[Faramir82]

So I think I want to come back to FFXI and use my old character. My question is can I use the free 30 day trial that comes with the 360 game to bring back my character via the "Return Home" promotion?

[Ameroth]

The Return Home to Vana'diel Campaign

tl;dr

"there is [a trial]. No fees will be billed for 1 month starting from the day the first Content ID is obtained."

[bungiefan]

30 day trials are for new accounts. You use that code, you make a new account. Reactivating an account doesn't give you a trial period again, though a new account generated from the Return because the old one isn't recoverable is possible.

[Ameroth]

Originally Posted by bungiefan

30 day trials are for new accounts.

Q: Is there a "free trial period" for characters reactivated through the Return Home to Vana'diel Campaign - Type A*?

A: Yes, there is.
No fees will be billed for 1 month starting from the day the first Content ID is obtained.

* Type A: The applicant must be a former PlayOnline member (i.e. the person whose name was registered) who played FINAL FANTASY XI before cancelling the account.