Jul 25, 2014, 10:42 am
Last edit by: JDiver
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What’s next
We plan to bring current Dividend Miles accounts into the AAdvantage program in 2015 (date as yet unspecified - JD). That means we will combine your award mileage balances, your Million Miler™ balances, and your elite-qualifying activity from both programs. In the meantime, continue to book travel and earn miles as you normally would. We will follow up with you when we begin the process of integrating accounts, but rest assured your miles and elite status are safe as we work to combine the two programs.
It will take some time to fully integrate our loyalty programs, including everything from the systems that support them to bringing our terms and conditions in line with one another. We will be sure to keep you updated as changes occur.
We plan to bring current Dividend Miles accounts into the AAdvantage program in 2015 (date as yet unspecified - JD). That means we will combine your award mileage balances, your Million Miler™ balances, and your elite-qualifying activity from both programs. In the meantime, continue to book travel and earn miles as you normally would. We will follow up with you when we begin the process of integrating accounts, but rest assured your miles and elite status are safe as we work to combine the two programs.
It will take some time to fully integrate our loyalty programs, including everything from the systems that support them to bringing our terms and conditions in line with one another. We will be sure to keep you updated as changes occur.
Speculation: New American AAdvantage FF Program Features (Discussion)
Jul 7, 2014, 11:45 am
#826
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFO, CLT
Programs: AA Bonsai EXP (2.9 MM), AS MVPG
Posts: 1,395
Jul 7, 2014, 1:19 pm
#827
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 170
That sort of contradicts their email to us: "We plan to bring current Dividend Miles accounts into the AAdvantage program in 2015. That means we will combine your award mileage balances, your million mile balances and your elite-qualifying activity from both programs."
Have to love AA's last reply, such snark: https://twitter.com/AmericanAir/stat...88246876381185
Jul 7, 2014, 1:25 pm
#828
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: US Airways Gold, Marriott Platinum, SW A List
Posts: 1,575
That sort of contradicts their email to us: "We plan to bring current Dividend Miles accounts into the AAdvantage program in 2015. That means we will combine your award mileage balances, your million mile balances and your elite-qualifying activity from both programs."
Have to love AA's last reply, such snark: https://twitter.com/AmericanAir/stat...88246876381185
Have to love AA's last reply, such snark: https://twitter.com/AmericanAir/stat...88246876381185
Jul 7, 2014, 4:34 pm
#830
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Everywhere
Programs: AA EXP - 3.7MM, Bonv LIFETIME Titan, HH Dmd, Hyatt Glob., Priority Clb Dmd, Ntnl Exec El., Sixt PLT
Posts: 1,680
Not sure why BA tier structure is relevant. The consistent message we have heard is that the new program will have wins and loses from each of the pm programs.
Your proposal would be a messy matrix... A US Elite who earns on status may reach 100 segments but less than 100,000 PQM ... That would qualify as US Plt but match to AA Exec Plt.
Your proposal would be a messy matrix... A US Elite who earns on status may reach 100 segments but less than 100,000 PQM ... That would qualify as US Plt but match to AA Exec Plt.
However, if one is looking for consistency, the re-qualification rules for AA and US programs have been published long time ago. The new AA never promised to combine 2014 balances for the tier qualification. Some of us already re-qualified and are expected to get all the promised benefits in 2015. I would not be surprised if for 2015:
1) The tier and the benefits will remain the same as earned in the individual programs. I.e., US Platinum will still be getting 75% mile bonus.
2) Upgrade policies continue as implemented today.
3) Mile balances will be combined in 2015 and the tier for 2016 will be based on combined miles yearned in 2015.
Jul 7, 2014, 9:16 pm
#831
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Everywhere you wanna be
Programs: AA EP | UA 1K
Posts: 1,657
I find that hard to believe. If only for 1 reason - AAdvantage has 3 elite tiers and US DM has 4. It was already announced that US DM will be merged with AAdvantage in 2015, so no changes are unlikely. And that's ignoring all other aspects of the programs, i. e. one-way awards with AAdvantage but only round-trip with US DM, etc.
