View Poll Results: The AAdvantage changes announced 6 Jun 2016 will
incentivize me to fly AA more, as I benefit overall
27
3.55%
cause me to buy premium over discount AA fares
26
3.42%
not impact my travel on AA in the balance
128
16.82%
make me choose AA or a competitor, depending on itinerary
181
23.78%
make me become an independent agent
221
29.04%
cause me to join another airline's FF program
178
23.39%
Voters: 761. You may not vote on this poll
Jun 6, 2016, 10:31 am
Last edit by: JDiver
AAdvantage Changes Announced 6 Jun 2016 - REACTION, DISCUSSION
This thread is dedicated to "REACTION, DISCUSSION" of the changes announced June 6, 2016.
For "JUST THE FACTS", please use JUST THE FACTS: EQD, status tier, upgrade changes as of 6 Jun 2016
Link to AAdvantage Program Updates page on aa.com.
Link to Gary Leff's "View from the Wing" blog article on these changes.
Link to Ben "Lucky" Schlappig's take in "One Mile at a Time" on View From the Boarding Area
Summary of changes:
aa.com: Unknown but intended: aa.com updated to show EQM, EQD and RDM/AW for your convenience when booking and in your account for keeping informed about your accruals.
Change to earning Award / Redeemable Miles to revenue based begins (see FT thread)
Bonus award miles "More Miles" for premium cabin discontinued
For travel beginning August 1, 2016
Earn award miles based on your ticket price and elite status on American-marketed flights.
You earn miles on the base fare plus carrier-imposed fees minus government-imposed taxes and fees. The more you spend (and the higher your elite status level) the more you’ll earn.
On most flights marketed by partner airlines, you'll earn award miles based on a percentage of the flight distance and the fare class of your ticket. Rates will be available by July 15.
NOTE: this also pertains to "special fares", such as those purchased through AA Vacations. (not AA language)
You earn miles on the base fare plus carrier-imposed fees minus government-imposed taxes and fees. The more you spend (and the higher your elite status level) the more you’ll earn.
- AAdvantage® member – 5 miles for every U.S. dollar
- Gold member – 7 miles for every U.S. dollar (40% bonus)
- Platinum member – 8 miles for every U.S. dollar (60% bonus)
- Platinum Pro - 9 miles for every U.S. dollar
- Executive Platinum member – 11 miles for every U.S. dollar (120% bonus)
NOTE: this also pertains to "special fares", such as those purchased through AA Vacations. (not AA language)
1 Jan 2017:
Status earning to have EQM/EQS criteria AND "EQD" revenue spend requirement
In addition to the (same as 2016) required EQM or EQS, to earn status one will have to also earn "Elite Qualifying Dollars" / "EQD" spend credit as follows (during the calendar year):
"EQDs will be awarded based on:
Ticket price (base fare plus carrier-imposed fees, excluding any government-imposed taxes and fees) on American-marketed flights
EQD calculations will not include change fees and similar (premium seats, baggage, etc.) charges.
Flights marketed by oneworld® carriers and Alaska Airlines will earn EQDs based on a percentage of the flight distance and the fare class purchased (as may "special fares" - not AA language)
NOTE: EQD offset may be earned by spend on Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red and Silver cards (added language not from AA)
With the addition of EQDs, we’ll remove the rule that 4 segments must be traveled on American or American Eagle during the qualifying year to receive elite status."
Ticket price (base fare plus carrier-imposed fees, excluding any government-imposed taxes and fees) on American-marketed flights
EQD calculations will not include change fees and similar (premium seats, baggage, etc.) charges.
Q. Do checked bag fees, seat purchases, 500-mile upgrades or other products/service fees count toward earning award miles and EQDs?
No, only the base fare paid for your ticket including any carrier-imposed fees will count toward earning award miles and EQDs. Fees for other products or services will not be awarded miles or EQDs, including but not limited to the following: checked baggage fees, Admirals Club® memberships, Wi-Fi passes, in-flight food and beverage purchases, in-flight entertainment, unaccompanied minor fees, pet travel fees, 500-mile upgrades, mileage upgrade cash co-payments, Mileage Multiplier, BuyMiles, GiftMiles, ShareMiles or other mileage purchases, ticket change fees, ticketing fees, same-day confirmed flight change or standby fees and service charges. (Thanks to ty97.)
