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 26, 2016, 7:50 am
#1802
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
NEW AA changes "precisely" stated(???)
So far (unless I missed something) AA has made NONE of the following "precise":
(1)credit card usage (or non-usage) to count toward EQD
(2)premium economy: (a)when will it start, (b)what amenities do you get
(3)"super discount" Y: all its "features"
(4)using (miles, SWU) to upgrade AWARD tickets to the next "class of service", (a)implementation date, (b)what is the next COS, Y to PE, Y to J*(?)
(5)J (used to be called F)--rumored (via JonNYC), but not yet stated (by AA)
(6)No more "hold" only "24 hour cancellation"--yet both of these are still in place(?)
I try to keep up-to-date on AA stuff (via FT), the "average" flyer would most likely be VERY confused by the NEW AA.
Maybe FT should have a WIKI for info we DON'T know.
(1)credit card usage (or non-usage) to count toward EQD
(2)premium economy: (a)when will it start, (b)what amenities do you get
(3)"super discount" Y: all its "features"
(4)using (miles, SWU) to upgrade AWARD tickets to the next "class of service", (a)implementation date, (b)what is the next COS, Y to PE, Y to J*(?)
(5)J (used to be called F)--rumored (via JonNYC), but not yet stated (by AA)
(6)No more "hold" only "24 hour cancellation"--yet both of these are still in place(?)
I try to keep up-to-date on AA stuff (via FT), the "average" flyer would most likely be VERY confused by the NEW AA.
Maybe FT should have a WIKI for info we DON'T know.
Sep 26, 2016, 10:38 am
#1803
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,148
A lot of valid points. I, too, have been surprised at how many changes they have announced with the line "we'll tell you more about that later in the year". 
So far (unless I missed something) AA has made NONE of the following "precise":
(1)credit card usage (or non-usage) to count toward EQD
(2)premium economy: (a)when will it start, (b)what amenities do you get
(3)"super discount" Y: all its "features"
(4)using (miles, SWU) to upgrade AWARD tickets to the next "class of service", (a)implementation date, (b)what is the next COS, Y to PE, Y to J*(?)
(5)J (used to be called F)--rumored (via JonNYC), but not yet stated (by AA)
(6)No more "hold" only "24 hour cancellation"--yet both of these are still in place(?)
I try to keep up-to-date on AA stuff (via FT), the "average" flyer would most likely be VERY confused by the NEW AA.
Maybe FT should have a WIKI for info we DON'T know.
(1)credit card usage (or non-usage) to count toward EQD
(2)premium economy: (a)when will it start, (b)what amenities do you get
(3)"super discount" Y: all its "features"
(4)using (miles, SWU) to upgrade AWARD tickets to the next "class of service", (a)implementation date, (b)what is the next COS, Y to PE, Y to J*(?)
(5)J (used to be called F)--rumored (via JonNYC), but not yet stated (by AA)
(6)No more "hold" only "24 hour cancellation"--yet both of these are still in place(?)
I try to keep up-to-date on AA stuff (via FT), the "average" flyer would most likely be VERY confused by the NEW AA.
Maybe FT should have a WIKI for info we DON'T know.
Sep 26, 2016, 11:45 am
#1804
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
So far (unless I missed something) AA has made NONE of the following "precise":
(1)credit card usage (or non-usage) to count toward EQD
(2)premium economy: (a)when will it start, (b)what amenities do you get
(3)"super discount" Y: all its "features"
(4)using (miles, SWU) to upgrade AWARD tickets to the next "class of service", (a)implementation date, (b)what is the next COS, Y to PE, Y to J*(?)
(5)J (used to be called F)--rumored (via JonNYC), but not yet stated (by AA)
(6)No more "hold" only "24 hour cancellation"--yet both of these are still in place(?)
I try to keep up-to-date on AA stuff (via FT), the "average" flyer would most likely be VERY confused by the NEW AA.
Maybe FT should have a WIKI for info we DON'T know.
(1)credit card usage (or non-usage) to count toward EQD
(2)premium economy: (a)when will it start, (b)what amenities do you get
(3)"super discount" Y: all its "features"
(4)using (miles, SWU) to upgrade AWARD tickets to the next "class of service", (a)implementation date, (b)what is the next COS, Y to PE, Y to J*(?)
(5)J (used to be called F)--rumored (via JonNYC), but not yet stated (by AA)
(6)No more "hold" only "24 hour cancellation"--yet both of these are still in place(?)
I try to keep up-to-date on AA stuff (via FT), the "average" flyer would most likely be VERY confused by the NEW AA.
Maybe FT should have a WIKI for info we DON'T know.
For [2] https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...premiumeconomy seems to have details on the amenites and that aeroplanes with the cabin will start being available as from November 4 at no charge and as a cabin from 2017
[3] has this been announced publicly by AA?
[5] has not been mentioned by AA
Only [4] and [6] seem to be items that AA have referred to that have not been implemented
The average traveller that is likely to be confused perhaps should refrain from reading socia media for changes within AA
Sep 26, 2016, 12:41 pm
#1805
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 109
How are you losing? If this so called big evil "corporate america" is paying more for its flights , then it is leaving availability for cheaper fares for those wanting cheap discount fares
What I read these days with "corporate america" is many companies requiring staff to travel on the cheapest fares
What I read these days with "corporate america" is many companies requiring staff to travel on the cheapest fares
My posts do not suggest corporate America is evil. In fact I love the strength American corporations provide the United States.
To answer your question "how are you losing"-
What I lose in the new program is this: previously I could fly 100,000 miles per year and achieve EXP. I now have to spend $12K annually.
