American just posted an advisory on their site announcing that they’ve terminated their contract with Orbitz and that American Airlines flights and fare will no longer be available on Orbitz.com and site powered by Orbitz.

Go here for all the details.

Bubbles by Stephanie Hoeman and Brigitte Bose. Photo credit American Airlines AAdvantage Milestones

I meant to put this out a week ago (holidays), but the votes from the American Airlines Leder Posin’ Oktoberfest contest have been counted and the winners are Stephanie Hoeman and Brigitte Bose.

Thousands struck a pose in their lederhosen for our Leder Posin’ Photo Contest. Ten Leder Posers were chosen as finalists. You voted and the results are in. Stephanie Hoeman and Brigitte Bose have been crowned the Hosen Ones. And what will they do with their prize of 250,000 AAdvantage miles? They’re brushing up on their Portuguese for a Brazilian trip to visit Recife, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Wow, 250,0000 AAdvantage Miles – I’d be tempted to go to India or maybe redeem them for a oneworld Explorer Round the World ticket.   Hmmmmm.    How about you, what would you do with 250,000 AAdvantage miles?

American Airlines, British Airways & Iberia CEOs @ Press conference photo credit American Airlines on Flickr

I’ve been gone for few days (the holidays and all) but it’s been a slow news week on the AAdvantage milage front.

The joint business agreement that American, BA and Iberia announced back in the fall has been expanded now to include 57 new British Airways and 2 Iberia flights as American Airlines codeshare flights. What this means is that these flights will now be listed as American fights when you book travel, so you’ll earn 100% of the AAdvantage miles that you’d normally earn as well as full Elite Qualifying Miles.

Here’s a look at the new AA codeshare routes:

More details here.

iPad in case – photo credit Blake Patterson on Flickr

Now you can look up your AAdvantage balance, make reservations, purchase travel and more using American’s new high-definition iPad App.

From their release:

American Airlines introduces travel applications that understand who you are and where you’re going. Beginning with the iPhone application launched this summer, we now bring you a travel app for your iPad in High Definition! From your mobile boarding pass, to where you’re departing from and from what gate, to where you’ll sit and even where you are on the standby list, we have you covered. Simply swipe and tap your way through your personalized American Airlines travel information that’s perfect for flying through airports.
Download our iPhone and iPad apps now at the iTunes app store!
Plus, gain access to a variety of other tools to help you manage, plan and further enjoy each trip you take on American Airlines:

• Track your Elite Status progress
• View terminal maps
• Play Sudoku
• Book Flights
• Check In For Flights
• Create Flight Status Notifications
• Check Flight Status & Schedules
• Access your AAdvantage account
• Enroll in the AAdvantage program

Go here to download.

Cirque du Soleil – Viva Elvis photo credit Kent Kanouse on Flickr

American Way Magazine, the in-flight magazine from American Airlines, is sponsoring a Cirque du Soleil, Viva ELVIS sweepstakes. Here’s their description:

Elvis would have turned 75 this year! In the King’s honor, we’re sending one lucky winner to Las Vegas to experience the newest show by Cirque du Soleil, Viva ELVIS at ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter. A Grand Prize winner will receive:

Roundtrip Airfare for 2 to Las Vegas
2 nights at the ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter
2 VIP Tickets to Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil
Elvis 75th Anniversary DVD Collection Box Set
Special Viva ELVIS Gift Bag

Aria is a new five-star Las Vegas luxury hotel and casino located at the new $11 billon CityCenter development on the Las Vegas Strip.  Even if you’r not a fan of Elvis or you’re like Jimmy Fallon, and you think Cirque Du Soleil is vaguely creepy, the Aria has 17 restaurants, a spa, 8 nightclubs, more than 20 shops, a sports book and casino (of course), it’s likely you’ll find something to do without ever leaving the hotel.

Go here to enter and for terms and conditions.

Barbados – photo credit Derek Hatfield on Flickr

I’m already tired of winter.  I’ve started tracking January fares to Puerto Rico (never been, but with an average daily high of 83.2°F in January and 4,330 AAdvantage Miles I’m plenty tempted!), but an even better plan would be to win a vacation.

American Way Magazine, the in-flight magazine from American Airlines, is sponsoring a new reader survey and an opportunity to win a three night vacation for two in Barbados and 70,000 AAdvantage Miles. Here’s their description of the prize:

A Mango Bay all-inclusive experience includes hotel accommodation, all meals, afternoon tea, all local and brand name drinks including wine with dinner, use of the resort’s new gym, waterspouts (waterskiing, hobiecat sailing, kayaking and snorkeling) and nightly entertainment.

Located in the historic Holetown are on the famed Gold Coast of Barbados, the 76-room Mango Bay is known for its casual sophistication and all-inclusive value. This beach from, boutique-style property is the ideal tropical retreat for travelers seeking an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle in an oasis where warm breezes, delightful Caribbean sunshine, and picturesque beaches are refreezing and revitalizing. Spacious accommodations, a centrally-located swimming pool, delicious dining and tremendous all-inclusive value make Mango Bay a truly exceptional Uncomplicated, Unencumbered, Unforgettable vacation paradise.

To enter, just go here and participate in the latest American Way Magazine reader survey.  Terms and conditions on the same page too.

Apple Store @Hong Kong Plaza Opening – photo credit Roger Luo on Flickr

oneworld Alliance member Cathay Pacific is offering a $500 Apple Gift Card bonus for First and Business Class travel purchased on www.cathaypacific.com/us between December 6, 2010 – January 31, 2011 and completed by February 28, 2011.  Not all fares qualify: only fare classes F, A (First Class) or J, C, D, I (Business Class) are eligible for this offer.