No, only the base fare paid for your ticket including any carrier-imposed fees will count toward earning award miles and EQDs. Fees for other products or services will not be awarded miles or EQDs, including but not limited to the following: checked baggage fees, Admirals Club® memberships, Wi-Fi passes, in-flight food and beverage purchases, in-flight entertainment, unaccompanied minor fees, pet travel fees, 500-mile upgrades, mileage upgrade cash co-payments, Mileage Multiplier, BuyMiles, GiftMiles, ShareMiles or other mileage purchases, ticket change fees, ticketing fees, same-day confirmed flight change or standby fees and service charges. (Thanks to ty97.)
NOTE: EQD offset may be earned by spend on Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red and Silver cards (added language not from AA)
With the addition of EQDs, we’ll remove the rule that 4 segments must be traveled on American or American Eagle during the qualifying year to receive elite status."
- Gold - $3,000
- Platinum - $6,000
- Platinum Pro - $9,000 (beginning 1/1/17)
- Executive Platinum - $12,000
NOTE: Concierge Key is treated as a higher status tier than Executive Platinum for upgrade Priority, but is not otherwise an AAdvantage status tier.
Change from three status tiers to four - new 75K "Platinum Pro" added
"In 2017 you can start earning toward a new level, Platinum Pro, with benefits like:
- Complimentary upgrades on flights in 500-mile upgrade markets
- Earn 9 award miles/U.S. dollar (80% bonus)
- 2 free checked bags
- oneworld® Sapphire status
- 72 hour upgrade window
February 2017
Introduction of highly restricted AA Basic Economy fares. FT link.
These will accrue 0.5 EQM, 0.5 EQS, will not permit rollaboard size / overhead baggage (only one personal item) unless you have status, no upgrades permitted, etc.
"Late" 2017:
Change to upgrade priority to EQD-based priority
"The way your upgrade request is prioritized will change later in 2017. You’ll be listed according to your elite status level followed by the number of EQDs earned in the last 12 months."
Executive Platinums able to upgrade MC / coach award flight (On flights 500 mile upgrades are usable, courtesy upgrades; priority within EP by last 12 month EQD spend).
"Starting later in 2017, Executive Platinum members can use their complimentary 500-mile upgrade benefits on AAdvantage® award tickets for travel on American from Main Cabin to the next class."
Peripheral issues:
AA Vacations: AA Vacations packages (like partner airline tickets) will earn EQD, EQM, and RDM/AW based on the distance flown as determined by the fare class purchased. This is in accordance with the "Special Fares" section of the new EQD earnings pages, and confirmed here
EQD requirements will apply to non-US residents as well as US as currently exists
EQD requirements can be partially offset by spend on Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red or Silver cards.
Partners (AS and oneworld): accrual of EQM as reflected on charts on aa.com; EQD credit to be announced (15 Jul 2016)
Status: AA has no current plans to add "Lifetime Platinum Pro" status.
Resources:
GLOSSARY:
EQD: Elite Qualifying Dollars (base fare + carrier imposed fees, - government imposed taxes and fees)
EQM: Elite Qualifying Miles (accrual depends on fare basis, airline and miles flown)
EQS: Elite Qualifying Segments (discrete qualifying segment credited by AA)
Platinum Pro: new tier beginning 1/1/17 requiring $9,000 EQD and 75,000 EQM or 90 EQS in one calendar year
For links to new threads about these and other recent changes affecting AA flyers, see below.
Link to AAdvantage Program Updates page on aa.com.
Link to Gary Leff's "View from the Wing" blog article on these changes.
Link to Ben "Lucky" Schlappig's take in "One Mile at a Time" on View From the Boarding Area
Link to Andy's take on the Award Miles earning changes on View From the Boarding Area.
