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Old Oct 28, 2014, 7:12 am
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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

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.
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Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:16 am
  #286  
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
Originally Posted by ubernostrum
They'll never retire the "Super" 80s.
Sounds like you're not up to speed on the MD80 replacement program. Right now AA has more 737-800s than MD80s and they're accepting delivery of a new aircraft every week. Within a few years, all the MD80s will be gone. I rather enjoy that plane myself, particularly when upgraded to F.
tom911 is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:17 am
  #287  
Moderator: American AAdvantage
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Originally Posted by umaa83
I'm going to temper my enthusiasm until this time next year. While it's great that there are just minor tweaks to the 2015 product, especially for AA flyers, I'm going to wait to pass judgment until step six "one airline on aa.com" is completed to see if there any "enhancements" announced for 2016. Keep in mind, US elites lost a level, they may not have wanted to irritate everyone at once.
My sentiments precisely.
JDiver is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:19 am
  #288  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 425
Originally Posted by YouGeeElWhy
My guess is Spirit because after a few US F experiences this year it seems similar in the product and <b>clientele.</b>
See, this crap right here is what has ruined this board. Not only do many AA fliers think their airline is premium over US, but they actually believe that they themselves are premium over US fliers.

Why would we bother sticking around on this board with an atmosphere like this?
dml105 is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:21 am
  #289  
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: WFBF
Posts: 963
Originally Posted by dml105
See, this crap right here is what has ruined this board. Not only do many AA fliers think their airline is premium over US, but they actually believe that they themselves are premium over US fliers.

Why would we bother sticking around on this board with an atmosphere like this?
Hey now, nobody ever insults US' product or its frequent fliers on this board. I know because the people who do the insulting keep telling me that they don't! As long as you're happy with massively reduced benefits, rattling junkheap planes and delusions of "premium" carrier status, AA is the greatest airline in the world!
ubernostrum is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:21 am
  #290  
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
Originally Posted by ubernostrum
Like I said: if they feel safe massively devaluing the program for the US Plats, they'll feel safe devaluing it for you. And lifetime benefits don't make money except through encouraging loyalty. Which they've just demonstrated is not something they care about.

So it's when, not if, and no amount of spin is gonna fix that for you. Changes you'll love!
I think they feel safe massively devaluing US fliers because, to be frank, they are nowhere near as important from a revenue perspective. It's far more important to keep AA fliers and AA's corporate contracts happy.
MAH4546 is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:23 am
  #291  
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Dallas
Programs: AAdvantage EXP, IHG Spire, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,523
Originally Posted by MAH4546
I think they feel safe massively devaluing US fliers because, to be frank, they are nowhere near as important from a revenue perspective. It's far more important to keep AA fliers and AA's corporate contracts happy.
And I'd be willing to wager there are magnitudes more elites at AA in competitive cities.
imapilotaz is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:24 am
  #292  
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: WFBF
Posts: 963
Originally Posted by MAH4546
I think they feel safe massively devaluing US fliers because, to be frank, they are nowhere near as important from a revenue perspective. It's far more important to keep AA fliers and AA's corporate contracts happy.
So, you agree with me that AA lifetime benefits are safe to cut. Since they're nowhere near as important.
ubernostrum is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:24 am
  #293  
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: 32.7758° N, 96.7967° W
Programs: AA EXP,SPG 75
Posts: 318
Originally Posted by ubernostrum
Like I said: if they feel safe massively devaluing the program for the US Plats, they'll feel safe devaluing it for you.
US plats got devalued because of the axiom "It's easier to destroy than create". Adding in 4th tier would have been too difficult/costly for AA back office systems. It is easy to tweak attributes which is what I guessed they will do in the US back office systems for US Plats.

It does suck that US platinums were hammered like that.

