That's very interesting. So it looks like for 2017 qualification elites will receive a minimum of 500 EQMs per segment. Since the whole concept of the 500-mile minimum has historically been tied to redeemable miles, I wonder if the concept as applied to EQMs will stay around once AAdvantage transitions to dollar based earn later this year?
The 500 mile minimum for elite qualification will remain for those with elite status per the
AAdvantage 2016 page (see the Elite Qualification section in the FAQs)
Will the 500-mile minimum for elite members on all flights and for non elite members on shuttle flights for EQMs continue to apply under this new methodology?
Yes, the 500-mile minimum for elite members for EQMs will continue to apply. The 500-mile minimum for non-elite members on shuttle flights will, however, be removed when the changes to award miles are implemented in the second half of 2016.