View Poll Results: My plans for dealing with the 2016 AAdvantage changes:
I'm actually benefitting from this - good deal for me.
46
6.80%
I'm neutral - I gain some, lose some. I'll stay.
132
19.53%
I'm not happy, but stuck with AA / oneworld at this point.
176
26.04%
I'm unhappy & will use AA & other airlines opportunistically.
274
40.53%
I'm outta here! Bye, American.
48
7.10%
Voters: 676. You may not vote on this poll
AAdvantage Changes for 2016 - DISCUSSION, REACTION & POLL
Nov 17, 2015, 10:28 pm
#301
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
Well look like I will be enjoying my last year of AA Loyalty. This provides more bucks for ME Carriers. Atleast if you pay less and get nothing you may as well fly a ME Carrier and get better service overall. Thats probably why AA will be offering low fares next year but I don't think they can match the ME Carrier with service and price. We will see.
Nov 17, 2015, 10:36 pm
#303
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: AA Platinum, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 731
As someone with my biggest earning days likely behind me, Lifetime Platinum locked in, and a large banked balance of millions of AA miles, I'm actually pleased with these changes because the supply constrictions should at least stabilize, if not boost, the value when redeemed. In simpler terms, because customers will have a harder time earning miles and status, there won't be as much competition to redeem them, so my banked status and miles should go further.
I use EF to monitor a number of routes where AA is more than happy to let NONREVs fill the J and F cabin on a daily basis or let them go out with numerous empty seats.
Nov 17, 2015, 10:38 pm
#304
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: Jeff is Deaf
Posts: 541
As someone with my biggest earning days likely behind me, Lifetime Platinum locked in, and a large banked balance of millions of AA miles, I'm actually pleased with these changes because the supply constrictions should at least stabilize, if not boost, the value when redeemed. In simpler terms, because customers will have a harder time earning miles and status, there won't be as much competition to redeem them, so my banked status and miles should go further.
Nov 17, 2015, 10:41 pm
#305
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: Top Tier with all 3 alliances
Posts: 11,663
After lots of time for planning and certainly lots of speculation, why do you think AA chose not to align AAdvantage closer to DL/UA with a dollar/revenue based elite status program? It seems that AA could have made attaining elite status more exclusive by at least raising Executive Platinum requirements or creating a new, higher tier than EXP.
I am by no means complaining, as it is still relatively easy to attain EXP at least for another year...however, it seems it really missed the opportunity to capitalize on the positive revenue environment by not adopting a revenue-based AAdvantage program.
I am by no means complaining, as it is still relatively easy to attain EXP at least for another year...however, it seems it really missed the opportunity to capitalize on the positive revenue environment by not adopting a revenue-based AAdvantage program.
Nov 17, 2015, 10:51 pm
#306
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
OK, we all have feelings about these upcoming changes; I get that.
But this does not negate the FlyerTalk Rules about using offensive language, deploying snark, discussing other posters / members negatively, etc.
A brief review may be necessary? OK:
/Moderator
But this does not negate the FlyerTalk Rules about using offensive language, deploying snark, discussing other posters / members negatively, etc.
A brief review may be necessary? OK:
12.0 Abusive Or Disruptive Behavior Or Content Link to this topic
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12.3 Disruptive or repetitive posting
Posts that are inflammatory, inciting or unnecessarily provocative are not allowed.
Disrupting a forum by repetitively posting comments of the same general theme or 'piling-on' by posting merely to reinforce or bump a prior post of a disruptive nature are both examples of disruptive posting and not permitted.
12.1 Friendly, Respectful and Welcoming
FlyerTalk is a community and is intended to be a friendly, helpful and collegial place.
Please post in a friendly, respectful, welcoming manner. 'Snarky,' unfriendly posts will not be allowed. If you don't have something constructive to contribute to a thread, please do not post.
Unhelpful posts, such as "Do a search" or those that merely comment on the worthiness of others' posts or threads are neither friendly nor welcoming and will not be allowed. If you can't be helpful or contribute substantive content to a thread, please refrain from posting.
12.2 Avoid Getting Personal
If you have a difference of opinion with another member, challenge the idea — NOT the person. Getting personal with another member is not allowed. Personal attacks, insults, baiting and flaming will not be tolerated.
FlyerTalk is a diverse, multi-cultural community. Expressions of prejudice or discrimination in any form are not permitted (such as those concerning race, nationality, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, etc).
