Forum Buzz: American Airlines Buy Miles Bonus, Southwest to Puerto Rico

American Airlines Escalating Bonus on Miles Purchases

According to this post on MilePoint, through November 15th American Airlines is offering up to 12,000 bonus miles when you purchase AAdvantage miles. The maximum number of miles you can purchase in a calendar year (and also through this promotion) is 40,000.

To purchase, follow this link and input your AAdvantage information.

As you can see from the terms and conditions page below, the highest bonus is earned when you purchase between 36,000-40,000 miles.

Forum Buzz: New Hilton Option in Las Vegas & 2013 Frequent Flyer University Date Announced

Tropicana Las Vegas Rebranded as a DoubleTree hotel

According to this thread on FlyerTalk and this article in USA Today, the Tropicana Las Vegas is being rebranded as a DoubleTree hotel. This change finally allows Hilton HHonors members the ability to earn and redeem points while staying on the Las Vegas Strip. Previously, the only Hilton options were the Hilton Grand Vacation Suites and the Grand Vacation Suites at the Flamingo.

MileValue to Speak at the Los Angeles Frequent Traveler University

I am excited to announce that I will be speaking at the Los Angeles Frequent Traveler University, being held November 30 - December 2 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel LAX.

My talk will be about free oneways on awards, probably under a title like Three Vacations, Two Awards: Adding a Free Oneway to Award Tickets.

Los Angeles Dinner Meet Up on Saturday October 27

To everyone in LA or willing to travel:

I had such a fun time at last month's dinner that I am organizing another one for next Saturday, October 27 at 7 PM.

We will meet at a delicious restaurant in the 90006 zip code with convenient access to the 10, 101, 5, and 110. (Average entree, approximately $12.) Tahsir and I will both be there, but you'll probably learn more from the other attendees than you will from us. There won't be any formal teaching, just chatting and socializing.

Chicago Seminars Recap and Advice for Next Year

The Chicago Seminars were last Friday through Sunday just outside O'Hare at the Holiday Inn Elk Grove. I had an absolute blast, learned quite a bit, and highly recommend everyone go next year. This post is part recap, part tips for next year if you go. Interspersed are pictures of me and some of my favorite bloggers.

Daraius (Million Mile Secrets) and I are both in our signature outfits

I had volunteered to help with registration starting at 4 PM on Friday.

Chicago Seminars Meet Up

The Chicago Seminars are in two days, and I'm flying out to the Second City tomorrow! Several readers have asked about the possibility of a meetup, which sounds great because it's always fun to share stories and tips face-to-face.

Here's my schedule:

Friday 4 PM - 5 PM, helping with Registration

If you're one of the early birds to check in, I should be at the table.

Friday at 8:30 PM - ?? at the Pizza Restaurant/Bar attached to the Hotel

Parag from Frequent Flyer University and I will be having drinks at the bar.

Lounge Pass Winner

Dancing Jay won the lounge passes and has been emailed. Check back next Friday for the next giveaway. And if you have something travel related you can't use, let me know, so I can give it away right here!

If you'll be at the Chicago Seminars in two weeks, drop me an email with the subject CHI-TOWN SEM and your name in the message body. You won't be disappointed (nor will you be be blown away) if you do.

What I Learned at the First MileValue Dinner

Friday night 12 readers and I met at Guelaguetza Restaurant near downtown Los Angeles for the first ever MileValue dinner. Eating, drinking, and socializing lasted the better part of three hours.

Before, during, and after the dinner I had a chance to talk with everyone about their upcoming trips, miles-redemption strategy, and miles-earning tricks.

Amazing tips were circulated by readers. One person brought a pen and paper to take notes, and I think we all wished we had. Two tips in particular stood out to me.