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
Oct 2, 2016, 3:59 pm
#1846
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
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27289444-post1837.html
And I'm inclined to agree with that opinion. It would most certainly be a different story if I were seeking upgrades with my stickers on a ticket that's being credited to BA. Obviously, I cannot do that even if I wanted to. I think that's the activity that the T+Cs are trying to prevent.
Oct 3, 2016, 7:49 am
#1847
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,811
Oct 7, 2016, 9:07 pm
#1848
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 29,973
Can I ask a stupid question? As a plat I thought beginning August 1st I would be earning "x" amount of reward miles per flight based on the $$ spend if that ticket. Well since 8/1 I looked at my account summary and see I was given 60% bonus, not "x" miles per USD.
What gives?
What gives?
Oct 7, 2016, 9:22 pm
#1849
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,550
Can I ask a stupid question? As a plat I thought beginning August 1st I would be earning "x" amount of reward miles per flight based on the $$ spend if that ticket. Well since 8/1 I looked at my account summary and see I was given 60% bonus, not "x" miles per USD.
What gives?
What gives?
As a Platinum member there is a 60% bonus on top of that
This gives an effective earning of 8 miles per $
Oct 7, 2016, 11:15 pm
#1850
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 29,973
Oct 7, 2016, 11:35 pm
#1851
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,550
Oct 7, 2016, 11:50 pm
#1852
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, DL SM, HY Disc, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 12,503
JonNYC seems to have an opinion that is quite different from yours.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27289444-post1837.html
And I'm inclined to agree with that opinion. It would most certainly be a different story if I were seeking upgrades with my stickers on a ticket that's being credited to BA. Obviously, I cannot do that even if I wanted to. I think that's the activity that the T+Cs are trying to prevent.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27289444-post1837.html
And I'm inclined to agree with that opinion. It would most certainly be a different story if I were seeking upgrades with my stickers on a ticket that's being credited to BA. Obviously, I cannot do that even if I wanted to. I think that's the activity that the T+Cs are trying to prevent.
Is the AA web site smart enough to let me do that, or am i going to have to buy my tickets from a third party such as Expedia?
Oct 8, 2016, 12:25 am
#1853
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,550
In 2017, I plan on cherry-picking a few 2-segment YUP one-way fares and shoving the credit over to BA so I can make BA Silver (take a BA WT+ trip late in the year for my 4 BA segments and last 190 tier points). Doing so will save me having to have an AC membership.
Is the AA web site smart enough to let me do that, or am i going to have to buy my tickets from a third party such as Expedia?
Is the AA web site smart enough to let me do that, or am i going to have to buy my tickets from a third party such as Expedia?
Be aware that a reasonable rumour exists that says that AA will be using business class booking codes for the premium cabin on 2 class services within the USA, so might be worth ensuring that these flights are done before then so as to get 1st class earning rather than the quite a but lower business class earning
Oct 8, 2016, 6:39 am
#1854
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 29,973
Oct 8, 2016, 6:56 am
#1855
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,550
In the details of the earning , there is an indicatot of "fare" or of "distance". Generally for AA flights, the use of "fare" should be expected, though in some cases ( such as special fares or where fare could not be determined) it will credit on "distance". The earning table for this is at https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...cial-fares.jsp
Oct 8, 2016, 9:27 am
#1856
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,811
Be aware that a reasonable rumour exists that says that AA will be using business class booking codes for the premium cabin on 2 class services within the USA, so might be worth ensuring that these flights are done before then so as to get 1st class earning rather than the quite a but lower business class earning
Oct 8, 2016, 1:01 pm
#1857
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,550
If AA changes the booking classes such that it is a business class booking class, the earnings may well drop when credited to BA
On a flight > 2000 miles, crediting to BA, tier point earning is from 20 points ( for G, Q, N, O, S class ) through to 140 for business class ( J,D,I,R ) and 210 for 1st class (F,P,A) . taking the flights to credit to BA before a potential 33% reduction in earning points towards status would seem to be a worthwhile consideration
Last edited by Dave Noble; Oct 8, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Oct 8, 2016, 1:16 pm
#1858
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
...Be aware that a reasonable rumour exists that says that AA will be using business class booking codes for the premium cabin on 2 class services within the USA, so might be worth ensuring that these flights are done before then so as to get 1st class earning rather than the quite a but lower business class earning
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...e-coded-j.html
Oct 8, 2016, 2:10 pm
#1859
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,222
It doesn't matter for AAdvantage. It does for BAEC. It may for other partner programs as well.
Oct 8, 2016, 2:57 pm
#1860
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,811
details here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...e-coded-j.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...e-coded-j.html