I've been thinking about this for a while and would love to get the reaction of some of you on this board to what I would do if I ran the AAdvantage program).

Differentiating ExPlat, Plat, Gold, Others.
I think that with priority access going to everyone, AA has lost some allure. I'd propose that the coach product (exit rows and even more space) be opened to EXP, PL, and GO and different times. Say, EXP = at time of booking, Plat = 1 week out, GO= 48 hours, buy-up 24 hours or something similar. This ensures that the coach product has some differentiation for premium travelers

Valuing the Right Customers
I don't know why (other than system issues) AA hasn't switched to awarding points and redeeming points specifically on $$/point. This allows you to earn based on what you spend and recoup based on what you would spend. This seems simple to me and would align AA values with customers that spend a lot. Right now, AA values a last minute, $800 fare buyer the same as a $200 fare buyer if its the same flight.

Upgrades
I think upgrade priority should be based loosely on fare class AND time of purchase within different levels, again this rewards higher value customers


Thoughts on other modifications you think would align AA and loyalty program better?