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-   MilesBuzz (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz-370/)
-   -   50 cent US Air flights? (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/512617-50-cent-us-air-flights.html)

johnep1 Feb 1, 2006 7:47 pm
Originally Posted by studfromhawaii
I took screenshots that'll come handy in case there is a class action lawsuit against these guys in the future.
Are you serious?

itsme Feb 1, 2006 10:53 pm
Originally Posted by pinniped
Two things work against me: (1) Kansas City isn't on the list of starting points for the free flights. So I gotta buy a ticket to get to my starting point, and since several of them are US or HP fortress hubs, those tickets aren't cheap. (2) I don't know anyone currently living in Rome, so realistically, I'm buying a 2nd (published-fare) ticket to go along with the freebie.

I look at it like this: if I want to go to Rome, it's about $1200 all-in for two of us. $600 per ticket, no really great promos to Rome right now. If I win the contest, I get to Rome for $600 + $200 + $100 = $900. If I'm lucky and can find both a $200 all-in ticket to the hub and can buy a $600 paid MCI-hub-Rome fare on the same flight at the 50-center. Considering that I am theoretically supposed to pay income taxes on the flight value (since it's a sweepstakes win) and I don't earn miles on the 50-center, it might be better, more convenient, and cheaper for me to just book 2 tickets to Rome on AA right now!

(Note: the language in Marden Kane's rules about a $500 "value" on the prize seems to indicate that they won't actually 1099 you. $600 is the level at which they are required to do that, IIRC. But by not reporting the win as income, you are theoretically evading income taxes. And no, just like the "white envelope" doesn't hold up legally, neither will "I paid fifty cents" hold up legally.)

Obviously Rome is a worst case scenario. There are a whole bunch of domestic-U.S. cities where I'd grab my running shoes and a duffel bag and hop on a plane by myself for a 1-2 day visit if the cost was only $25. But there's still that whole issue of getting to a US/HP hub to start the trip.
Good analysis, but it neglected something...my generous offer. If you went after these 50 cent tickets and were to succeed, I would take it off your hands (are these transferable?) for $1 and take any responsibility for taxes. Thus, you would be spared the cost of getting to one of their hub cities and the ground costs in Italia. So you would come out ahead. (BTW, is there no de minimis prize amount for tax purposes, e.g., <$600?)

iahphx Feb 1, 2006 11:07 pm
Originally Posted by pinniped
(Note: the language in Marden Kane's rules about a $500 "value" on the prize seems to indicate that they won't actually 1099 you. $600 is the level at which they are required to do that, IIRC. But by not reporting the win as income, you are theoretically evading income taxes. And no, just like the "white envelope" doesn't hold up legally, neither will "I paid fifty cents" hold up legally.)
Thanks for that analysis -- I asked that very question on the USAirways message board thread and got no response. Obviously, if "winning" these tickets was a taxable event triggering a 1099, many of us would not want to win -- as that "free" trip could get quite costly depending on how high they valued the ticket. I do recall reading in the WSJ last year of a guy who had to turn down some "anywhere in the world" tickets won in an AA promotion because AA valued the tickets so high that he would have been better off just buying a cheap promo fare.

itsme Feb 1, 2006 11:30 pm
Originally Posted by iahphx
Thanks for that analysis -- I asked that very question on the USAirways message board thread and got no response. Obviously, if "winning" these tickets was a taxable event triggering a 1099, many of us would not want to win -- as that "free" trip could get quite costly depending on how high they valued the ticket. I do recall reading in the WSJ last year of a guy who had to turn down some "anywhere in the world" tickets won in an AA promotion because AA valued the tickets so high that he would have been better off just buying a cheap promo fare.
I think I recall that WSJ item too. Was his promo win, and are these US 50 cent tickets, transferable, so it might be given to someone else or a charity without tax liability for the initial recipient? It would not be much fun to "win" something that brought with it tax liability equal to, or maybe even greater, than what one would willingly pay for it. (Federal and state marginal rate up to 50% on a "rack rate" ticket at 200% what one might purchase the seat for, would be at best yield a big 0. Doubt it would be quite that bad, but it might not be so good either.)

cur Feb 2, 2006 8:26 am
Originally Posted by studfromhawaii
At 12:42 pm EST - Sorry!
This destination is no longer available.