If another member gets personal with you, do not retaliate. Retaliation may well subject you to the same discipline. Instead, please use the 'Alert a moderator to this thread' button in the lower-left-hand-corner of each post, send a note explaining your concern to the moderator team, and leave it to them to handle. Please also see Rule 22 — When you believe someone has violated the rules.
12.3 Disruptive or repetitive posting
Posts that are inflammatory, inciting or unnecessarily provocative are not allowed.
Disrupting a forum by repetitively posting comments of the same general theme or 'piling-on' by posting merely to reinforce or bump a prior post of a disruptive nature are both examples of disruptive posting and not permitted.
Nov 17, 2015, 10:54 pm
#307
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: AA EXP, PriorityClub Gold, SPG Gold, Hertz Gold fivestar
Posts: 486
I've effectively saved 2x r/t discount Y fares to Europe (plus the hotel, etc.). AA has saved on 4x SWUs. I think we are both winners. I still get EXP and the 4 remaining SWUs are normally enough for my non Mileage Run travel.
Nov 17, 2015, 11:37 pm
#309
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,598
If AA thinks this will induce many of us to buy more AA premium tickets, good luck with that. So much easier and quicker to qualify now. And then we can all play the field. With some highly discounted transcon F ticket purchases, I'll re-qualify for EXP by the end of February, my earliest ever. And for the lowest out-of-pocket ever. Then what?
I don't need RDMs and only use SWUs for domestic flights. With a ridiculous 50K needed for another 2 SWUs, I see no incentive to continue to fly AA on anything other that what I've always done... on the cheapest Y ticket on routes where I'm virtually assured of an upgrade. No need to spend more money later each year on mileage runs. Probably not their intent, but thanks AA!
So, this EXP will be flying a lot more UA and DL paid domestic First, both of which offer a better and, from DEN, more convenient domestic experience.
I don't need RDMs and only use SWUs for domestic flights. With a ridiculous 50K needed for another 2 SWUs, I see no incentive to continue to fly AA on anything other that what I've always done... on the cheapest Y ticket on routes where I'm virtually assured of an upgrade. No need to spend more money later each year on mileage runs. Probably not their intent, but thanks AA!
So, this EXP will be flying a lot more UA and DL paid domestic First, both of which offer a better and, from DEN, more convenient domestic experience.
Nov 17, 2015, 11:42 pm
#310
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,712
Nov 17, 2015, 11:43 pm
#311
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,273
As someone with my biggest earning days likely behind me, Lifetime Platinum locked in, and a large banked balance of millions of AA miles, I'm actually pleased with these changes because the supply constrictions should at least stabilize, if not boost, the value when redeemed. In simpler terms, because customers will have a harder time earning miles and status, there won't be as much competition to redeem them, so my banked status and miles should go further.
Also, it's a dangerous fallacy to link the number of miles you receive to their value. If one day your boss decided to start paying you 30% less, the dollars you receive in your paycheck don't suddenly increase in value. You might have to guard them more closely, but they don't buy any more than they used to. Indeed, awards will cost more than they ever have, even while many people will be earning fewer miles.
Nov 17, 2015, 11:52 pm
#312
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: LHR, DFW, J Cabins WorldWide
Programs: AA EXP, UA GS, FB Gold, AS MVPG, MR Titanium, VS Gold
Posts: 954
If AA thinks this will induce many of us to buy more AA premium tickets, good luck with that. So much easier and quicker to qualify now. And then we can all play the field. With some highly discounted transcon F ticket purchases, I'll re-qualify for EXP by the end of February, my earliest ever. And for the lowest out-of-pocket ever. Then what?
I don't need RDMs and only use SWUs for domestic flights. With a ridiculous 50K needed for another 2 SWUs, I see no incentive to continue to fly AA on anything other that what I've always done... on the cheapest Y ticket on routes where I'm virtually assured of an upgrade. No need to spend more money later each year on mileage runs. Probably not their intent, but thanks AA!
So, this EXP will be flying a lot more UA and DL paid domestic First, both of which offer a better and, from DEN, more convenient domestic experience.
I don't need RDMs and only use SWUs for domestic flights. With a ridiculous 50K needed for another 2 SWUs, I see no incentive to continue to fly AA on anything other that what I've always done... on the cheapest Y ticket on routes where I'm virtually assured of an upgrade. No need to spend more money later each year on mileage runs. Probably not their intent, but thanks AA!
So, this EXP will be flying a lot more UA and DL paid domestic First, both of which offer a better and, from DEN, more convenient domestic experience.
2016 is the year of the free agent.
