Delta postcard about free airline tickets & hotel
The strategy has evolved again (maybe just experimenting) by sending out a Delta Airlines postcard. (See other posts about previous mailings here.) Please comment if you received one with your location.
See below for the postcard images and text.
The postcard says that they have been trying to contact you about free round trip tickets and a hotel stay you have won. Once you go to the sales pitch and sign up, you book through a fulfillment company. I’ve seen two lately: Universal Travel Vacations (website, BBB report) or the The Vacation Station (website, BBB report TN, BBB report SC)
Also, here is another blogger with information about a postcard that looks like it is from Southwest Airlines: http://talestoldfromtheroad.com/2011/11/02/consumer-alert-southwest-escape-offer-grounded/
I have found the answers to this mystery thanks to the great work of the folks at BBB in Tucson, AZ:
http://www.bbb.org/tucson/business-reviews/travel-clubs/southwest-travel-club-in-tucson-az-20007983
http://www.bbb.org/tucson/business-reviews/prize-promotions/patterson-bell-in-tucson-az-20027549
An actual story: http://www.kgun9.com/features/investigations/122887609.html
NEW video from INSIDE THE SALES PRESENTATION: http://www.9news.com/news/article/362984/339/Companies-behind-free-airline-ticket-letters-
Great reporting from WKMG: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Free-travel-offer-mystifies-consumers/-/1637132/15701330/-/8s7gus/-/index.html
Video from inside the first ever video encounter I’ve seen: http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/Travel-service-vacation-smart-international-us-airlines-vacationanddeals-com-175915611.html?tab=video&c=y
If you would like to read more about these folks, visit this post. You can read all about the sales presentation, the free offer and the what you get for your vacation membership club cash outlay.
ADVICE:
When I read this, it was just too good not to post. It’s from the Nebraska Attorney General (page 13 printed/page 15 PDF).
Look for the warning signs that may indicate a scam:
- Benefits sound too good to be true.
- The company has no permanent address and all presentations are held in rented conference rooms.
- They can’t, or won’t, provide you with references.
- They don’t want to give you an itemized list of what’s included in your trip until you have already signed the contract.
What you should do if you suspect a scam:
- Don’t sign any contract during the travel presentation. They are high-pressure events intended to stir the emotions of an exotic vacation.
- Contact a respected travel agent in town, give them the specifics of the trip, and ask if that seems consistent with industry pricing.
- Shop around. Compare your trip with other travel packages being offered to seniors.
Here is Michigan’s Attorney General’s advice:
http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-34739_20942-44762–,00.html
Here is the of the postcard:
DELTA / FLY AWAY ESCAPE
Dear x,
Congratulations! You have been selected to receive 2 Round Trip Airfares to anywhere Delta flies in the continental USA. Call within 48 hours. You will also receive as a bonus 3 day 2 night hotel stay!
We have been trying to contact you! (This is not a timeshare or land sale offer)
Toll free 1-800-313-1263 (or other numbers)
RSVP xxxx (your ID in their database) MON-SUN 9am to 8pm
Fine print: Certain restrictions apply. Call for details of participation. This offer is not sponsored by or affiliated with Delta Airlines but they are a major supplier. Taxes, processing fees and reservation fees are the responsibility of the recipient. Offer void where prohibited by law. Not applicable to Alaska or Hawaii.
[UPDATE 12/2/2011] Apparently Delta isn’t the only carrier they are testing out in their new postcards — Southwest Airlines is targeted as well: http://talestoldfromtheroad.com/2011/11/02/consumer-alert-southwest-escape-offer-grounded/
Here is what would happen if you did call:
Got my JetBlue airways bull crap flyaway promotion scam in the mail today. 1-888-639-6990 be careful I’m sure they ask for credit card info, I never called, JetBlue is not that generous, no airline is for that matter. Who knows, its probably Peggy in Siberia
Got my US airways card with free alamo 3 day car rental and 50 cash card. Chippewa Falls, WI
Delta Airlines card today (Sept 23, 2012). North Texas.
