Apr 30, 2016, 12:36 pm
Last edit by: Server
OCTOBER 2016 UPDATE
LAX-JFK TRANSCONTINENTAL FLIGHTS:
1. Same day turns possible on the E-jets and morning 738s.
2. Bonuses now based on fare paid.
3. As of OCTOBER 2016, best fares are now around $1000. Fare tends to rise a few hundred for 2 pax. Fares can also occasionally rise for no discernible reason, but the price spikes have thus far proven to be temporary. Fares have the trend to drop during the year. Keep checking for fares in the $700-$800 ranges for best possible pricing.
4. Airport hotels with shuttles - Crowne Plaza Panama Airport & Riande Aeropuerto. The CP is slightly closer; the Riande is slightly nicer. The CP shuttle leaves the hotel every :00 and :30 and runs 24 hours but they seem to leave a few minutes early as it had left when I went down at 4:00AM on the dot. Also, note UberX charges a US$14 surcharge on top of the ~US$2 fare. CP has poor sound isolation, I could hear my neighbors on both sides including talking, crying baby etc. Had to wear earplugs to sleep.
5. Lounges:
Please refer to this thread for more detailed and accurate information on lounge access in general: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/1656378-help-desk-will-i-have-lounge-access-access-rules-2016-a.html
6. PTY Customs:
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
If you want the transcon bonus, enter the search with a connection in JFK. (e.g. LAX-JFK,JFK-MIA,MIA-PTY,PTY-JFK,JFK-SFO.) You can play around from there to get the best deal. Some of the better deals do not start and end in the same city (e.g. start in LAX, end in SFO may be cheaper than start/end in LAX).
Also, it's possible on the outbound portion to time it so you have no more than a 60-minute layover at JFK or MIA (though note that some of these flights aren't available on weekends). While yes, JFK is notorious for delays, this rarely applies for inbound red-eye flights. Also, note that AA 28 below is sometimes "hidden" if you're looking on Google Flights inside a much more expensive trip; that does not necessarily mean, however, that you can't get it for one of the trips under $1,000 (in other words, try it out to see).
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
Below is the shortest-possible outbound itinerary that has the LAX-JFK transcon on AA's A321T with flat-bed seats:
LAX-JFK on AA 28
10:45pm - 7:22am
JFK-MIA on AA 200
8:15am - 11:24am
(Note: AA has now switched all of the metal it used on this leg - on all JFK-MIA nonstops - to 757s instead of the 767s with international-style F & J seating.)***767 and 772 are back. Flight 200 is a 772**
MIA-PTY on AA 4434
12:33pm - 2:48pm
(Note: Even more distressingly, AA switched from using a 737 on this leg to an RJ, presumably because summer is off-peak season in Central America. The 6:05pm flight still uses a 737 if a full-size aircraft is a must.)
LAX-JFK TRANSCONTINENTAL FLIGHTS:
Recent fare rule inclusions, effective October 2016, now prevent any routing via JFK on the non-stop transcontinental A321T aircraft. Any future booking will demand a significantly higher fare to route on the non-stops via JFK. Unless the fare rules are modified and these clauses are removed (highly doubtful), the ability to fly on the transcons via JFK is a thing of the past.
IF THE FARE COMPONENT INCLUDES TRAVEL BETWEEN LAX AND NYC
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
AND
IF THE FARE COMPONENT INCLUDES TRAVEL BETWEEN SFO AND NYC
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
AND
IF THE FARE COMPONENT INCLUDES TRAVEL BETWEEN SFO AND NYC
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
1. Same day turns possible on the E-jets and morning 738s.
2. Bonuses now based on fare paid.
3. As of OCTOBER 2016, best fares are now around $1000. Fare tends to rise a few hundred for 2 pax. Fares can also occasionally rise for no discernible reason, but the price spikes have thus far proven to be temporary. Fares have the trend to drop during the year. Keep checking for fares in the $700-$800 ranges for best possible pricing.
