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 8, 2016, 3:37 pm
#1861
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, DL SM, HY Disc, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 12,507
As long as you are not logged into your AA account and do not add the AA number, there is no reason why it should be an issue
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
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, 3:53 pm
#1862
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
yeah, saw that and it's annoying. I have a couple of short-haul re-positioning flights I have to take between east coast cities where coach is $100 nonstop but I can pick up 2 segments in A/P for $230 or 3 segments for $270. Living in Chicago, trying to nail the 210 pointers costs too much in repositioning.
Oct 8, 2016, 8:25 pm
#1863
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, DL SM, HY Disc, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 12,507
Instead, I'm doing a DL Platinum challenge from 12/1 to 2/28 - 18750 MQM needed, and then I'll worry about picking off the BA Silver. I'm still planning on using my EXP for anything where the upgrade is somewhat routine, but I'm not planning on trying to earn it for a 4th straight year.
Oct 11, 2016, 12:12 pm
#1865
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Columbia, SC
Programs: AA Plat, SPG/Marriot Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Expl
Posts: 2,363
Oct 14, 2016, 10:50 am
#1866
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
Oct 14, 2016, 12:46 pm
#1867
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Over the North Atlantic
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 494
Did anyone else received an email from AA that says: "On your recent flight from LHR to JFK on <DATE>, you earned even more American Airlines AAdvantage® award miles than in the past."
Thanks AA but I am going to earn less on other longer flights.
Thanks AA but I am going to earn less on other longer flights.
Oct 14, 2016, 4:48 pm
#1868
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
Oct 15, 2016, 3:40 pm
#1869
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: QDF
Programs: AA EXP (2MM), Marriott Tit
Posts: 1,039
Unbelievably tone deaf.
Oct 15, 2016, 4:32 pm
#1871
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: MCO via TUL + CMH
Programs: AA EXP, Former Hilton Diamond and Marriott Plat
Posts: 46
So I don't remember if I posted here or just on twitter... but can anyone confirm to me that it is basically pointless for me to keep my status anymore?
I'm a lowly GLD, and typically have to do a segment run in December just to keep that. However, I do fairly decent on upgrades, which is the main reason I keep my status even though I travel only for pleasure.
1) Assuming I do 8 flights a year for 32 segments, I'd have to manage to average $375 per flight to hit the EQD... which domestically isn't really a thing. Even if I toss in an $800 Intl, that'd still be $314 for the other 7 flights.
2) Even if I do enough flights and maybe pay outright for a first class or two to hit EQD, I'd still be the ABSOLUTE lowest on upgrades, because it is prioritized by EQD.
3) So the only way I'll get an upgrade is if there are N-1 requests for upgrade per flight (with n being the number of seats). And with the addition of Platinum Pro, there's at least some additional amount of people with UDU, so therefore more requests filling up the N-1.
So... am I missing a reason to keep status?
I'm a lowly GLD, and typically have to do a segment run in December just to keep that. However, I do fairly decent on upgrades, which is the main reason I keep my status even though I travel only for pleasure.
1) Assuming I do 8 flights a year for 32 segments, I'd have to manage to average $375 per flight to hit the EQD... which domestically isn't really a thing. Even if I toss in an $800 Intl, that'd still be $314 for the other 7 flights.
2) Even if I do enough flights and maybe pay outright for a first class or two to hit EQD, I'd still be the ABSOLUTE lowest on upgrades, because it is prioritized by EQD.
3) So the only way I'll get an upgrade is if there are N-1 requests for upgrade per flight (with n being the number of seats). And with the addition of Platinum Pro, there's at least some additional amount of people with UDU, so therefore more requests filling up the N-1.
So... am I missing a reason to keep status?
Oct 15, 2016, 5:03 pm
#1872
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Columbia, SC
Programs: AA Plat, SPG/Marriot Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Expl
Posts: 2,363
Just like Silver on DL or UA, I would agree and say there's absolutely no reason to put in extra time/money to attain the first-level elite. If you can make the next level up, it may be worth it, especially if you travel internationally so would have access to business lounges. For just domestic, outside of the upgrades, you'll get almost equivalent benefits with the $95/yr credit card.
