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 27, 2016, 8:25 pm
#1816
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,595
Actually it could be quite different to $12000 when it comes to earning on partner carriers where EQD is a ratio of mileage earning rather than fare paid
Sep 27, 2016, 9:04 pm
#1817
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Everywhere
Programs: AA EXP - 3.7MM, Bonv LIFETIME Titan, HH Dmd, Hyatt Glob., Priority Clb Dmd, Ntnl Exec El., Sixt PLT
Posts: 1,680
[QUOTE=arkyrab;27266726]
- I have stopped flying AA in August 2016 after hitting >150K EQM and have no reservations with AA through the end of the year. I am certainly not "encouraged" to spend more money with AA by the changes in AAdvantage. As AA used to say, "you have a choice in you travel" and now I choosing DL primarily because of convenience and reliability.
Another problem is a very poor AA award availability. Let's try LAX-LIH-LAX for Dec 14 -28, 2016. AA wants 100,000 miles for Y ticket they sell today for $781 (this would be $0.0078/mile redemption). DL wants 70,000 of Skymiles for the same non-stop trip. Thus, I have also shifted my credit card spending from the Barclay Aviator card.
<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.
Another problem is a very poor AA award availability. Let's try LAX-LIH-LAX for Dec 14 -28, 2016. AA wants 100,000 miles for Y ticket they sell today for $781 (this would be $0.0078/mile redemption). DL wants 70,000 of Skymiles for the same non-stop trip. Thus, I have also shifted my credit card spending from the Barclay Aviator card.
Sep 29, 2016, 7:59 pm
#1818
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: San Diego, CA USA
Programs: AA PLAT
Posts: 103
How the change to AAdvantage has killed my loyalty
I'm kind of in mourning over my Aadvantage account. For years and years I was a loyal AA-BA flyer and made 2 trips to Delhi from California and several trans-cons per year. I was a happy camper. I regularly earned Platinum status and did it for a relatively low cost. THEN THE DREADED CHANGE HAPPENED and I am losing BIG TIME. My mileage accrual is cut by more than 50%. I might barely make Gold let alone Platinum.
Yeah yeah, I know., Get over it. Deal with it. Man up and spend more money. Well, no actually....I think I'm going to vote with my wallet. After 8 years and 18 trips to India on AA/BA I am booking with China Southern. They have amazing connections to India through Guangzhou (2 hrs each way) and I just booked round trip for $675. That's LITERALLY half the price of the lowest price I can secure on BA/AA for the same dates. And I was able to purchase the ticket and immediately choose great window seats on all 4 flights using the CX website. Actually I was able to select seats on the A380 segments before I finalized the purchase. I was then able to select seats on the CAN-DEL-CAN segments after the booking was confirmed.....within ten minutes after payment. Not sure why that is but thrilled just the same. And I will even get a few Delta miles from this ticket!
So thanks AA for all those great times and for the 750,000 miles I've earned but moving forward it's about price. Your "loyalty" program is now just for the privileged not the loyal.
Yeah yeah, I know., Get over it. Deal with it. Man up and spend more money. Well, no actually....I think I'm going to vote with my wallet. After 8 years and 18 trips to India on AA/BA I am booking with China Southern. They have amazing connections to India through Guangzhou (2 hrs each way) and I just booked round trip for $675. That's LITERALLY half the price of the lowest price I can secure on BA/AA for the same dates. And I was able to purchase the ticket and immediately choose great window seats on all 4 flights using the CX website. Actually I was able to select seats on the A380 segments before I finalized the purchase. I was then able to select seats on the CAN-DEL-CAN segments after the booking was confirmed.....within ten minutes after payment. Not sure why that is but thrilled just the same. And I will even get a few Delta miles from this ticket!
So thanks AA for all those great times and for the 750,000 miles I've earned but moving forward it's about price. Your "loyalty" program is now just for the privileged not the loyal.
Last edited by DiegoSan; Sep 29, 2016 at 8:11 pm
Sep 29, 2016, 8:41 pm
#1819
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Cambridge & Honolulu
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, AA 3MM, UA 1MM
Posts: 199
Yeah yeah, I know., Get over it. Deal with it. Man up and spend more money. Well, no actually....I think I'm going to vote with my wallet
OK ..... I get the message ...... I don't fit the profile of customer that AA wants.