I took screenshots that'll come handy in case there is a class action lawsuit against these guys in the future.
Yeah, a class action lawsuit for not giving us the ultra cheap seats :rolleyes:, And what time is it Hawaii time at 0000EST?

JudyJFLA Feb 2, 2006 9:21 am
I didn't win the lottery this week, along with millions of others here in Florida. Oh boy, I think we should all sue to!!!

Just my sarcastic observation!!

JudyJFLA

itsme Feb 2, 2006 9:50 am
Originally Posted by JudyJFLA
I didn't win the lottery this week, along with millions of others here in Florida. Oh boy, I think we should all sue to!!!

Just my sarcastic observation!!

JudyJFLA
Well, shame on you for not winning. Eight years ago, my brother-in-law won it, threw everything else over, and has been devoting himself to surfing since then. If you weren't smart enough to pick the right numbers, like my b-i-l did, then that's your problem. (I confess that I am chagrined because I have never won the lottery, but then I never buy tickets because I am too much a prisoner of logic and probability theory.)

pinniped Feb 2, 2006 10:03 am
While I doubt a class action suit would be worth anyone's while, there are laws that govern how sweepstakes must be conducted. I have no idea whether an infrastructure problem at the time a contest is supposed to happen would violate them, but I do think that people who offer online contests should be required to mix in a little load testing. I mean geez, I doubt there are MILLIONS of us with new Juniper US Airways cards.

And in general, I think the whole "click here at exactly X time" is a dumb contest to begin with. Especially this one - where apparently there's some validation with a database server that I'm even eligible to win. Seems like a performance nightmare from the start.

itsme Feb 2, 2006 10:15 am
Originally Posted by pinniped
While I doubt a class action suit would be worth anyone's while, there are laws that govern how sweepstakes must be conducted. I have no idea whether an infrastructure problem at the time a contest is supposed to happen would violate them, but I do think that people who offer online contests should be required to mix in a little load testing. I mean geez, I doubt there are MILLIONS of us with new Juniper US Airways cards.

And in general, I think the whole "click here at exactly X time" is a dumb contest to begin with. Especially this one - where apparently there's some validation with a database server that I'm even eligible to win. Seems like a performance nightmare from the start.
What distinguishes this "contest" from those that are or were so common on the radio which require that you be the xth caller to ring the station, except that this "50 cent ticket" contest is being conducted by high(er) tech means than those familiar radio ones? Not likely that they won't give away the tickets or that it is somehow rigged so as to favor/disfavor anybody in particular, and thus unlikely that there would be any consequences other than people annoyed with screw up. (The joke, of course, is that one could end up "losing" by "winning," depending on taxes, cost to hie onself to the departure city, ground costs, etc. But then I stand ready here with my $1 offer to spare those who might get such a ticket the burdens thereof.)

EugeneV Feb 2, 2006 2:09 pm
I waited until the countdown showed 00:00:00:00

I see:

"It's not over yet! We are currently verifying requests. Please keep clicking the 'Get Tickets' button as tickets may be re-released."