Links to useful threads:
GUIDE: Earning EQD / Elite Qualifying Dollars on AA and partner airlines (2017 on)
GUIDE: Earning AA Elite Qualifying Miles / EQM on AA, oneworld, partner airlines 2017
GUIDE: Earning AA Award / Redeemable Miles / RDM on AA, partners 1 Aug 2016
HELP DESK: Elite Qualifying EQD, EQM & Award / RDM Calculations & Planning 2017
AAdvantage® earning estimates - FAQ (aa.com)
(aa.com "AAdvantage program updates" - link)
Link to FT thread: What are AA Platinum Pro Benefits? Are they worth it? (master thread)
Link to FT thread: oneworld not requiring connecting protection or interline baggage 1 Jun 2016
Link to ARCHIVE: "Speculation about upcoming changes tba 6 Jun 2016"
Updated 6 Jan 2012 - JDiver
REACTION, DISCUSSION: EQD, status tier, upgrade changes as of 6 Jun 2016
Aug 1, 2016, 8:12 am
#1621
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
I don't understand. How so? EQM earning is exactly the same on Jan 1 2016, Aug 1 2016, and Jan 1 2017. The additional EQD requirement which goes into effect on Jan 1, 2017 has little impact on partner tickets, since the EQD earning rate is set such that it always earns you enough EQDs so that your progress towards the EQD threshold is at least 10/12.5=80% as fast as your progress towards the EQM threshold and on most fares is faster than your progress towards the EQM threshold. So in most cases, EQDs earned on partner-marketed tickets will not slow progress toward Platinum status.
AA-marketed tickets are a different and more difficult to predict ballgame; often, cheap AA tickets will earn EQDs at a much slower rate than EQMs.
The changes effective today only impact RDM earning; they do not affect progress towards status.
AA-marketed tickets are a different and more difficult to predict ballgame; often, cheap AA tickets will earn EQDs at a much slower rate than EQMs.
The changes effective today only impact RDM earning; they do not affect progress towards status.
Aug 1, 2016, 10:19 am
#1622
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,814
I don't understand. How so? EQM earning is exactly the same on Jan 1 2016, Aug 1 2016, and Jan 1 2017. The additional EQD requirement which goes into effect on Jan 1, 2017 has little impact on partner tickets, since the EQD earning rate is set such that it always earns you enough EQDs so that your progress towards the EQD threshold is at least 10/12.5=80% as fast as your progress towards the EQM threshold and on most fares is faster than your progress towards the EQM threshold. So in most cases, EQDs earned on partner-marketed tickets will not slow progress toward Platinum status.
AA-marketed tickets are a different and more difficult to predict ballgame; often, cheap AA tickets will earn EQDs at a much slower rate than EQMs.
The changes effective today only impact RDM earning; they do not affect progress towards status.
AA-marketed tickets are a different and more difficult to predict ballgame; often, cheap AA tickets will earn EQDs at a much slower rate than EQMs.
The changes effective today only impact RDM earning; they do not affect progress towards status.
But this does not affect the numerous econ classes below those.
Aug 1, 2016, 1:54 pm
#1623
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
I've found in more-often that the new way of earning miles, at least, is better than the old system when you have at-minimum, Gold Status, AND you're traveling just in coach.
FOR EXAMPLE:
DFW-JFK = 2,782 miles in Y on the old system
DFW-JFW $439/ticket x 5 (for non-elites) = 2,195 miles
DFW-JFK $439/ticket x 7 (for gold) = 3,073 (already better than old system!)
DFW-JFK $439/ticket x 8 (for plat) =3,512
DFW-JFK $439/ticket x 9 (for plat pro) 3,951
DFW-JFK $439/ticket X 11 (for EXP) 4,829
FOR EXAMPLE:
DFW-JFK = 2,782 miles in Y on the old system
DFW-JFW $439/ticket x 5 (for non-elites) = 2,195 miles
DFW-JFK $439/ticket x 7 (for gold) = 3,073 (already better than old system!)
DFW-JFK $439/ticket x 8 (for plat) =3,512
DFW-JFK $439/ticket x 9 (for plat pro) 3,951
DFW-JFK $439/ticket X 11 (for EXP) 4,829
I can tell you that one of my more leisure routes - BWI-SLC prices out around $500 and will only earn me around 4000 miles - down from around 10k RT.
I've earned more on a P/D fare from ICN under the old (56k miles) than I would under the new program (48k).
Even when I fly on refundables for work, such to ELP, I'm looking at 8k miles vs 10k. Still a hit, but not as bad.
I have yet to see a ticket, for my patterns, where I come out ahead under the new program than the old - even flying more expensive fares. The only scenario I see coming out ahead is on a short but expensive hop or flying on a Y fare across the pond.