4. Airport hotels with shuttles - Crowne Plaza Panama Airport & Riande Aeropuerto. The CP is slightly closer; the Riande is slightly nicer. The CP shuttle leaves the hotel every :00 and :30 and runs 24 hours but they seem to leave a few minutes early as it had left when I went down at 4:00AM on the dot. Also, note UberX charges a US$14 surcharge on top of the ~US$2 fare. CP has poor sound isolation, I could hear my neighbors on both sides including talking, crying baby etc. Had to wear earplugs to sleep.
5. Lounges:
Please refer to this thread for more detailed and accurate information on lounge access in general: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/1656378-help-desk-will-i-have-lounge-access-access-rules-2016-a.html
LAX AIRPORT
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on status, it is simply departing/connecting/arriving at any point on same ticket to and from an eligible international destination. PTY is eligible and not excluded regardless of length.
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on class of service disregarding status, it is the international long haul clause that applies. Therefore, no "oneworld/QF lounge" access for non-elites for trips to and from PTY unless booking transcons since PTY is under 5 hours. BUT AA doesn't enforce this in their own lounges so Admirals Club access is expected.
AA GOLDs(RUBYs)/NON-ELITES
Admirals Club access is granted regardless of routing as AA does not enforce international long haul rule. However, the oneworld J lounge does for Golds(rubys)/non-elites as they are aware the PTY flights are under 5 hours. Booking transcon flights in J/F gains access to the OWJ/QFF lounges.
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Technically NONE (PTY under 5 hours therefore class of service rule applies) BUT AA still opens Admirals Club doors to all customers because they dont enforce the long-haul rule>
AA PLATINUMs
Platinums gain access to all AC/Business lounges regardless of routing due to flying to and from PTY. They gain access to First/Flagship lounges when traveling in F 3-class transcon
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + LAX oneworld J>
AA EXPs
EXPs have access to all lounges at all airports regardless of routing so long as they are traveling to and from PTY on the same itinerary (an international destination neither excluded from AA's list of ineligible regions nor limited by the flight length rule)
<EXPs Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in Y = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in J = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
NON-AA ONEWORLD ELITES
All sapphires and emeralds have some form of lounge access on any flight systemwide
<non-AA sapphires on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX>
<non-AA emeralds on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX + Flagship Lounge + QF F lounge LAX>
OTHER AIRPORTS
SFO - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
JFK - Admirals Club & Flagship Lounge for EXP/First 3-class/Emerald
MIA - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee), Oneworld Premium Lounge for EXP/First 3-Class/Emerald
PTY - No lounge access (Copa with PP, or for a fee, for 7am or later flights)
YVR - No lounge access (PP for a fee)
DFW - Admiral's Club (with F/C Dining for EXP/Emerald) (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on status, it is simply departing/connecting/arriving at any point on same ticket to and from an eligible international destination. PTY is eligible and not excluded regardless of length.
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on class of service disregarding status, it is the international long haul clause that applies. Therefore, no "oneworld/QF lounge" access for non-elites for trips to and from PTY unless booking transcons since PTY is under 5 hours. BUT AA doesn't enforce this in their own lounges so Admirals Club access is expected.
AA GOLDs(RUBYs)/NON-ELITES
Admirals Club access is granted regardless of routing as AA does not enforce international long haul rule. However, the oneworld J lounge does for Golds(rubys)/non-elites as they are aware the PTY flights are under 5 hours. Booking transcon flights in J/F gains access to the OWJ/QFF lounges.
