American Airlines Is Changing How Points Are Earned, Raising Baggage Fees
American Airlines announced it’s raising prices for first and second bag checks. American is also raising prices for short international flights and Canadian flights. The new international and Canadian prices also reflect a $5 increase. Customers who are AAdvantage status loyalty or credit card members will still receive complimentary bag checks on their first eligible bag when flying domestically.
Beginning May 1, 2024, American is also changing how customers earn loyalty points and AAdvantage miles. For its travelers to earn points and miles, they must book flights directly with American or one of the airline’s preferred online travel agencies or partner carriers — this change will not impact corporate travelers. American said it will name the preferred travel agencies in April. Customers flying basic economy will only earn points when they book directly with American and designated partner airlines. In addition, Advantage members can still earn points and miles through non-airline partners, including AAdvantage Hotels, AAdvantage eShopping, and AAdvantage Events.
Scott Chandler, American Airlines’ vice president of revenue management, said that nearly 60% of customers already buy their tickets directly from the airline. Airlines and customers have been moving away from travel agent bookings for their flights. Chandler added, “The old way of booking a ticket relied on agents having a ton of experience and understanding product attributes. The old technology doesn’t let us explain things very well, and it is a little more confusing for customers when we introduce new products.”
Learn more about the AAdvantage Loyalty Program here:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/aadvantage-program.jsp
7-Eleven Giving Away Concert Tickets for a Year To 150 Lucky 7Rewards Members
Some of 7-Eleven’s 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members will enjoy a concert seat on the house. The convenience store retailer announced that it is rewarding 150 of its most loyal customers with a chance to win a year’s worth of free concert tickets, sporting events, and other performances and experiences. Through April 30, 2024, Speedy Rewards and 7Rewards members who buy participating products at 7-Eleven, Stripes, and Speedway stores will have a shot at a winning ticket.
Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer for 7-Eleven Marissa Jarratt stated, “Seventy-three percent of our target customers say they are a music lover or obsessed with music — making this sweepstakes a no-brainer for us. We can’t wait to reward these loyal customers with the chance to enjoy some of the hottest shows of the year.”
Some of the eligible purchases are Big Gulp fountain drinks, the store’s iconic Slurpees, and its Big Bite hot dogs. However, 7-Eleven customers have an even bigger chance of winning by buying a Red Bull drink, including Amber Edition, Sugarfree, or Energy Drink. Purchasing any of those flavors entitles the purchaser to seven extra entries.
Learn more about becoming a 7Rewards member here: https://www.7-eleven.com/7rewards
PepsiCo Enters Third Year of Making a Difference for Chicago’s Youth
PepsiCo’s Chicago community initiative is entering its third year of commitment toward the Pathways to Readiness and Empowerment Program (PREP). The multinational food and beverage maker has pledged a $5 million investment to provide better career prospects for more than 3,000 of Chicago’s youth residing in the Southern and Western parts of the city. Recently, PepsiCo awarded $250,000 in grants to several local nonprofits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, Imagine Englewood if, Chicago Cares, Girls in the Game, Field Museum, Southwest Organizing Project, and Ladies of Virtue, further reinforcing its commitment to underserved youth in Chicago.
Brittany N. Wilson, a community relations manager for PepsiCo Chicago, commented about the impact of the groups on the lives of the local community. “Working day in and day out with our community partners, I see firsthand the positive impact these groups have in people’s lives. These organizations are rooted exactly where their work happens, which means they intrinsically understand local needs and are best suited to unlock tremendous potential in Chicago’s vibrant South and West Side communities. That’s why PepsiCo remains unwavering in our commitment to support these hyperlocal community networks that empower and uplift young people every day. With their partnership, this year we’re proud to scale our paid community-based internship program, launch even more career exposure programs, and hire more community members as part of our Chicagoland PepsiCo team.”
Since PREP launched in 2021, its impact on community-based programs have provided essential career resources such as paid internships, credentialing, career resources, and pathways to life-changing employment opportunities to over 2,200 youth and young adults.
Learn more about PepsiCo’s commitment to PREP by watching this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUqe6VlkZKo
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Original Article Links:
American Airlines is raising bag fees and changing how customers earn frequent-flyer points
7-Eleven, Inc. Gives 7Rewards, Speedy Rewards Customers the Chance to Win Concert Tickets for a Year
PEPSICO’S $5M COMMUNITY PROGRAM ENTERS THIRD YEAR OF IMPACT WITH YOUTH FROM CHICAGO’S SOUTH AND WEST SIDES