It is 4:05 now and this debilitating thing is making me feel pretty stupid.

rgm18 Feb 2, 2006 2:17 pm
they must be out of tix...

studfromhawaii Feb 2, 2006 6:24 pm
Are you serious? I tried for the Florida ticket again today and even though I didn't get any errors, I didn't win. I thought this was a first come first serve sort of a thing. I don't know why when I click the 'GET TICKETS' button as soon as it's enabled, it still says 'We are currently verifying requests...' and then starts the countdown again so one can 'TRY AGAIN'. What INFO did this person who you got the tickets for have to provide you with? :p

Originally Posted by rgm18
i just kept refreshing and i got it. then i redid it again and got it again but cousdlnt take advantage so i made a post in this forum and someone pm'd me his info and i got it for him. it was comin up quite a lot in between the first time and now but i cant get it to work anymore...they must be out of tix...

studfromhawaii Feb 2, 2006 6:27 pm
Yes, I did. Not in order to sue. But just coz I was up at 7 am HST trying my luck. So the screenshots will remind me how not to fall for gimmicks like this in the future.

Originally Posted by johnep1
Are you serious?

studfromhawaii Feb 2, 2006 6:30 pm
At least you didn't have to sign up for a credit card in order to play the lottery and you weren't assured that this is a first come first serve sort of a deal. So you shouldn't feel too bad. But yeah, I do hope you win some day and buy us all tickets. :p

Originally Posted by JudyJFLA
I didn't win the lottery this week, along with millions of others here in Florida. Oh boy, I think we should all sue to!!!

Just my sarcastic observation!!

JudyJFLA

studfromhawaii Feb 2, 2006 6:33 pm
HST is 5 hours behind EST so you do the math and have fun :rolleyes:
Originally Posted by cur
Yeah, a class action lawsuit for not giving us the ultra cheap seats :rolleyes:, And what time is it Hawaii time at 0000EST?

Podcat Feb 3, 2006 12:52 pm
Originally Posted by Spiff
What a lame-... error message.

Lazy programmers! :mad:
Apparently, programmers always have the same response when this happens:

"Overload? Sh*t, we never thought of that."

Since I know that this is the result 100.000000 % of the time, I never bother anymore.

I think the correct term is stupid programmers.

alanh Feb 3, 2006 3:34 pm
If you're one of the lucky people, you have to provide some identifying information to prove you're a Juniper cardholder. If you don't within their time limit, the ticket is released back for someone else.

rgm18 Feb 8, 2006 12:55 pm
My Friend Got One To Paris And Cant Go
 
friend got a tik to paris, cant go, please PM me with some offers for trade if you are interested in taking it...

r

studfromhawaii Feb 9, 2006 5:28 pm
I'll give you $1 :p
Originally Posted by rgm18
friend got a tik to paris, cant go, please PM me with some offers for trade if you are interested in taking it...

r

DHAST Feb 12, 2006 8:02 am
As far as actually having to deliver the prize goes, isn't there a law says that a prize available in a sweepstakes must be awarded?

alanh Feb 12, 2006 9:44 am
There may be a state or two that requires it, but in general, no. "Unclaimed prizes will not be awarded" is a common condition.

EileenSRN Feb 12, 2006 10:54 am
GONE: PHX (one ticket) may be up for grabs
 
I have been successful in winning twice (so far). For the Orlando destination, another FT'r was gracious enought to gift me their unusable ticket. The availability is very tight. So my hubby and I will go toOrlando from Western NY thru PIT. Then I got one to PHX on Fri. I checked the W fc' from PIT and it looks like there will only be one day we could go. I either need another "friend" for a second ticket if the date works or find someone who would like to try and get out. They can be booked in anyone's name, but the winner must book it with their Juniper MC. The travel agent didn't say anything about taxes. Checking on the US board, it appears we don't have to pay them. So, if one ticket to PHX is good for you PM me so we can be set up tomorrow when they open at 9AM EST. If one of us can get out we'll take it. They do earn miles.
Eileen ^

We were able to make the dates work for us - Nice 3 day weekend in March - Plenty of time to golf! :)

studfromhawaii Feb 13, 2006 2:39 pm
I've been trying, but I haven't had any luck so far. When you won, did you click on the get tickets button as soon as it was first enabled or did you get through after waiting for a couple of seconds for the get tickets button to be re-enabled? What area of the button did you click on?

