Limited to only the first 20,000 participant so hurry and play the game – as always YMMV.

Discover how your AAdvantage® elite status already gives you valuable privileges when you travel on any oneworld® airline.

As an AAdvantage Executive Platinum® member, you automatically enjoy oneworld Emerald status and accordingly have a wide variety of benefits available that make travel easier and more rewarding when traveling on oneworld airlines.

Play our hidden object game, Go For The Emerald, to explore your oneworld elite benefits and register for your chance to win 2 Business class tickets for a trip around the world.

Step 1. Go to http://fly.oneworld.com/emerald
Step 2: Play the game
Step 3: At the end of the game enter your first and last name, AA number and email address.

Last March, I traveled to the Maldives and stayed at the Conrad Rangali Island. It was simply the best vacation I have ever had. The service was top notch, the weather was perfect, and the food was great but expensive.

The Conrad Rangali Island does not allow for upgrades for elites “due to the very special nature of the accommodations at Conrad Maldives”. This wasn’t a problem at all as their reward room was a Beach Villa which was stunning.

Back in March, as Diamonds we were offered the choice of two benefits: a free cocktail hour each day for two at Vilu bar or free breakfast buffet each day for two at either Vilu or Atoll Market. Gold members were offered free cocktail hour each day for one at Vilu bar or free breakfast buffet each for one at either Vilu or Atoll Market.

This was an incredible benefit as the buffet costs $50 per person per day. We saved at least $800 in breakfast costs alone.

Sadly, the terms and conditions have now changed.

Diamond

Due to the very special nature of the accommodations at Conrad Maldives, we are unable to offer upgraded accommodations. However, as you are a valued Diamond member, we are delighted to offer you the following benefits during your stay:

One bottle of Sparkling wine* upon arrival
Chocolate & Fruit amenities upon arrival
Daily Happy Hour at Vilu restaurant for you and sharing guest in same villa from 17.00 – 18.00 hours

HHonors™ Global Benefits:

Earn points & miles “double-dipping”
Complimentary weekday newspaper (online print)
Late checkout upon request, subject to availability
Two complimentary bottles of water per day

Gold

Due to the very special nature of the accommodations at Conrad Maldives, we are unable to offer upgraded accommodations. However, as you are a valued Gold member, we are delighted to offer you the following benefits during your stay:

One bottle of wine* upon arrival
Chocolate & Fruit amenities upon arrival
Daily Happy Hour at Vilu restaurant for you and sharing guest in same villa from 17.00 – 18.00 hours

HHonors™ Global Benefits:

Earn points & miles “double-dipping”
Complimentary weekday newspaper (online print)
Late checkout upon request, subject to availability
Two complimentary bottles of water per day

*Service of alcoholic beverages is subject to local laws.

So not only are there no upgrades, but no more breakfast benefit either. This wouldn’t prevent me from returning to this resort, but certainly would mean reconsideration.

It’s worth noting that the Waldorf Astoria Maldives still offers breakfast for you and a guest for Diamond members.

Package 1: (for HHonors Diamond Members)

Daily breakfast for member and one guest
One bottle of wine
Complimentary daily access to the Spa Hydrotherapy Facilities
Fruit basket upon arrival (regular replenishment for subsequent days)

Vote for your favorite airline between these two. The winner will advance to the next round. The poll will remain open for 48 hours.

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The downloadable bracket of all the match ups can be found here.

Vote for your favorite airline between these two. The winner will advance to the next round. The poll will remain open for 48 hours.

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The downloadable bracket of all the match ups can be found here.

Vote for your favorite airline between these two. The winner will advance to the next round. The poll will remain open for 48 hours.

 Loading ...

The downloadable bracket of all the match ups can be found here.

Vote for your favorite airline between these two. The winner will advance to the next round. The poll will remain open for 48 hours.

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The downloadable bracket of all the match ups can be found here.

I know this isn’t travel related per se, but thought I would pass it along anyways.

American Express is offering $25 free for ordering one of their prepaid cards.

Step 1: Go here.
Step 2: Click “Get your card free”
Step 3: Create your account. In the promo code field on the first page, enter AEPC25.
Step 4: Select “I wil load the Card with cash, or add a funding source at a later time.”
Step 5: The card will arrive in 5 business days.
Step 6: Load the card with $25 in within 45 days.
Step 7: You will receive a free $25 Amex Card in 45 days.
Step 8: Use the $50 however you wish including withdrawing from an ATM

Enjoy!

UPDATE: Possibly targeted, personally I would still try it as it doesn’t cost anything to try

Vote for your favorite airline between these two. The winner will advance to the next round. The poll will remain open for 48 hours.

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The downloadable bracket of all the match ups can be found here.

Vote for your favorite airline between these two. The winner will advance to the next round. The poll will remain open for 48 hours.

 Loading ...

The downloadable bracket of all the match ups can be found here.

Vote for your favorite airline between these two. The winner will advance to the next round. The poll will remain open for 48 hours.

 Loading ...

The downloadable bracket of all the match ups can be found here.