AA announces travel agency-issued tickets (unless "Preferred Travel Agency") will no longer earn AA miles/loyalty points. Is UA's relationship with travel agencies much different than AA's, and are they likely to follow? If so, I could see difficult conversations between very frequent flyers and any small travel agencies they might use.

Here's the announcement and link to the Website with the details:

Starting with tickets issued on May 1, 2024, we’re updating the way you earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points on flights depending on where you book.

How to earn miles and Loyalty Points

You’ll earn miles and Loyalty Points on flights when you:

Book directly with American and our eligible partner airlines

Book travel anywhere as an AAdvantage BusinessTM member or contracted corporate traveler

Book through our preferred travel agencies

Basic Economy fare tickets will only earn when booked directly with American and our eligible partner airlines.

Rest assured you can also continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points as usual through our non-airline partners, like the AAdvantage® eShoppingSM, AAdvantage HotelsTM and AAdvantage EventsTM platforms and more. Plus, earn on everyday purchases with an AAdvantage® credit card.