American Airlines Vacations (AAV) and AMResorts have done it again with another Race for Miles, which drew 25 agents to Montego Bay, Jamaica to compete for AAdvantage miles, among other prizes.

The 25 qualifying agencies that sold the most AMResorts vacation packages between Jan. 1, 2018, and July 31, 2018, with travel being completed by Aug. 31, 2018, were invited to send one agent each to the event. American Airlines provided complimentary flights while AMResorts accommodated agents at Secrets St. James Montego Bay.

The Winners

First-place winners received 500,000 AAdvantage miles, divided evenly among the team’s members, while the second-place team shared 300,000 miles and third place 200,000. Fourth- and fifth-place team members received $250 American Airlines gift cards. AMResorts also gave every agent a free three-night stay at an all-inclusive Reflect Resort & Spa, aimed at “spirited travelers” and offering clubs for kids and adults-only sanctuaries.

The first-place team included Bernadette Vital, Vacations to Go, Houston; Dawn Eubanks, Travel Allure, Philadelphia; Michael Glancey, Leisurenet Travel, Greenville, S.C.; Nichole Bostock, O’Neill Travel Now, O’Neill, Neb.; and Pamela Hegner, Leisure Travel Enterprises, Fort Mill, S.C.

Agent Enthusiasm

“AAV is my go-to agency when booking travel,” said Toni Zobel, a South Carolina travel consultant with Zobel Travel who represented Penyak Travel at the Race for Miles.

“Their website is user-friendly and has great information, reviews and images of the properties they offer. They are always knowledgeable and professional when I contact them by phone for additional information or help for my clients. They have competitive pricing and promotions that are beneficial to me and my clients, with a large selection of beautiful hotels and resorts to choose from.”

Zobel also loved her stay at Secrets St. James: “The staff was very friendly and always helpful if needed. My room and balcony were beautiful with stunning views of the beach,” she said.

“The entire resort and pools were amazing, and everything was immaculately kept. I enjoyed the many restaurants with so many delicious options to choose from. It was an added extra that you could stay at one resort and play at two.” Guests at Secrets St. James have access to the adjacent Secrets Wild Orchid, while Preferred Club guests have access to the nearby Breathless Montego Bay.

Booking Perks

Agent-only perks for booking include 100 percent bulk air, 24-hour holds (agent exclusive) and low deposit options (agent exclusive), providing more worth to agents and giving potential clients even more reasons to use an agent.

The AA Vacations Travel Agent Rewards Program rewards agents with 500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles per booking. To qualify, all bookings must be made on aavacations.com/agent (VAX bookings do not qualify).

In addition, booked hotel stays must match air itinerary, with a four-night stay minimum. With an open booking and travel window and no blackout dates, agents can earn rewards year-round. Agents can redeem their rewards for flights, first- or business-class upgrades, vacations, car rentals, Admiral Club membership, hotels and other retail products.