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Technically NONE (PTY under 5 hours therefore class of service rule applies) BUT AA still opens Admirals Club doors to all customers because they dont enforce the long-haul rule>
AA PLATINUMs
Platinums gain access to all AC/Business lounges regardless of routing due to flying to and from PTY. They gain access to First/Flagship lounges when traveling in F 3-class transcon
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + LAX oneworld J>
AA EXPs
EXPs have access to all lounges at all airports regardless of routing so long as they are traveling to and from PTY on the same itinerary (an international destination neither excluded from AA's list of ineligible regions nor limited by the flight length rule)
<EXPs Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in Y = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in J = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
NON-AA ONEWORLD ELITES
All sapphires and emeralds have some form of lounge access on any flight systemwide
<non-AA sapphires on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX>
<non-AA emeralds on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX + Flagship Lounge + QF F lounge LAX>
OTHER AIRPORTS
SFO - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
JFK - Admirals Club & Flagship Lounge for EXP/First 3-class/Emerald
MIA - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee), Oneworld Premium Lounge for EXP/First 3-Class/Emerald
PTY - No lounge access (Copa with PP, or for a fee, for 7am or later flights)
YVR - No lounge access (PP for a fee)
DFW - Admiral's Club (with F/C Dining for EXP/Emerald) (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
6. PTY Customs:
Inbound to PTY -
Outbound to MIA -
7. Finding flights: - 12 noon - no lines reported
- 8PM Fri (5/27/16) - ~10 min line
Outbound to MIA -
- 4:40am - no lines reported
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
If you want the transcon bonus, enter the search with a connection in JFK. (e.g. LAX-JFK,JFK-MIA,MIA-PTY,PTY-JFK,JFK-SFO.) You can play around from there to get the best deal. Some of the better deals do not start and end in the same city (e.g. start in LAX, end in SFO may be cheaper than start/end in LAX).
Also, it's possible on the outbound portion to time it so you have no more than a 60-minute layover at JFK or MIA (though note that some of these flights aren't available on weekends). While yes, JFK is notorious for delays, this rarely applies for inbound red-eye flights. Also, note that AA 28 below is sometimes "hidden" if you're looking on Google Flights inside a much more expensive trip; that does not necessarily mean, however, that you can't get it for one of the trips under $1,000 (in other words, try it out to see).
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
Below is the shortest-possible outbound itinerary that has the LAX-JFK transcon on AA's A321T with flat-bed seats:
LAX-JFK on AA 28
10:45pm - 7:22am
JFK-MIA on AA 200
8:15am - 11:24am
(Note: AA has now switched all of the metal it used on this leg - on all JFK-MIA nonstops - to 757s instead of the 767s with international-style F & J seating.)***767 and 772 are back. Flight 200 is a 772**
MIA-PTY on AA 4434
12:33pm - 2:48pm
(Note: Even more distressingly, AA switched from using a 737 on this leg to an RJ, presumably because summer is off-peak season in Central America. The 6:05pm flight still uses a 737 if a full-size aircraft is a must.)
AA: LAX-JFK-MIA-PTY RT $702 in A/J 18.9K EQMs
Jul 1, 2016, 4:40 pm
#1261
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 77
Then it sounds like I am in possibly for a long delay in getting home. I don't have Global entry nor TSA Precheck.
Jul 1, 2016, 5:12 pm
#1262
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: some premium cabin...
Posts: 390
Jul 1, 2016, 10:05 pm
#1263
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: LAX, LGB, SNA
Programs: AA EXP OWE, DL DM ST+, AS MVPG, UA, BA, WN CP, Hyatt E, Ritz Plat, HH GM
Posts: 3,185
Jul 2, 2016, 4:10 pm
#1266
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,053
As for the tier points, you can check out this thread. There are conflicting reports of whether AA are willing to do Original Routing Credit to BAEC. I, for example, have been waiting a couple of weeks for a response from BA as to whether they will give me the missing Avios and Tier Points.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...r-s-guide.html
Jul 2, 2016, 7:11 pm
#1267
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 356
Forget about a cash refund. The route you actually flew will have been more expensive.
As for the tier points, you can check out this thread. There are conflicting reports of whether AA are willing to do Original Routing Credit to BAEC. I, for example, have been waiting a couple of weeks for a response from BA as to whether they will give me the missing Avios and Tier Points.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...r-s-guide.html
As for the tier points, you can check out this thread. There are conflicting reports of whether AA are willing to do Original Routing Credit to BAEC. I, for example, have been waiting a couple of weeks for a response from BA as to whether they will give me the missing Avios and Tier Points.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...r-s-guide.html
Jul 4, 2016, 3:56 am
#1269
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: SJC, SFO
Programs: Motel 6 Super Diamond
Posts: 351
At PTY waiting for the 6AM. Couple of notes:
The shuttle from the Crowne Plaza Airport leaves every half hour at :00 and :30. So I came down to the front entrance right at 4AM to find the shuttle had already left, rather than wait another 30 minutes, I took an UberX to the airport. I thought it'd be a few bucks based on my last few times using UberX only to find that there is a $14 airport surcharge so my ride ended up being $16.
