AA gives away 20,000 FREE tickets

[canyonblue]

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines is sending Dallas Mavericks fans flying in the largest-ever airline ticket giveaway at a single event. The company is giving away more than 20,000 free, round-trip airline ticket vouchers as part of tonight's Dallas Mavericks Fan Appreciation Night at American Airlines Center. Fans may redeem their voucher for one free round-trip ticket anywhere American flies to or from Dallas Love Field Airport.

For loyal fans watching the Mavericks game on television, American Airlines is giving away an additional 1,000 round-trip airline ticket vouchers at random to viewers who participated in a text-message promotion using their mobile telephones.

"We wanted to do something outrageous and original for our fans," said Mavs owner Mark Cuban. "Tonight's announcement is going to be hard to top, and I know that our fans appreciate this unbelievable generosity from American Airlines."

"History was made tonight as American Airlines gave away more than 20,000 free, round-trip tickets as part of the largest-ever airline ticket giveaway," said Dan Garton, Executive Vice President of Marketing for American. "We believe in rewarding people for their loyalty, and tonight these devoted fans went home with free American Airlines ticket vouchers. Each Mavericks fan here tonight will soon have the opportunity to experience American's extraordinary new service from Love Field, and we look forward to showing them our special brand of appreciation."

According to Garton, the unprecedented promotion will allow thousands of travelers to experience firsthand everything they expect from American Airlines at Love Field Airport. Travelers flying to and from Love Field can take advantage of American's superior service, including the largest frequent flyer program in the country, pre-reserved seating, global connections and First Class service on American Airlines flights, he said.

American Supports Gilda's Club Charity on Fan Appreciation Night

As part of Dallas Mavericks Fan Appreciation Night presented by American Airlines, American also donated 100 round-trip airline ticket vouchers to Gilda's Club, a charitable organization supported by Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry. The organization offers social and emotional support to people with cancer through 17 clubhouses located in the United States and Canada. American donated 75 round-trip ticket vouchers good for travel anywhere American flies to or from Dallas Love Field Airport, as well as 25 domestic coach-class round-trip tickets good for travel to any American destination in the United States.

Promotion Details

Ticket vouchers issued during Dallas Mavericks Fan Appreciation Night are redeemable for round-trip, non-stop flights to/from Dallas Love Field and Austin, San Antonio, Kansas City or St. Louis. Tickets must be booked by April 30, 2006 and travel completed on or before Nov. 12, 2006. Tickets are not redeemable for cash. The offer does not apply to previous reservations placed on hold or to previously purchased tickets.

American operates four flights a day between Love Field and St. Louis, and three flights daily on the Love Field-Kansas City route, with 136-seat MD80 jets featuring first-class as well as coach service. American Eagle flies four times a day between Love Field and San Antonio, and five times daily between Love and Austin, using 50-seat Embraer 145 Regional Jet aircraft.

The AA.com discount code cannot be reissued or replaced. Passengers are responsible for government-imposed taxes and fees. There are no blackout dates. Tickets are based on available inventory. Trips may be flown seven days from booking. To book a voucher, Mavericks fans may go to http://www.aa.com/hoops for more details.

 

[canyonblue]

Should help repeal the Wright Amendment, as 20,000 people find out you can't get too far out of Love.

 

[CapnVegetto]

Way to make that money guys. Of course I'd be willing to bet ol Cuban put some kind of investment on the table for that.

 

[TrumanSparks]

I'm sure there will be a ton of restrictions coupled with the fact you can't go anywhere on AA out of Love, I see this backfiring as these 20,000 will tell everyone they know not to bother flying AA out of Love. SWA will somehow use this to their advantage and make a stronger case for repeal of the Wright Amendment. I recall that AA stated they won't make any money out of Love, this is one sure way to make sure that happens.

Thanks Mark, now go win us a championship.

 

[Phil O'Sopher]

I'm sure there will be a ton of restrictions coupled with the fact you can't go anywhere on AA out of Love, I see this backfiring as these 20,000 will tell everyone they know not to bother flying AA out of Love. SWA will somehow use this to their advantage and make a stronger case for repeal of the Wright Amendment. I recall that AA stated they won't make any money out of Love, this is one sure way to make sure that happens.

Thanks Mark, now go win us a championship.

Gary Kelly just announced during the 1st Qtr conference that there will be free drinks on flights out of Love until Memorial Day. When asked by a reporter if that was restricted to one per flight, he said he would leave that up to the good judgement of the crews but that "free drinks are free drinks". At least I think that's what he said, I was drinking at the time....

