Speculation: Should AAdvantage be turned into two separate programs?
 

Some airlines, like Cathay Pacific keep their rewards programs separate from their loyalty programs, which I think would be a nice idea, since AA will be going to a revenue based model for RDMs. With this change, then the Elite program is basically a Loyalty scheme and RDMs are a pure rewards program. I think it'd be better if the programs were separated, so if I'm focusing more on elite status, I'm not being constantly reminded about how many fewer RDMs I'm earning.

I'm surprised by how often even AAdvantage customer service reps can't tell the difference between RDMs, EQMs, and MM Miles...

No other airline does it and I feel like it would be needlessly complicated to have two separate programs, especially considering that the rewards program itself is what's supposed to drive loyalty.

Though if DL does it I can see AA and UA following suit within two years.

Doesn't Cathay Pacific do this with Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles

Also Air Canada with Altitude and Aeroplan

Not sure what the point would be. CX has Asia Miles since you can earn mileage on other stuff like dining, shopping, etc., something you don't have on AA.

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AA has both dining https://aa.rewardsnetwork.com/ and shopping https://www.aadvantageeshopping.com/. Plus, many other ways to earn AA miles.

Sure we do.

AAdvantage Dining

AAdvantage Shopping

AAdvantage Travel

Edit: grrizzli wins!

Well CX just derived their scheme off BA, and BA has BAEC TPs and Avios...

I'm sure if AA ever adopts this style there's definitely still spots to arbitrage on, but it'll just be a huge amount of hassle...

And if UA/DL don't do it you know they are not that innovative ahead ;)

Um , it was only recently that BA Miles became Avios . MPC and AM have been separate for a long while

Given DL has moved to further separate the rate of earning of elite status from the rate of earning redeemable miles, with UA and AA sort of following, it's already like things are sort of set up (with some crossover) for two programs in one: a program to earn/retain elite status and get elite status benefits; and a program to earn/redeem redeemable miles for travel and miscellaneous goods/services.

If the rewards program is defined as RDMs, then it is absolutely not what drives my "loyalty" to AA