Also, as stated there are no Priority Pass lounges at the airport open at this time, unless you want to stay in the 1 lounge that's landside. The Copa lounge that's airside is open at 5:15AM.
Also, the first UberX driver accepted my request but just sat there without moving for 10 minutes so I cancelled the ride (Uber charges a $2 fee, which you can get credited back if you give a valid reason for cancelling, mine was that the ETA was too long). The second driver also sat on his ... for about 7 minutes before getting going, so I ended up waiting 20 minutes for an Uber ride that should have taken 2 minutes for a pickup. For $16, I may have just waited for the shuttle.
The security this morning (7/4 Monday) was a breeze, about a 5 minute wait for the main security and only a couple of people in front of me at the secondary security check.
The shuttle from the Crowne Plaza Airport leaves every half hour at :00 and :30. So I came down to the front entrance right at 4AM to find the shuttle had already left, rather than wait another 30 minutes, I took an UberX to the airport. I thought it'd be a few bucks based on my last few times using UberX only to find that there is a $14 airport surcharge so my ride ended up being $16.
Also, as stated there are no Priority Pass lounges at the airport open at this time, unless you want to stay in the 1 lounge that's landside. The Copa lounge that's airside is open at 5:15AM.
Also, the first UberX driver accepted my request but just sat there without moving for 10 minutes so I cancelled the ride (Uber charges a $2 fee, which you can get credited back if you give a valid reason for cancelling, mine was that the ETA was too long). The second driver also sat on his ... for about 7 minutes before getting going, so I ended up waiting 20 minutes for an Uber ride that should have taken 2 minutes for a pickup. For $16, I may have just waited for the shuttle.
The security this morning (7/4 Monday) was a breeze, about a 5 minute wait for the main security and only a couple of people in front of me at the secondary security check.
Jul 4, 2016, 9:04 am
#1270
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
I have done the PTY mileage run twice now, and each time there was virtually no waiting at either the main security or the secondary security at the gate. Crowne Plaza Shuttle always on time, so the 4:30am shuttle would have worked for you.
When returning to Miami customs, there can be a horrendous line at the kiosks where you scan your passport and have your picture taken prior to getting in line for the exit booths. To avoid the kiosks, download "Mobile Passport" to your smart phone, and follow the directions for having everything on your phone so you proceed from the plane all the way to the exit booths without stopping.
When returning to Miami customs, there can be a horrendous line at the kiosks where you scan your passport and have your picture taken prior to getting in line for the exit booths. To avoid the kiosks, download "Mobile Passport" to your smart phone, and follow the directions for having everything on your phone so you proceed from the plane all the way to the exit booths without stopping.
Jul 4, 2016, 9:06 am
#1271
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SAN
Programs: DL MM, Marriott LT Titanium, AA EXP, Avis Chairmans
Posts: 1,399
At PTY waiting for the 6AM. Couple of notes:
The shuttle from the Crowne Plaza Airport leaves every half hour at :00 and :30. So I came down to the front entrance right at 4AM to find the shuttle had already left, rather than wait another 30 minutes, I took an UberX to the airport. I thought it'd be a few bucks based on my last few times using UberX only to find that there is a $14 airport surcharge so my ride ended up being $16.
Also, as stated there are no Priority Pass lounges at the airport open at this time, unless you want to stay in the 1 lounge that's landside. The Copa lounge that's airside is open at 5:15AM.
Also, the first UberX driver accepted my request but just sat there without moving for 10 minutes so I cancelled the ride (Uber charges a $2 fee, which you can get credited back if you give a valid reason for cancelling, mine was that the ETA was too long). The second driver also sat on his ... for about 7 minutes before getting going, so I ended up waiting 20 minutes for an Uber ride that should have taken 2 minutes for a pickup. For $16, I may have just waited for the shuttle.
