Dining Rewards Summer Bonus (TARGETED)

Yesterday, I got an interesting offer from United Dining Rewards.

Yes, 10,000 bonus United MileagePlus miles for 10 dines before August 15. After registering for the promotion, I learned that for a dine to count, I must spend $40+.

Since I earn 3 miles per $1 spent normally with Dining Rewards, I will earn at least an additional 1,200 miles though this promotion.

                     3 x $40 = 120 miles   -  120 miles x 10 Dines = 1,200 additional miles

Will I participate?

I don't know. 11,000 miles is alot of miles to earn from a promotion, but require me spend at least $400. If I had a few client lunches or dinners, I could swing buying gift certificates to get to the 10 dines. But as a single guy, spending $40 on meals is not easy.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions to make.

Other Offers

I received another offer from Hilton HHoners Dinning Rewards. Unlike the United offer, this one was stingy.

2,500 bonus Hilton HHonors points after 10 dines of $40+ more.

If I am going to do 10 dines, its going to be for 10,000 United Miles not 2,500 HHonor Points. 

The decision between the two offers is a no brainier! Spending $400 for 10,000+ miles is not so easy.

Would you DO IT FOR THE POINTS?

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Gerald R Ford Airport Joins Thanks Again

MLive reports that Gerald R Ford Airport (GRR) has signed an agreement with ThanksAgain to bring the program to the airport.

I wrote about ThanksAgain here. In summary, you register your credit or debit card with ThanksAgain. Then on your next airport visit shop at participating stores, restaurants and parking companies and earn 1pt for every dollar spent.

The most interesting part of the MLife article was that the GRR board paid $10,000 to join ThanksAgain.

"The airport paid a $10,000 sign-up fee and also pay a small amount based on each transaction. The program's cost, officials hope, will be recouped by travelers' purchases."

$10,000 isn't a lot of money for an airport to spend on a loyalty program. However, the money will be wasted if people do not sign-up for the program. After the high profile attack on Target's credit card system, which result in many people's credit card data being compromised, people might be hesitant to give ThanksAgain their credit card information. Personally, I was hesitant to do it and I am addicted to points. Now, think about average Joe.

For the $10,000 investment to be considered a good use, the airport authority must advertise the new program heavily. Otherwise, ThanksAgain is $10,000 richer.

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