Hang on to your wallets - $50 co-pay increase for mileage upgrades, effective Oct 1st
#61
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
(Much better when SFO-MIA was a 763 )
#62
Join Date: Jan 2004
Programs: AA PLAT, DL GLD, CO GLD, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 101
New Changes to Upgrade Awards
In addition to the award changes already announced that are taking effect October 1, 2008, AAdvantage will be announcing the following tomorrow:
Effective October 1, 2008, a non-refundable co-payment of $50.00USD will be required to claim one-way upgrade awards used with most Discount Economy fares when traveling:
Within the continental U.S. / Canada
Within and between the continental U.S. / Canada / Mexico / The Caribbean
Between North America and Central America
Additionally, the non-refundable co-payment required when claiming one-way upgrade awards from most Discount Economy fares when traveling between North America and Europe, Japan, China, India, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, or Uruguay will increase from $300.00USD to $350.00USD. Co-pays on upgrades to/from Hawaii and South America Zone 1 will remain at $150.00USD.
In addition to the award changes already announced that are taking effect October 1, 2008, AAdvantage will be announcing the following tomorrow:
Effective October 1, 2008, a non-refundable co-payment of $50.00USD will be required to claim one-way upgrade awards used with most Discount Economy fares when traveling:
Within the continental U.S. / Canada
Within and between the continental U.S. / Canada / Mexico / The Caribbean
Between North America and Central America
Additionally, the non-refundable co-payment required when claiming one-way upgrade awards from most Discount Economy fares when traveling between North America and Europe, Japan, China, India, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, or Uruguay will increase from $300.00USD to $350.00USD. Co-pays on upgrades to/from Hawaii and South America Zone 1 will remain at $150.00USD.
So basically, a free upgrade costs $50. I recall booking my first free R/T flight using AA miles a year ago and it cost me nearly $100. Not even sure why they offer miles anymore. It's just a game, a game in which the passengers lose. Pretty soon, booking a free ticket using AA miles will cost more than buying actual ticket.
#63
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: AA Plt
Posts: 346
So basically, a free upgrade costs $50. I recall booking my first free R/T flight using AA miles a year ago and it cost me nearly $100. Not even sure why they offer miles anymore. It's just a game, a game in which the passengers lose. Pretty soon, booking a free ticket using AA miles will cost more than buying actual ticket.
#64
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
Very true. AA award redemptions are still comparativley good value. BAEC economy redemption charges are just ridiculous.
#65
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
Deleted
#66
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Champaign (CMI)
Programs: AA ExecPlat
Posts: 92
Email: AAdvantage Mileage Award Upgrades
Just got an email from AA with the above subject line. Replied, and I know it probably went into some bit bucket, but my reply was:
Is the price increase a good thing?
Cheers,
DocD
Is the price increase a good thing?
Cheers,
DocD
#67
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: AA LTP 2MM, Marriott/SPG Rabid Plat w/Ambassador, HHonors Gold
Posts: 696
The quote above states the changed fee 'will be required to claim one-way upgrade awards'
That is consistent with the fact that you pay the co-pay when claiming the award so I would expect that upgrades claimed before Oct 1st will be at the current prices not the new price.
That is consistent with the fact that you pay the co-pay when claiming the award so I would expect that upgrades claimed before Oct 1st will be at the current prices not the new price.
The current award structure will apply to members who request upgrade awards prior to October 1.
#68
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
The full e-mail:
"Move To The Front Of The Plane!
American Airlines and AAdvantage logos
Dear JDiver,
Did you realize that your AAdvantage miles could move you into Business or First class on your next trip on American Airlines*? That's right - AAdvantage members traveling on most purchased fare tickets have the ability to use miles or miles plus a co-payment to upgrade to the next cabin of service.
You can request a mileage award upgrade when you purchase your ticket or alternatively, at anytime up until 2 hours prior to departure. If an upgrade is not available when you request it, we will add you to our upgrade waitlist and you will be automatically confirmed when an upgrade award becomes available**.
Members purchasing full Economy fares (booked in Y or B) may use as little as 5,000 miles each way to upgrade on domestic itineraries and as little as 8,000 miles each way to upgrade on international itineraries.
Effective October 1, 2008, Upgrade awards from most Discount Economy fares will change as follows:
The current award structure will apply to members who request upgrade awards prior to October 1. For complete information regarding award changes, visit www.aacom/awardchanges.
Make the most of your AAdvantage miles and treat yourself to an upgrade on your next trip. We hope to see you on board soon!
Sincerely,
Rob Friedman
President
AAdvantage Marketing Programs"
I can move up to the front of the plane? Oh, wow!
American Airlines and AAdvantage logos
Dear JDiver,
Did you realize that your AAdvantage miles could move you into Business or First class on your next trip on American Airlines*? That's right - AAdvantage members traveling on most purchased fare tickets have the ability to use miles or miles plus a co-payment to upgrade to the next cabin of service.
You can request a mileage award upgrade when you purchase your ticket or alternatively, at anytime up until 2 hours prior to departure. If an upgrade is not available when you request it, we will add you to our upgrade waitlist and you will be automatically confirmed when an upgrade award becomes available**.
Members purchasing full Economy fares (booked in Y or B) may use as little as 5,000 miles each way to upgrade on domestic itineraries and as little as 8,000 miles each way to upgrade on international itineraries.
Effective October 1, 2008, Upgrade awards from most Discount Economy fares will change as follows:
- Upgrade within the continental U.S. and Canada, within and between the continental U.S. / Canada / Mexico / The Caribbean or between North America and Central America will require 15,000 miles plus a $50 co-payment.
