View Poll Results: The AAdvantage changes announced 6 Jun 2016 will
incentivize me to fly AA more, as I benefit overall
27
3.55%
cause me to buy premium over discount AA fares
26
3.42%
not impact my travel on AA in the balance
128
16.82%
make me choose AA or a competitor, depending on itinerary
181
23.78%
make me become an independent agent
221
29.04%
cause me to join another airline's FF program
178
23.39%
Voters: 761. You may not vote on this poll
Jun 6, 2016, 10:31 am
Last edit by: JDiver
AAdvantage Changes Announced 6 Jun 2016 - REACTION, DISCUSSION
This thread is dedicated to "REACTION, DISCUSSION" of the changes announced June 6, 2016.
For "JUST THE FACTS", please use JUST THE FACTS: EQD, status tier, upgrade changes as of 6 Jun 2016
Link to AAdvantage Program Updates page on aa.com.
Link to Gary Leff's "View from the Wing" blog article on these changes.
Link to Ben "Lucky" Schlappig's take in "One Mile at a Time" on View From the Boarding Area
Summary of changes:
aa.com: Unknown but intended: aa.com updated to show EQM, EQD and RDM/AW for your convenience when booking and in your account for keeping informed about your accruals.
Change to earning Award / Redeemable Miles to revenue based begins (see FT thread)
Bonus award miles "More Miles" for premium cabin discontinued
For travel beginning August 1, 2016
Earn award miles based on your ticket price and elite status on American-marketed flights.
You earn miles on the base fare plus carrier-imposed fees minus government-imposed taxes and fees. The more you spend (and the higher your elite status level) the more you’ll earn.
On most flights marketed by partner airlines, you'll earn award miles based on a percentage of the flight distance and the fare class of your ticket. Rates will be available by July 15.
NOTE: this also pertains to "special fares", such as those purchased through AA Vacations. (not AA language)
You earn miles on the base fare plus carrier-imposed fees minus government-imposed taxes and fees. The more you spend (and the higher your elite status level) the more you’ll earn.
- AAdvantage® member – 5 miles for every U.S. dollar
- Gold member – 7 miles for every U.S. dollar (40% bonus)
- Platinum member – 8 miles for every U.S. dollar (60% bonus)
- Platinum Pro - 9 miles for every U.S. dollar
- Executive Platinum member – 11 miles for every U.S. dollar (120% bonus)
NOTE: this also pertains to "special fares", such as those purchased through AA Vacations. (not AA language)
1 Jan 2017:
Status earning to have EQM/EQS criteria AND "EQD" revenue spend requirement
In addition to the (same as 2016) required EQM or EQS, to earn status one will have to also earn "Elite Qualifying Dollars" / "EQD" spend credit as follows (during the calendar year):
"EQDs will be awarded based on:
Ticket price (base fare plus carrier-imposed fees, excluding any government-imposed taxes and fees) on American-marketed flights
EQD calculations will not include change fees and similar (premium seats, baggage, etc.) charges.
Flights marketed by oneworld® carriers and Alaska Airlines will earn EQDs based on a percentage of the flight distance and the fare class purchased (as may "special fares" - not AA language)
NOTE: EQD offset may be earned by spend on Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red and Silver cards (added language not from AA)
With the addition of EQDs, we’ll remove the rule that 4 segments must be traveled on American or American Eagle during the qualifying year to receive elite status."
Ticket price (base fare plus carrier-imposed fees, excluding any government-imposed taxes and fees) on American-marketed flights
EQD calculations will not include change fees and similar (premium seats, baggage, etc.) charges.
Q. Do checked bag fees, seat purchases, 500-mile upgrades or other products/service fees count toward earning award miles and EQDs?
No, only the base fare paid for your ticket including any carrier-imposed fees will count toward earning award miles and EQDs. Fees for other products or services will not be awarded miles or EQDs, including but not limited to the following: checked baggage fees, Admirals Club® memberships, Wi-Fi passes, in-flight food and beverage purchases, in-flight entertainment, unaccompanied minor fees, pet travel fees, 500-mile upgrades, mileage upgrade cash co-payments, Mileage Multiplier, BuyMiles, GiftMiles, ShareMiles or other mileage purchases, ticket change fees, ticketing fees, same-day confirmed flight change or standby fees and service charges. (Thanks to ty97.)
No, only the base fare paid for your ticket including any carrier-imposed fees will count toward earning award miles and EQDs. Fees for other products or services will not be awarded miles or EQDs, including but not limited to the following: checked baggage fees, Admirals Club® memberships, Wi-Fi passes, in-flight food and beverage purchases, in-flight entertainment, unaccompanied minor fees, pet travel fees, 500-mile upgrades, mileage upgrade cash co-payments, Mileage Multiplier, BuyMiles, GiftMiles, ShareMiles or other mileage purchases, ticket change fees, ticketing fees, same-day confirmed flight change or standby fees and service charges. (Thanks to ty97.)
