As students prepare for fall and winter break, they can take advantage of the University’s partnering with American Airlines to offer discounts on airline tickets, among other promotional giveaways.
N.C. State is one of several universities across the nation to be a member of the new program American Airlines is sponsoring.
ÒWe picked the cities with strong service,Ó Chris Koller, college program manager for American Airlines, said. ÒRaleigh-Durham is one of our many hubs.Ó
Koller said Duke University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill are also part of the program.
ÒIn our opinion, students are our future flyers,Ó Koller said.
American Arilines wants to bring a trusting service for students on campus, he said.
ÒAs we get involved with N.C. State, we can have a true bond with the University where we can help students travel,Ó Koller said. ÒWe really want to grow with the campus to ensure we provide students value.Ó
The program has already contracted with Wolfpack Sports, the Study Abroad Office, the Union Activities Board, the Alumni Association and other student organizations to provide promotional discounts for students.
ÒWe will be giving away football tickets and flights to the away game against Miami,Ó Chuan Tsai, NCSUÕs American Airlines campus representative and senior in business management, said. ÒAlso, we have been upgrading fans with front row seats at select home games.Ó
Tsai said a promotional booth will be set up at the football game vs. UNC-CH Nov. 10 and will Ògive fans a chance to win cool things from American Airlines.Ó
Throughout the entire year, students will have the chance to win roundtrip tickets, each one worth up to $750, to anywhere in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, according to Tsai.
A new scholarship, Global Leaders, will also provide roundtrip airfare to a studentÕs destination in a study abroad program. The students who are awarded tickets will have to keep a blog and take photos of their experiences for American Airlines, said Tsai.
Tsai said another major benefit for the University and the American Airlines partnership is the discounts for individual student tickets or a group discount for student organizations.
Ò[The AA college program] means there is a major airline supporting our college,Ó Tsai said. ÒWhenever a student wants to travel, they have an airline they can depend on.Ó
Some students feel the program will not have a major impact on the University but will still help students.
John Thompson, senior in business management, said he will still compare American AirlineÕs offer with other airlines before making a decision. He said he wants to travel to Key West, Fla. after graduation.
ÒAnything the University can do to create benefits or add value to a studentÕs education at no additional cost to the student is always welcome,Ó Thompson said.