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
Dec 31, 2014, 10:48 am
#946
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Greetings All:
Mods and/or others, please delete or otherwise edit this post, but according to this link: http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/AA...2015/index.jsp, it would appear that on US marketed and operated flights, complimentary upgrades will not require purchased 500-mile upgrades for any AAdvantage elites (or companions) when the FFP is merged into one.
I could not see this reflected in this section. Please feel free to remove this post or otherwise clarify if it has increased the noise ratio.
Safe Travels
Mods and/or others, please delete or otherwise edit this post, but according to this link: http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/AA...2015/index.jsp, it would appear that on US marketed and operated flights, complimentary upgrades will not require purchased 500-mile upgrades for any AAdvantage elites (or companions) when the FFP is merged into one.
I could not see this reflected in this section. Please feel free to remove this post or otherwise clarify if it has increased the noise ratio.
Safe Travels
Dec 31, 2014, 1:13 pm
#947
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: CMH, sometimes AVP, formerly down the Shore
Programs: UA 1K/3MM, AA EXP/3MM, DL MM, former fan of TWA
Posts: 1,854
Wanted to share an experience with trying to use the same-day confirmed change feature for EXP on AA-marketed and -operated flights. It is Dec 31 now, and I am trying to change a flight that is operated on January 1.
Earlier today, I called to ask how this would be implemented, and when I would be able to make the change without paying the $75. The agent was aware of the rules change, and said that he could do it without a fee now, except that there was no inventory.
Now, inventory is available, but two agents have said that the fee is still in effect until January 1, regardless of when the flight is operating.
I guess I was sort of expecting the implementation to be the latter - make the change on or after January 1. But the news from the first agent got me excited, thinking that I might be able to take advantage of it now. Right now, I am on hold with the AAdvantage desk, asking if I can do it at 12:01am in the city where the flight operates, or if there is some other rule.
Just sharing experience...
Earlier today, I called to ask how this would be implemented, and when I would be able to make the change without paying the $75. The agent was aware of the rules change, and said that he could do it without a fee now, except that there was no inventory.
Now, inventory is available, but two agents have said that the fee is still in effect until January 1, regardless of when the flight is operating.
I guess I was sort of expecting the implementation to be the latter - make the change on or after January 1. But the news from the first agent got me excited, thinking that I might be able to take advantage of it now. Right now, I am on hold with the AAdvantage desk, asking if I can do it at 12:01am in the city where the flight operates, or if there is some other rule.
Just sharing experience...
Dec 31, 2014, 3:48 pm
#948
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,064
Will these same day changes be pulled out of E inventory?
Dec 31, 2014, 4:02 pm
#949
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: CMH, sometimes AVP, formerly down the Shore
Programs: UA 1K/3MM, AA EXP/3MM, DL MM, former fan of TWA
Posts: 1,854
It appears so... using EF, the inventory available for same-day confirmed changes appeared at the same time that E appeared.
Dec 31, 2014, 5:28 pm
#950
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ft Lauderdale
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Hilton Dia, Marriott Gold, Hertz Pres Cir, National Exec Elite
Posts: 116
Mods and/or others, please delete or otherwise edit this post, but according to this link: http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/AA...2015/index.jsp, it would appear that on US marketed and operated flights, complimentary upgrades will not require purchased 500-mile upgrades for any AAdvantage elites (or companions) when the FFP is merged into one.
Yes, BUT this is only true as long as US is operating as a separate carrier. Once the reservation systems are combined (~year end), flights over 500 miles will require 500 mile certificates for Gold & Platinum Elites on the combined US/AA schedule.
Yes, BUT this is only true as long as US is operating as a separate carrier. Once the reservation systems are combined (~year end), flights over 500 miles will require 500 mile certificates for Gold & Platinum Elites on the combined US/AA schedule.
Jan 1, 2015, 7:21 pm
#951
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 506
Wanted to share an experience with trying to use the same-day confirmed change feature for EXP on AA-marketed and -operated flights. It is Dec 31 now, and I am trying to change a flight that is operated on January 1.
Earlier today, I called to ask how this would be implemented, and when I would be able to make the change without paying the $75. The agent was aware of the rules change, and said that he could do it without a fee now, except that there was no inventory.
Now, inventory is available, but two agents have said that the fee is still in effect until January 1, regardless of when the flight is operating.
I guess I was sort of expecting the implementation to be the latter - make the change on or after January 1. But the news from the first agent got me excited, thinking that I might be able to take advantage of it now. Right now, I am on hold with the AAdvantage desk, asking if I can do it at 12:01am in the city where the flight operates, or if there is some other rule.
Just sharing experience...
Earlier today, I called to ask how this would be implemented, and when I would be able to make the change without paying the $75. The agent was aware of the rules change, and said that he could do it without a fee now, except that there was no inventory.
Now, inventory is available, but two agents have said that the fee is still in effect until January 1, regardless of when the flight is operating.
I guess I was sort of expecting the implementation to be the latter - make the change on or after January 1. But the news from the first agent got me excited, thinking that I might be able to take advantage of it now. Right now, I am on hold with the AAdvantage desk, asking if I can do it at 12:01am in the city where the flight operates, or if there is some other rule.
Just sharing experience...
