American Unveils Stand Up To Cancer, Marvel Avengers A321T Livery
Apart from a few exceptions such as American Airline's heritage livery, it is not often you see AA planes with unique livery. So I was excited to see what was in store at the special livery unveiling ceremony for American's new Stand Up To Cancer and Marvel Studios Avengers-themed plane.
(AA also recently unveiled a new way to earn 10 AAdvantage miles per dollar through its partnership with Stand Up To Cancer – but more on that in a moment).
After arriving at Los Angeles LAX for the event, we were bussed to one of American's maintenance hangars on the west side of the airport. While riding the bus, I actually spotted ANA's Star Wars livery 777-300ER #JA789A. But, stepping inside American's massive hangar for the event was even cooler.
Speaking with one of the facility staff, I learned that the "superbay" hangar was built in the 1970s and is capable of housing 747s. From outside the hangar, I could see the new mid-field concourse at LAX under construction. And inside, as one might imagine, the special aircraft was hidden behind a massive curtain.
Of course, being Los Angeles, a red carpet was set up for local TV crews, photographers and attendees to take pictures.
AA's executive vice president of people and communications Elise Eberwein.
Stand Up To Cancer scientist Dr. Phillip A. Sharp – a Nobel laureate who co-discovered RNA splicing -- also walked the red carpet.
Additional LAX-based AA employees, including some of the "AAngels" from the Admirals Club, were also in attendance. One actually mentioned reading Ethan's recent review of the new LAX Flagship lounge.
As we arrived closer to the unveil, more American employees, doctors and representatives from Stand Up To Cancer arrived, including Shandra Fitzpatrick, an AA customer service agent and thee-time cancer survivor. Everyone seemed to want to have their photo taken with Shandra.
Plus, there were lots and lots of hugs. As someone who has lost family to cancer, I could understand why this was a truly happy moment to share.
After some short speeches, including one by Dr. Phillip A. Sharp, it was getting closer to the big unveiling.
A new video rolled about the superhero partnership with American Airlines, Stand Up To Cancer and Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Infinity War."
This left a few teary eyes in the crowd.
Finally, it was time to push the button and see the special aircraft.
Featured alongside Marvel heroes were American Airlines employees and doctors from Stand Up To Cancer.
The crowd got the opportunity to walk around the aircraft and check out both sides of the plane, which featured different heroes and employees.
Being a bit of an #AVGeek, I searched the registration number -- N116AN -- after the big unveiling to learn a little bit more about the aircraft's history. The Airbus A321-231 is in a transcontinental configuration.
Looking at FlightAware – you can see one unusual destination for an aircraft that typically flies between LAX-JFK, SFO-JFK, and occasionally JFK-BOS. Flight records show it flew to Tulsa, Oklahoma to have the new livery applied.
You can see a time-lapse video of how the livery was applied in the YouTube video below:
The aircraft even flew from Tulsa (TUL) to LAX at night in order to keep the new livery a total surprise upon arrival.
On the port side of the aircraft are Black Widow, Captain America and Doctor Strange from Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Infinity War," along with AA Customer Service Agent Shandra Fitzpatrick and AA Pilot Ron France. Among those on the starboard side are Iron Man, Black Panther, Thor and AA employees Juan Baquero of fleet service and AA Flight Attendant Michelle Ballard. Stand Up To Cancer Scientific Advisor Dr. Phillip A. Sharp and SU2C researcher Dr. Marcela Maus are also featured.
If you hope to catch a glimpse of this unique aircraft, keep an eye out if you are at LAX or JFK, as it will be flying transcontinental service.
The new livery comes as part of American Airlines' ongoing partnership with Stand Up To Cancer. As part of the partnership, AAdvantage members can receive 10 miles per dollar when they donate $25 or more to Stand Up To Cancer. You can find the page to donate at SU2C.org/AmericanAirlines. If paying by credit card, expect to also receive your normal purchase credit card spend (typically 1 mile or point per dollar).
I would not expect the donation to credit as airline or travel spend. Beyond the charitable reasons to make such a donation, this activity is one way to extend one's expiration date if AAdvantage miles are about to expire -- or a way to top up your account if you are close to an award redemption.
It's worth noting that the terms and conditions state it may take "up to 8 weeks" for the miles to post to your account. "For charitable deduction purposes, each mile is valued at 3 cents per mile," the terms state. "The receipt of miles may reduce the tax deductibility of your contribution." 100% of all donations received will support Stand Up To Cancer's collaborative cancer research programs.
What do you think of American's new livery? Have you donated to SU2C to earn miles in the past? Did it post with any travel category bonus? Please share your experience in the comments.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.