alternate partners. I would like your comment on them, too.

Also, if someone from your executive office would please go to FLYERTALK.COM and look under the AMERICAN AIRLINE section, they will see a poster with the name of AADVANTAGE. Can you confirm that she is giving authorized information and that we can count on information that she has and will continue to issue? The reason for this is simply that the poster confirmed that a post from Sharper Image and a post from Eddie Bauer would be two different partners and count as two of the credits. When I called your service department this morning about a question, they said only one credit would count, NO MATTER HOW MANY DIFFERENT STORES and services, etc. were used going through aolaadvantage.com. Even if they post under different names, she said they would all be grouped as one.

Here is my list of twenty:
BMG music
National Park Donation
Opinion Place survey
Application for AA CITI mastercard (application listed as partner on main list)
Clickrewards transfer
Marriott Rewards points to mile conversion
Entertainment Magazine
Points.com conversion
People Magazine
Money Magazine
Real Simple Magazine
Time Magazine
Sports Illustrated
Kelloggs promotion
American Airlines Nonprofit foundation: Donation to JCC in California (on list)
Chef.com purchase
Office Max purchase
Eddie Bauer purchase
Vehicles on Line quote
AA dining program

If anything from above does not count, please explain why and tell me about these:

Making a second donation to a charity from Non profit foundation (AA)
Greenpoints.com posting for 500 miles from mail in certificate
Hilton points to miles conversion
USING my AA CITI mastercard after applying for it
Making a purchase from Sharper Image

Please respond to:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[email protected]
xxx-xxx-xxxx
AA# 1234567

Also, using this example makes the same case:

2) AAdvantage Dining is considered one AAdvantage partner for this promotion. While there are several different restaurants that participate within the AAdvantage Dining program, these restaurants do not participate in the AAdvantage program under each individual establishment name –they participate as “AAdvantage Dining” therefore all restaurants under AAdvantage Dining count as one partner.


The magazines are under different names, even though the dining program will always say AADVANTAGE DINING no matter how many different places you eat at. It will be very interesting to see what AA says. If we can count all six (and it looks like we should) this will be a piece of cake! If my list gets the green light, I can move on to help my husband get his 20 partner credits.

fscher
I really like your list, it is very much like my own. I will try to keep good thought till you hear if more then one aol dealer will count as a partner. If they won't allow the points to count towards the 20 partners, I'll have to spit a few more nails.

I can't think of a more sure way for Big Brother AA to clamp down on AAdvantage's postings than by drawing attention to her. I'll be interested to see how AA responds -- hopefully not in the same way they responded to RDURES1's postings.

Eventually, AA is going to have to break down and have some sort of customer relations presence in the board. Hopefully, it will be sooner than later.

Having them here is exactly what I think we need. If AADVANTAGE did not think she should be here, she would not have given her name (Sue). I just want to know if she is giving correct information, and if she posts something in error, will they stand behind her?

[This message has been edited by fscher (edited 05-17-2001).]

I find this all entertaining because what I have been seeing since coming to American 12 months ago is a giant train wreck over and over again.I should have recorded the Fly all the Continents promo last summer with responses @ AA to questions posed.Ripleys believe it or not!One Agent told me she did not know which Continents qualified. Of all the airlines I have flown I have never seen so much disorgainization in a company of their magnitude. It amazes me their planes stay up in the air.How they allow this much confusion to exist in any promotion is beyond my comprehension.Have my own strategy to get around all this nonsense by throwing enough transactions against the wall & into my account.American has a fantastic program great promotions(when any one can figure them out) a horrible web site rated below average by Consumer Reports Magazine and a staff that miscommunicates much of the information to consumers on a regular basis(not the agents fault) because Dallas Mgt only really cares about selling tickets in the end.They do that the best with a great staff and fine service.Wish they would put one third of that effort into customer service and consumer relations. I spoke with someone in Don Cartys office (will be kind and not share this individuals name) after sending a letter of complaint about these and similar issues. They told me they had no intention of making things better with customer service and include more promo codes as it would cost them to much money to improve this communication.They also added Besides we are in the middle of finishing the purchase of TWA and really don't have the time or the interest to do so in the coming future.Wish I were making this stuff up.I would rather they not tell me the truth after hearing it.Would have really rather heard the canned version we here @ American value your business and will work harder to insure satisfaction.Wishing you all the best of luck with this titanic of a company .At American I am sad to say it is business as usual.Happy travels all and keep those miles coming.......................

------------------
AA & Starwood Platinum
Diamond Hyatt, Hilton Diamond
U/A Premier Exec

[This message has been edited by 777 global mile hound (edited 05-17-2001).]