Here’s their description of the offer:

HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR APPLE GIFT CARD:

Simply complete the following 2 steps to claim your $500 Apple Gift Card*.

STEP 1:
Book your next First or Business Class flight from the US to Asia on cathaypacific.com/us.

STEP 2:
Keep an eye on your email inbox for an exclusive link and instructions on how to receive your Apple Gift Card!

You’ll need to make your travel purchase soon, the Apple gift card will be given to the first 400 who register for the offer and complete travel. So you better hurry, with some fares costing as much as $20,000 round trip, they’ll run out of gift cards soon.

Go here for more info and the terms and conditions.

New Years Eve in Times Square – photo credit sandwichgirl on Flickr

Black Atlas, the American Airlines site dedicated to connecting to the African American traveler, is sponsoring a sweepstakes trip for two to welcome in 2011 from New York City.  New and current registered users of BlackAtlas.com will be entered in the contest to win the prize.

From the press release:

American Airlines, through BlackAtlas.com(SM), the first online travel community for people interested in Black culture, is hosting a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for two to spend New Year’s Eve in New York City.

One lucky winner of the ‘New Year’s Eve in New York City Sweepstakes‘ will receive a pair of round-trip tickets to New York, hotel accommodations for two nights and $300 in spending money to help ring in the New Year.

All registered users of BlackAtlas.com and those who register by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Dec. 15, 2010, will be entered for a chance to win the ‘New Year’s Eve in New York City Sweepstakes.’ The sweepstakes is open to residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years and older and limited to one entry per person. Other terms and conditions apply.

New Year’s Eve in Times Square has been celebrated every year since 1904. The Times Square Alliance has already posted the event guide for New Year’s Eve complete with an interactive timeline of the Times Square tradition.  Check it out if even if you’re just planning to watch the celebration on TV.

Black Atlas is sort of a cross between an online travel magazine and Trip Advisor for the African American travel audience and just one of the several American Airlines sites targeted toward specific segments of the travel market. Go here to enter or for more details.

Central Park West and Winter in Central Park from AAdvantageGeek on Flickr

American Airlines and New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, NYC & Company, just announced a 7 day sale for travel between Jan. 5–Feb. 16 from 30 North American cities: fares start at $49 one-way, and $69, $89, and $109 from most cities. This is from the press release:

“We are proud to once again partner with American Airlines to provide visitors to New York City with incredible value offers this winter,” said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. “By working with American Airlines, we are making it easier and more affordable than ever to travel to New York City, and combined with a range of savings and promotions through our Get More NYC Winter campaign, there is no better time to visit. Winter Restaurant Week, the first-ever Broadway Week and our On The House two-for-one Off Broadway ticket promotion are just samplings of what visitors can experience and enjoy this winter.”

During January and February 2011, NYC & Company will offer various promotions and savings under the Get More NYC campaign including the first-ever Broadway Week offering two-for-one tickets to almost all of Broadway’s hottest shows (Jan. 24 – Feb. 10), while more than 80 of the city’s top hotels will offer up to 25 percent off their best available rate from Jan. 2 to Feb. 28, when travelers book before Feb. 28. Other promotions taking place this winter include the upcoming NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2011 offering visitors prix-fixe meals at nearly 300 of the city’s high-end restaurants (Jan. 24 – Feb. 6); plus the Off Broadway promotion On the House offering theater enthusiasts two-for-one tickets to some of the city’s most celebrated Off Broadway shows (Jan. 24 – Feb. 13). Further details on all of NYC & Company’s winter promotions can be accessed at nycgo.com.

I don’t usually pay much attention to destination guides, especially for New York because there’s always so much to do and I’ve been there so many times.   I’ve got a long list of favorite things to do when I’m in the city and I have to make an effort to not try to do too much and to leave open the opportunity to discover something new.  I happened to come across the Conway Confidential New York City travel guide from American Airlines and travel writer Paula Conway and learned about the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene.   So if you’re looking for some new ideas for your next NYC visit, read through her travel advice.  I’m glad I did, I found something new that I might not have otherwise discovered and the Brooklyn Flea was great.

Don’t forget that you can earn Double AAdvantage Miles if you’re traveling from Indianapolis, Cincinnati, or Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Go here for all all the details.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TUL8cfCijw

American Airlines and British Airways just opened their first jointly operated Admirals Club in Denver.  The renovated club will employ both AA and BA premium service representatives. Here’s what they say in the press release:

“The joint lounge in Denver is another way AA and BA are providing more seamless customer service as part of the airlines’ transatlantic joint business,” said Nancy Knipp, American’s President – Admirals Club. “In addition to featuring a wide array of state-of-the-art amenities in an enhanced lounge setting, we’ve simplified the connection process for travelers by relocating the Denver Admirals Club from Terminal C to Terminal A – the terminal from which both AA and BA operate.”

The newly opened 5,115 square foot space incorporates rustic and organic elements that reflect the unique characteristics of Colorado. Upon entering the club, customers are greeted in a reception area composed of chiseled stone walls, curved glass panels and back-lit resin panels. The facility offers seating for 124 guests and includes a cell-phone-free quiet zone featuring comfortable chairs with ottomans. Visitors to the club also can enjoy the walk-up Cyber Cafe with HP TouchSmart PCs, new flat-panel TVs, a conference room and a children’s area featuring a flat-panel TV and HP PC, both with age-appropriate programming.

To celebrate the opening of the new location, they’re offering a $75 discount on any new membership if you sign up at the Denver club between now and January 31, 2011.

You can still get 20 percent discount on new membership even if you’re not planning to be in Denver by using promotion code NYE when you sign up online.   Better yet, there’s still time to win a lifetime Admirals Club membership before American’s “Transform Your Travel” before the sweepstakes ends on December 15.