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 youll 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. Well 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 30, 2014, 1:47 am
#647
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Highland PArk,IL,USA -- AA Lifetime Platinum, IHG Plat, UA Silver, Hilton Gold, Radisson Gold, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 2,366
I remember when AA would send out stickers in mail. They used to send out what they call 2 longs (1000 milers) than 1 long and 2 shorts (500 milers). You could also buy them and they always came in little books, as they were called.
WHen you used them they took stickers and physically took what was needed and covered up your class of service on actual boarding pass.
When AA started EXP in 1998 you still needed stickers for top tier. Plus EXP was only 100K points (no miles / segments) and SWU booked into "J" so never wait listed. I was top tier up to leaving for NW around 2003 or so.
back in day when it was only points you could do upgrade, in advance, and downgrade at gate, that is when AA had all MRTC and blocked a seat next to EXP, when they could. If you downgraded agent never knew what class you were in so they would rebook you in "Y" at gate and get full points instead of 50%.
WHen you used them they took stickers and physically took what was needed and covered up your class of service on actual boarding pass.
When AA started EXP in 1998 you still needed stickers for top tier. Plus EXP was only 100K points (no miles / segments) and SWU booked into "J" so never wait listed. I was top tier up to leaving for NW around 2003 or so.
back in day when it was only points you could do upgrade, in advance, and downgrade at gate, that is when AA had all MRTC and blocked a seat next to EXP, when they could. If you downgraded agent never knew what class you were in so they would rebook you in "Y" at gate and get full points instead of 50%.
Oct 30, 2014, 5:09 am
#648
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: AVL
Programs: Hhonors Diamond, Bonvoy LT Plat, TSA vilifier extraordinaire, Once upon a time... US Silver, AA Gold
Posts: 1,319
I don't really get this sticker thing either. Does everyone earn them or only elites? Mrs. dwcatty only flew 16k miles last year and will not renew her Silver status so goes back to kettle class March 1. Will she still earn upgrade stickers? I have only 9346 miles for 2014 and also will not renew, but with less than 10k miles wouldn't earn them anyway.
Only Golds and Platinums earn stickers, and only Golds and Platinums can get upgraded with stickers. I don't know if anyone can buy them, but I don't see the point in buying them if you can't use them.
Now, having said that, if those were already AA miles, then 9346 would likely get you at least 2 or 3 stickers if you were to call in late February and ask, if you were requalified as AA Gold or above. But I don't know that that would work for people moving from US->AA. But if you'll have no status next year, it's probably pointless anyway.
Now, having said that, if those were already AA miles, then 9346 would likely get you at least 2 or 3 stickers if you were to call in late February and ask, if you were requalified as AA Gold or above. But I don't know that that would work for people moving from US->AA. But if you'll have no status next year, it's probably pointless anyway.
Unless, as someone says, the stickers don't expire and she requalifies another year. Oh...all her 2014 flights were on US metal, so no stickers for her, anyway?
Oct 30, 2014, 5:13 am
#649
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: AVL
Programs: Hhonors Diamond, Bonvoy LT Plat, TSA vilifier extraordinaire, Once upon a time... US Silver, AA Gold
Posts: 1,319
I remember when AA would send out stickers in mail. They used to send out what they call 2 longs (1000 milers) than 1 long and 2 shorts (500 milers). You could also buy them and they always came in little books, as they were called.
WHen you used them they took stickers and physically took what was needed and covered up your class of service on actual boarding pass.
WHen you used them they took stickers and physically took what was needed and covered up your class of service on actual boarding pass.
Oct 30, 2014, 6:02 am
#650
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: CMI (Champaign, IL)
Programs: AA, WN, UA
Posts: 268
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13249910-post343.html
I have used this trick successfully before, although the last time was months ago so I can't verify that it still works now.
The key instructions from that post are these:
Originally Posted by dstan
1) Open reservation A having Change Name button in a new tab.
2) Open reservation B lacking Change Name button in a second new tab.
3) Go back to the first tab, enter the new name desired for reservation B.
4) Return to My Reservations - B should have the new name; A should be unchanged.
2) Open reservation B lacking Change Name button in a second new tab.
3) Go back to the first tab, enter the new name desired for reservation B.
4) Return to My Reservations - B should have the new name; A should be unchanged.