Nov 17, 2015, 11:55 pm
#313
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,491
Let's say the main current reason for the RDM change delay is to allow the software development time. However, I still wonder if there is a possibility for them to postpone the RDM changes even further if there were key metrics indicators from the first six months in 2016 to indicate some sort of negative customer response that would impact financials and booking behavior. It may be a ridiculous thought, but I suspect that will be more measurable than the social media complaints. The closest example I have is the meal change experiments or rather restorations.
Will AA go to .5 EQM in 2017 for AA marketed discount fares? I think it is possible, but it is clear they are casting a wider elite net in 2016 to see what happens. If this leads to more desirable and loyal customers, I don't think anything is a given. I have to respect the experimentation on those aspects of the program just like how AA launches routes or doesn't have to commit to daily frequencies.
I don't see as much experimentation happening with other carriers (good or bad). Now, why did AA go with the same RDM calculation? I don't know. If I look at it compared to WN, there are lots of double bonus RDM opportunities that exist. I have a feeling keeping expectations low, but allowing potential bonus RDM options to tweak booking behavior seems better to manage. There really haven't been meaningful non business and first domestic RDM bonus promotions in maybe two years.
I found it odd they made the upgrade programs more expensive in so many ways (less upgrade instruments distributed and higher sticker prices). Will they do anything meaningful to improve F service (still would like something better in the food area and longer West bound flights after 8pm)? If they do nothing, I think that would be a missed situation. AA is acknowledging that elite treatment is more important than redeemable miles. I don't think AA is leading in the soft product and service areas. Let's see some more attention there now that those premium services have a higher explicit price.
I think it is acceptable to not have loyalty for cheap fares (see EK or CX sale economy fares), but aspirational award travel is going to continue to be more difficult. It definitely has more tie to fares than before (including the partial reduction in miles needed for economy US to ME travel which has more countries than ever before).
Rasheed
Will AA go to .5 EQM in 2017 for AA marketed discount fares? I think it is possible, but it is clear they are casting a wider elite net in 2016 to see what happens. If this leads to more desirable and loyal customers, I don't think anything is a given. I have to respect the experimentation on those aspects of the program just like how AA launches routes or doesn't have to commit to daily frequencies.
I don't see as much experimentation happening with other carriers (good or bad). Now, why did AA go with the same RDM calculation? I don't know. If I look at it compared to WN, there are lots of double bonus RDM opportunities that exist. I have a feeling keeping expectations low, but allowing potential bonus RDM options to tweak booking behavior seems better to manage. There really haven't been meaningful non business and first domestic RDM bonus promotions in maybe two years.
I found it odd they made the upgrade programs more expensive in so many ways (less upgrade instruments distributed and higher sticker prices). Will they do anything meaningful to improve F service (still would like something better in the food area and longer West bound flights after 8pm)? If they do nothing, I think that would be a missed situation. AA is acknowledging that elite treatment is more important than redeemable miles. I don't think AA is leading in the soft product and service areas. Let's see some more attention there now that those premium services have a higher explicit price.
I think it is acceptable to not have loyalty for cheap fares (see EK or CX sale economy fares), but aspirational award travel is going to continue to be more difficult. It definitely has more tie to fares than before (including the partial reduction in miles needed for economy US to ME travel which has more countries than ever before).
Rasheed
Nov 17, 2015, 11:59 pm
#314
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 4,279
Any separation of US based and non-US based
Hi,
Just curious since I did not see it anyway in the FAQ and the posts here, are there any separation like DL and UA for US -based and non-US based members from earnings point of view?
I don't like the changes - but as far as how it will affect me - it is at least minimal at this point. Biggest
is the SWU and the award redemption changes - they don't cost AA money and not everyone uses all always, so that was a big letdown. As for the redemption, such a pity - brings back bad memory like what Flying Blue did to the chart - that is one big heck of a devaluation.
Cheers!
Just curious since I did not see it anyway in the FAQ and the posts here, are there any separation like DL and UA for US -based and non-US based members from earnings point of view?
I don't like the changes - but as far as how it will affect me - it is at least minimal at this point. Biggest
is the SWU and the award redemption changes - they don't cost AA money and not everyone uses all always, so that was a big letdown. As for the redemption, such a pity - brings back bad memory like what Flying Blue did to the chart - that is one big heck of a devaluation.Cheers!
Nov 18, 2015, 12:01 am
#315
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I think the changes are quite fair. Discount economy fliers won't like them, but these changes can be a win for people who fly on full (or higher) Y fares, as well as J and F fares.
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Nov 18, 2015 at 12:18 am