The security this morning (7/4 Monday) was a breeze, about a 5 minute wait for the main security and only a couple of people in front of me at the secondary security check.
The shuttle from the Crowne Plaza Airport leaves every half hour at :00 and :30. So I came down to the front entrance right at 4AM to find the shuttle had already left, rather than wait another 30 minutes, I took an UberX to the airport. I thought it'd be a few bucks based on my last few times using UberX only to find that there is a $14 airport surcharge so my ride ended up being $16.
Also, as stated there are no Priority Pass lounges at the airport open at this time, unless you want to stay in the 1 lounge that's landside. The Copa lounge that's airside is open at 5:15AM.
Also, the first UberX driver accepted my request but just sat there without moving for 10 minutes so I cancelled the ride (Uber charges a $2 fee, which you can get credited back if you give a valid reason for cancelling, mine was that the ETA was too long). The second driver also sat on his ... for about 7 minutes before getting going, so I ended up waiting 20 minutes for an Uber ride that should have taken 2 minutes for a pickup. For $16, I may have just waited for the shuttle.
The security this morning (7/4 Monday) was a breeze, about a 5 minute wait for the main security and only a couple of people in front of me at the secondary security check.
Yes do take note for the 6am flight, that not much is open in the morning. I had to walk a long ways just to find a snack and warm sandwich to eat.
I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria and got the $100 credit towards food/spa for booking with my AMEX plat card. UberX is about $27 both ways to the airport.
Jul 4, 2016, 3:02 pm
#1272
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: san clemente ca
Programs: AA,DL
Posts: 374
I'ts called a trip in Vain. You should be able to get voucher credit and bonus miles. You can ask for original flight credit.
Jul 5, 2016, 10:43 am
#1274
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: All of Them
Posts: 511
Just returned from IAD-LAX-JFK-MIA-PTY and return 7/1-7/4. LAX was a nightmare (status quo) the night of 7/1 with people trying to get to NYC after most flights canceled for weather in NY. I was on AA28 which ended up I believe being the only flight to operate LAX-NYC for the whole evening. 8 flights worth of people at the gate trying to get on.
Great run, no miss connects which I consider lucky with all the weather going around. I spent the night at Panama Hilton. Caught a room sale for $89 an was upgraded to water front junior suite. Great property and lounge, PTY was an easy airport with no lines anywhere. Centurion Lounge Miami is an overcrowded wreck. Admirals Club at D30 was an empty Oasis. Caught a 777-300ER Flagship suite JFK-MIA as an added bonus for the trip. Fun times
Great run, no miss connects which I consider lucky with all the weather going around. I spent the night at Panama Hilton. Caught a room sale for $89 an was upgraded to water front junior suite. Great property and lounge, PTY was an easy airport with no lines anywhere. Centurion Lounge Miami is an overcrowded wreck. Admirals Club at D30 was an empty Oasis. Caught a 777-300ER Flagship suite JFK-MIA as an added bonus for the trip. Fun times
Jul 5, 2016, 11:24 am
#1275
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: SJC, SFO
Programs: Motel 6 Super Diamond
Posts: 351
I did the same run this morning! PTY-MIA (here now)-JFK-LAX. I ran into two other people that were also doing runs today. In fact, one was using ITA while in the boarding area looking for the run out of YVR in September. My seat mate was also a mileage runner. Both ended up in the Centurion lounge.
Yes do take note for the 6am flight, that not much is open in the morning. I had to walk a long ways just to find a snack and warm sandwich to eat.
I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria and got the $100 credit towards food/spa for booking with my AMEX plat card. UberX is about $27 both ways to the airport.
Yes do take note for the 6am flight, that not much is open in the morning. I had to walk a long ways just to find a snack and warm sandwich to eat.
I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria and got the $100 credit towards food/spa for booking with my AMEX plat card. UberX is about $27 both ways to the airport.
