AAdvantage Dining Changes
 

Sorry if this has been posted somewhere (kind of annoying how the search function isn't working...) but I just stumbled across this on the AA Rewards network site... Looks like it was posted on their web site a long time ago, but somehow it escaped my attention... Feel free to ignore if it's already been covered.

http://aa.rewardsnetwork.com/promo.j...064&src=AA04VE


Upcoming AAdvantage DiningSM Program Changes
On July 1, 2005, we will be changing the benefit structure of the AAdvantage Dining program. We will be introducing a tiered membership structure. Under the current program, you are entitled to earn up to 10 miles per $1.00 spent at participating merchants (subject to certain restrictions). Under the new program structure your benefits and tier level will be based on your level of participation in the program as outlined below:


Tier Level
Qualifying Criteria
Mileage Awards
Additional Benefits


Elite Member
12 or more qualified transactions in 2004 (full calendar year) or between January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2005

5 Miles/$1.00 Spent
Access to a greater number of participating merchants than Engaged or Active Members

Higher level of bonus offers than Engaged or Active Members



Engaged Member
4-11 qualified transactions in 2004 (full calendar year) Or between January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2005 Or have/create an AAdvantage Dining Online Profile

3 Miles/$1.00 Spent
Access to more participating merchants than Active Members

Bonus opportunities



Active Member
0-3 qualified transactions in 2004 (full calendar year) Or between January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2005 And no AAdvantage Dining Online Profile yet created

Create an Online Profile now

1 Mile/$1.00 Spent
Limited bonus opportunities




At the beginning of each calendar year, you will be eligible for the benefits of the membership tier for which you qualified based on the number of qualified transactions at the end of the immediately preceding year.

At anytime during the calendar year you will move up to the next tier level after you meet the qualifying criteria.

Additional tier level "upgrades" to your membership may also be introduced from time to time as promotional opportunities at the sole discretion of the AAdvantage Dining & the AAdvantage Hotel programs administered by Rewards Network.

To view the number of qualified transactions you have to date, log in at aa.rewardsnetwork.com with your Login ID and Password. Need to create one now? Click here.

If you have any questions about our program changes, please call a Member Services representative at 1 (800) 479-5981, 8 a.m. - Midnight ET, seven days a week or write to us at:
The AAdvantage Dining and The AAdvantage Hotel programs by Rewards Network
P.O.Box 619400
Miami, Fl 33261-9400.


Posted 12/28/04.

The "enhancements" have been discussed at length here since they were first announced, with a generally negative reaction. The only worthwhile thing that comes out of it, though, is that it doesn't appear (knock on wood) that the 500 mile elite bonus (for 3 dines in a month) will be affected.

Mike

Since I just lost my elite status, I cannot look this up on their website, but I recall reading that elites had to spend a certain $ amount per month or per dining visit to get this elite bonus for 3-I-Dines in the future.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Apparently, you're not wrong. From the AA website:

It was really nice of them to announce this change. :rolleyes:

Mike

500 mile elite bonus takes $150/month not 3 dines
 

ExitRowAisle is right. Instead of taking three dining experiences in a month, it now takes $150 spending in a given month to qualify for the 500 mile AAdvantage elite bonus. While some may be able to reach the new threshhold in three dines or less, most of us will either miss the bonus or have to dine at qualifying restaurants more times. IMHO this is not an improvement.

TravelDave

Try the iDine Forum???
 

There is much more information available on the AAdvantage Dining Program / iDine program in the - FlyerTalk iDine Forum. Don't even need Search to find it. ;)

Switch to cash back?
 

At the risk of promoting sacrilege, given all of the above (including the expanding reduction to 5 miles per dollar), doesn't it make sense to use the Idine Prime program where you get 20% cash back?

If you like Idine restaurants enough to go there a lot, yes. If you value miles at 2c each and get, let's say, 6 miles per dollar on average (allowing for bonuses), then you are getting the equivalent of 12% back from the mileage program and 20% (for a $49 fee) from Idine Prime. So you need to spend around 100/(20-12) times that amount, that is $612.50 in a year, to break even. If you value miles at 1c each, only average 3 miles per dollar at Idine, and manage to get the Idine Prime for a reduced $29 fee, then you break even at $29 * 100/(20-3) = $170 / year.

On the other hand, if like me you have one credit card to keep your US account active, one to keep your UA account active, one for AA, one for CO, ... then the amounts don't matter that much - even 1 mile for the whole meal is better than any smallish cash refund!

...or when you frequently iDine on a corporate credit card. Doesn't do much good to get $$$ back on a credit card that someone else pays for :)

Then take the cash and BUY miles. If you have a $137 meal, you will get $27 back. For that money, you can buy 1,000 AA miles. That is a net gain of 315 miles more than 5 miles to the dollar. But then there is the $25 transaction fee......

I think when they changed the benefits year, the change was made to Idine. It does seem a little early to make this change -- with the other Idine changes happening in July, but I guess it was a whole year deal for them to publish this as a Plat benefit.

Stevekoe

Great suggestion - should be a benefit for those that have to entertain business clients.