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
Sep 4, 2016, 11:56 pm
#1726
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,331
AA is not my primary carrier and I'm Platinum because they invited me to a challenge which I easily meet to keep my Platinum status until January 2018. Being based out of PHL, there are certain destinations which just make more sense for me to take AA, such as DFW, BOS, MIA, BNA, (hence the usefulness of Platinum) but NOT other longer haul non-stops on AA such PHX, SFO, SJC, SAN, LAX, SNA, SEA, and so on, where I much prefer UA as I am 1K there even if I make a connection as I get free upgrade (CPU), free food & drinks in Y, and 3 checked bags vs. 2.
But it is absolutely AMUSING to see AA call the bluff of all those $5K ExecPlat whiners who are constantly threatening to leave because AA does not offer a CC waiver
^Sure, go ahead and come on over to UA and DL to duke it out with us 1K & Diamond for the bennies and you'll see if the grass is greener or not
Last edited by sapguy; Sep 5, 2016 at 12:01 am
Sep 5, 2016, 1:26 am
#1727
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
^
There is no way that AA can be making any money on these folk.
So agree watching them all whine and threatening to leave AA is entertaining. Only thing that could have been better would be if AA had the ability to truly segment and send these people a link to another airlines' FF enrollment page
Sep 5, 2016, 7:17 am
#1728
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,331
^
That's were DL and UA have, even before annual spend requirements, been able to minimize this. But with AA historically given away 8 SWUs and the opportunity to earn more, the EP ranks contain a bunch of $500 Lounge hopping, Woodford scotch drinking Asia flying EPs on upgrades.
There is no way that AA can be making any money on these folk.
So agree watching them all whine and threatening to leave AA is entertaining. Only thing that could have been better would be if AA had the ability to truly segment and send these people a link to another airlines' FF enrollment page
That's were DL and UA have, even before annual spend requirements, been able to minimize this. But with AA historically given away 8 SWUs and the opportunity to earn more, the EP ranks contain a bunch of $500 Lounge hopping, Woodford scotch drinking Asia flying EPs on upgrades.
There is no way that AA can be making any money on these folk.
So agree watching them all whine and threatening to leave AA is entertaining. Only thing that could have been better would be if AA had the ability to truly segment and send these people a link to another airlines' FF enrollment page
Sep 5, 2016, 10:50 am
#1729
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
Again - I was fully expecting to earn this little, not complaining about that.
Also this was just the fare base and thus earning that AA assigned on this segment, part of a bigger trip. Obv didnt pay 200 for transcon J.
All I'm saying is that before we had distance based earning AND they added a transcon J bonus to that, why take away both at the same time? If it was so ridiculously damaging to their bottom line why introduce it? Taking away only one thing at a time wouldve eased the transition for a lot of people.
Also this was just the fare base and thus earning that AA assigned on this segment, part of a bigger trip. Obv didnt pay 200 for transcon J.
All I'm saying is that before we had distance based earning AND they added a transcon J bonus to that, why take away both at the same time? If it was so ridiculously damaging to their bottom line why introduce it? Taking away only one thing at a time wouldve eased the transition for a lot of people.
Once AA shifted to a revenue-based model, they didn't need the bonus any more since big spenders were already getting rewarded with big miles, and as your own flight proves the previous bonus was a pretty blunt instrument that didn't always target the right people.
Sep 5, 2016, 5:49 pm
#1730
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
I would tend to think that the $5K EXPers were a very small minority and not an overburden on AA. However, I think it was in the grand scheme that the best of rewards should be bestowed on the paxs providing the greatest amount of revenue, not necessarily patronage. Still, the fact that AA will still require 100K miles in flying tells me AA is just not interested in flyers that might do a few long haul trips in J or F and be able to match the $12K spend requirement.
Sep 5, 2016, 5:57 pm
#1731
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,410
The point of the bonus previously was to try to simulate cost-based behavior for big-spenders, so it was modeled on routes where premium cabins were likely to be fairly expensive. The idea here was that since Delta and United were potentially giving a ton of miles to people paying for expensive premium fares, AA didn't want them to shift business away so it gave more miles on routes that were likely to be attracting such fares.
Once AA shifted to a revenue-based model, they didn't need the bonus any more since big spenders were already getting rewarded with big miles, and as your own flight proves the previous bonus was a pretty blunt instrument that didn't always target the right people.
Once AA shifted to a revenue-based model, they didn't need the bonus any more since big spenders were already getting rewarded with big miles, and as your own flight proves the previous bonus was a pretty blunt instrument that didn't always target the right people.
Sep 6, 2016, 6:31 am
#1732
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
EQD questions
(1)Does EQD count begin on 1/1/17; if yes, will AA show your total-to-date?
(2)For complimentary (EXP) domestic upgrades: of EQD, date of request, which prioritizes the ranking on the upgrade list?
(3)Are domestic upgrades (comped or sticker) still prioritized by rank (EXP>PLAT-PRO>PLAT>GOLD) or does EQD trump everyone?
Hypothetical: a pax with NO rank, via his company, purchases a $12,500 ticket, on his NEXT flight (using paid stickers) would he trump an EXP for an upg [assuming both made their upg requests at the SAME time]?
(2)For complimentary (EXP) domestic upgrades: of EQD, date of request, which prioritizes the ranking on the upgrade list?
(3)Are domestic upgrades (comped or sticker) still prioritized by rank (EXP>PLAT-PRO>PLAT>GOLD) or does EQD trump everyone?