Oct 15, 2016, 5:36 pm
#1873
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
So I don't remember if I posted here or just on twitter... but can anyone confirm to me that it is basically pointless for me to keep my status anymore?
I'm a lowly GLD, and typically have to do a segment run in December just to keep that. However, I do fairly decent on upgrades, which is the main reason I keep my status even though I travel only for pleasure.
1) Assuming I do 8 flights a year for 32 segments, I'd have to manage to average $375 per flight to hit the EQD... which domestically isn't really a thing. Even if I toss in an $800 Intl, that'd still be $314 for the other 7 flights.
2) Even if I do enough flights and maybe pay outright for a first class or two to hit EQD, I'd still be the ABSOLUTE lowest on upgrades, because it is prioritized by EQD.
3) So the only way I'll get an upgrade is if there are N-1 requests for upgrade per flight (with n being the number of seats). And with the addition of Platinum Pro, there's at least some additional amount of people with UDU, so therefore more requests filling up the N-1.
So... am I missing a reason to keep status?
I'm a lowly GLD, and typically have to do a segment run in December just to keep that. However, I do fairly decent on upgrades, which is the main reason I keep my status even though I travel only for pleasure.
1) Assuming I do 8 flights a year for 32 segments, I'd have to manage to average $375 per flight to hit the EQD... which domestically isn't really a thing. Even if I toss in an $800 Intl, that'd still be $314 for the other 7 flights.
2) Even if I do enough flights and maybe pay outright for a first class or two to hit EQD, I'd still be the ABSOLUTE lowest on upgrades, because it is prioritized by EQD.
3) So the only way I'll get an upgrade is if there are N-1 requests for upgrade per flight (with n being the number of seats). And with the addition of Platinum Pro, there's at least some additional amount of people with UDU, so therefore more requests filling up the N-1.
So... am I missing a reason to keep status?
checking luggage in? the 1 piece of luggage without charge can be worth something over the year
same day standby
complimentary MCE seating within 24 hours of departure
making award bookings within 21 days of departure
discount on AC membership
ability to get complimentary seat assignment on BA within 7 days of departure
ability to get complimentary seat assignment on QF
If so, how much are these worth to you vs the extra cost in getting the status
Oct 20, 2016, 10:49 am
#1874
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: MCO via TUL + CMH
Programs: AA EXP, Former Hilton Diamond and Marriott Plat
Posts: 46
Do you utilise any of the benefits such as
checking luggage in? the 1 piece of luggage without charge can be worth something over the year
same day standby
complimentary MCE seating within 24 hours of departure
making award bookings within 21 days of departure
discount on AC membership
ability to get complimentary seat assignment on BA within 7 days of departure
ability to get complimentary seat assignment on QF
If so, how much are these worth to you vs the extra cost in getting the status
checking luggage in? the 1 piece of luggage without charge can be worth something over the year
same day standby
complimentary MCE seating within 24 hours of departure
making award bookings within 21 days of departure
discount on AC membership
ability to get complimentary seat assignment on BA within 7 days of departure
ability to get complimentary seat assignment on QF
If so, how much are these worth to you vs the extra cost in getting the status
Standby and Comp MCE are the two big ones. 21 day award fee probably happens once every two years or so, so I just have to look at that as a $40 fee per year.
The rest, not really at all. Especially with the lower costs recently, probably just end up buying first directly for the flights I do go on and just skip random weekend trips. Was fun while it lasted I guess.
Oct 23, 2016, 8:05 pm
#1875
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
do I need to know more details for my ticket price?
I purchased a rt jfk-zrh-jfk (for April 2017) on AA.COM (flying on AA metal).
Fare: $270.00
Taxes/fees: $673.86
Total: $943.86
The EQD rules note:
Ticket price (base fare plus carrier-imposed fees, excluding any government-imposed taxes and fees) on American-marketed flights
How much of the $673.86 are "govt imposed fees"?
The price breakdown (noted above) is ALL that is noted on my receipt.
Fare: $270.00
Taxes/fees: $673.86
Total: $943.86
The EQD rules note:
Ticket price (base fare plus carrier-imposed fees, excluding any government-imposed taxes and fees) on American-marketed flights
How much of the $673.86 are "govt imposed fees"?
The price breakdown (noted above) is ALL that is noted on my receipt.