Sheer Speculation: Rumored AAdvantage Changes Coming in May 2009?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 187
Sheer Speculation: Rumored AAdvantage Changes Coming in May 2009?
Since May is Anniversary month and the <redacted> "other" site has speculated that something is in the air, I thought we could play the "Guess the Change" game.
My entry is that it has something to do with finally adding one-way awards to match other programs.
I'm very much hoping that it does not affect the Million-Miler program, at least until I make one (and two) million miles.
My entry is that it has something to do with finally adding one-way awards to match other programs.
I'm very much hoping that it does not affect the Million-Miler program, at least until I make one (and two) million miles.
Last edited by JDiver; May 1, 2009 at 4:48 pm Reason: we need to follow TOS here
#2
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 574
My Guess
All FT members will earn negative AAdvantage miles for posting on FT, e.g. negative 1000 for regular posts and negative 2000 for OMNI.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL, NYC
Programs: AA PLT, DL SLV, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH DIA
Posts: 10,032
That linked thread has 8 posts of, literally, NOTHING. <redacted> Heaven forbid someone makes a comment that the thread is more useless than useful until there is something to actually report on.
<redacted>
But back on this highly speculative topic, if there is really one, I'm thinking there will be better OneWorld bookings online. Maybe even an award booking engine like QF has. This was something that was supposedly "coming soon" in recent history, but I can't find the press release or news item that discussed it.
One way, or mixed, award bookings would be nice too. If there are sAAver award coach seats available on one side of a trip, but only stAAndard ones on a return, then let me pay 37,500 points instead of dinging me for the full 50K. That way maybe I can even have a sAAver F segment one way and sAAver coach the other way. That is the *ONE* nice things about the USAirways program I like (even though I depleted the account).
<redacted>
But back on this highly speculative topic, if there is really one, I'm thinking there will be better OneWorld bookings online. Maybe even an award booking engine like QF has. This was something that was supposedly "coming soon" in recent history, but I can't find the press release or news item that discussed it.
One way, or mixed, award bookings would be nice too. If there are sAAver award coach seats available on one side of a trip, but only stAAndard ones on a return, then let me pay 37,500 points instead of dinging me for the full 50K. That way maybe I can even have a sAAver F segment one way and sAAver coach the other way. That is the *ONE* nice things about the USAirways program I like (even though I depleted the account).
Last edited by JDiver; May 1, 2009 at 4:49 pm Reason: we need to follow TOS here
#4
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
Good idea. Speculation and conjecture are what we do best here on FT, so we might as well have some fun with it.
I, too, hope there won't be anything that affects the MM program adversely any time soon.
As others have mentioned, increased online award booking capability would be great, as would one-way awards.
As others have mentioned, increased online award booking capability would be great, as would one-way awards.
Last edited by oklAAhoma; May 1, 2009 at 1:56 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: London UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 2,042
Rumoured impending changes to "stuff" were reported here on the AA forum a few days ago:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...274-stuff.html
Nothing wrong with another thread inviting pointless speculation though
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...274-stuff.html
Nothing wrong with another thread inviting pointless speculation though
#6
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
I hope changing the color of the membership cards is on the agenda. I want a gold card instead of a black card for EXP. Anyone else up for a color change?
Tom in Cologne, Germany
Tom in Cologne, Germany
#7
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
Only if we can pick a different color every year, if we so desire.
Pointless speculation? Sure. But at least it's about miles and points. That seems like progress to me.
Pointless speculation? Sure. But at least it's about miles and points. That seems like progress to me.
Last edited by oklAAhoma; May 1, 2009 at 2:07 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: AA EXP/5 MM, BA Blue Bayou, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 5,816
How about a Executive Uranium level for 200k miles/points? The card would come with a lead sleeve to store it in.
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Maybe the black is to infer the highest of standards like the AE Black Card (which will probably never be in my wallet). But actually I like the black because it is very easy for me to spot in my wallet which is full of other loyalty/rewards type of plastic cards. Maybe like credit cards, you could get it personalized with like wildlife or your favorite hobby.
One thing is that towards the end of last year there were media reports and accompanying speculation on FT with regards to AA going more towards a la carte pricing, including giving only partial miles, or no miles, for deep discount fares. With DBEQM, I would think that for now this is dead but could still rise from its ugly grave at some future point.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: BA, UA, DL
Posts: 201
To those who critique the "other place" and the somewhat sharp personality of its moderator, I would point out that when he has in fact revealed things ahead of time, they have turned out to be entirely, 100% accurate. Two developments I can think of which I learned about well before they were announced are the 757 international conversions and the 762 new F seats. If people here don't like the tone of the "other place" I entirely understand, but I for one consider it a more worthwhile read on account of the far higher "noise to signal" ratio.