Originally Posted by EileenSRN
I have been successful in winning twice (so far). For the Orlando destination, another FT'r was gracious enought to gift me their unusable ticket. The availability is very tight. So my hubby and I will go toOrlando from Western NY thru PIT. Then I got one to PHX on Fri. I checked the W fc' from PIT and it looks like there will only be one day we could go. I either need another "friend" for a second ticket if the date works or find someone who would like to try and get out. They can be booked in anyone's name, but the winner must book it with their Juniper MC. The travel agent didn't say anything about taxes. Checking on the US board, it appears we don't have to pay them. So, if one ticket to PHX is good for you PM me so we can be set up tomorrow when they open at 9AM EST. If one of us can get out we'll take it. They do earn miles.
Eileen ^

We were able to make the dates work for us - Nice 3 day weekend in March - Plenty of time to golf! :)

pinniped Feb 13, 2006 2:51 pm
Originally Posted by studfromhawaii
I'll give you $1 :p
I'll see his dollar and raise 50 cents. @:-)

EileenSRN Feb 13, 2006 2:58 pm
Both were won after the "It's not over yet" started. What did I say? 24 minutes in on the first and about 15 on the second. On the first I had only 2 windows open on my laptop and 2 on my office PC. The second was at home, on a wireless connection, yet. I had 4 windows open. As far as where did I click? Anywhere the arrow happened to be. I did try to click as soon as the button lit up, but didn't always make it. There's no trick. If there was I'd have STT or FCO, not MCO and PHX. I'm not crying with a loaf of bread under my arm, don't get me wrong. We will enjoy these escapes from the cold Western NY winter, but 3000 miles one way would be soooo nice. I'm bound for London....

studfromhawaii Feb 17, 2006 11:25 am
Thanks. I'll try my luck again. Congratulations and bon voyage :)

Originally Posted by EileenSRN
Both were won after the "It's not over yet" started. What did I say? 24 minutes in on the first and about 15 on the second. On the first I had only 2 windows open on my laptop and 2 on my office PC. The second was at home, on a wireless connection, yet. I had 4 windows open. As far as where did I click? Anywhere the arrow happened to be. I did try to click as soon as the button lit up, but didn't always make it. There's no trick. If there was I'd have STT or FCO, not MCO and PHX. I'm not crying with a loaf of bread under my arm, don't get me wrong. We will enjoy these escapes from the cold Western NY winter, but 3000 miles one way would be soooo nice. I'm bound for London....

studfromhawaii Feb 17, 2006 11:26 am
Then I'll just have to raise my dollar to 2 :rolleyes:
Originally Posted by pinniped
I'll see his dollar and raise 50 cents. @:-)

gpapadop Feb 22, 2006 9:35 am
1099?
 
to winners: Have you been told that you will be receiving a 1099 form yet? If yes, I wonder how they value the tickets. Any input appreciated.

johnep1 Feb 22, 2006 9:49 am
Originally Posted by gpapadop
to winners: Have you been told that you will be receiving a 1099 form yet? If yes, I wonder how they value the tickets. Any input appreciated.
Why would winners get a 1099? This is a sale where "winners" get a flight for 50 cents.

magic168 Feb 22, 2006 2:06 pm
Actually, if they run it like how American Express ran their recent "contest" where cardholders was able to purchase "prizes" at huge discounts, you would get sent a 1099 with the difference between what you bought it for and the retail value of the "prize."

It's lame, I know. But if your difference is over $600, and US Air decides to read the law as Amex did, people may very well be getting 1099's next year in Jan.

jan_believes Feb 22, 2006 5:50 pm
Wow!!!
 
You got MCO....and twice....hats off to you!!!

I tried a solid 45minutes with mulitiple windows open.

Congratulations. I wanted to go to the HOLYLAND Experience in MCO, that's why I was trying.