Got mine #1888-565-2631
Postcard with priceline.com in upper right corner of the photo of the unmarked airplane, “2 US Airways tickets and a Marriott getaway anywhere US Airways Flies”. Dear , Congrats…. and 3 Days/2 Nights ad any Marriott or Hilton in the Continental U.S. Instructions to call within 48 hours to receive bonus rent-a-car by Alamo plus a $50 priceline.com hotel cash card. 1-855-876-8857. Nashville, TN
Thanks for this site. Got mine – Boiling Springs, PA. “Fly a US Airline” Presorted paid West Palm Beach, permit # 1002. Phone # 888-205-1093. No company listed.
Received today in St. Pete, Fl 33702 from jetBlue airways. “In celebration of our new fall packages we’ve selected you to receive 2 round trip airfares…call within 48 hours and receive a 3day/2night hotel stay.” 1-888-639-6990. Postmark from Las Vegas permit #2736
Got the same postcard just like one of the folks posted earlier, in late September 2012 and it says:
“Congratulations! You have been selected to receive 2 Round Trip Airfares to exciting Las Vegas.
Call within 48 hours. You will also receive as a bonus a 3day 2night hotel stay! We have been trying to contact you! (This is not a timeshare or land sale offer) To claim this special offer, simply call1-877-291-9729”
I live in Hawaii and Hawaii people loves to go to Vegas. I was excited at first and my wife asked me to found out what its about so I called the number and the guy that answered says they just do the booking reservation for the Frontier Wholesale Travel company. Did not ask for any money or credit card info but did comfirm my name. I made an appointment to go to the seminar that Saturday but ended up not showing up after researching it more online.
I think if you are curious you can call but you don’t have to show up for the seminar. Don’t give away more personal info although they already have your name thats why you received the postcard. If they call you to confirm the appointment just tell them you are no longer interested and ask them don’t call anymore. That should be the end of it.
Received one a few days ago. This one had priceline and alamo logos as well as telling me I’ll be flying on US Airways. I have no interest in flying from my local airport to Charlotte, Philadelphia or Phoenix.
I knew not to call and searched the web for other such mailings first. Might send a scan of the card to priceline and alamo and let them contact those who are using their logo without permission.
I received a postcard today. It had name brands of Priceline.com and Chevron….also no brand names, but you could tell by the logo/coloring thatthey were Delta and Shell oil. —Harrisburg, PA
Got one today says “Fly A US Airline” phone 877-841-3992. Actually the card looks lower budget than the pictured post card.
anywhere US airways flies. 3 days/2 nights at any Marriott or Hilton, 3 days Alamo rental car and a $50 priceline.com hotel cash card 1-877-816-7451
very small print” not sponsored by US Airways, Marriott, Hilton, Priceline.com or Alamo”
mahalo from hawaii for the feedback. thanks to all i got my husband to change his mind about attending this scam.
this was for 2 tickets to las vegas,(they did their homework),the people in hawaii love to go vegas.
this was on frontier airlines(another homework assignment) as frontier airlines i think is just beginning to fly to hawaii??
called the 1-877-291-9729 to cancell ,asked them to leave a message for Frontier Wholesale Travel to not send any more fliers. said they could’nt do that. I would have to write to direct mailing to get off the list (been their,done that)
asked why not since they are the answering service, and was leaving a message on us attending,( or not).
we went back and forth a bit and i just hung up
Mine came today, same as the others – Priceline and Alamo, # is 877-841-4742, mail permit #1002 out of W Palm Beach, FL. Apparently they have a LOT of permits, and phone #s :/
Received one today in Kent, WA the same as Jen’s above:
anywhere US airways flies. 3 days/2 nights at any Marriott or Hilton, 3 days Alamo rental car and a $50 priceline.com hotel cash card 1-877-816-7451
very small print” not sponsored by US Airways, Marriott, Hilton, Priceline.com or Alamo”
Received one from Priceline.com today with Chevron and Shell logos. 1-888-295-9281.