When the latest award levels were announced - especially for US DM members, it was explained with the reason to allign better with the AAdvantage program. So, that's what I expect - have both programs be practically identical but differ in name only before they fold US DM into AAdvantage.
What your statement implies is that AAdvtange will continue as 3 tiers and it doesn't explain what will happen to US Platinums when they are merged into Aadvantage.
When the latest award levels were announced - especially for US DM members, it was explained with the reason to allign better with the AAdvantage program. So, that's what I expect - have both programs be practically identical but differ in name only before they fold US DM into AAdvantage.
What your statement implies is that AAdvtange will continue as 3 tiers and it doesn't explain what will happen to US Platinums when they are merged into Aadvantage.
I don't know if DM is being folded into AAdvantage in 2015, but i know for sure that the current AAdvantage program is not changing in 2015. There might be small little changes like awards or whatever on par of what we seen today, but no sweeping changes. The program and the way you earn miles will stay the same at least until 2016. And quite honestly, US doesn't even have that many elite members, you're talking about the smallest of the 4 major mainline carriers. (not counting WN).
Quite honestly AA/US has bigger problems to deal with during their merger than the loyalty programs (such as system integration, which must be completed before any merging of FF programs takes place).
<redacted>.
What is likely: SOMETIME in 2015, you will be given the option for DM members to transfer their miles or whatever over to an AAdvantage account, but i dont think any forced merger will happen yet.
Last edited by Col Ronson; Jul 7, 2014 at 9:45 pm
Jul 12, 2014, 11:57 am
#832
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: was AAExecutive Platinum
Posts: 10
AA Advantage No Longer Cares
A lot has been written about all of the recent changes to the advantage program. Let us all face facts and the new reality. American does not care about the good old days of mileage bonuses, elite status bonus programs, upgrades etc.The new ownership is only concerned with profits and paychecks. Compare the mileage bonus programs more than a year ago and now and see less than half and only with higher revenue tickets, no elite bonus mileage programs at all, and I suspect a lot fewer elite qualifiers. Sure, the few who do qualify are happy because the competition for upgrades are easier and I suspect that they will be the ones responding to this note by suggesting we all switch to UA. That is not the answer for most of us. I know that I am now flying other airlines and using up my mileage before they devalue the miles further. I told everyone a while ago the mileage changes are coming and anyone trying to book mileage tickets can already see subtle changes. Has anyone tried to get 2 first or business mileage saver tickets on the same plane to Europe lately? Good luck getting 2 tickets on different planes on the same day.The advantage world is changing. Use your miles before it is too late. Vote with your dollars and use other airlines until American changes their approach. I am not hopeful they will see the light because frankly, they do not care... yet! FORGET "THE NEW AMERICAN"! The old American was just fine with me!
Jul 12, 2014, 1:19 pm
#833
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
People need to stop living in the past. The dynamics of the industry have dramatically changed from "the good ol' days". For starters, oil is trading at about 4-5X as much as it was back then. Banks have used FF programs to generate their profit revenues-- and please, don't act as though none of us haven't taken advantage of the mega-bonus CC offers. More people with higher FF balances does not equal more FF seats being available for redemption. Add on top of that the population increases of this country; and thus, more people flying and being members of FF programs. Welcome to the new reality!!
Jul 12, 2014, 10:34 pm
#834
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,714
People need to stop living in the past. The dynamics of the industry have dramatically changed from "the good ol' days". For starters, oil is trading at about 4-5X as much as it was back then. Banks have used FF programs to generate their profit revenues-- and please, don't act as though none of us haven't taken advantage of the mega-bonus CC offers. More people with higher FF balances does not equal more FF seats being available for redemption. Add on top of that the population increases of this country; and thus, more people flying and being members of FF programs. Welcome to the new reality!!
It's not just award seats that's the problem with the "New AA" and you can't blame population increase and CC bonus for all the other 'enhancements' we've been seeing.