 

[Otto77]

Gary Kelly just announced during the 1st Qtr conference that there will be free drinks on flights out of Love until Memorial Day. When asked by a reporter if that was restricted to one per flight, he said he would leave that up to the good judgement of the crews but that "free drinks are free drinks". At least I think that's what he said, I was drinking at the time....

well damn if that is the case then...BOTTOMS UP! ha

 

[Widow's Son]

20K people who used to envision Love as the 60's vintage claptrap Bulgarian style facility image that opponents have been fostering will discover a convenient location, new parking garage, brand new restaurants and bars, and all with quick and easy access and no tempermental tram ride from mushroom to mushroom, or 45 minute conga line taxi. Then they will discover that the only real service out there is on SWA at much lower rates than DFW and finally, it will dawn on them that the only way to have low cost convenient service nationwide is to shatcan the Wright Amendment.
SWA needs to find whomever thought of this idiocy and hire him. On second thought, keep him right there because he is the best marketing friend SWA has, and they don't even have to pay him!
UPDATE: AA has hired an outside marketing firm called HK marketing. They just don't know that it is Herb Kellerher having a little fun on the side.

 

[Flopgut]

20K people who used to envision Love as the 60's vintage claptrap Bulgarian style facility image that opponents have been fostering will discover a convenient location, new parking garage, brand new restaurants and bars, and all with quick and easy access and no tempermental tram ride from mushroom to mushroom, or 45 minute conga line taxi. Then they will discover that the only real service out there is on SWA at much lower rates than DFW and finally, it will dawn on them that the only way to have low cost convenient service nationwide is to shatcan the Wright Amendment.
SWA needs to find whomever thought of this idiocy and hire him. On second thought, keep him right there because he is the best marketing friend SWA has, and they don't even have to pay him!
UPDATE: AA has hired an outside marketing firm called HK marketing. They just don't know that it is Herb Kellerher having a little fun on the side.

Bozo: They might also try AA again and rediscover what they can get for thier travel dollar. First class cabins, clubs, worldwide operation, etc. We lift the WA and passengers still won't be able to go too far. Spend 20 grand on SWA you get a free ticket to Florida aboard the clown car. Spend a little more with AA and you can go to Beijing or Paris and maybe even get an upgrade.

Someday, SWA will be on the recieving end of a politizied, non-market ambush. We'll see how you like it.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

Someday, SWA will be on the recieving end of a politizied, non-market ambush. We'll see how you like it.

"Someday"? Like in....a week?....a month?....A year?

Soooooo....what indications do you have that would lead you to believe that this is going to happen?

Tejas
​

 

[LuckyDad]

Flopgut,
No disrespect at all, but I doubt any of those 20k people will see an upgrade, or a widebody out of LUV... statistically, it'll be an RJ

 

[Flopgut]

"Someday"? Like in....a week?....a month?....A year?

Soooooo....what indications do you have that would lead you to believe that this is going to happen?

Tejas

​

History. Everybody takes a turn eventually.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

All it tells me is AA is doing well again and can afford this kind of gimmick.

Late 2006 and 2007 will be good for AA and CAL.

AA stepped right up to play at Love Field. I guess the Wright Amendment really isn't necessary anymore.

BTW, children luv the clown car and can't wait to come back. They beg their parents to fly SWA. Works like a charm.

 

[Flopgut]

Flopgut,
No disrespect at all, but I doubt any of those 20k people will see an upgrade, or a widebody out of LUV... statistically, it'll be an RJ

Good point, and no disrespect but they definitely won't get an upgrade on SWA. I think this is a good move on AA's part to get some traffic. Its unfortunate that they have to do it in the first place. LUV should be closed to airline traffic.

 

[Flopgut]

All it tells me is AA is doing well again and can afford this kind of gimmick.

Late 2006 and 2007 will be good for AA and CAL.

AA stepped right up to play at Love Field. I guess the Wright Amendment really isn't necessary anymore.

BTW, children luv the clown car and can't wait to come back. They beg their parents to fly SWA. Works like a charm.

AA is going to have some pricing power relative to SWA for sure. This is a good way to get the word out.

BTW, people with lots of money love First Class, gourmet food, and the affinity clubs. Its starting to catch on again.

Of course that advantage doesn't compare to the advantage SWA has been given at LUV.

 

[WMUSIGPI]

Good point, and no disrespect but they definitely won't get an upgrade on SWA. I think this is a good move on AA's part to get some traffic. Its unfortunate that they have to do it in the first place. LUV should be closed to airline traffic.

Actually Chicago Midway should be closed before Love. Preferably sending all the traffic outside D!ck Daley's control.

 

[ivauir]

Good point, and no disrespect but they definitely won't get an upgrade on SWA. No disrespect but SWA can seem like an upgrade. I think this is a good move on AA's part to get some traffic. Its unfortunate that they have to do it in the first place. LUV should be closed to airline traffic.

Here we go again. The SWA heretics not playing by AA's rules. :bawling: Get over it, Wright is wrong and it will go away.