Received one today… US Airways, Marriott, Priceline…
Received one today in San Diego. Listed 2 round trip airfares on US Airways plus stay at a Marriott or Hilton. Logos appeared from priceline.com, Alamo and Chevron. They used the number 1-877-350-0359 and a postage permit number 1002 from West Palm Beach.
got one that states powered by priceline.com with a fine print under it that says partner network* Sherry Barnett in honor of your birthday, you are going to receive 2 rount trip airfares on a US Airline flying anywhere in theContinental US and a 3 day and 2 night Marriott Weekend Getaway. Call within 48 hours. you will also receive a bonus a 3 day rental car by alamo plus a $50 hotel cash card by priceline. 18005142417.
In it was a copied like plane ticket to throw you of.
Yep im in Jonesborough, TN.
[Received recently in Berkeley, CA:]
In celebration of our new fall package, we’ve selected you to receive 2 Round Trip Airfares on US Airways flying anywhere in the contiguous U.S. and a 3 day 2 night hotel stay at major brands. NEW! Also ask about our $50 priceline.com Hotel Cash Card!
CALL WITHIN 48 HOURS. YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE AS A BONUS A 3 DAY RENT-A-CAR BY ALAMO PLUS A $100 GAS VOUCHER!
We have attempted contacting you several times. This is our last attempt.
CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-842-1482
MON-SUN 9 AM TO 9 PM
[the fine print in the lower left corner makes the most revealing reading]
Certain restrictions apply. Call for details. Taxes, deposit fees and/or surcharges are the responsibility of the recipient. This promotion not sponsored by US Airways, DoubleTree, Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Priceline.com or Alamo. Not applicable to Alaska or Hawaii.
[Thanks for this web page and all who have contributed to it.]
Thanks for this site/post…. Just got one today in san Francisco, ca… My card sounds exactly like ron’s, above.
Just received one of these cards in the mail yesterday (Oct. 29, 2012). The picture is identical to the one originally posted at the top of the website; however, it has no airline logo and just says “FLY AWAY” on it. The back says: “Dear person,
Congratulations! You have been selected to receive 2 Round Trip Airfares in the continental US PLUS a 3 Day 2 Night Hotel Stay. CALL WITHIN 48 HOURS. YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE AS A BONUS A $100 GAS REBATE VOUCHER.
We have been trying to contact you! (This is not a timeshare or land sale offer)
To claim this special offer, simply call 1-877-278-8615
RSVP ####
MON – SUN 9 AM TO 9 PM
Fine-print states: “Certain restrictions apply. Call for details of participation. Taxes and reservation fees are the responsibility of the recipient. Offer void where prohibited by law. Not applicable to Alaska or Hawaii”
Stamp area (top-right) states:
“PRSTD
FIRST CLASS MAIL
US POSTAGE
PAID
WEST PALM BEACH FL
PERMIT 1002”
Let me assure you that NO ONE has been trying to contact me about this. Absolutely a scam. Thanks for the website!
I got on today, Oct, 30 2012. Was tempted to call but googled this up first. Thanks
Same as above. Logos included: priceline.com, Alamo, chevron, Doubletree Hotel, Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton.
Received a card today 11//1/2012. Says
“Congratulations! You have been selected to receive 2 Round Trip; Airfares to exciting Las Vegas. Call within 48 hours, you will also receive as a bonus a 3 day 2 night hotel stay! We have been trying to contact you! (this is not a timeshare or land sale offer) To claim this special offer, simply call 1-877-291-9729
RSVP 5xxx Mon – Sun 7 AM TO 7 PM.
What a bunch of BS.
I can’t believe these same folks have been at it this long without getting busted!