Before the merger the pro brigade were telling all and sundry that the naysayers were getting far too worked up about DP and what he may do if he took control. Now that we're seeing the 'enhancements' get announced (you've got to love 10 across in MCE on 777-200s!) we're either being told (effectively) to 'get over ourselves' or that 'all of these changes would have happened anyway' (and there's little evidence for the latter).
Last edited by Stripy; Jul 12, 2014 at 10:54 pm
Jul 13, 2014, 12:07 am
#835
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
Before the merger the pro brigade were telling all and sundry that the naysayers were getting far too worked up about DP and what he may do if he took control. Now that we're seeing the 'enhancements' get announced (you've got to love 10 across in MCE on 777-200s!) we're either being told (effectively) to 'get over ourselves' or that 'all of these changes would have happened anyway' (and there's little evidence for the latter).
Oh! And I forgot to mention... the newly re-configured 763s... they have one less row of MCE on them. Consider that Horton's "Farewell Gift" to his beloved AAdvantage elites.
Last edited by Fanjet; Jul 13, 2014 at 12:28 am
Jul 13, 2014, 12:12 am
#836
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Everywhere you wanna be
Programs: AA EP | UA 1K
Posts: 1,657
Guys 10-across MCE 772 seating was posted on a single blog site. Unless it comes from an AA source, i'm holding my judgment.
And quite honestly, 80% of passengers aren't going to care about 10-across seating on a 777. All the airlines that do it are still enjoying hefty load factors and profits. AA's 77Ws in the main cabin at 10-across are flying out full, so its not like people are avoiding it. Sure it sucks, but hey whatever.
And quite honestly, considering the traffic on these 772 routes (mostly asian tourists, while the businessmen still fly in business/first), i dont blame them. These asian tourists book with a travel company and just pick the cheapest option.
And quite honestly, 80% of passengers aren't going to care about 10-across seating on a 777. All the airlines that do it are still enjoying hefty load factors and profits. AA's 77Ws in the main cabin at 10-across are flying out full, so its not like people are avoiding it. Sure it sucks, but hey whatever.
And quite honestly, considering the traffic on these 772 routes (mostly asian tourists, while the businessmen still fly in business/first), i dont blame them. These asian tourists book with a travel company and just pick the cheapest option.
Jul 13, 2014, 10:32 am
#837
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,714
No matter how you spin it (and I admire your efforts!) Horton didn't really screw elites over nor did he show that much inclination to. DP, on the other hand, has only just started wielding his scythe and already it isn't nice.
Last edited by Stripy; Jul 13, 2014 at 9:45 pm Reason: typo
Jul 13, 2014, 12:46 pm
#838
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: San Diego, Ca
Programs: AA 2MM LT PLT; AS MVP Gold75k; HHonors Diamond; IHG PLT
Posts: 3,502
When making such a "big picture" statement, don't limit it to AA.
Speak to elites from any major US carrier, and they will raise the same concerns. The reason? Airlines are enjoying a period of increased fares, high load factors and relatively stable fuel costs - something they have not seen in a VERY long time. no reason to offer incentives. The current exceptions are AS and DL, who are battling for market share in SEA, SLC. You can be sure that during the next economic downturn, the bonus mile promotions will be back.
The other reality is that the majority of US consumers (including employers who pay the bills for their traveling staff) are willing to put up with increasing levels of inconvenience to save money. Sure, they will whine and complain, but given the choice, will take a perceived great deal over comfort. NK is the textbook example, where customer go back, even after a bad experience if the price is right.
Just prior to the merger, Parker and Kirby found the threshold of pain for HP/US customers, demonstrated their ability to listen, pulled back to avoid alienating both kettles and elites. This leads me to believe that they will test our patience, but when push comes to shove, avoid crossing lines that will drive us to the competition. UA's self destructive race to the bottom, DL's further degradation of the Sky Pesos program unfortunately give Parker and Kirby more latitude to experiment.
Welcome to the Walmartinization of the US airline industry. It is naive to believe AA would be immune, regardless of who is calling the shots.
