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
Apr 1, 2015, 9:19 am
#1231
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: AA PLT, AS 75K, DL DM, HY Globalist, HH Diamond, MC/RZ/SW Platinum, AB/UA Silver, WN CP
Posts: 1,122
OK. I've done a bit of research and have the following questions as a legacy and existing AA EXP:
1. If I am flying US, do I still have to call the EXP line and have them patch me over to the Chairman's line in the case of IRROPS or changes? Or, are they going to be gracious and actually email us the corresponding phone#? Will the Chairmans line recognize the EXP AA FF#?
2. Has anyone had the experience yet of flying on US metal/US ticket with an AA FF# and been upgraded before T-24?
1. If I am flying US, do I still have to call the EXP line and have them patch me over to the Chairman's line in the case of IRROPS or changes? Or, are they going to be gracious and actually email us the corresponding phone#? Will the Chairmans line recognize the EXP AA FF#?
2. Has anyone had the experience yet of flying on US metal/US ticket with an AA FF# and been upgraded before T-24?
Apr 1, 2015, 9:31 am
#1232
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Like I said it cannot understand a word I am saying. Voice commands simply do not work. How can I get to a human with DTMF? Pressing 0 just takes me to another menu where they want to hear me speak out a command.
I'm calling from overseas and I think the designer of this system didn't realize that AA flies its customers internationally.
I'm calling from overseas and I think the designer of this system didn't realize that AA flies its customers internationally.
An option you might try is to record a sound clip (maybe get someone else to record it or use a text-to-speech app) saying AGENT and playing that when calling. Yes, shouldn't be needed, but...
Apr 1, 2015, 10:23 am
#1233
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
I have a question for the US people. I just got my UPG status e-mail for my LGA-DCA flight next week. The weird thing is it said nothing.....no update on whether I got the upgrade or not. I checked on US' site and there is no UPG. Shouldn't the e-mail have said something like we cannot confirm the UPG at this time or something like that?
Apr 1, 2015, 10:29 am
#1234
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
I have a question for the US people. I just got my UPG status e-mail for my LGA-DCA flight next week. The weird thing is it said nothing.....no update on whether I got the upgrade or not. I checked on US' site and there is no UPG. Shouldn't the e-mail have said something like we cannot confirm the UPG at this time or something like that?
We're you able to see if the upgrade went through / select a new seat online?
Apr 1, 2015, 10:43 am
#1235
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
I expect we'll have some minor glitches during this transition period. I was locked out of my account when using the app on my smartphone, so no possibility of electronic boarding passes this weekend; I made sure to print them out.
We're you able to see if the upgrade went through / select a new seat online?
We're you able to see if the upgrade went through / select a new seat online?
Apr 1, 2015, 10:53 am
#1236
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
I checked on US' site and I am still in my coach seat so the UPG didn't go through (FC was not an option for selection just like pre-24 hour mark).....just weird the e-mail basically said nothing either way about the UPG but the e-mail was sent. US' site has a little circle with EP inside once I click on the seat mapper so they definitely know my status.
Apr 1, 2015, 12:43 pm
#1237
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,604
I didn't do the matching by the deadline and now AA has created new accounts for me and my family. I expected the accounts to be merged based on the names and addresses being the same, why there wasn't any attempt to merge accounts on AA's side seems dumb 
, now they'll have to take the time to manually transfer the miles from the new accounts to the old ones - I hope... 
, now they'll have to take the time to manually transfer the miles from the new accounts to the old ones - I hope...
Apr 1, 2015, 1:22 pm
#1238
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM; UA 1K; AA 1MM
Posts: 4,520
I didn't do the matching by the deadline and now AA has created new accounts for me and my family. I expected the accounts to be merged based on the names and addresses being the same, why there wasn't any attempt to merge accounts on AA's side seems dumb , now they'll have to take the time to manually transfer the miles from the new accounts to the old ones - I hope...
, now they'll have to take the time to manually transfer the miles from the new accounts to the old ones - I hope... However, AA also noted that there would be another opportunity to link accounts after they complete the program merge.