I shall be changing to the BA Executive Club but they will doubtless join the race to the bottom eventually.
In the end one will then be left choosing the best value carrier that offers the service that you want and FF programmes will be unimportant when it comes to making a choice.
Over the years I have taken advantage of competitively priced fares in the premium cabins.
AA capacity/yield management department choose to fill those seats at bargain fares - but with loyalty a thing of the past - AA may in future encounter difficult filling those same seats.
That niche market of flyers may be small but it used to have strong loyalty.
Sep 29, 2016, 8:55 pm
#1820
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 109
I'm kind of in mourning over my Aadvantage account. For years and years I was a loyal AA-BA flyer and made 2 trips to Delhi from California and several trans-cons per year. I was a happy camper. I regularly earned Platinum status and did it for a relatively low cost. THEN THE DREADED CHANGE HAPPENED and I am losing BIG TIME. My mileage accrual is cut by more than 50%. I might barely make Gold let alone Platinum.
Yeah yeah, I know., Get over it. Deal with it. Man up and spend more money. Well, no actually....I think I'm going to vote with my wallet. After 8 years and 18 trips to India on AA/BA I am booking with China Southern. They have amazing connections to India through Guangzhou (2 hrs each way) and I just booked round trip for $675. That's LITERALLY half the price of the lowest price I can secure on BA/AA for the same dates. And I was able to purchase the ticket and immediately choose great window seats on all 4 flights using the CX website. Actually I was able to select seats on the A380 segments before I finalized the purchase. I was then able to select seats on the CAN-DEL-CAN segments after the booking was confirmed.....within ten minutes after payment. Not sure why that is but thrilled just the same. And I will even get a few Delta miles from this ticket!
So thanks AA for all those great times and for the 750,000 miles I've earned but moving forward it's about price. Your "loyalty" program is now just for the privileged not the loyal.
Yeah yeah, I know., Get over it. Deal with it. Man up and spend more money. Well, no actually....I think I'm going to vote with my wallet. After 8 years and 18 trips to India on AA/BA I am booking with China Southern. They have amazing connections to India through Guangzhou (2 hrs each way) and I just booked round trip for $675. That's LITERALLY half the price of the lowest price I can secure on BA/AA for the same dates. And I was able to purchase the ticket and immediately choose great window seats on all 4 flights using the CX website. Actually I was able to select seats on the A380 segments before I finalized the purchase. I was then able to select seats on the CAN-DEL-CAN segments after the booking was confirmed.....within ten minutes after payment. Not sure why that is but thrilled just the same. And I will even get a few Delta miles from this ticket!
So thanks AA for all those great times and for the 750,000 miles I've earned but moving forward it's about price. Your "loyalty" program is now just for the privileged not the loyal.
Sep 29, 2016, 9:09 pm
#1822
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: San Diego, CA USA
Programs: AA PLAT
Posts: 103
I'm really excited about the expansion of Alaska. I hope they can get more flights into JFK....I had the pleasure to fly them to San Jose and to Hawaii recently and it was great service. That new Embraer (SAN-SJC) is gorgeous and comfortable. Also, I was offered a first class upgrade on the SJC-HNL 737 when I checked in 24 hrs prior to departure for a mere $100.54 which I thought was fantastic for a 5 hour flight!! Not sure if they offered that to anyone checking in or not....I have no status whatsoever on AS but I'm still AA Plat. Anyway, I just hope AA doesn't merge/buy Alaska too!
Sep 29, 2016, 9:17 pm
#1823
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
Presumably this should get merged into the Reactions thread.
As I've said before, even for those of us who don't really care about the qualifying changes, the overall destruction of AAdvantage has really reduced the incentive to fly AA.
I finally went back and did some math, and since July I've booked about $2800 in AA tickets and about $8500 on other airlines. A year ago, almost all of that spending would have gone to AA. Possibly more, since in at least one case I decided to save $1200 by flying a shorter route on Etihad rather than going with the AA+BA option.