And BTW SWA has been on the recieving end of several "politizied, non-market ambushes". I think your airline history is strong enough to know that. Infact AA playing the victim is pretty funny given the history, don't ya think?

 

[Flopgut]

Here we go again. The SWA heretics not playing by AA's rules. :bawling: Get over it, Wright is wrong and it will go away.

And BTW SWA has been on the recieving end of several "politizied, non-market ambushes". I think your airline history is strong enough to know that. Infact AA playing the victim is pretty funny given the history, don't ya think?

You're kidding right? Your airline has been treated like a sacred cow since day one! You may have had to scrap a little, but you've won every time even when you shouldn't have. SWA was gifted its own airport, handed the uniquely written WA to continue operating, and now that it no longer suits you, your going to get it thrown out.

AA is the underdog now. If they can pick up a little momentum and catch a few SWA like breaks, this will get interesting.

 

[Widow's Son]

Yo Floppy,

You need to read up on your politicized non-market ambushes. You seem ignorant about airline history. SWA has a great ability to take lemons that are thrown at them and turn them in to lemonade.
Back in the day, SWA was happy to pay a reduced rate for a reduced service listing on Sabre. One day AMR up and throws SWA out of SABRE and convinces the other major CRS systems to do likewise. SWA takes that and developes the internet based direct sales approach that revolutionizes ticket sales because it gives the traveling public instant knowlege if they are going to get screwed by the legacies that lived off of screwing a certain percentage of the public. Not only has internet direct sales been a boon for SWA but it has been bleeding you guys to death. Just to add injury to insult, a few years later SABRE came crawling back to SWA offering a higher level of service at an even lower rate, because they needed the business. So now SWA has the best of both worlds.
Fresh off their own grenade getting tossed back at them, Crandall and the boys tried another politicized non-market ambush with the ticket tax fiasco. SWA was very content to be a point to point short haul carrier paying its proper share of tax as a percentage of ticket price, but you guys thought you could slay the dragon by having the ticket tax changed to a segment tax rather than a percentage of price. This heavily favored long haul segments and was an admitted strike at SWA. Funny thing happened in that "defeat", the 700's came along with transcon capability and SWA was forced into the long haul market. The amazing thing was, long haul is inherently cheaper than short haul. SWA minted money in long haul. As SWA increased its average segment length, its costs came down.
When SWA was a short haul carrier, it didn't care about the WA. You guys forced the issue by forcing SWA in the long haul business. Another grenade you guys tossed that SWA lobbed right back at you.

 

[Flopgut]

Yo El Capitan Loco Bozo:

Pretty standard stuff (market). I don't care if you out innovate me. I think internet ticket sales are OK (I think "Ding" is genious). Except maybe the tax deal, Love Field has had been in the red a long time.

Non-market would be getting to stay at Love in the first place. Then getting to leave Texas, and now quite possibly getting the WA repealed. That is an incredible series of events, there isn't anything worse than that.

Floppy must leave now and go smite the hun. Later.

 

[Widow's Son]

Flop,

I think we'll both agree that AA managment has done some pretty stupid things over the last few years. Buying airlines only to get rid of the routes, planes, and other assets is one. Trying to shrink to profitability, which has never been successful, is another.
The incestual relationship with DFW and the whiney, we deserve to rip you off campaign on the Wright amendment will go down in history as another bone job.
There are positives about AA just as there are positives about DFW. If they had just acted proud and confident and promoted the heck out of their positives and ignored SWA and Love field it would have been better off for both AA and DFW in the long run. All their current campaign does is reinforce in the public's mind that they are afraid of competition.
LAX has its neighbor airports as does JFK, ORD, MIA, HOU, and many others. There is no reason that DFW and DAL can't be the same. Unless, of course, AA has convinced themselves that they can't compete and if that is the case then you have greater problems than the Wright Amendment.
Where the split between DFW and AA will come is if SWA actually does come to DFW. DFW would love it, but it would be AA's worst nightmare. It is all about pennies, specifically the pennies between the two carriers CASM. The spread of those few pennies is as big as the Grand Canyon for its dominance.

 

[Flopgut]

Skipper Bozo:

There is getting beat, and there is losing. If the legacy model gets beat in a straight up duel, good for you. I can live with that. If legacies lose to LCC due to things like the Love Field debacle, it will be a shame. Sure, other cities have similiar airport situations. But nowhere else is there an airport with the history of lending competitive advantage to a single carrier like Love. Principal is of most importance in the larger scheme. AA has to assert themselves and try to establish that periodic backstabbing AA is not a SWA birthright. The good news is, that if you get the WA repealled, I don't foresee anything similar to come. Your scrappy, underdog cred will be exhausted. Observers will realize the past disparity and there will be a new underdog.