ETA: From an AA spokesperson yesterday:
For those members who did not self-identify and now have two AAdvantage accounts, we will be introducing functionality on aa.com to merge their two accounts – more information will be coming soon.
Last edited by ty97; Apr 1, 2015 at 1:36 pm Reason: added link
Apr 1, 2015, 2:54 pm
#1239
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,604
AA indicated that they would attempt to auto-match accounts, but didn't state what methodology they would use for this or how much success they would have with it.
However, AA also noted that there would be another opportunity to link accounts after they complete the program merge.
ETA: From an AA spokesperson yesterday:
source link
However, AA also noted that there would be another opportunity to link accounts after they complete the program merge.
ETA: From an AA spokesperson yesterday:
source link
Apr 1, 2015, 4:00 pm
#1240
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA ExPlat, UA Silver, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 715
In the combined program, are unlimited complimentary upgrades for ExPlats going away? I got the email saying my AAadvantage and Dividend Miles programs were combined (US Chairmans and AA Gold) and that I'm getting 24 500 miles upgrades in my account.
Does anyone have more information?
Edit: never mind. I just realized they are for companion upgrades.
Does anyone have more information?
Edit: never mind. I just realized they are for companion upgrades.
Apr 1, 2015, 4:19 pm
#1241
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
Any member can edit or update a FT wikipost if they're signed in and have 90 days and 90 posts. 
In any case, the thread with the most recent updates, including Laura Nedbal's statements yesterday, is http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...dates-etc.html
In any case, the thread with the most recent updates, including Laura Nedbal's statements yesterday, is http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...dates-etc.html
Apr 1, 2015, 4:23 pm
#1242
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
In the combined program, are unlimited complimentary upgrades for ExPlats going away? I got the email saying my AAadvantage and Dividend Miles programs were combined (US Chairmans and AA Gold) and that I'm getting 24 500 miles upgrades in my account.
Does anyone have more information?
Edit: never mind. I just realized they are for companion upgrades.
Does anyone have more information?
Edit: never mind. I just realized they are for companion upgrades.
The http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...dates-etc.html thread has a lot of information. Complimentary upgrades still exist for Executive Platinums, but as you indicate, USDM elites got 500 mile upgrades as yeast
and CPs for traveling companions (or to hoard until one is no longer EXP, since they don't expire).
Apr 1, 2015, 5:40 pm
#1243
Join Date: May 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, UA *S, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Exp, IHG Plat, National EE, Sixt Plat
Posts: 648
I have a question for the US people. I just got my UPG status e-mail for my LGA-DCA flight next week. The weird thing is it said nothing.....no update on whether I got the upgrade or not. I checked on US' site and there is no UPG. Shouldn't the e-mail have said something like we cannot confirm the UPG at this time or something like that?
Also, I read in another thread that you won't always receive an email at exactly T-100, but only when your UG actually clears - which could be anywhere from T-100 to about T-4 hours. So there won't be any more "upgrade not available yet" messages going out, unless the changed the way AA has traditionally handled things.
Apr 1, 2015, 7:07 pm
#1244
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP 3MM, UA Silver, Bonvoy LT TIT, Hyatt Explorist, HH Silver, Caesars PLT
Posts: 7,259
Actually, it's 100 hr on AA flights; 96 hr (4 days) on US flights.
Apr 1, 2015, 8:19 pm
#1245
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
Is your flight T-7 days from when you got the email? If so, my first guess is that the emails are still scheduled to send at old T-7 day CP window, but now that we're EXP the upgrade window doesn't actually open until T-100 hours.
Also, I read in another thread that you won't always receive an email at exactly T-100, but only when your UG actually clears - which could be anywhere from T-100 to about T-4 hours. So there won't be any more "upgrade not available yet" messages going out, unless the changed the way AA has traditionally handled things.
Also, I read in another thread that you won't always receive an email at exactly T-100, but only when your UG actually clears - which could be anywhere from T-100 to about T-4 hours. So there won't be any more "upgrade not available yet" messages going out, unless the changed the way AA has traditionally handled things.