Oct 28, 2014, 7:12 am
Last edit by: JDiver
HELP: JUST THE FACTS / FAQs: Combined AA/US AAdvantage FFP 2014 on
PLEASE NOTE: this thread has been re dedicated for "JUST THE FACTS" in an attempt to raise the signal to noise ratio, allowing members to find germane information about the AAdvantage program (merged pre-merger AAdvantage, and Dividend Miles, now under way) program and get factual answers to your / frequently asked questions from experienced members.
REACTION DISCUSSION: Combined AA/US AAdvantage program announced Oct 2014 – opinions
Please use the thread started for impressions, opinions, reactions, feelings, concerns, etc. and keep this thread for "JUST THE FACTS" and ACTUAL REPLIES. And of course, feel free to add new facts and findings to this wiki for members' ease in finding information on the new FFP.
Thank you, the AA fora moderation team
REACTION DISCUSSION: Combined AA/US AAdvantage program announced Oct 2014 – opinions
Please use the thread started for impressions, opinions, reactions, feelings, concerns, etc. and keep this thread for "JUST THE FACTS" and ACTUAL REPLIES. And of course, feel free to add new facts and findings to this wiki for members' ease in finding information on the new FFP.
Thank you, the AA fora moderation team
AAdvantage loyalty program in 2015 - LINK
The AAdvantage program will continue to offer three elite status levels – AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum and Gold – and you’ll still have three ways to qualify with elite-qualifying miles, points and segments. On January 1, 2015, the segment qualification requirement for Executive Platinum will move to 120, and the current 100 segment threshold will continue until December 31, 2014.
Three tiers:
- Executive Platinum - 100k EQM / 100k EQP / 120 Segments
- Platinum - 50k EQM / 50k EQP / 60 Segments
- Gold - 25k EQM / 25k EQP / 30 Segments
Elite Status Benefits:
- AAdvantage elite status members receive select reciprocal benefits to enrich their travel journey when flying on US Airways.
- This includes upgrades on US Airways on the day of departure when available, First/Business Class check-in, priority through security checkpoints, priority boarding, complimentary checked bags, access to preferred seats, and priority baggage delivery for Executive Platinum and Platinum members.
- Upgrades will still be different on American and US Airways flights until we have a single reservation system at the end of 2015. For now, continue flying and enjoying reciprocal benefits and the ability to earn and redeem miles on both carriers. We’ll keep you updated as we move forward with other important integration milestones.
Million Miler Program:
- 1 Million combined miles - Lifetime Gold Status
- 2 Million combined miles - Lifetime Platinum Status
Upgrades on American: https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/AAdvantage2015/index.jsp#500mile
- All flights 500 miles and under, no stickers needed and are complimentary regardless of elite status for the elite members.
- Complimentary upgrades will be auto requested for all elite levels at booking. Non complimentary upgrades (aka those needing 500mi stickers) will have to be requested manually.
- No complimentary upgrades for Y/B fares for Gold/Platinum anymore (unless flight is 500 miles or less)
- Companion Upgrades still will require 500mi stickers to be used.
- 8 SWUs for EXP level and EXPs still will not earn 500mi stickers to use for companions.
2015 - January Updates:
- Executive Platinum and Chairman's Preferred members enjoy complimentary same-day confirmed flight changes on American, a new benefit
- Redeem all your Special Dividends by early 2015; qualification ends in December 2014
2015 - 2nd Quarter Updates:
- Move to three elite status levels in the AAdvantage program – Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum
- Qualify for elite status based on elite-qualifying miles, segments or points
- Receive a 100% mileage bonus if you're a Dividend Miles Gold or Platinum member who becomes AAdvantage Platinum
- Redeem miles for AAnytime awards and mileage upgrade awards on both American and US Airways marketed and operated flights
- Upgrade on American marketed and operated flights before day of departure
On March 13 2015, AAdvantage sent a letter to members saying "we're on track to bring the US Airways Dividend Miles® program into the AAdvantage program within the next 30 days."
N.B. The previous thread discussing the putative, pre-announcement AAdvantage program, entitled "Speculation and discussion of what the new merged FFP might look like (consolidated)" can be found here; it has been closed and archived.
Some useful resources:
FT:Airport Terminal, Gate & Counter Changes
Link to Gary Leff's "View from the Wing" interview with AA's Suzanne Rubin
Link to TravelingBetter with JonNYC's information.
Clarifying contact from AA provided by jmachin:
We want to address all your concerns. Thank you for responding to our most recent email.
I apologize for the delay in answering. I wanted to discuss the point you raised with our executive team and get you a correct answer.
When our frequent flyer programs are combined sometime in the second quarter of 2015, if your 2014 combined elite-qualifying activity meets the requirements for AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, then your AAdvantage account will be updated with Executive Platinum status. The requirements for 2014 are 100,000 elite-qualifying miles, 100,000 elite-qualifying points, or 100 elite-qualifying segments, with at least 4 segments flown on American Airlines or US Airways.
