FAQs about the Contest

I have had lots of questions and emails about winning the free trip to Australia so I thought I would answer them all in one place:

* How do I enter?

It really is as simple as it sounds.  Just leave a comment on the participating blogs offering a tip for earning and using loyalty points.  You can even use the same tip on each of the blogs, increasing your chances of winning.

* Does it have to be a tip about using airline miles?

No, it can be about any loyalty program such as hotels, car rentals, etc.  If you leave a comment like, “Thanks, I’m in,” it won’t count.  Also, the comment needs to be more than just, “Use loyalty points.”  It needs to be a real tip about how to earn and use frequent flier, loyalty, award points.

* Can I just leave a travel tip instead?

Not according to the rules here; it must be a tip related to loyalty points.  Geez, you can even duplicate someone else’s tip because in my blog, the winner will be from a random drawing.  Really, it is just that easy to enter.

* My chances to win are one in a million.

Actually, your chances to win are quite good.  In a lottery, your odds would be one in many millions.  Your odds here are only a fraction of that because it is limited to those who leave comments.  With relatively few comments, your chances are excellent!

* Can I enter more than once?

Yes and no.  You can enter only once on each blog.  Multiple entries on a blog will not count.  However, you can increase your chances of winning by entering once on each of the participating blogs.  Indeed, you could be selected as the winner from a couple blogs, meaning your odds of winning would be no worse than 1 in 10.  Personally, I would love odds like that for a free trip to Oz.

* Do I have to use American Express to enter the contest?
No, there is no requirement to have an AmEx card but I don’t mind giving them a plug: It is easily the finest card for travel out there.  I use it all the time and say that without any compensation from them.

* This sounds too easy.  What’s the catch?

There really is none, just post a comment.  It costs you nothing and the odds are outstanding.  To insure credibility, I won’t enter this contest on any of the blogs nor will anyone in my family, but I sure would if I could.  I am proud just to be one of the bloggers offering this great opportunity.

* Do I have to live in the US to enter?

Yes, the contest is open only to legal residents of the US age 18 and older.

* When do I have to travel?

The winner must travel by March 31, 2011, but there are no blackout dates as far as I know.

* What airline would I be flying?

I don’t know since there are a few possibilities.  As far as I know, there are no airline sponsors of this contest.  This question is better asked of the contest sponsors.

* Do I get to keep my frequent flier/hotel points?

Absolutely! That’s one of the incredible things about this contest.  You fly and stay for free and you get the points.  It should be nearly 20,000 flying miles for each person, depending on where you travel from.  All other points are yours as well.

* What if I want to take my children?

I would imagine you would have to pay for the children’s airfare, subject to available seating.  Perhaps something could be worked out with the hotel but I don’t know.

* If I win, can I give this to someone as a gift?

The rules say specifically that the prize is non-assignable and non-transferable.

* Can I go to Sydney or Melbourne if I win?

You can go anywhere you like, including New Zealand.  However, this flight is to the Gold Coast of Australia (Queensland). From there you can do as you wish but of course, you will have to pay for it.

* Can I stay longer in Australia if I like?

I am sure you can.  However, you may forfeit your return flight and incur some expense. This is a question better asked of the contest sponsors.

* When does the contest end?

I will cut off entries at 11:59:59pm Mountain US time, on Sunday, March 28, 2010.  

* How will the winner be selected?

Each of the participating blogs will select a winner, either by a random drawing or selecting the best tip.  I have chosen to use a random drawing from all the qualifying entries on my blog.  Boarding Area will then randomly select one Grand Prize winner from all the qualifying blogs.

* When will the winner be announced?

Approximately one week after the contest ends, possibly longer due to confirmation and acceptance from the winner.

* Some of the blogs say you get an iPad.  Is that true?

Well, not exactly. As I said above, each blogger will submit one name  The blogger who submits the name selected as the Grand Prize winner will receive an iPad. If the winner is me (yay!), I will have a separate contest giving away the iPad in another drawing.  My ‘win’ is participating in this contest.

Once again, I want to thank the sponsors for their extreme generosity: American Express and Boarding Area.  Best of luck to each and every one of you winning this trip of a lifetime!