- Upgrade between North America and Europe, Japan, China, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile or Uruguay will require 25,000 plus a $350 co-payment
- Upgrade between North America and India will require 40,000 miles plus a $350 co-payment
The current award structure will apply to members who request upgrade awards prior to October 1. For complete information regarding award changes, visit www.aacom/awardchanges.
Make the most of your AAdvantage miles and treat yourself to an upgrade on your next trip. We hope to see you on board soon!
Sincerely,
Rob Friedman
President
AAdvantage Marketing Programs"
I can move up to the front of the plane? Oh, wow!
#69
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: FAT
Programs: AA mm, Hilton Dime, Hyatt Xpl.& PC Plat, Miracle Fruit-su club
Posts: 1,694
"Move To The Front Of The Plane!
American Airlines and AAdvantage logos
Dear JDiver,
Did you realize that your AAdvantage miles could move you into Business or First class on your next trip on American Airlines*? That's right - AAdvantage members traveling on most purchased fare tickets have the ability to use miles or miles plus a co-payment to upgrade to the next cabin of service.
You can request a mileage award upgrade when you purchase your ticket or alternatively, at anytime up until 2 hours prior to departure. If an upgrade is not available when you request it, we will add you to our upgrade waitlist and you will be automatically confirmed when an upgrade award becomes available**.
Members purchasing full Economy fares (booked in Y or B) may use as little as 5,000 miles each way to upgrade on domestic itineraries and as little as 8,000 miles each way to upgrade on international itineraries.
Effective October 1, 2008, Upgrade awards from most Discount Economy fares will change as follows:
The current award structure will apply to members who request upgrade awards prior to October 1. For complete information regarding award changes, visit www.aacom/awardchanges.
Make the most of your AAdvantage miles and treat yourself to an upgrade on your next trip. We hope to see you on board soon!
Sincerely,
Rob Friedman
President
AAdvantage Marketing Programs"
I can move up to the front of the plane? Oh, wow!
American Airlines and AAdvantage logos
Dear JDiver,
Did you realize that your AAdvantage miles could move you into Business or First class on your next trip on American Airlines*? That's right - AAdvantage members traveling on most purchased fare tickets have the ability to use miles or miles plus a co-payment to upgrade to the next cabin of service.
You can request a mileage award upgrade when you purchase your ticket or alternatively, at anytime up until 2 hours prior to departure. If an upgrade is not available when you request it, we will add you to our upgrade waitlist and you will be automatically confirmed when an upgrade award becomes available**.
Members purchasing full Economy fares (booked in Y or B) may use as little as 5,000 miles each way to upgrade on domestic itineraries and as little as 8,000 miles each way to upgrade on international itineraries.
Effective October 1, 2008, Upgrade awards from most Discount Economy fares will change as follows:
- Upgrade within the continental U.S. and Canada, within and between the continental U.S. / Canada / Mexico / The Caribbean or between North America and Central America will require 15,000 miles plus a $50 co-payment.
- Upgrade between North America and Europe, Japan, China, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile or Uruguay will require 25,000 plus a $350 co-payment
- Upgrade between North America and India will require 40,000 miles plus a $350 co-payment
The current award structure will apply to members who request upgrade awards prior to October 1. For complete information regarding award changes, visit www.aacom/awardchanges.
Make the most of your AAdvantage miles and treat yourself to an upgrade on your next trip. We hope to see you on board soon!
Sincerely,
Rob Friedman
President
AAdvantage Marketing Programs"
I can move up to the front of the plane? Oh, wow!
Fly between any of our Southern California airports and DFW and see the Grand Canyon!
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,191
So basically, a free upgrade costs $50. I recall booking my first free R/T flight using AA miles a year ago and it cost me nearly $100. Not even sure why they offer miles anymore. It's just a game, a game in which the passengers lose. Pretty soon, booking a free ticket using AA miles will cost more than buying actual ticket.
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,731
So basically, a free upgrade costs $50. I recall booking my first free R/T flight using AA miles a year ago and it cost me nearly $100. Not even sure why they offer miles anymore. It's just a game, a game in which the passengers lose. Pretty soon, booking a free ticket using AA miles will cost more than buying actual ticket.
I paid $196 tax and fee on a business class award between Europe and North America to accommodate 2 Transatlantic cruises. The ticket if purchased, would be $7800 if using AA for both Transatlantic legs, $9800 if booked identically as the actual award ticket with BA on the return leg YYZ/LHR/BCN. I say I got a very good value of the 90K + $196 spent. Even with the new 100K miles requirement, it is still a very good deal.
If you dont like the program, just fly without FF number attached to your booking and you are "freed" from this game. Simple.
#72
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
Although I think you'll find that there are many here who still believe frequent flyer miles can still hold real value, even with the extra fees, you are right that using them for coach tickets is becoming less and less of a money-saver. And I fear that your last sentence is no far-flung prophecy: it is already the case with some European and Asian carriers that redeeming certain awards costs more than paying for the flights outright.
if aa were to make earning miles a frivolous operation--they may lose their customer base to the low cost airlines.
PS: spirit airlines has some (seemingly) super fares and promos.
#73
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,492
Does anyone remember S&H Green Stamps (I'm showing my age)? Near their end days my Mom needed nearly a dozen books of stamps in order to redeem an electric iron.
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
In some casinos there is still a slot machine game based on S&H Green Stamps--you collect stamps (as part of the game) to win money.
#75
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Duluth, GA
Programs: AAdvantage PLT, AA 2MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,268
too funny, getting S&H green stamps for plugging a one-armed bandit
my friend who flies for WN refers to our FF obsession as "going for the toaster". of course he has to relent a little when I point out the glories of upgrading on overnight TATL/TPAC flights. toaster, indeed.
my friend who flies for WN refers to our FF obsession as "going for the toaster". of course he has to relent a little when I point out the glories of upgrading on overnight TATL/TPAC flights. toaster, indeed.