Originally Posted by
Wigg
What really bothers me is the transition year - 2026. I assume most of us who plan things out made decisions based on the current benefits being in place for 2026 - starting the year with an allotment of e ups, a status pass, etc. The ability to gift status is one of the worst IMO. As some else noted you can't gift 50k status until after you have requalified for SE. In my case I (we) made the decision for most of Mrs W's travel to be reward travel this year (she is currently 50k) and I had planned to gift her 50K next year. Any volunteers to have the discussion with her when she has no status next year?
This is also my major gripe with this change. AC can do what they want with their program in the future, and I can spend my money where I please.
But I've completed travel plans in 2025 and put spending on an AC credit card, and have non-refundable bookings for the remainder of this year (and into 2026) that were booked in part because of an advertised set of benefits I'd receive in 2026 (and 2027). And now I'm not going to receive them. I can't imagine that's legal, especially with credit cards and banks involved.