My 20th (potential) partner has just posted.
I have contacted Customer Service to have them check my account and see if these are all satisfactory partners.

1) Opinion Place
2) Express.com
3) LandsEnd.com
4) EddieBauer.com
5) ClickMiles Transfer
6) Hilton HHonors Transfer
7) Diners Club Transfer
8) BMG Music Service
9) Priority Club Transfer
10) Points.com Transfer
11) AA Aadvantage Miles (Duhh!)
12) National Car Rental
13) Hyatt
14) Best Western
15) Starwood (Sheraton)
16) Hilton Hotels
17) Alaska Air
18) Marriott Transfer
19) Time Subscription
20) CarParts.com

My corportate travel agent thought I was a lunatic when I was on a trip to Washington, DC and stayed at a Hyatt, Hilton and Sheraton on three successive nights.

I also have the National Park donation and Spiegel in reserve.

I'll keep you posted on the answer.

the theory of "different postings = multiple credits" just got blown out the door:

This is an answer from an email that had gone to AA before I faxed yesterday's letter:
At least she did take the time to get the "right" answer (not what we wanted to hear)and it was very professional!

Thank you for visiting the American Airlines Web site and for your
recent e-mail to AAdvantage Customer Service.

I apologize for the delay, but I have been working with a group that is
in charge of this promotion to determine which ones are indeed eligible
and which are not. I have copied your list below, and have noted whether
or not each item is eligible for the bonus. If you have any questions,
please contact me back and I will do my best to answer them.

1.BMG Music --- YES
2.National Park Donation---YES
3.Opinion Place Survey---YES
4.Application for AA CITI (as listed on partner list)---YES, AS LONG AS
YOU ARE *APPROVED*
5.Click reward transfer --YES (CURRENTLY NOT ON THE AA.COM LIST, BUT
WILL BE ADDED ASAP)
6.Marriott Reward conversion--YES
7.Entertainment Magazine---NO (ONE MAGAZINE PER TIME WARNER)
8.Points.com Conversion to AA----YES (CURRENTLY NOT ON THE AA.COM LIST,
BUT WILL BE ADDED ASAP)
9.People Magazine ---NO (ONE MAGAZINE PER TIME WARNER)
10.Money Magazine---NO (ONE MAGAZINE PER TIME WARNER)
11. Real Simple Magazine----NO (ONE MAGAZINE PER TIME WARNER)
12.Time Magazine----NO (ONE MAGAZINE PER TIME WARNER)
13.sports Illustrated----YES ( ALL MAGAZINES COUNT AS ONE PARTNER--TIME
WARNER)
14.Kelloggs promo miles----YES
15.Am. Fundraising donation to Jewish Center/CA.----YES
16.Chef.com purchase---YES
17.OfficeMax Purchase----YES
18.Eddie Bauer Gift Certificate purchase----YES
19 Vehicles on Line quote---YES
20 AA dining program.----YES


In summary, all the magazine subscriptions are under "Time Warner" so
they would count just one time regardless to the number. I only
selected "Sports Illustrated" as YES, but any of them would count for
the one partner. That was only an example.

For a list of the eligible partners (which should be updated any time
with the additional partners mentioned above), please see AA.com and
select the link for the 20 Years/20 Partners and then "partners."

I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns. I look
forward to assisting you again in the future.

Bummer!

I think AA may have to do a 'grandfather' clause here!

Ok - Way to go Fscher and Topaz - you have moved us forward in this puzzle! And it is a puzzle and a challenge - should we admit we love it!? Topaz, based on Fscher's email from AA, you should have it covered. We'll see in 6-8 weeks, I guess. Please do come back and let us know. Fscher - did AA not respond to 'extra' partners that you included under your proposed 20? That's too bad, because it still leaves open the question of Greenpoints (turning in an unexpired 500 mile certificate issued before Greenpoints left AA as a partner), and using your newly acquired Mastercard (in addition to the partner credit for being approved/accepting the card). And Fscher, it looks like you just need 4 more partners...I understand why you leave Hilton HHonors as an "only if I have to" - you lose a lot in the transfer. I'm in the same boat. Do I really want to sacrifice 5K LatinPass miles to transfer through HH for 2K AA miles? The transfer could take 3 months, so I'd better start now moving LP to HH (up to 90 days required). Some thoughts on your other 4:
1) Flowers?? I'd love some if you need somebody to send to http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
2) Orvis - LOookunder Sale items
3) Express.com $2 of batteries ?
4) Speigel and/or Lands End - quality stuff, everybody can use.
5) Plow and Hearth
6) Rent Avis - CozumelJen said somewhere you get 100 extra miles for every year you've been with AAdvantage with a car rental??? For me thats 1100 miles - just about worth the a $23 car rental. (anybody know anything more about this Avis promo?)

