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I guess other carriers learned a lesson from Delta’s misstep when it announced the changes to its 2024 loyalty program. American Airlines has just announced what’s changing for 2024 and members can breathe a sigh of relief as it’s positive news.
Exclusive AAdvantage® Member Benefits (Even for Those Without Elite Status)
American is making it more rewarding for all of its passengers to have an AAdvantage® account. Here are the benefits being provided to all members (even those who do not have status):
- Same-Day Standby: Standby for an earlier domestic flight for free.
- Extended Trip Credit: AAdvantage® members have six months longer than non-members to use a trip credit when canceling travel online.
- Admirals Club® One-Day Passes: Anyone with an account can buy a one-day pass (this is quite a stark contrast to Delta where only top-level elites and certain credit card holders can do this).
- Flagship Lounge® Single Visit Passes: United does not offer the ability to buy access to Polaris, but American will for its equivalent lounge.
- 24-hour Trip Hold: Flights can be put on hold free of charge for up to 24 hours.
- Cancel Basic Economy Tickets for a Partial Refund: AAdvantage® members will be able to cancel non-refundable Basic Economy tickets and receive a partial trip credit (for a $99 fee). Tickets need to be booked through American and tickets from third-party agencies will not be eligible.
Signing up for an AAdvantage® account is free and simple to do. Non-members will not have access to the benefits above.
Positive Changes to Upgrades
American is introducing three new changes to upgrades, which are all positive for AAdvantage® members.
- Upgrade with American Airlines Partners: AAdvantage® members will be able to redeem miles for upgrades with select airline partners in 2024. A date has not yet been announced for roll out or the costs. I see this being similar to the program that Star Alliance offers.
- Request Systemwide Upgrades Online: This will be able to be done on the website versus having to call (it puts American in line with Delta and United).
- Earn Loyalty Points for Purchasing Upgrades: These purchases will now be eligible to earn Loyalty Points (paid upgrades only).
I can’t imagine how any members will complain about the positive changes above.
New Loyalty Points Rewards
Loyalty Points are the way that American now measures elite status. Loyalty Points Rewards are earned when passing certain thresholds in the AAdvantage® program. American has just introduced some new benefits.
- 15,000 Loyalty Points: You can now select 1,000 Loyalty Points (other choices include priority check-in, security, and Group 4 boarding for one trip or five preferred seat coupons)
- 175,000 Loyalty Points: You can now select 5,000 Loyalty Points (other choices include two systemwide upgrades, 20,000 bonus miles, or 25,000 bonus miles for AAdvantage® credit cardholders, six Admirals Club day passes, a $200 trip credit, or $250 for AAdvantage® credit cardholders, a $250 donation to a partner charity, 15% AAdvantage® award rebate, or the ability to gift AAdvantage Gold® status to two people)
- 250,000 Loyalty Points: You can now select 15,000 Loyalty Points as a reward (this can be done twice as you get two choices at this milestone). Other choices include two systemwide upgrades, 20,000 bonus miles, or 25,000 bonus miles for AAdvantage® credit cardholders, six Admirals Club day passes, a $200 trip credit, or $250 for AAdvantage® credit cardholders, a $250 donation to a partner charity, 15% AAdvantage® award rebate, or the ability to gift AAdvantage Gold® status to two people, Bang & Olufsen products (this requires both selections), a Flagship Lounge® single visit pass, or two passes for AAdvantage® credit cardholders.
Access to Flagship® First Dining
American offers a la carte dining for premium passengers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Miami International Airport (MIA). Soon AAdvantage Platinum Pro® members will be able to redeem miles for Flagship® First Dining passes. No details on the costs or date for rollout have been announced.
Anthony’s Take: AAdvantage® members at all levels have to be smiling today as the program has not been devalued and there are some exciting new opportunities and perks for all levels (even those without elite status).
(Image Credits: American Airlines.)
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