Jan 2, 2015, 12:00 pm
#952
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: CMH, sometimes AVP, formerly down the Shore
Programs: UA 1K/3MM, AA EXP/3MM, DL MM, former fan of TWA
Posts: 1,854
I have no idea, but here is something from aa.com about pax using AAdvantage miles:
Passengers traveling on AAdvantage MileSAAver awards continue to have the flexibility to change the date/time of their flights at no charge, provided award seats are available on the desired flight. If award seats are not available on the desired flight, you may obtain a confirmed seat on the same day by paying the $75 charge.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/utility/sameDayTravel.jsp
I have no clue how this translates to Avios.
Passengers traveling on AAdvantage MileSAAver awards continue to have the flexibility to change the date/time of their flights at no charge, provided award seats are available on the desired flight. If award seats are not available on the desired flight, you may obtain a confirmed seat on the same day by paying the $75 charge.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/utility/sameDayTravel.jsp
I have no clue how this translates to Avios.
Jan 5, 2015, 5:28 am
#953
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
Any other recent experiences (post-1/1) with the complimentary same day flight changes for EXPs? Is it safe to assume this is the exact same program as the previous confirmed same day change option (minus the $75 fee for EXPs)? Or, have additional enhancements been made (such as not requiring E inventory or applicability to international flights - which would be closer to US's MoveUp confirmed flight change program)
AA's 2015 AAdvantage Program webpage is vague, simply stating "Complimentary confirmed flight changes for Executive Platinum members flying on American" while AA's flight change webpage makes no mention of any fee waivers for EXPs under the existing confirmed flight change program.
-FlyerBeek
AA's 2015 AAdvantage Program webpage is vague, simply stating "Complimentary confirmed flight changes for Executive Platinum members flying on American" while AA's flight change webpage makes no mention of any fee waivers for EXPs under the existing confirmed flight change program.
-FlyerBeek
Jan 5, 2015, 8:03 am
#954
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Miami
Programs: US Airways Chairman, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum + Ambassador service, United Silver
Posts: 3
Are any of the award fee waivers / redeposit waivers in effect yet. For example, I'm chairman (= EXPLT) on Usair and kettle on AA. If I use AA miles to book an award (can't book one ways with us miles), can I get the close in booking fee waived and if I cancel can I get the redeposit fee waived?
Does anyone know?
Thanks
Does anyone know?
Thanks
On a side note, I hope that the one-way awards are here to stay when the dust settles. Can't overstate how valuable it is.
Jan 5, 2015, 8:33 am
#955
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Any other recent experiences (post-1/1) with the complimentary same day flight changes for EXPs? Is it safe to assume this is the exact same program as the previous confirmed same day change option (minus the $75 fee for EXPs)? Or, have additional enhancements been made (such as not requiring E inventory or applicability to international flights - which would be closer to US's MoveUp confirmed flight change program)
AA's 2015 AAdvantage Program webpage is vague, simply stating "Complimentary confirmed flight changes for Executive Platinum members flying on American" while AA's flight change webpage makes no mention of any fee waivers for EXPs under the existing confirmed flight change program.
-FlyerBeek
AA's 2015 AAdvantage Program webpage is vague, simply stating "Complimentary confirmed flight changes for Executive Platinum members flying on American" while AA's flight change webpage makes no mention of any fee waivers for EXPs under the existing confirmed flight change program.
-FlyerBeek
-E- inventory still required.
Jan 5, 2015, 11:35 am
#956
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 506
I have no idea, but here is something from aa.com about pax using AAdvantage miles:
Passengers traveling on AAdvantage MileSAAver awards continue to have the flexibility to change the date/time of their flights at no charge, provided award seats are available on the desired flight. If award seats are not available on the desired flight, you may obtain a confirmed seat on the same day by paying the $75 charge.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/utility/sameDayTravel.jsp
I have no clue how this translates to Avios.
Passengers traveling on AAdvantage MileSAAver awards continue to have the flexibility to change the date/time of their flights at no charge, provided award seats are available on the desired flight. If award seats are not available on the desired flight, you may obtain a confirmed seat on the same day by paying the $75 charge.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/utility/sameDayTravel.jsp
I have no clue how this translates to Avios.
If anyone has any experience to share that would be great!
Jan 5, 2015, 12:21 pm
#957
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
AAdvantage agent confirmed that Avios bookings cannot benefit from the same day change - but she also said that trying to standby from JFK to LGA requires rerouting and re-ticketing (which I know for a fact is not true) as I have done co-terminal standby many times...
Jan 8, 2015, 12:59 am
#958
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,097
Whoah.
- JFK and LGA are not co-terminals because they're in the same city, NYC. They're just a different airports within the same city.
- Co-terminals are used only for fare construction purposes. They do not have anything to do with standby.
- “Co-Terminal are specified cities which may be considered the same point for determination of journey type.” In other words, co-terminals are one or more relatively adjacent cities which for the purposes of fare construction are be considered the same point. e.g. BWI-WAS, FLL-MIA, OAK-SFO-SJC, LAX-ONT-BUR-LGB-SNA, NYC-EWR.
Jan 8, 2015, 5:27 am
#959
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I have a question I've not seen answered yet. If I link my US acct to my AA acct now, what will the expiration date be for my miles?
And if I do something like iDine to my US account after I link, will it update correctly?
And if I do something like iDine to my US account after I link, will it update correctly?
Jan 8, 2015, 6:51 am
#960
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: US Airways Gold, Marriott Platinum, SW A List
Posts: 1,575
I didn't think they gave the opportunity to link accounts yet.