Expert: Stephen Tanenbaum - 2/13/2006

Question
1) My wife and I
2) Mexico & Spain (for 2006)
3) No
4) two incomes

My question for you is in regards to "Frequent Flyer Miles (FFM)". I recently read your latest blog about your techniques to acquire FFM's.  Thank you for posting such wonderful information! However, you mention that the Citibank AA credit card is your favorite of them all.  With so many different cards and promotions out there, why is AA your favorite?

thanks,
Mike

Answer
Hi Mike:

Top of your question lists 1-4 with such as "MY WIFE AND I"
etc. Don't have the questions you are obviously answering in front of me. All but  #3 seem clear.

Now to main question. As I re-read my Blog I see that I tout American but don't really do a comparison with other plans. I'll revise the blog in that regard. Thanks for pointing it out.

Briefly all the examples I put forth of award flights in Europe that include  EXTRA flights/stops like a second flight in Europe  and free stop at a U.S. gateway city are NOT offered by other programs. Also, American offers low season awards like Europe for 40000 from Oct to May where others like United   charge 50,000 or 60,000 for the same award (and without the super extra free fligths). Also, American zone three ranges from London to Moscow and Tel Aviv so a 40,000 mile off season award can take you to your Moscow riveer cruise ship.  Would be at least 60,0000 or more on other programs.

Also, United often lacks seats on needed trip whereas our decade old record with American has been awesome meaning they either have seats or move mountains to get us seats on needed flights and/or flight segments on our long three month trips.

Plus American partner flights, like American NY to London and then British Airways london to Nairobi are FREE where               other programs like United CHARGE YOU AGAIN for the next segment  partner flight.

I think that justifies our total loyalty to American AAdvantage.

Steve Tanenbaum