It's like a reverse donut where I lose, except under very specific circumstances.
Aug 1, 2016, 2:24 pm
#1624
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ROC/NYC/MSP/LAX/HKG/SIN
Posts: 3,215
I have yet to have bought a ticket where the new program has come out better than the old. On short hauls, it's been more or less a wash.
I can tell you that one of my more leisure routes - BWI-SLC prices out around $500 and will only earn me around 4000 miles - down from around 10k RT.
I've earned more on a P/D fare from ICN under the old (56k miles) than I would under the new program (48k).
Even when I fly on refundables for work, such to ELP, I'm looking at 8k miles vs 10k. Still a hit, but not as bad.
I have yet to see a ticket, for my patterns, where I come out ahead under the new program than the old - even flying more expensive fares. The only scenario I see coming out ahead is on a short but expensive hop or flying on a Y fare across the pond.
It's like a reverse donut where I lose, except under very specific circumstances.
I can tell you that one of my more leisure routes - BWI-SLC prices out around $500 and will only earn me around 4000 miles - down from around 10k RT.
I've earned more on a P/D fare from ICN under the old (56k miles) than I would under the new program (48k).
Even when I fly on refundables for work, such to ELP, I'm looking at 8k miles vs 10k. Still a hit, but not as bad.
I have yet to see a ticket, for my patterns, where I come out ahead under the new program than the old - even flying more expensive fares. The only scenario I see coming out ahead is on a short but expensive hop or flying on a Y fare across the pond.
It's like a reverse donut where I lose, except under very specific circumstances.
1. You need to purchase expensive fare.
2. You need to match at least $0.19c per BIS to break even.
The better way to do it, is to go with partners. With the latest confirmation of Elite Bonus on EXP/PLT/GLD, it has become clear what to do to go on top of this.
But if the general public does not understand how to utilize the program like with UA/DL, then AA will indeed save a lot of liability in form of miles given to the any AA travelers.
Was within reach of 150k EQM to get two more eVIPs, but I don't see myself flying AA metal as much next year.
Aug 2, 2016, 10:48 am
#1625
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
There are a couple of ways to come out ahead in the new program but in general:
1. You need to purchase expensive fare.
2. You need to match at least $0.19c per BIS to break even.
The better way to do it, is to go with partners. With the latest confirmation of Elite Bonus on EXP/PLT/GLD, it has become clear what to do to go on top of this.
But if the general public does not understand how to utilize the program like with UA/DL, then AA will indeed save a lot of liability in form of miles given to the any AA travelers.
Was within reach of 150k EQM to get two more eVIPs, but I don't see myself flying AA metal as much next year.
1. You need to purchase expensive fare.
2. You need to match at least $0.19c per BIS to break even.
The better way to do it, is to go with partners. With the latest confirmation of Elite Bonus on EXP/PLT/GLD, it has become clear what to do to go on top of this.
But if the general public does not understand how to utilize the program like with UA/DL, then AA will indeed save a lot of liability in form of miles given to the any AA travelers.
Was within reach of 150k EQM to get two more eVIPs, but I don't see myself flying AA metal as much next year.
And for PLT, you have a much higher break even point - around 26-27 cents per mile. Problem is in many cases, even discounted F fares don't reach that threshold. For example, BWI-ELP usually prices out between $1000-1100 booked into A. Going thru PHX, that netted me about 12,500 RDMs - and probably closer to 14,500 with the short haul segment bonus. My break even on an A fare (even without any promo bonuses - just elite and COS bonus) is nearly $1600.
It still hurts - even buying a premium fare. Ironically, PLT's get the biggest shaft with that break even point. Golds break even on a 5k mile RT transcon at around $893 (14-15 cents per mile) and Kettles at 10 cents per mile ($500). That's mainly due to no increase on the Kettles, 2.1x and 1.4x increase for EXP and Gold respectively (both increases over the percentage they got before), while giving PLTs a 40% bonus reduction.
I don't see why they couldn't have at least made the multipliers like 10 miles/$ at PLT and like 12-13 mi/$ at EXP to balance things out and "reward" the EXPs more. The 50k tier took the shaft hard at all 3 majors.
It may reduce AA's liability on the books - but they already seem to be doing that with stingy award availability. When saver availability is hard to come by, forcing people to buy AAnytime awards also removes miles off the books faster.