NOTE: EQD offset may be earned by spend on Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red and Silver cards (added language not from AA)
With the addition of EQDs, we’ll remove the rule that 4 segments must be traveled on American or American Eagle during the qualifying year to receive elite status."
- Gold - $3,000
- Platinum - $6,000
- Platinum Pro - $9,000 (beginning 1/1/17)
- Executive Platinum - $12,000
NOTE: Concierge Key is treated as a higher status tier than Executive Platinum for upgrade Priority, but is not otherwise an AAdvantage status tier.
Change from three status tiers to four - new 75K "Platinum Pro" added
"In 2017 you can start earning toward a new level, Platinum Pro, with benefits like:
- Complimentary upgrades on flights in 500-mile upgrade markets
- Earn 9 award miles/U.S. dollar (80% bonus)
- 2 free checked bags
- oneworld® Sapphire status
- 72 hour upgrade window
February 2017
Introduction of highly restricted AA Basic Economy fares. FT link.
These will accrue 0.5 EQM, 0.5 EQS, will not permit rollaboard size / overhead baggage (only one personal item) unless you have status, no upgrades permitted, etc.
"Late" 2017:
Change to upgrade priority to EQD-based priority
"The way your upgrade request is prioritized will change later in 2017. You’ll be listed according to your elite status level followed by the number of EQDs earned in the last 12 months."
Executive Platinums able to upgrade MC / coach award flight (On flights 500 mile upgrades are usable, courtesy upgrades; priority within EP by last 12 month EQD spend).
"Starting later in 2017, Executive Platinum members can use their complimentary 500-mile upgrade benefits on AAdvantage® award tickets for travel on American from Main Cabin to the next class."
Peripheral issues:
AA Vacations: AA Vacations packages (like partner airline tickets) will earn EQD, EQM, and RDM/AW based on the distance flown as determined by the fare class purchased. This is in accordance with the "Special Fares" section of the new EQD earnings pages, and confirmed here
EQD requirements will apply to non-US residents as well as US as currently exists
EQD requirements can be partially offset by spend on Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red or Silver cards.
Partners (AS and oneworld): accrual of EQM as reflected on charts on aa.com; EQD credit to be announced (15 Jul 2016)
Status: AA has no current plans to add "Lifetime Platinum Pro" status.
Resources:
GLOSSARY:
EQD: Elite Qualifying Dollars (base fare + carrier imposed fees, - government imposed taxes and fees)
EQM: Elite Qualifying Miles (accrual depends on fare basis, airline and miles flown)
EQS: Elite Qualifying Segments (discrete qualifying segment credited by AA)
Platinum Pro: new tier beginning 1/1/17 requiring $9,000 EQD and 75,000 EQM or 90 EQS in one calendar year
For links to new threads about these and other recent changes affecting AA flyers, see below.
Link to AAdvantage Program Updates page on aa.com.
Link to Gary Leff's "View from the Wing" blog article on these changes.
Link to Ben "Lucky" Schlappig's take in "One Mile at a Time" on View From the Boarding Area
Link to Andy's take on the Award Miles earning changes on View From the Boarding Area.
Links to useful threads:
GUIDE: Earning EQD / Elite Qualifying Dollars on AA and partner airlines (2017 on)
GUIDE: Earning AA Elite Qualifying Miles / EQM on AA, oneworld, partner airlines 2017
GUIDE: Earning AA Award / Redeemable Miles / RDM on AA, partners 1 Aug 2016
HELP DESK: Elite Qualifying EQD, EQM & Award / RDM Calculations & Planning 2017
AAdvantage® earning estimates - FAQ (aa.com)
(aa.com "AAdvantage program updates" - link)
Link to FT thread: What are AA Platinum Pro Benefits? Are they worth it? (master thread)
Link to FT thread: oneworld not requiring connecting protection or interline baggage 1 Jun 2016
Link to ARCHIVE: "Speculation about upcoming changes tba 6 Jun 2016"
Updated 6 Jan 2012 - JDiver
REACTION, DISCUSSION: EQD, status tier, upgrade changes as of 6 Jun 2016
Jun 6, 2016, 11:08 am
#46
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,026
Yep totally agree. Instead of going SJC-DFW-ICN on AA I probably will go on the non stop Singapore flight in the future.
Jun 6, 2016, 11:08 am
#47
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: AA EXP, AS MVP Gold, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 142
I status matched with Alaska and I flew them quite a few times and honestly that airline is far and beyond any of the major 3 carriers. I just wished they flew more routes but hopefully after merging with Virgin they will. Maybe they can officially join OW.
Jun 6, 2016, 11:10 am
#48
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM; UA 1K; AA 1MM
Posts: 4,514
The elite status earning changes announced today (including EQD) are effective in 2017 for the 2018 status year.
