American Airlines has revamped its popular AAdvantage program. From Tuesday, March 1, top-tier qualifications will use a single metric called Loyalty Points with a straightforward earning equation – one flying mile equals one loyalty point. This change is one of several that the Dallas-based airline is implementing and says will deliver passengers one of the world’s best frequent flyer program.
New elite qualification requirements for American Airlines
Eyeing AAdvantage Gold? You’ll need to accrue 30,000 loyalty points in a year. American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum status will require 75,000 loyalty points. AAdvantage Platinum Pro needs 125,000 loyalty points. Top billing goes to AAdvantage Executive Platinum status which requires 200,000 loyalty points. Once a status level is achieved, it will stay intact until March 31 of the following year.
Like any self-respecting frequent flyer program, there’s more than one way to skin a cat when it comes to earning points. In addition to flying on AA and their partner airlines, American’s online shopping portal, dining, and SimplyMiles programs all offer points earning opportunities. Then there are credit card sign-up bonuses and points earning opportunities from everyday spending on selected cards. It is a rich points earning landscape that makes obtaining elite status on American Airlines a relatively easy task for US-based flyers.
“The past few years have taught us that loyalty is not one-size-fits-all — it comes in different forms,” said Alison Taylor, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “We recognize the path to earning status is different for each individual, which is why we’re giving members more ways to earn Loyalty Points — whether by flying, shopping, or using an AAdvantage credit card. We want to make it easier for our customers to achieve status wherever they may be.”
One of the big benefits of elite status with any airline is lounge access. Photo: American Airlines
American Airlines’ status remains handy outside the US
Elite status with American Airlines has utility outside the US too. American is a member of the oneworld alliance and member airlines worldwide will recognize AA status. AAdvantage Platinum equates to oneworld sapphire which opens up extra luggage allowances, lounge access, and priority when it comes to boarding, checking in, and waitlists.
Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum equals oneworld emerald which offers a swag of extra benefits, including access to top-tier airline lounges.
Under the changes, AAdvantage Platinum and Gold members will also receive unlimited complimentary flight upgrades within North America. Photo: American Airlines
Upgrade win for AAdvantage Platinum and Gold members
Frequent flyer program revamps spur all sorts of talk about devaluations and program “enhancements.” American is keen to ease the change pain for its existing elite passengers. The airline is expanding complimentary upgrade access for AAdvantage Gold and AAdvantage Platinum members to include all flights on American within North America regardless of the flight distance.
“For travel starting March 2, an upgrade will automatically be requested if everyone in the reservation is eligible for a complimentary upgrade. Members will only need to use 500-mile upgrades if they want to upgrade travel companions who do not hold AAdvantage status,” a statement from the airline reads.“Later this year, American will extend complimentary upgrades to one companion traveling on the same flight as the status member.”
Of course, those upgrades are subject to availability and status still matters. Concierge Key members will get first dibs, followed by Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members. By the time American makes its way down to the Gold members, those spare seats may no longer be spare. Still, Gold and Platinum members will occasionally get lucky, especially on the quieter routes. For those lower-tier high-status flyers, this frequent flyer revamp really does offer some material benefits.
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