Reality is if it's REALLY about getting rid of the mileage liability, they should stop giving them out like candy with credit cards or selling them at ridiculous prices.
Last edited by Superguy; Aug 2, 2016 at 11:00 am
Aug 2, 2016, 1:02 pm
#1626
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DL: Silver; AA: EX PLAT; UA: Silver; HY: DIA; HH: DIA; MR: TIT
Posts: 1,708
It is not. It is effectively a non-cash liability and the carrier controls the (potential) usage of the miles!
Aug 2, 2016, 1:09 pm
#1627
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,410
From the Facts thread:
Partner Elite Earnings changed
Gold: 25% -> 40%
Plat: 100% -> 60%
Exp: 100% -> 120%
Gold and Exp gained, Plats get run out of town.
good lord this just sucks. In general and for me personally.
Now I'll earn more WAY more RDM when flying both AA AND partners if I credit to AS... while it lasts... no more AAdvantage benefits at all for Plats, esp with Pro's likely taking up a lot of sticker-priority spots too. Plats got hosed the most with all these changes...
Partner Elite Earnings changed
Gold: 25% -> 40%
Plat: 100% -> 60%
Exp: 100% -> 120%
Gold and Exp gained, Plats get run out of town.
good lord this just sucks. In general and for me personally.
Now I'll earn more WAY more RDM when flying both AA AND partners if I credit to AS... while it lasts... no more AAdvantage benefits at all for Plats, esp with Pro's likely taking up a lot of sticker-priority spots too. Plats got hosed the most with all these changes...
Last edited by Smiley90; Aug 2, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Aug 2, 2016, 2:41 pm
#1628
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ROC/NYC/MSP/LAX/HKG/SIN
Posts: 3,215
From the Facts thread:
Partner Elite Earnings changed
Gold: 25% -> 40%
Plat: 100% -> 60%
Exp: 100% -> 125%
Gold and Exp gained, Plats get run out of town.
good lord this just sucks. In general and for me personally.
Now I'll earn more WAY more RDM when flying both AA AND partners if I credit to AS... while it lasts... no more AAdvantage benefits at all for Plats, esp with Pro's likely taking up a lot of sticker-priority spots too. Plats got hosed the most with all these changes...
Partner Elite Earnings changed
Gold: 25% -> 40%
Plat: 100% -> 60%
Exp: 100% -> 125%
Gold and Exp gained, Plats get run out of town.
good lord this just sucks. In general and for me personally.
Now I'll earn more WAY more RDM when flying both AA AND partners if I credit to AS... while it lasts... no more AAdvantage benefits at all for Plats, esp with Pro's likely taking up a lot of sticker-priority spots too. Plats got hosed the most with all these changes...
This actually upgrades the GLD elite bonus. 1MM is not that awful after all.
Aug 2, 2016, 4:03 pm
#1629
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,043
Aug 2, 2016, 4:11 pm
#1630
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
Aug 2, 2016, 4:18 pm
#1631
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
On the plus side for them, they will get a higher priority for certain benefits
Aug 2, 2016, 4:19 pm
#1632
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,814
You mean, because next year they'd be Plat Pro? If the pattern holds, they would get an 80% bonus, which is still less than the old 100%.
Aug 2, 2016, 4:20 pm
#1633
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
Aug 2, 2016, 5:17 pm
#1634
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/SFO & ORD
Programs: LT Gold/BA Executive Club/AS MP/Marriott
Posts: 1,646
Actually a number of us did not know.
Aug 3, 2016, 8:53 am
#1635
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Manhattan Beach, California
Programs: BMI Diamond Club Gold forever
Posts: 6,367
Here is what I received from a roughly $220 (total cost) one way on Aug 1 JFK-SEA on AA as an EXP. Less than the roughly 5k rdm I used to earn but not terrible.
Transaction Posted
Method: Distance
Ticket# ...6543
Date 8/1/16
EQM/EQS 2,422 / 1
Base Miles 1,817
Bonus Miles 2,181
Total Award Miles 3,998
Transaction Posted
Method: Distance
Ticket# ...6543
Date 8/1/16
EQM/EQS 2,422 / 1
Base Miles 1,817
Bonus Miles 2,181
Total Award Miles 3,998