The Ultimate FF Miles Redemption...Space!
 

http://www.spaceadventures.com/media...ses/2004-03/95

The Membership Rewards® Program From American Express Lets Cardmembers Rocket Into Orbit Through Space Adventures Ltd.

March 3, 2004
Arlington, VA
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Latest Choice in “Almost Limitless” Number of Experiences Redeemable with Points
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American Express today announced that Cardmembers enrolled in its Membership Rewards program can now redeem points with Space Adventures Ltd., the world’s leading space flight experiences and space tourism company. For the first time, Cardmembers can touch the edge of space and revel in the weightlessness of Earth’s orbit by using points to get there, adding to the universe of already abundant experiences Membership Rewards enrollees can enjoy.

“Space Adventures is the latest of many unique experiences we offer to fuel our enrollees’ imaginations and prompt our Cardmembers to ask not just what they can do with points, but how far they can go with them,” said Chris Lynch, vice president, Rewards Management at American Express. “Without dipping into their wallets, Cardmembers can redeem for an almost limitless number of things — like a journey to the cusp of space or a rejuvenating day at a luxurious spa — and use points to cover the costs.”

American Express is offering three Space Adventures packages to enrollees who wish to experience the sights and sensations of space travel:

Zero-Gravity Flight (1,000,000 points):
Experience weightlessness by traveling in a specially out-fitted jet aircraft that is used to train astronauts to work and test equipment in a weightless envi-ronment

Edge of Space Flight (3,000,000 points):
Fly in a MiG-25 supersonic jet at up to two-and-one-half times the speed of sound (Mach 2.5) and above 80,000 feet, where one can see the curvature of the Earth and the blackness of space

Sub-Orbital Space Flight (20,000,000 points):
Reserve your seat now for a ride aboard a sub-orbital spacecraft that will climb to an altitude of 62 miles, expose you to experience several minutes of weightlessness and treat you to Earth views from space

Operations are based at various space and aviation facilities around the world, including the formerly top-secret Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia; and packages include accommodations, as well as tours and onsite training.

“We are very excited to offer our space experiences programs through American Express. Our mission at Space Adventures is to open the space frontier to private citizens. With this partnership, we're doing just that,” said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. “There are few things that are more exhilarating than the feeling of weightlessness or seeing the curvature of Earth and the blackness of space while traveling at two times the speed of sound.”

The Membership Rewards® Program From American Express Lets Cardmembers Rocket Into Orbit Through Space Adventures Ltd.

Seems like a publicity stunt to me. Is anyone really going to accumulate 20 million points??? Neat though.

Reminds me of the Pepsi commercial that offered a jet airplane (Harrier?) for some astronomical amount of points. Seems this kid sent in some points, and then the cash difference (1 cent a point?), and then sued when they didn't deliver.

Heck, if you use your AMEX to buy artwork, you could get up there quick!

Please see this thread.

USAirways has the same awards at a better redemption rate.

See:
http://www.usairways.com/dividendmil...iles/space.htm

And since US is a Membership Rewards transfer partner... any Amex cardmember would be better transferring the points to US and claiming the award.

Their suborbital award is only 10 million miles...

Only 10 million, what a bargain! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Half off!

Lots of people have more miles than you can imagine. Madonna would do a world tour and spend millions in a couple months or any performer.

Edge of Space Flight (3,000,000 points):
Fly in a MiG-25 supersonic jet at up to two-and-one-half times the speed of sound (Mach 2.5) and above 80,000 feet, where one can see the curvature of the Earth and the blackness of space

A friend of mine has taken this trip and strongly recommends it. The cost was around $12K when he took it. Includes a few side trips and a couple of nights stay in Moscow.

Air France Concorde, flying Mach 2.03 at 60,000 feet, required only 160,000 Delta SkyMiles.

If Concorde was still flying, I personally believe it would be a far better deal...

Edge of Space Flight is 275,000 and $8k through US.

Zero Gravity is $250,000 and $2K