Hang in there Fscher!! and thanks for your efforts!

See, it is not even easy for them to know!
No, I did not get an answer on the extras, yet. It is still strange that "different & same partner postings" means one thing when it comes to hotels and dining program, but not this. Oh, well.
The bottom line is: I can play by the rules - I JUST NEEDED TO KNOW WHAT THE RULES WERE!!




[This message has been edited by fscher (edited 05-18-2001).]

Thanks fscher for sharing the clarification! BJJ, the Avis promo is a good one (especially if you've been w/AAdvantage for a while), but it's a 3-day minimum rental, including a Sat. night, and you'll have to use the special booking code K817118. The details of the promo should be in the AAdvantage Special Offers section on AA.com.

Thanks fscher!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif !! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif !!
You've done more than your share of due diligence! I know that you're not happy about the magazines. But I think seeing "yes" by the three retailers from AOLaadvantage that were not on the "complete" list is great news, as is points.com. This needed to be clarified, and while is not written in blood, at least its written.

THANKS AGAIN

Thanks fscher. Leave it to a women to get the answers.

Thanks fscher.

Guess, I'll have to pick up a few more partners now.

For Avis, do you have to use the special booking code K817118...to get the anniversary promo? This is about $10 day higher than my corporate rate. Otherwise , I guess I would just get $100-200 miles/rental?

REALITY CHECK

I agree, fscher has done us a service by getting some clarification here, but did people really expect that each separate magazine would count as a separate partner, regardless of the parsing we may have done of the language of the promotion (dining/hotels vs. magazines). I mean we're getting the miles on the magazine promotion for free, at no expense, cancelling the subscription before any fees kick in.

I hate to be the contrarian here but are we simply expecting AA to give us all miles with no expenditure or benefits to the partners.

No flaming please, but let's be realistic.

edited for UBB

[This message has been edited by gatorboy (edited 05-18-2001).]

Before you get flamed, just wanted to let you know I agree with you ...

duplicate..sorry

[This message has been edited by fscher (edited 05-18-2001).]

Hey, even I agree with you! I was just commenting at the inconsistant rules (and wishing?). Even with one magazine allowed, it IS much easier than what it started out to be on May 1st. I have no problems with the way it stands now. Sorry if I sounded greedy! Off to do some on line shopping now! Ciao!

Nobody gets a free lunch. I think we were spoiled by the Northwest promo. That really was a give-me situation.

just one more quick thing...speaking of FREE magazines and such...I was charged for the Money Magazine on my Visa. I never got the first issue and I only signed up last week. Beware! So much for free trial periods.

Too many free lunches out here.

Burp Excuse me.

This one has become a lot simpler than May 1st. It might not be free, but easy to do.

Burp Excuse me again. ( Dining for miles )

At least there are still 4 1/2 months left to get the 20 partner activities and 20,000 miles. It seems that some of the promotions have a 60 - 90 day window and by the time you get the rules figured out there are only a few weeks left.

I see this becoming a 20+ page topic over the coming months.

To follow up on fscher's 5/15 post (in short: get 1500 quick free alaskaair points, then transfer them to AA via points.com)...

I have done just as fscher suggested. It took a day for my Alaska Air account to open (and show my initial 500 points), then another day for the 1000 the Myalaskaair bonuses to post. Then points.com noted that my alaskaair web access wasn't "activated" -- but told me (in an automatically-generated email!) precisely who to call and what to say, which I did. At that point, points.com approved the transfer, and so I expect to see the AAdvantage miles within a couple days.

One more notch on the way to twenty!

I have to admit I was a day too fast and screwed up on the points.com thing: instead of opening an Alaska Air account as summarized here, I openend an America West account (no sign up bonus http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif), and then transferred $2,000 DC points ($1,000 worth of purchases) into my AW account (still waiting for them to post), which will then turn into 1,000 AW miles, and be further diluted by points.com into something like 150 AA miles.

Not a good deal...still worth doing absent other good options...but a bummer compared to a NO COST option using Alaska Airlines. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif

Unfortunately, the DC transfer is non-reversable...but I think I'll keep the 1,000 miles in AW, and use Alaska for the points.com, although I will still have needlessly wasted 2,000 DC points.

Oh well, I sure have picked up more tips here than I have lost.

BTW, I think you can get miles for buying a $5 Speigel catalog which then comes with a $10 Speigel gift certificate...if true, not a bad deal if you end up buying from Speigel for something you could use.

[This message has been edited by nologic (edited 05-19-2001).]