This means that if you end 2014 with 107 elite-qualifying segments and at least 4 of those segments were American Airlines or US Airways flights, then you will receive Executive Platinum status when the programs are combined. Until that point, you will have Dividend Miles Preferred Platinum status.
Please be aware, beginning in 2015, the segment requirements will be 120 segments to re-qualify for Executive Platinum status. We look forward to having you as an AAdvantage Executive Platinum member!
Regards,
Kathleen L.
AAdvantage Customer Service
American Airlines.
I apologize for the delay in answering. I wanted to discuss the point you raised with our executive team and get you a correct answer.
When our frequent flyer programs are combined sometime in the second quarter of 2015, if your 2014 combined elite-qualifying activity meets the requirements for AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, then your AAdvantage account will be updated with Executive Platinum status. The requirements for 2014 are 100,000 elite-qualifying miles, 100,000 elite-qualifying points, or 100 elite-qualifying segments, with at least 4 segments flown on American Airlines or US Airways.
This means that if you end 2014 with 107 elite-qualifying segments and at least 4 of those segments were American Airlines or US Airways flights, then you will receive Executive Platinum status when the programs are combined. Until that point, you will have Dividend Miles Preferred Platinum status.
Please be aware, beginning in 2015, the segment requirements will be 120 segments to re-qualify for Executive Platinum status. We look forward to having you as an AAdvantage Executive Platinum member!
Regards,
Kathleen L.
AAdvantage Customer Service
American Airlines.
HELP: JUST THE FACTS / FAQs: Combined AA/US AAdvantage FFP 2014 on
Oct 28, 2014, 9:02 am
#151
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: WFBF
Posts: 963
Ah, so it's the DisAAdvantage program rules. Tiers are:
And wow is that ever a gigantic middle finger extended to the US Plats. Was going to try to hit the 85k "special dividend" tier, but now it's just as worthless as all the worthless post-50k miles I already have. Which just about goes with my feeling that AA was a worthless airline propped up by nostalgia and delusions of "premium" status.
Here's hoping all of you AA folk who begged for this get some more "changes you'll love" in 2015, and that Dougie makes all your worst nightmares come true, since at this point the only way you'll agitate for change is if you get screwed as hard as we did on the US side.
- 25k miles -- screw you
- 50k miles -- screw you
- 100k miles -- HAIL LORD GOD OF ALL CREATION WE PRAISE THEE
And wow is that ever a gigantic middle finger extended to the US Plats. Was going to try to hit the 85k "special dividend" tier, but now it's just as worthless as all the worthless post-50k miles I already have. Which just about goes with my feeling that AA was a worthless airline propped up by nostalgia and delusions of "premium" status.
Here's hoping all of you AA folk who begged for this get some more "changes you'll love" in 2015, and that Dougie makes all your worst nightmares come true, since at this point the only way you'll agitate for change is if you get screwed as hard as we did on the US side.
Oct 28, 2014, 9:06 am
#153
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
No... just incompetent, greedy, drunk, dimwitted, foolish, no talent ***-clowns. But not "stupid." At least according to FlyerTalk. 
Where are all the haters now? In hibernation until late 2015?
I wonder if they'll keep something like Special Dividends to toss people a few extra little perks along the way. That might be a good way to take some of the sting out of the 75k tier disappearing.
Where are all the haters now? In hibernation until late 2015?
I wonder if they'll keep something like Special Dividends to toss people a few extra little perks along the way. That might be a good way to take some of the sting out of the 75k tier disappearing.
Oct 28, 2014, 9:09 am
#155
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
Oct 28, 2014, 9:10 am
#156
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,581
All in all, these changes could be worse, but I think they are making a huge mistake by eliminating the 75k level -- particularly in combination with the increase in the segment requirement for EXP. That is going to hit a very specific, mostly Northeast-based group of flyers very hard -- and given the very strong competition in these markets, it's going to drive a lot of those folks away.
Oct 28, 2014, 9:12 am
#158
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: Hilton Diamond, AA Platinum Life
Posts: 0
Maybe they do listen....
I cancelled 3 Platinum level Citi cards and told the rep at Citibank I was changing to Southwest, due to the new award criteria, or lack thereof, and I cant believe I am the only one doing so. Maybe somebody up the line realizes what is happening. The cards generated about 150M a year to AA.
Oct 28, 2014, 9:12 am
#159
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: WFBF
Posts: 963
Continuing to hope Dougie guts the whole thing in 2016. It's long past time for DisAAdvantage to be taken out behind the shed and put out of its misery.
Oct 28, 2014, 9:12 am
#160
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days
Posts: 2,795
Upgrades on American: https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/A...ex.jsp#500mile
All flights 500 miles and under, no stickers needed and are complimentary regardless of elite status for the elite members.
Complimentary upgrades will be auto requested for all elite levels at booking. Non complimentary upgrades (aka those needing 500mi stickers) will have to be requested manually.