#11
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mostly AUS or rural England
Programs: BAEC redundant Bronze, AAdvantage Lifetime PLT, CO, WN, B6
Posts: 6,526
IF, and it's a very big IF, anything major is going to happen this month, there may be another part of the equation that's missing.
We all know AA is getting worried about cash, and the latest filings discuss its ability to meet Bank covenants. AA has also said it is talking with Citibank about pre-selling miles to raise cash, and several times in the past it has been suggested that AAdvantage is worth almost as much as the airline.
Drawing the obvious conclusion, maybe any possible changes shift some ownership to Citibank, or prepare the ground for that to happen in the future. What puzzles me if AAdvantage were to be totally independent of the airline is how AA measures and encourages customer loyalty through EXP, PLT etc. levels so if we see some seperation of the two functions, maybe some change to the qualification process, I'd put money on the eventual sale of AAdvantage.
We all know AA is getting worried about cash, and the latest filings discuss its ability to meet Bank covenants. AA has also said it is talking with Citibank about pre-selling miles to raise cash, and several times in the past it has been suggested that AAdvantage is worth almost as much as the airline.
Drawing the obvious conclusion, maybe any possible changes shift some ownership to Citibank, or prepare the ground for that to happen in the future. What puzzles me if AAdvantage were to be totally independent of the airline is how AA measures and encourages customer loyalty through EXP, PLT etc. levels so if we see some seperation of the two functions, maybe some change to the qualification process, I'd put money on the eventual sale of AAdvantage.
#12
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 184
last post in the linked to forum sums it up:
don't waste your time.
BTW, *thanks* for the site-traffic, suckers!
#13
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
deleted
Last edited by elitetraveler; May 1, 2009 at 6:55 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP 1MM; DL Gold; UA 2P
Posts: 209
My Guesses
Judging by the excitement level of the OP on the other site, the changes must be substantive---something that changes the shape of the program in ways much more so than the addition of one-way awards.
1) Domestic upgrades will be cleared based on elite level and fare class. Although I like the fact that booking early nearly ensures an upgrade, it makes no sense that I sit in FC on a Q/N/S fare when someone who purchased a Y/B fare at 3x the price sits in a middle seat in the back.
2) EVIPs will require copays similar to mileage upgrades.
3) Two additional EVIPs will be earned for each additional 50K EQM/EQP over 100K.
What I hope it is not is a substantial change in qualifying terms...but maybe AA will take the lead in changing to a reward system more closely aligned with $$$ spent on tickets.
1) Domestic upgrades will be cleared based on elite level and fare class. Although I like the fact that booking early nearly ensures an upgrade, it makes no sense that I sit in FC on a Q/N/S fare when someone who purchased a Y/B fare at 3x the price sits in a middle seat in the back.
2) EVIPs will require copays similar to mileage upgrades.
3) Two additional EVIPs will be earned for each additional 50K EQM/EQP over 100K.
What I hope it is not is a substantial change in qualifying terms...but maybe AA will take the lead in changing to a reward system more closely aligned with $$$ spent on tickets.
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Judging by the excitement level of the OP on the other site, the changes must be substantive---something that changes the shape of the program in ways much more so than the addition of one-way awards.
1) Domestic upgrades will be cleared based on elite level and fare class. Although I like the fact that booking early nearly ensures an upgrade, it makes no sense that I sit in FC on a Q/N/S fare when someone who purchased a Y/B fare at 3x the price sits in a middle seat in the back.
2) EVIPs will require copays similar to mileage upgrades.
3) Two additional EVIPs will be earned for each additional 50K EQM/EQP over 100K.
What I hope it is not is a substantial change in qualifying terms...but maybe AA will take the lead in changing to a reward system more closely aligned with $$$ spent on tickets.
1) Domestic upgrades will be cleared based on elite level and fare class. Although I like the fact that booking early nearly ensures an upgrade, it makes no sense that I sit in FC on a Q/N/S fare when someone who purchased a Y/B fare at 3x the price sits in a middle seat in the back.
2) EVIPs will require copays similar to mileage upgrades.
3) Two additional EVIPs will be earned for each additional 50K EQM/EQP over 100K.
What I hope it is not is a substantial change in qualifying terms...but maybe AA will take the lead in changing to a reward system more closely aligned with $$$ spent on tickets.
Personally since I buy my tixs weeks in advance, I would not like to see this change. But from a revenue reward prespective, I could certainly understand it.