Speak to elites from any major US carrier, and they will raise the same concerns. The reason? Airlines are enjoying a period of increased fares, high load factors and relatively stable fuel costs - something they have not seen in a VERY long time. no reason to offer incentives. The current exceptions are AS and DL, who are battling for market share in SEA, SLC. You can be sure that during the next economic downturn, the bonus mile promotions will be back.
The other reality is that the majority of US consumers (including employers who pay the bills for their traveling staff) are willing to put up with increasing levels of inconvenience to save money. Sure, they will whine and complain, but given the choice, will take a perceived great deal over comfort. NK is the textbook example, where customer go back, even after a bad experience if the price is right.
Just prior to the merger, Parker and Kirby found the threshold of pain for HP/US customers, demonstrated their ability to listen, pulled back to avoid alienating both kettles and elites. This leads me to believe that they will test our patience, but when push comes to shove, avoid crossing lines that will drive us to the competition. UA's self destructive race to the bottom, DL's further degradation of the Sky Pesos program unfortunately give Parker and Kirby more latitude to experiment.
Welcome to the Walmartinization of the US airline industry. It is naive to believe AA would be immune, regardless of who is calling the shots.
Jul 13, 2014, 1:04 pm
#839
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,644
When making such a "big picture" statement, don't limit it to AA.
Speak to elites from any major US carrier, and they will raise the same concerns. The reason? Airlines are enjoying a period of increased fares, high load factors and relatively stable fuel costs - something they have not seen in a VERY long time. no reason to offer incentives. The current exceptions are AS and DL, who are battling for market share in SEA, SLC. You can be sure that during the next economic downturn, the bonus mile promotions will be back.
The other reality is that the majority of US consumers (including employers who pay the bills for their traveling staff) are willing to put up with increasing levels of inconvenience to save money. Sure, they will whine and complain, but given the choice, will take a perceived great deal over comfort. NK is the textbook example, where customer go back, even after a bad experience if the price is right.
Just prior to the merger, Parker and Kirby found the threshold of pain for HP/US customers, demonstrated their ability to listen, pulled back to avoid alienating both kettles and elites. This leads me to believe that they will test our patience, but when push comes to shove, avoid crossing lines that will drive us to the competition. UA's self destructive race to the bottom, DL's further degradation of the Sky Pesos program unfortunately give Parker and Kirby more latitude to experiment.
Welcome to the Walmartinization of the US airline industry. It is naive to believe AA would be immune, regardless of who is calling the shots.
Speak to elites from any major US carrier, and they will raise the same concerns. The reason? Airlines are enjoying a period of increased fares, high load factors and relatively stable fuel costs - something they have not seen in a VERY long time. no reason to offer incentives. The current exceptions are AS and DL, who are battling for market share in SEA, SLC. You can be sure that during the next economic downturn, the bonus mile promotions will be back.
The other reality is that the majority of US consumers (including employers who pay the bills for their traveling staff) are willing to put up with increasing levels of inconvenience to save money. Sure, they will whine and complain, but given the choice, will take a perceived great deal over comfort. NK is the textbook example, where customer go back, even after a bad experience if the price is right.
Just prior to the merger, Parker and Kirby found the threshold of pain for HP/US customers, demonstrated their ability to listen, pulled back to avoid alienating both kettles and elites. This leads me to believe that they will test our patience, but when push comes to shove, avoid crossing lines that will drive us to the competition. UA's self destructive race to the bottom, DL's further degradation of the Sky Pesos program unfortunately give Parker and Kirby more latitude to experiment.
Welcome to the Walmartinization of the US airline industry. It is naive to believe AA would be immune, regardless of who is calling the shots.
Jul 13, 2014, 4:24 pm
#840
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Austin,TX (AUS)
Programs: AA, UA
Posts: 767
And quite honestly, 80% of passengers aren't going to care about 10-across seating on a 777. All the airlines that do it are still enjoying hefty load factors and profits. AA's 77Ws in the main cabin at 10-across are flying out full, so its not like people are avoiding it. Sure it sucks, but hey whatever.