No complimentary upgrades for Y/B fares for Gold/Platinum anymore (unless flight is 500 miles or less)
Companion Upgrades still will require 500mi stickers to be used.
8 SWUs for EXP level and EXPs still will not earn 500mi stickers to use for companions.
All flights 500 miles and under, no stickers needed and are complimentary regardless of elite status for the elite members.
Complimentary upgrades will be auto requested for all elite levels at booking. Non complimentary upgrades (aka those needing 500mi stickers) will have to be requested manually.
No complimentary upgrades for Y/B fares for Gold/Platinum anymore (unless flight is 500 miles or less)
Companion Upgrades still will require 500mi stickers to be used.
8 SWUs for EXP level and EXPs still will not earn 500mi stickers to use for companions.
Oct 28, 2014, 9:13 am
#161
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,581
.
I'm pleased with the solution offered for the 500-mile upgrade program - this seems like a good compromise for combining this difficult-to-reconcile benefit:
While this is negative for US elites who are used to UDU for all domestic flights, it's a plus for AA flyers and anyone using the US shorthaul network in the Northeast (though granted an upgrade on RJ or shorthaul out of CLT, PHL, LGA may not be that great a benefit).
I still believe the 500-mile sticker system is good for everyone, allowing lower tier elites the chance to pick their upgrade targets and have a better chance of getting an upgrade. Stickers also give AA/US some revenue to encourage keeping the free benefit, a nice perk for elites.
I'm pleased with the solution offered for the 500-mile upgrade program - this seems like a good compromise for combining this difficult-to-reconcile benefit:
- Flights 500 miles and less, unlimited complimentary upgrades for all elites
- Flights over 500 miles: require paid/earned 500-mile stickers and soon available only to elites; EXP/CP however will receive UDU on all domestic flights.
While this is negative for US elites who are used to UDU for all domestic flights, it's a plus for AA flyers and anyone using the US shorthaul network in the Northeast (though granted an upgrade on RJ or shorthaul out of CLT, PHL, LGA may not be that great a benefit).
I still believe the 500-mile sticker system is good for everyone, allowing lower tier elites the chance to pick their upgrade targets and have a better chance of getting an upgrade. Stickers also give AA/US some revenue to encourage keeping the free benefit, a nice perk for elites.
Oct 28, 2014, 9:14 am
#162
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days
Posts: 2,795
.
I'm pleased with the solution offered for the 500-mile upgrade program - this seems like a good compromise for combining this difficult-to-reconcile benefit:
While this is negative for US elites who are used to UDU for all domestic flights, it's a plus for AA flyers and anyone using the US shorthaul network in the Northeast (though granted an upgrade on RJ or shorthaul out of CLT, PHL, LGA may not be that great a benefit).
I still believe the 500-mile sticker system is good for everyone, allowing lower tier elites the chance to pick their upgrade targets and have a better chance of getting an upgrade. Stickers also give AA/US some revenue to encourage keeping the free benefit, a nice perk for elites.
I'm pleased with the solution offered for the 500-mile upgrade program - this seems like a good compromise for combining this difficult-to-reconcile benefit:
- Flights 500 miles and less, unlimited complimentary upgrades for all elites
- Flights over 500 miles: require paid/earned 500-mile stickers and soon available only to elites; EXP/CP however will receive UDU on all domestic flights.
While this is negative for US elites who are used to UDU for all domestic flights, it's a plus for AA flyers and anyone using the US shorthaul network in the Northeast (though granted an upgrade on RJ or shorthaul out of CLT, PHL, LGA may not be that great a benefit).
I still believe the 500-mile sticker system is good for everyone, allowing lower tier elites the chance to pick their upgrade targets and have a better chance of getting an upgrade. Stickers also give AA/US some revenue to encourage keeping the free benefit, a nice perk for elites.
Oct 28, 2014, 9:18 am
#163
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
AAdvantage elite
Right now
Executive Platinum members now enjoy a complimentary snack and drink in the Main Cabin on US Airways
January 2015
..
Complimentary confirmed flight changes for Executive Platinum members flying on American
Increased class of service bonus for Business Class tickets from 25% to 50%
Not sure if this means that the complimentary snack and drink is going away, or it stays and there are the additional benefits/changes as outlined for Jan 2015 and beyond?
Right now
Executive Platinum members now enjoy a complimentary snack and drink in the Main Cabin on US Airways
January 2015
..
Complimentary confirmed flight changes for Executive Platinum members flying on American
Increased class of service bonus for Business Class tickets from 25% to 50%
Not sure if this means that the complimentary snack and drink is going away, or it stays and there are the additional benefits/changes as outlined for Jan 2015 and beyond?
Oct 28, 2014, 9:19 am
#165
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,659
Very happy with the announcement. Given the size of the airlines and the age of the programs, its safe to assume there are more AAdvantage members than Dividen Miles members so this means less changes to the most members. Plus, I really like the AAdvantage program.. :-)