Mavs fans will fly for free
American Airlines has conducted the largest single airline ticket giveaway by handing out 20,000 free round-trips to fans of the Dallas Mavericks.
On "Fan Appreciation Night" at American Airlines Center, the home of the Mavericks, the airline announced the promotion over the loudspeakers to a near-full house at the game against the LA Clippers yesterday (Wednesday, April 19).
The free tickets will be redeemable for flights on AA routes from Dallas Love Field Airport to Austin, San Antonio, Kansas City, and St Louis, until November 12.
"We wanted to do something outrageous and original for our fans," said Mavs owner Mark Cuban. "Tonight's announcement is going to be hard to top, and I know that our fans appreciate this unbelievable generosity from American Airlines."
Dan Garton, executive vice president of marketing for American, said: "We believe in rewarding people for their loyalty, and tonight these devoted fans went home with free American Airlines ticket vouchers.
"Each Mavericks fan here tonight will soon have the opportunity to experience American's extraordinary new service from Love Field, and we look forward to showing them our special brand of appreciation," he added.
Analysts have estimated that the promotion could cost upwards of $3 million, based on an average ticket price of $150 if 20,000 are redeemed. However, the airline believes that it can net more than that in revenue payback if it succeeds in prying customers away from Love Field rival Southwest Airlines.
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