BTW, if anyone has been and wants to tell me about it...feel free to contact me.....THANKS... :cool:

amartin1979 Feb 22, 2006 6:09 pm
I thought someone asked and they were told that Juniper was NOT going to be sending 1099s as the value of the tickets are too low.

gpapadop Feb 22, 2006 8:13 pm
what happens when you win?
 
I tried today for the first time to win tickets to Frankfurt. It kept asking me to try again which I did for almost half an hour (in two windows). What happens when you "win"? Does it say "congrats, give us your email address and click on the confirmation email we send you"....I am just interested in finding out what to look for so I don't miss it when I win the tickets to Jamaica, yeah maon :)

aaronmr Feb 22, 2006 8:57 pm
Originally Posted by gpapadop
I tried today for the first time to win tickets to Frankfurt. It kept asking me to try again which I did for almost half an hour (in two windows). What happens when you "win"? Does it say "congrats, give us your email address and click on the confirmation email we send you"....I am just interested in finding out what to look for so I don't miss it when I win the tickets to Jamaica, yeah maon :)
when you win on friday ;) , a second page will load saying "You're almost there..." and asks for your full name, first 6 digits of your USAirways Miles Card, security code, etc. Then a third page will load stating your confirmation number and details.

johnep1 Feb 22, 2006 11:14 pm
Originally Posted by gpapadop
I tried today for the first time to win tickets to Frankfurt. It kept asking me to try again which I did for almost half an hour (in two windows). What happens when you "win"? Does it say "congrats, give us your email address and click on the confirmation email we send you"....I am just interested in finding out what to look for so I don't miss it when I win the tickets to Jamaica, yeah maon :)
It's a completely different looking page, you can't miss it. Has a lot of fields to fill in with your info.

EileenSRN Feb 26, 2006 7:52 am
Hey All - Now that it's almost over....
 
I am volunteering to compile a list of FT winners. No names. I'd like to do 2 things:
1. See how many tickets to each destination we all won
2. How many multiple winners we had

For those of you who have been running under the radar, my lips lips are sealed. I'm also old enough to have a 30 second memory.

I really think it would be a hoot to find out. Those of you who won and gave/didn't use the ticket should respond too. PM me if you'd like to participate with your numbers. ^

auctioncause Feb 26, 2006 10:15 am
Trying for 2 weeks - no luck
 
Originally Posted by EileenSRN
I am volunteering to compile a list of FT winners. No names. I'd like to do 2 things:
1. See how many tickets to each destination we all won
2. How many multiple winners we had

For those of you who have been running under the radar, my lips lips are sealed. I'm also old enough to have a 30 second memory.

I really think it would be a hoot to find out. Those of you who won and gave/didn't use the ticket should respond too. PM me if you'd like to participate with your numbers. ^
New to this board (obviously this is my first post) - I had 6 windows open at once, and had friends trying too - just seems close to impossible to get one of the 50 each time. I read this thread and did not see many who got in. Very curious if the pros here made it.

johnep1 Feb 26, 2006 10:23 am
Originally Posted by auctioncause
New to this board (obviously this is my first post) - I had 6 windows open at once, and had friends trying too - just seems close to impossible to get one of the 50 each time. I read this thread and did not see many who got in. Very curious if the pros here made it.
Control-N seems to work rather well for this promotion.

soonerfanatic Feb 27, 2006 12:42 pm
DEN Trade?
 
If anyone is interested in a DEN trade for another flight you cannot use, please PM me. Thanks. :)

itsme Feb 27, 2006 1:42 pm
Originally Posted by auctioncause
New to this board (obviously this is my first post) - I had 6 windows open at once, and had friends trying too - just seems close to impossible to get one of the 50 each time. I read this thread and did not see many who got in. Very curious if the pros here made it.
First, welcome to FlyerTalk, auctioncause! (Your post count shows 2 now, so I imagine you posted somewhere else later.)

Second, it may be difficult, but it must not be impossible, since I know another FTer who bagged a ticket to Rome and one to San Diego. Don't know if there was a trick to it or mere fortuity.


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