Last edited by arkyrab; Sep 27, 2016 at 5:39 am
Sep 26, 2016, 12:56 pm
#1806
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
<redacted>
Having said, that I don't think the recent changes do a good job of encouraging people to spend money on AA. I've mostly stopped doing so since August, and just confirmed Platinum on Delta through 2017. I'm still debating where I'm going to concentrate my flying in 2017, but AA has made it a lot less likely that they're going to get the business by eliminating their biggest competitive differentiator this year.
Having said, that I don't think the recent changes do a good job of encouraging people to spend money on AA. I've mostly stopped doing so since August, and just confirmed Platinum on Delta through 2017. I'm still debating where I'm going to concentrate my flying in 2017, but AA has made it a lot less likely that they're going to get the business by eliminating their biggest competitive differentiator this year.
Last edited by JDiver; Sep 26, 2016 at 9:19 pm Reason: Redacted previously deleted material and reply to same
Sep 26, 2016, 2:51 pm
#1807
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
Mr. Noble:
My posts do not suggest corporate America is evil. In fact I love the strength American corporations provide the United States.
To answer your question "how are you losing"-
What I lose in the new program is this: previously I could fly 100,000 miles per year and achieve EXP. Now when I fly 100,000 miles in economy using my own money I get a reduction in my EQMs plus I now have to spend $12K annually. <Redacted>
My posts do not suggest corporate America is evil. In fact I love the strength American corporations provide the United States.
To answer your question "how are you losing"-
What I lose in the new program is this: previously I could fly 100,000 miles per year and achieve EXP. Now when I fly 100,000 miles in economy using my own money I get a reduction in my EQMs plus I now have to spend $12K annually. <Redacted>
Last edited by JDiver; Sep 26, 2016 at 9:21 pm Reason: Redacted previously deleted post content
Sep 26, 2016, 2:55 pm
#1808
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 109
[QUOTE=jordyn;27266192]<Redacted>
Having said, that I don't think the recent changes do a good job of encouraging people to spend money on AA. I've mostly stopped doing so since August, and just confirmed Platinum on Delta through 2017. I'm still debating where I'm going to concentrate my flying in 2017, but AA has made it a lot less likely that they're going to get the business.
Agree.
Having said, that I don't think the recent changes do a good job of encouraging people to spend money on AA. I've mostly stopped doing so since August, and just confirmed Platinum on Delta through 2017. I'm still debating where I'm going to concentrate my flying in 2017, but AA has made it a lot less likely that they're going to get the business.
Agree.
Last edited by arkyrab; Sep 27, 2016 at 5:43 am
Sep 26, 2016, 3:02 pm
#1809
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
<Redacted>
Post #1788: "because you cannot achieve the highest elite status for a bargain anymore? Sorry, but what's the real problem?"
Post #1796: "AA is still offering cheap fares for people wanting to fly for adventure -just that perks are being targeted at those that are giving the airline more money."
Post #1799: "How are you losing?"
The thread is about AA changes to achieve elite status.
Post #1788: "because you cannot achieve the highest elite status for a bargain anymore? Sorry, but what's the real problem?"
Post #1796: "AA is still offering cheap fares for people wanting to fly for adventure -just that perks are being targeted at those that are giving the airline more money."
Post #1799: "How are you losing?"
The thread is about AA changes to achieve elite status.
Complaints by some about how unfair these changes are do not stop others having a different view
Last edited by JDiver; Sep 26, 2016 at 9:22 pm Reason: Redacted previously deleted post content
Sep 26, 2016, 9:25 pm
#1810
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
Overly personalized content, and attendant discussion, have been redacted. Further such posting behavior will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the FlyerTalk Rules.
If you feel someone is posting inappropriately, contact the Moderators.
/Moderator
If you feel someone is posting inappropriately, contact the Moderators.
/Moderator
Sep 27, 2016, 12:28 am
#1811
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Bangkok, Thailand. No longer Palm Coast, FL though still exiled, again, from the Bay Area.
Programs: Only the good ones
Posts: 5,153
Sep 27, 2016, 1:48 am
#1812
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
Loving these "extra" bonus miles for buying more expensive tickets!
On a nearly $1150 M fare with (just over $1000 net) for BWI-ORD-SMF RT:
Old system: 9600 miles
New system: 8128 miles
Thanks a lot, AA!
On a nearly $1150 M fare with (just over $1000 net) for BWI-ORD-SMF RT:
Old system: 9600 miles
New system: 8128 miles
Thanks a lot, AA!
Sep 27, 2016, 5:17 am
#1813
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
The average customer would be unlikely to assume anything about [1] ; I wasn't aware that has AA suggested such a thing would happen
For [2] https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...premiumeconomy seems to have details on the amenites and that aeroplanes with the cabin will start being available as from November 4 at no charge and as a cabin from 2017
[3] has this been announced publicly by AA?
[5] has not been mentioned by AA
Only [4] and [6] seem to be items that AA have referred to that have not been implemented
The average traveller that is likely to be confused perhaps should refrain from reading socia media for changes within AA
For [2] https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...premiumeconomy seems to have details on the amenites and that aeroplanes with the cabin will start being available as from November 4 at no charge and as a cabin from 2017
[3] has this been announced publicly by AA?
[5] has not been mentioned by AA
Only [4] and [6] seem to be items that AA have referred to that have not been implemented
The average traveller that is likely to be confused perhaps should refrain from reading socia media for changes within AA
Sep 27, 2016, 5:38 am
#1814
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
Regardless - AA has not made any suggestions that such a thing is happening and a typical customer would have no reason to think there was anything happening there
Sep 27, 2016, 8:21 pm
#1815
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: American Executive Platinum, One World Emerald, IC Royal Ambassador
Posts: 309