Oct 30, 2014, 7:42 am
#651
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,880
For those of us US flyers that were around in the mid 90s, anyone else remember the US upgrade coupons? I believe that they were worth 1-799 miles. You had to fork over a stack of paper coupons to get the upgrades...
Oct 30, 2014, 8:01 am
#652
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: CAE,AGS
Programs: AAExP, Hyatt Globalist, HHonors Gold, IHG Spire, Marriott Plat
Posts: 3,124
I remember them... I thought they were only worth 500 miles... but could be wrong. They did away with them shortly after I joined the DM program because they were considered not efficient.
Oct 30, 2014, 9:25 am
#654
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Palm Beach/ New England
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, DL GM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,387
But when travelling alone (and without the benefit of my EXP status), the "sticker" upgrade often clears. Just did last week PSP-ORD-BDL. Granted it was midweek, but those are long flights where you want to sit up front.
And the sticker (or e500s as we really should call it) balance? Currently 19. How? By earning more stickers than spending stickers (lots of international flights and sometimes using other domestic upgrade instruments like mileage-plus-copay and BXP1s, all of which accumulate rather than deplete the sticker balance).
The e500/ sticker program works well at several levels:
(1) It monetizes the F cabin somewhat, which used to (and I hope will again) encourage AA to keep service levels decent.
(2) It requires people to evaluate how much they want the seat in F, rather than giving it away for free. Economists often say that when you give something away for free rather than charge even a nominal cost, consumers treat that commodity like crap.
(3) Upgrade seats remain available for Golds with some frequency. And also for last minute flights for higher elites (bought or changed). I also have mid-tier status on US, and the US F seat maps are full often five days out. AA usually holds two seats open until the gate -- I cleared upgrades on three out of four Same Day Confirmed flight changes over the past month.
Anyhow, the decision has been made, and I agree with the merged US-AA decision here.
Oct 30, 2014, 9:27 am
#655
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA 1K 1MMer & LT UC (when flying UA); Hyatt Credit Cardist; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold via UA 1K
Posts: 6,964
They converted over to unlimited free upgrades for all elites in 2003 or 2004, and we got 500 RDM's for each e-cert in our bank. The CP's were really ticked off, because they had no e-certs to convert.
Oct 30, 2014, 10:07 am
#656
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SAN
Programs: AA-EXP; US-Silver; Marriott-Platinum; Starwood-Platinum; Hilton-Gold
Posts: 1,260
Why is everyone so up in arms about 120 segments and this fourth tier? It's only for one year - we all know Discount Dougie is moving to the money based system the following year.
Oct 30, 2014, 10:12 am
#657
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,172
AA already allows passengers to qualify based on revenue, it's called MQP.
And regardless if AA switches to revenue or not, one still needs to qualify based on minimum segments or miles. AA is the only airline that allows passengers to qualify on revenue.
On Delta, you can buy a bunch of full fare tickets, but if you only fly 49,000 miles, doesn't matter how much you spend, you don't get to the second tier. On AA, if you only fly 35,000 miles but a bunch of it was in first, you might already qualify for Platinum.
Oct 30, 2014, 10:16 am
#658
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SF + PHX
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1k, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, X Elite+
Posts: 262
Apologies if this has already been asked and answered -- this thread is dizzying.
Do we know if for the unlimited complimentary sub 500 mile upgrades if they will use US priority order or AA priority order? As a potentially lower-level elite (we'll see what actually happens with combination
) I am less than optimistic on ever seeing my frequent PHX-LAS upgrades ever again....
Do we know if for the unlimited complimentary sub 500 mile upgrades if they will use US priority order or AA priority order? As a potentially lower-level elite (we'll see what actually happens with combination
) I am less than optimistic on ever seeing my frequent PHX-LAS upgrades ever again....
Oct 30, 2014, 10:23 am
#659
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
Apologies if this has already been asked and answered -- this thread is dizzying.
Do we know if for the unlimited complimentary sub 500 mile upgrades if they will use US priority order or AA priority order? As a potentially lower-level elite (we'll see what actually happens with combination) I am less than optimistic on ever seeing my frequent PHX-LAS upgrades ever again....
Do we know if for the unlimited complimentary sub 500 mile upgrades if they will use US priority order or AA priority order? As a potentially lower-level elite (we'll see what actually happens with combination
) I am less than optimistic on ever seeing my frequent PHX-LAS upgrades ever again....
Oct 30, 2014, 10:57 am
#660
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730