Jun 6, 2016, 11:12 am
#50
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: CVG
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 90
Well, at least AA made it easy for me. Schedule changes have altered all but one of my booked flights enough to qualify for refund. They are all now cancelled, with refunds of over $4k coming. Nice work AA., way to work on that bottom line.
Was fun for a while, back to DL. At least my soon-to-be EXP status should get me a nice match from DL.
Was fun for a while, back to DL. At least my soon-to-be EXP status should get me a nice match from DL.
Jun 6, 2016, 11:13 am
#51
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Honolulu, HI
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 1,240
I'm in exactly the same situation, UA/AA flyer (1K and ExPlat). Based in Hawaii, I have zero incentive to stay loyal to AA with this program. I'll be happy to move back to UA all my flying.
Jun 6, 2016, 11:13 am
#52
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Beantown! (BOS)
Programs: AA PtPro (2 MM); Hilton Diamond; Hertz President Cr; DL SkyMiles; UA MileagePlus
Posts: 3,437
I have to say the biggest surprise for me was EXP qualification remained 100,000 EMQs although $12,000 EQDs was added. I actually thought qualifying level of EMQs for all elite levels will slightly go up, but it did not.
Jun 6, 2016, 11:13 am
#53
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Western PA
Programs: AA EXP/2MM
Posts: 441
Jun 6, 2016, 11:15 am
#54
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: American Airlines Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 3,790
AA had better waive the $3k/$6k/$9k/etc. spending requirements for people who have AA credit cards and meet minimum credit card spending thresholds.
I figured that I generate just under $6k/year through ticket purchases, but I generate about $8k more due to credit card spending, Admirals Club membership, etc.--and if I lose my status, much of the ticket purchase spending will vanish, and the rest of my revenue to AA will vanish. Surely AA doesn't want that, on a large scale by many customers.
I figured that I generate just under $6k/year through ticket purchases, but I generate about $8k more due to credit card spending, Admirals Club membership, etc.--and if I lose my status, much of the ticket purchase spending will vanish, and the rest of my revenue to AA will vanish. Surely AA doesn't want that, on a large scale by many customers.
Jun 6, 2016, 11:15 am
#55
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,026
Welp, it was a good run while it lasted. When the next air recession hits, they will realize how stupid of a move this was. Main thing that differentiated AA from the other major carriers was their excellent FF program. However, instead of being a leader, they followed. The problem is Delta is a much better airline compared to AA.
Jun 6, 2016, 11:16 am
#56
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Western PA
Programs: AA EXP/2MM
Posts: 441
Then again, anyone who would dream up "Platinum Pro" obviously wouldn't give any thought to patterns, alignments, or harmony.
More seriously, it would have helped thin the top ranks a bit -- which based on the regular complaints about upgrade lists at some of the hubs seems to be a bit of an issue.
Jun 6, 2016, 11:20 am
#60
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
I know this is no consolation to the vast ranks of AA members, but I think $12,000 is far better than the insane spend requirements AC heaped on its domestic residents for the top tier 100K flyer - a $20,000 spend (base fare plus YQ only). Non-residents (and many happy American-based flyers) are exempt and only have to meet 50% of the spend.
Also, the reality of FFPs in today's world - and as noted by posters here and Gary Leff in his column - is that especially with the mergers in the U.S., there are too many top tier members. "Culling the herd" is an annoying phrase used repeatedly on the other forum, but it is what it is.
A bigger issue that should concern AA members is this comments he wrote:
"We’ll know soon enough how good American’s IT is in tracking ticket prices booked through corporate booking sites and including partners on the same ticket. United had real teething problems with this."
Not just UA. AC launched their AQD tracking 6 months ago and it still is not accurate, nor is it calculating the codeshares properly and there is much angst and such.
I would hope that AA had enough time to test the tracking between when they announced the spend requirement last year, and the August 1 start date.
Gary Leff
American Reveals Revenue-Based Earning Date and Changes to Elite Status
http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea....-elite-status/
Also, the reality of FFPs in today's world - and as noted by posters here and Gary Leff in his column - is that especially with the mergers in the U.S., there are too many top tier members. "Culling the herd" is an annoying phrase used repeatedly on the other forum, but it is what it is.
A bigger issue that should concern AA members is this comments he wrote:
"We’ll know soon enough how good American’s IT is in tracking ticket prices booked through corporate booking sites and including partners on the same ticket. United had real teething problems with this."
Not just UA. AC launched their AQD tracking 6 months ago and it still is not accurate, nor is it calculating the codeshares properly and there is much angst and such.
I would hope that AA had enough time to test the tracking between when they announced the spend requirement last year, and the August 1 start date.
Gary Leff
American Reveals Revenue-Based Earning Date and Changes to Elite Status
http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea....-elite-status/