We just got this card offering US Airways flights anywhere in the contiguous U.S. and a 3 day/2 night hotel stay at “major brands,” and $50 Priceline.com Hotel Cash Card. AND if we call within 48 hrs we get a bonus 3 day rent-a-car by Alamo plus a $100 gas voucher.
This card also says they “attempted to contact [us] several times. This is [their] last attempt.” (Just as others, I’ve NEVER heard from them before and I am always home!)
The card has logos from Alamo, Chevron, Priceline.com, DoubleTree hotels, Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt.
The same West Palm Beach paid postage, Permit #1002. Yet another phone #, 1-888-205-8852, Mon-Sun, 9am to 9pm.
Fine print in the corner reads, “Certain restrictions apply. Call for details. Taxes, deposit, fees and/or surcharges are the responsibility of the recipient. This promotion not sponsored by US Airways, Double Tree, Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Priceline.com or Alamo (…That leaves only Chevron? and…) Not applicable to Alaska or Hawaii.
How DO they get away with this without somebody busting them for using corporate logos without permission or endorsement? Isn’t this really mail fraud? (a federal offense)
Received postcard 11/2/12. Same description as B’s with Chevron and Shell logos. West Palm Beach, Permit 3950.
Got the same postcard 11/1/12. Same West Palm Beach, FL Postage Permit #1002. Same logos, only difference is the phone number listed is 1-888-842-0081, Mon – Fri, 9AM to 9PM. They are using the Courtyard by Marriott in Palm Springs for presentations. Thanks for to posts, almost went to this thing thinking I could muscle thru a timeshare presentation for free tix. Instead they say it is a travel club presentation…same scam as described in all the other posts. Also same EXACT picture of the Jet in blue sky and clounds on the postcard, and says ‘Fly Away Promotion’.
I got one today (Madison, WI) that has the Priceline.com logo and mentions US Airways and Marriott, but the fine print on it says it’s not sponsored by any of those companies.
It sounded too good to be true.
Got card November 5, 2012 in Lancaster, SC. “You have ben selected to receive round trip airfares leaving from any major airport in the continental U.S. and an 8 Day/7 Night Cruise leaving from any major port in the U.S. PLUS A $50 VACATION CASH CARD that’s powered by pricline.com” On the flip side, “Congratulations! CALL WITHIN 48 HRS FOR THIS BONUS GIFT Below is $500.00 in guaranteed grocery savings! Beside that is $500.00 in guaranteed dining savings. We have been trying to call you!” Logos for Walgreens, Wegmans, Kroger, meijer, CVS/pharmacy, Walmart Publix, Target, Fareway. The the fine print: Some Restrictions Apply. Recipient is responsible for any government taxes, custom fees associated with the cruise and/or bonus airfare. This promotion is not sponsored by or affiliated with Carnival Cruise Lines or any other third party business referenced in this promotion but they are major suppliers. CALL TOLL FREE 1-877-547-7302
I received one today that said;
“In celebration of our new fall packages we’ve selected you to receive 2 roundtrip airfares to most major airports in the contiguous United States-good for the next 12 month!
Call toll free 1-800-279-8922
PROMO CODE: AAPE _ xxxx”
In the trash. Thanks for the heads-up.
-RB, New Hampshire
Got 1 today from AA # is 800-279-8922
Received one today sent from “Priceline.com” offering 2 round trip tickets on US Airways and 3 days/2 nights at Marriott or Hilton.
Got ours yesterday in the mail, same as everyone else. The part that gets me is that it has my husband’s full name & address on it. Where did they get that??? Our whitepages listing doesn’t have our name it, just has initials. So its coming from a company that has access to this info. People/companies are getting really slick.
Do you own a house or property?
Got one of those postcards last week, this one shows a side view of a Delta jet but no Delta Logo. Same hard to believe offer. Phone number has changed, it’s now: 888-831-8234
“Powered by Priceline.com” partner network.
