Originally Posted by
Centurion
I have a theory that AA does not want to compete with Southwest or Hawaiian. Let me take the theory a little further and expound. AA does not want their customers redeeming AAdvantage miles held on their balance sheet to Hawaii. This is a very popular leisure route. If you make it easy to get to Hawaii you will have customers redeeming miles. AA wants you to sit on those miles while they devalue them thru their enhancement program. AA wants planes going places people pay in dollars not miles. Also if AA shortens this route they do not have to fully food cater the flight
Miles on the books result in debt on balance sheets. Reducing outstanding mileage helps company as they've already had to account for the debt.
Same reason companies try and get you to take PTO when revenues fall. PTO is already been accounted for when you accrued it. It doesn't cause a hit to balance sheet when you finally take it.