American Airlines Makes Changes to AAdvantage Loyalty Program

American Airlines has made some important changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program, shifting to award miles based on the price of a ticket.

The AAdvantage program will also change how members qualify for elite status and introduce a new elite level in 2017.

“American Airlines is evolving AAdvantage to continue our tradition of having the best loyalty program in the world by rewarding our most loyal customers with the benefits they value the most,” said Andrew Nocella, American’s Chief Marketing Officer.

For travel beginning 1 August 2016, flights marketed by American will earn award miles based on the price of the ticket purchased, while elite members will be able to earn even more miles based on their status level.

Award miles for travel on most flights marketed by partner airlines will be based on a percentage of the flight distance and the booking code purchased.

Beginning later this month, customers will be able to see an estimate of the number of miles and elite-qualifying credits they will earn for a chosen itinerary when booking their trip on aa.com.

2017 Program Changes - New Elite Level

On 1 January 2017, the AAdvantage program will add a fourth elite level for customers.

Platinum Pro – members can begin qualifying for this new level in 2017. Placed between Platinum and Executive Platinum levels, members will receive benefits, including:

- Complimentary auto-requested upgrades on all eligible flights within North America and between the U.S. and Central America;

- Earn 9 award miles/U.S. dollar (80% bonus);

- Two free checked bags; and

- oneworld Sapphire status.

New Elite Qualification Requirement

Effective 1 January 2017, Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQD) will be added to the elite-qualification requirements.

Members can earn elite status by reaching the EQD threshold, and either the Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM) or Elite Qualifying Segments (EQS) requirement.

Changes to Upgrade Benefits

Later in 2017, AAdvantage members will see changes to how upgrade requests are prioritized along with a new benefit for Executive Platinum members:

- Upgrade priority will be based on a 12-month rolling EQD total, sorted by elite status level; and

- Executive Platinum members will be able to use their complimentary 500-mile upgrade benefits on AAdvantage award tickets for travel on American from Main Cabin to the next class.

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