You would think the USPS would ensure these folk’s were charged with fraud. This card references permit number 1002 mailed from West Palm Beach, FL
Got mine from AA today…same as most all of these….
Got the same as you did Rich except number to call was 888-813-9646.
Anna in NC.
I received a postcard this week. One side shows a US Airways jet with no logo, a priceline.com logo, and it says “2 US AIRWAYS TICKETS AND A MARRIOT GETAWAY ANYWHERE US AIRWAYS FLIES”. The other side has the priceline.com logo and an Alamo logo. It says, “Congratulations! You are going to receive 2 Round Trip Airfares on US Airways flying anywhere in the continental US and 3 Days/2 Nights at any Marriott or Hilton in the Continental U.S.”. It also says call 1-877-841-4759, and it mentions a 3 day rent-a-car by Alamo and a $50 priceline.com hotel cash card. Of course, it also notes that certain restrictions apply and this promotion is not sponsored by US Airways, Marriot, Hilton, Priceline.com, or Alamo. The postcard is from West Palm Beach FL – Permit 1002.
Received same card as Alfredo in Madison, WI. where I live too.
Airlines: US Airways;
Hotel: Marriott or Hilton; Car rental: Alamo; Bonus: $50 Priceline.Com Hotel Cash Card. It gives impression that Priceline sponsored the giveaway as it says powered by Priceline.com. The permit # is the same:1002.
Ph #: 877-841-4742
I’m glad that I googled this mailer & was directed to this site.
“Fly A US Airline” with two round trip tickets to Las Vegas. Had to laugh…received in Hawaii.
I’m in Idaho and I got a postcard today. Different phone number 888-842-9096.
Received it today in OK. Now it also says “powered by Priceline.com partner network” and includes 3-day rent-a-car by Alamo (do they still exist?). The phone number given is 877-275-8641.
got the card today! 1-888-831-7872
2 roud trio from us airways and 3days/2nights at any marriot..bonus? yeah! 3 day car rental from alamo!!
such a scam!!!!
Anyone go to the presentation? Got he same card 888-831-4811 from West Palm. Called, have an appt. for the 90 min. spiel! Do you give the gifts ($100 gas voucher, 2 round trip airfares, etc.)just for attending and drinking their free coffee?
Got Priceline.com FLY AWAY postcard promotion today. Picture of the plane is the same. NOT sponsored by US Airways, Alamo, Chevron, Doubletree, Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton. I live in the middle of nowhere. I wonder where they think I’m going to attend a presentation in order to WIN my big travel prize.
i just got the card from priceline – Philadelphia, PA.
Looks like a scam.
The card I received I the priceline, alamo and chevron logo, mentioning the 2 round trip airfares on US airways plus other hotel perks. I called the number (888-831-4811) and made my reservation for their promotion with “Luxury Vacation Deals”. Couldn’t find much info on them and what I did find may have been another company anyhow. THEN, I found this site and very soon determined that I received the newest take on the offer that many other people found to be bogus. Now the FUNNY part, I called one of the numbers in your post, not the one I was instructed to call and (through their caller ID), they know who I was and had an appointment already. They obviously have a bank of toll free numbers working out of the same room. I have since decided not to waste my time for the gifts but don’t plan on notifing them and since space is limited, just not show up and save some more vulnerable couple from being taken. Then today, got a call that the hotel has been changed to a different location. Maybe they got booted out of the original location.
The only reason I went for this offer is I’m used to doing timeshare promotions for the gift only. After maybe 60 or 70 of these, without buying one, I consider myself a pro and have always received what was promised and I know the presentation will take longer than the 90 minutes. Hopefully, people will continue reading this post and these marketers will go out of business.
I got one from American Airlines. Same travel deal. Same phone number. 1-800-279-8922.
12/4/2012. Received a similar post card in the mail today stating I was going to receive two free round Trip tickets on US Airways but different phone number 800-831-9346. Thanks for sharing this information.