What I also meant to highlight regarding "non-market, political ambushes" is a little different. Right now, anything bad is good for SWA, because it hurts legacies more. If a SARS like event occurs, more wars or escalted hostilities, currency valuations, cabotage, extraordinary pressure on AFL-CIO labor, etc. form the tipping point for a SWA windfall, then its really only half a "win" wouldn't you agree?

By all means, take the money! I don't care about that, but acknowledge the circumstances.

 

[Widow's Son]

>>But nowhere else is there an airport with the history of lending competitive advantage to a single carrier like Love<<

Excuse me, but who just gave away 20k free tickets at Love? The idea that the WA was designed to protect SWA is pure crap. The WA was designed to protect DFW. Legend came into Love, Continental has come to Love, You guys came once to destroy Legend, then left, and now you are back giving away free tickets while you bleed money that isn't free. We could care less. All the attention to Love just helps us in the long run. The employees of AA are the ones who should be upset about costly management blunders while your wages and retirement are at risk. Management is going to take care of themselves no matter how bad they botch this one.

 

[N7167L]

I put my money on "Widow's Son"... great posts and to the point. Amen!

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Good point, and no disrespect but they definitely won't get an upgrade on SWA. I think this is a good move on AA's part to get some traffic. Its unfortunate that they have to do it in the first place. LUV should be closed to airline traffic.

Flopgut,

You are making some assumptions here.

First, what shoulda or coulda been done is WAY old news. At some point we have to live with the reality forced upon us.

Second, you are making this a zero sum game. Is it really Love field or SWA's fault that AA management treats their employees so poorly? AA got their employees to take big pay cuts just to shrink the fleet, pay their executives big benefits (retiring and present) and now to finance 20,000 tickets.

With or without SWA or Love field, AA management would be finding new and inventive ways to treat the employees poorly. Their excuse would just be other airlines or "problems". I know you don't work at AA, but that is the perspective I think is relevant.

Believe it or not SWA management finds new ways to improve the lives of their employees. If growth stopped at SWA tommorrow and went gangbusters at AA I would still want to be at SWA.

Making one's condition of happiness based on growth and time to Captain is no way live, IMHO. In this environment the growth can stop in a second.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

History. Everybody takes a turn eventually.

History has shown that "everybody" is taking a turn, yet again. What specifically ( more than just "history") do you see that would lead you to believe that SWA is headed in this direction?

Using that logic, I see the New Orleans Saints winining the next Super Bowl. Why? Because of history...everybody gets a turn eventually.

Tejas

 

[ils2minimums]

What specifically ( more than just "history") do you see that would lead you to believe that SWA is headed in this direction? Tejas

Not saying SWA will necessarily take a "turn", but when those fuel hedges they purchased from AA (a HUGE mAAnagement blunder) run out, they will be paying market rates for fuel. Had they been paying what everyone else is paying for gas last year, they would've posted losses.

In other words, unless their gameplan changes, they will be suffering the woes of the rest of the industry.

Murph

 

[frog_flyer]

i wonder how much of AA's 92 million dollar loss last quarter could be attributed to flying out of love.

And southwests advertising is MUCH more effective than dfw/aa's. if WA doesnt get repealed, it will be amended to allow another state, then another state, one by one.

get those goddang md80s off of 13L theyre noisy!

 

[ils2minimums]

Back to the topic of the thread: I did an eBay search for "American Airlines Voucher",and not surprisingly, you can now purchase those "free" tickets for anywhere from $50.00 and up... Whomever the genius at heAAdquarters responsible for this advertising campaign was, I hope they make him wrestle a badger in a gym bag while midgets throw bologna at his ass... How can you sit in a meeting with the brass of a company that's losing gazillions of dollars and get them to buy off on GIVING AWAY THE PRODUCT!!! (only at AA...) Too bad our union didn't hire him to be the head negotiator...

The mistakes of this company's management teAAm never cease to amaze me... From raping RDU and BNA, to purchasing multiple airlines and inheriting nothing but heartache and debt, to conceding to the loss of 90 million in the construction of the MIA terminal, to actually taking seats off the plane in a depressed revenue environment, to continuously buying naming rights to stadiums, to giving away free tickets and watching others profit from it...

I can still sort of remember the day when I used to be proud to say I worked here... Now when people ask me what I do for a living, I just say: "I'm in high-speed aluminum tubing"...

Murph

 

[frog_flyer]

American Airlines Center <3
American Airlines Arena lol
waiting on American Airlines Field
and American Airlines Colliseum (sp)
as well as American Airlines Stadium

Dont tell anyone, but AA is actually financing the new cowboys stadium in arlington and will have the naming rights.... :smash:

 

[Ty Webb]

What I want to know is this-

All of the ******************************vbags who squealed like stuck pigs when AirTran did a promotion with Wendy's - - - - where are you now? At least we made them choke down some Gag 'n Pukes to ride on us.