Hypothetical: a pax with NO rank, via his company, purchases a $12,500 ticket, on his NEXT flight (using paid stickers) would he trump an EXP for an upg [assuming both made their upg requests at the SAME time]?
Sep 6, 2016, 7:50 am
#1733
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,148
1. Yes to both.
2. EQD is the new upgrade waitlist prioritization, not timestamp anymore.
3. All upgrades are still ranked by Elite status before EQD. So, no, the non-elite who spent $12,500 on a flight would not outrank an EXP, PLT or GLD on the next flight if he/she still did not have status.
2. EQD is the new upgrade waitlist prioritization, not timestamp anymore.
3. All upgrades are still ranked by Elite status before EQD. So, no, the non-elite who spent $12,500 on a flight would not outrank an EXP, PLT or GLD on the next flight if he/she still did not have status.
(1)Does EQD count begin on 1/1/17; if yes, will AA show your total-to-date?
(2)For complimentary (EXP) domestic upgrades: of EQD, date of request, which prioritizes the ranking on the upgrade list?
(3)Are domestic upgrades (comped or sticker) still prioritized by rank (EXP>PLAT-PRO>PLAT>GOLD) or does EQD trump everyone?
Hypothetical: a pax with NO rank, via his company, purchases a $12,500 ticket, on his NEXT flight (using paid stickers) would he trump an EXP for an upg [assuming both made their upg requests at the SAME time]?
(2)For complimentary (EXP) domestic upgrades: of EQD, date of request, which prioritizes the ranking on the upgrade list?
(3)Are domestic upgrades (comped or sticker) still prioritized by rank (EXP>PLAT-PRO>PLAT>GOLD) or does EQD trump everyone?
Hypothetical: a pax with NO rank, via his company, purchases a $12,500 ticket, on his NEXT flight (using paid stickers) would he trump an EXP for an upg [assuming both made their upg requests at the SAME time]?
Sep 6, 2016, 10:27 am
#1734
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
1. Yes to both.
2. EQD is the new upgrade waitlist prioritization, not timestamp anymore.
3. All upgrades are still ranked by Elite status before EQD. So, no, the non-elite who spent $12,500 on a flight would not outrank an EXP, PLT or GLD on the next flight if he/she still did not have status.
2. EQD is the new upgrade waitlist prioritization, not timestamp anymore.
3. All upgrades are still ranked by Elite status before EQD. So, no, the non-elite who spent $12,500 on a flight would not outrank an EXP, PLT or GLD on the next flight if he/she still did not have status.
Sep 6, 2016, 10:43 am
#1735
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,148
I suppose they need time to let people's rolling EQD amounts to be built up. And that makes sense, because I am just now buying airfare with EQD in mind for 2017. I used to book trips as far out as I could, so I would have a nice timestamp, but now there's no point 2017-onward.
Sep 6, 2016, 1:33 pm
#1736
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
You're correct. AA said "later in 2017"
I suppose they need time to let people's rolling EQD amounts to be built up. And that makes sense, because I am just now buying airfare with EQD in mind for 2017. I used to book trips as far out as I could, so I would have a nice timestamp, but now there's no point 2017-onward.
I suppose they need time to let people's rolling EQD amounts to be built up. And that makes sense, because I am just now buying airfare with EQD in mind for 2017. I used to book trips as far out as I could, so I would have a nice timestamp, but now there's no point 2017-onward.
Sep 7, 2016, 7:06 am
#1738
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
The point of the bonus previously was to try to simulate cost-based behavior for big-spenders, so it was modeled on routes where premium cabins were likely to be fairly expensive. The idea here was that since Delta and United were potentially giving a ton of miles to people paying for expensive premium fares, AA didn't want them to shift business away so it gave more miles on routes that were likely to be attracting such fares.
Once AA shifted to a revenue-based model, they didn't need the bonus any more since big spenders were already getting rewarded with big miles, and as your own flight proves the previous bonus was a pretty blunt instrument that didn't always target the right people.
Once AA shifted to a revenue-based model, they didn't need the bonus any more since big spenders were already getting rewarded with big miles, and as your own flight proves the previous bonus was a pretty blunt instrument that didn't always target the right people.
Sep 7, 2016, 7:27 am
#1739
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,905
Simply put, the system has become more fair. Reward those who are loyal (and my definition of loyal is those that spend $ on the airline). Spend more $, receive more reward. I don't' understand why people whine about how they feel "slighted" when an unfair system becomes (finally) fair and promotes true loyalty. It was the same when UA and DL made the change.
Sep 7, 2016, 8:14 am
#1740
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Besides, it is pretty tough these days to make status without spending the imposed minimums, unless you are doing mileage run fares for most of your itineraries (which don't earn you nearly the RDM's that they used to). Things today are not like they were several years ago (the good days!) when I could qualify on a small amount of spend and make a ton of award miles.
Airlines have sold some stake to CC companies, but you have to spend a ton... and I mean a TON to really bank miles. Right now, I could care less, as a 50,000 mile sign-up bonus is a drop in the bucket when spending the big bucks on int'l fares and last minute M and B class. CC spend couldn't even get me close to the miles I receive under the new UA program.
Not to mention... those that only bank CC miles (I know a few of these people) will generally not make status without flying, and without status, they do not have access to award ticket buckets that anyone with Silver status or above have access to, which give true loyalists an advantage for using them.