As I've said before, even for those of us who don't really care about the qualifying changes, the overall destruction of AAdvantage has really reduced the incentive to fly AA.
I finally went back and did some math, and since July I've booked about $2800 in AA tickets and about $8500 on other airlines. A year ago, almost all of that spending would have gone to AA. Possibly more, since in at least one case I decided to save $1200 by flying a shorter route on Etihad rather than going with the AA+BA option.
Sep 29, 2016, 9:55 pm
#1824
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Seat 1L these days :)
Programs: AF Platinum/AY LUMO/SK EBG/baEC S/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG plat
Posts: 7,957
Presumably this should get merged into the Reactions thread.
As I've said before, even for those of us who don't really care about the qualifying changes, the overall destruction of AAdvantage has really reduced the incentive to fly AA.
I finally went back and did some math, and since July I've booked about $2800 in AA tickets and about $8500 on other airlines. A year ago, almost all of that spending would have gone to AA. Possibly more, since in at least one case I decided to save $1200 by flying a shorter route on Etihad rather than going with the AA+BA option.
As I've said before, even for those of us who don't really care about the qualifying changes, the overall destruction of AAdvantage has really reduced the incentive to fly AA.
I finally went back and did some math, and since July I've booked about $2800 in AA tickets and about $8500 on other airlines. A year ago, almost all of that spending would have gone to AA. Possibly more, since in at least one case I decided to save $1200 by flying a shorter route on Etihad rather than going with the AA+BA option.
usually i would be 6-7 flights deep by now for 2017. I was switching to baec too but now I am leaning towards star alliance more and more 
what a year this has turned out to be. Too many NEGATIVE oneworld changes for me!
Sep 29, 2016, 9:59 pm
#1825
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,051
A bit late to the party. Very long existing thread here --
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...un-2016-a.html
See the "SUPERSTICKY" at the top.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...un-2016-a.html
See the "SUPERSTICKY" at the top.
Sep 30, 2016, 3:24 am
#1826
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
They must've rolled out upgrade changes. I booked my trip to LA back in January. Instead of my upgrade clearing, I'm 9 on the upgrade list and steadily declining. 
Sep 30, 2016, 3:26 am
#1827
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posts: 22
AAdvantage for Europeans is a Non-Starter
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.
(7) Achieving the EQD on AA with just 20 flights a day ex-LHR is a hurdle too high - even if you add in the OW partner low earning credit scheme
(8) New European Commission directive that reduces the fees credit cards charge retailers to 0.3% will all but eliminate any credit card earning come the next contract negotiation with MBNA
(9) Low mileage credit for short-haul BA (recent LHR-DUB - 154 miles - formerly 1,000)
(10) High taxes make up a big proportion of fares ex-UK, therefore low base for mileage credit on AA
(11) Astronomical 'fuel surcharges' on BA flight redemptions
This list doesn't even consider the service elements such as bus station style AC and FL at LHR, and BA going low-cost carrier and charging for all inflight catering (including water!) on short haul starting January 2017.
Loyalty works two ways. AAdvantage and OW are going only one way - and that is backwards. It was good while it lasted.
Sep 30, 2016, 3:34 am
#1828
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
I haven't experienced a meal on a short haul BA flight ever, so I'm not sure what everyone is talking about. Additionally, if they are indeed charging for water, then I'll move everything over to Star Alliance next year.
Sep 30, 2016, 8:55 am
#1829
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: Top Tier with all 3 alliances
Posts: 11,666
Sep 30, 2016, 11:00 am
#1830
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: YYZ
Programs: NH Plat, AA Gold
Posts: 542
Did only one flight with AA this year and all my travels have been with Delta. 90 percent of my travel expense has and is going to Delta this year.
I was on my first Delta flight to Asia and was pleasantly surprised. Food and service was much better, although the planes were older and seat on their C+ was uncomfortable after seating for a few hours. Overall, glad to have switch after more than a decade of loyalty to AA.
I was on my first Delta flight to Asia and was pleasantly surprised. Food and service was much better, although the planes were older and seat on their C+ was uncomfortable after seating for a few hours. Overall, glad to have switch after more than a decade of loyalty to AA.