Last edited by YouGeeElWhy; Oct 28, 2014 at 11:32 am
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Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:25 am
  #294  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: ATL
Programs: UA 3.6 MM, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 2,582
Surprised. That no one has mentioned that USAirways Million Mile Lifetime status was calculated at BIS (But in Seat) rates and that American was giving out lifetime status based on credit card miles up until 2011. Would be very fair if the new AA, brought them to comparable calculations.
NeoOfTheCRS is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:27 am
  #295  
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 2,085
Originally Posted by MAH4546
I think they feel safe massively devaluing US fliers because, to be frank, they are nowhere near as important from a revenue perspective. It's far more important to keep AA fliers and AA's corporate contracts happy.
Generalizations like this only serve to stir the pot and you know it...
GotCalcio4 is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:27 am
  #296  
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: AAdvantage Exec Platinum, Hertz #1 Club Gold Five Star, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, HHonors Silver
Posts: 2,039
For the 500-mile upgrades, I know they can't be used for Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific flights. What about the following though?

-Alaska
-Hawaii
-Canada
-Mexico
-Central America
-South America
-Caribbean International
-Caribbean Domestic (Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands)
GNRMatt is online now  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:28 am
  #297  
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Dallas
Programs: AAdvantage EXP, IHG Spire, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,523
Originally Posted by NeoOfTheCRS
Surprised. That no one has mentioned that USAirways Million Mile Lifetime status was calculated at BIS (But in Seat) rates and that American was giving out lifetime status based on credit card miles up until 2011. Would be very fair if the new AA, brought them to comparable calculations.
That ship sailed 3 years ago... bringing it up now is pointless. I worked for airlines until 2011 so I had almost "no" time to accrue my MM balance... I've now accrued 1.4M miles since 2011 and my MM balance is a paltry 500k. I will likely hit LT PLT in 15-20 years and with somewhere near 7M miles accrued on AA.

I'm fine with the change, wish they would have done it years ago.
imapilotaz is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:29 am
  #298  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NYC LAX RDU
Programs: US-Plt;Concierge key; American AAirpass; Delta Silver;Starwood - Platinum; Amex Cent
Posts: 710
So are us chairman going to get their 2 systemwide a plus 8 aa systemwides next year?

How are they calculating the us million miles? Are they going to "gross up" to aa standards the same way ua/co did?
morrisunc is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:30 am
  #299  
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
Originally Posted by GotCalcio4
Generalizations like this only serve to stir the pot and you know it...
It is a generalization that is likely true and that the bean counters likely used in determining the new program.

Originally Posted by GNRMatt
For the 500-mile upgrades, I know they can't be used for Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific flights. What about the following though?

-Alaska
-Hawaii
-Canada
-Mexico
-Central America
-South America
-Caribbean International
-Caribbean Domestic (Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands)
They can be used to/from Alaska, Hawai'i, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda. If you use stickers and successfully get upgrades on any flight to Central America or on MIA-LAX, JFK-SFO or JFK-LAX (including any itinerary involving those two routes, like MIA-LAX-HNL, RNO-DFW-SAL or BOS-JFK-SFO) you also get AC access at every airport on your itinerary.
MAH4546 is offline  
Old Oct 28, 2014, 11:31 am
  #300  
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AA 1.6MM EXP; UA GS; SPG LTG,Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,477
Originally Posted by JonNYC
Absolutely not gonna' happen.

You have no idea what you're hysterically ranting about, just calm down and get ahold of yourself-- you're coming off like a complete nut.
Thank you.

My predictions, given that most of the angst is coming from two groups - US Plat and segment-based EXP/CPs:
1. A small number will jump ship and realize that DL/UA are actually better for them - and good luck (genuinely) to those in this bucket
2. A larger number will jump ship and realize that the grass isn't terribly greener at UA/DL. Sure they will get the upgrades for free on the lawn darts and occasionally the meaningful mainline flights, but unless they're buying YBH+ fares, their redemption opportunities are going to look rather shabby down the line (particularly at DL)
3. A large majority will look at the bigger picture, and stay put, realizing that AA Plat/stickers actually isn't all that terrible...
4. And the last (probably smallish) group will put that extra effort into getting the extra EQM/EQS to qualify for EXP.

ubernostrum, it sounds like you want to be in groups 1 or 2. Good luck. And goodbye.
scnzzz is offline  


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