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
Jun 10, 2016, 1:16 pm
#901
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
- snip -
There is, but it isn't what you think it is.
Airlines see the miles they give out for travel on aircraft as liabilities.
Airlines see the miles they give out through sales to third parties (credit cards, travel suppliers, malls, outright purchase by customers) as revenue.
There is, but it isn't what you think it is.
Airlines see the miles they give out for travel on aircraft as liabilities.
Airlines see the miles they give out through sales to third parties (credit cards, travel suppliers, malls, outright purchase by customers) as revenue.
Jun 10, 2016, 1:40 pm
#902
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ROC/NYC/MSP/LAX/HKG/SIN
Posts: 3,215
Exactly. The airlines want to reduce the costs of their FF programs. And while people are bringing up the $600 1,000 mile RT ticket versus the $600 U.S.-Asia ticket in regards to the RDM earning variation. What about people on the same flight? Why should someone who is booked on a $150 "G" fare on a flight be earning the same amount of miles as the person sitting next to him paying $400 for a "M" fare?
Look at how quickly the terms change in AS article.
FWIW -
UA - I have 1.x MM with United - would be over 2MM if I stayed. I had enough when they went to $$$ annual spend after already having... 2-4-2 Business Class PLUS not all econ fares are upgradable /aka you are paying for the free upgrade. For me Annual Spend was the third strike. And their new business class is years away from being even mostly implemented. (And no first class, so expect business class to be even harder to get.)
DL - was an elite there via challenge when I was leaving UA. I liked the service on board very much, but, hated the crazy packed DL lounges, the random switching of my FC seats and the spend.
That leaves us with AA revised program - Even with annual spend and fewer certs, I get 1-2-1 business class, international FC lounge access and any fare is upgradable. For me, that is enough to mostly stick with AA for now. Another downgrade and I may reconsider alliances or simply go 100% free agent.
UA - I have 1.x MM with United - would be over 2MM if I stayed. I had enough when they went to $$$ annual spend after already having... 2-4-2 Business Class PLUS not all econ fares are upgradable /aka you are paying for the free upgrade. For me Annual Spend was the third strike. And their new business class is years away from being even mostly implemented. (And no first class, so expect business class to be even harder to get.)
DL - was an elite there via challenge when I was leaving UA. I liked the service on board very much, but, hated the crazy packed DL lounges, the random switching of my FC seats and the spend.
That leaves us with AA revised program - Even with annual spend and fewer certs, I get 1-2-1 business class, international FC lounge access and any fare is upgradable. For me, that is enough to mostly stick with AA for now. Another downgrade and I may reconsider alliances or simply go 100% free agent.
Jun 10, 2016, 1:46 pm
#903
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
I am not following your point. Do you mean you can pay a co-pay and upgrade any fare?
Jun 10, 2016, 1:58 pm
#904
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
Latest update from Alaksa seems to be that they're not switching to a revenue model.
But this is really only helpful if you: (a) live in Seattle or Alaska (or San Francisco post-VX merger) or (b) care more about RDMs than upgrades. Sure, you'll probably have better redemption opportunities on Alaska and will be able to upgrade on Alaska flights, but their network is pretty limited and there's really no meaningful opportunity to upgrade on long-haul international flights.
I think Alaska is a great airline and fly them when I can, but I don't think they're going to be a reasonable replacement for AA or AAdvantage for a lot of people.
But this is really only helpful if you: (a) live in Seattle or Alaska (or San Francisco post-VX merger) or (b) care more about RDMs than upgrades. Sure, you'll probably have better redemption opportunities on Alaska and will be able to upgrade on Alaska flights, but their network is pretty limited and there's really no meaningful opportunity to upgrade on long-haul international flights.
I think Alaska is a great airline and fly them when I can, but I don't think they're going to be a reasonable replacement for AA or AAdvantage for a lot of people.
Jun 10, 2016, 2:06 pm
#905
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
Latest update from Alaksa seems to be that they're not switching to a revenue model.
Just look at what AA did earlier in the year to BA mileage earnings. It used to be 100% for all economy fares. Then it became a range from 25% to 100% depending on the fare class booking. And this was while they were still a mileage-based-earning FF program.
Jun 10, 2016, 2:11 pm
#906
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
You just hit the nail on the head why American knows it can get away with this, recession or no. They have the routes, more than any other carrier on a worldwide basis. Yes, in certain regions and for certain routes, American's competitors offer more direct routes or convenient connections. For those of us who travel frequently across various world regions, all other things being equal, American has that advantage. And now that there is frequent flyer program parity amongst all carriers, American has the upper hand it needed to roll back entitlements that set its program apart. 
Jun 10, 2016, 2:16 pm
#907
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,814
Latest update from Alaksa seems to be that they're not switching to a revenue model.
But this is really only helpful if you: (a) live in Seattle or Alaska (or San Francisco post-VX merger) or (b) care more about RDMs than upgrades. Sure, you'll probably have better redemption opportunities on Alaska and will be able to upgrade on Alaska flights, but their network is pretty limited and there's really no meaningful opportunity to upgrade on long-haul international flights.
I think Alaska is a great airline and fly them when I can, but I don't think they're going to be a reasonable replacement for AA or AAdvantage for a lot of people.
But this is really only helpful if you: (a) live in Seattle or Alaska (or San Francisco post-VX merger) or (b) care more about RDMs than upgrades. Sure, you'll probably have better redemption opportunities on Alaska and will be able to upgrade on Alaska flights, but their network is pretty limited and there's really no meaningful opportunity to upgrade on long-haul international flights.
I think Alaska is a great airline and fly them when I can, but I don't think they're going to be a reasonable replacement for AA or AAdvantage for a lot of people.
Glad to hear it was a false alarm.
Jun 10, 2016, 2:44 pm
#908
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 18
Can someone please clarify:
After 8/1 i understand that redeemable miles will be based on spend, but miles earned towards elite status level are still based on distance flown?
In 2017, miles earned towards elite status is still based on distance flown + the various minimum $ spend ?
I don't really care about earning redeemable miles because I never seem to be able to use them. PL or EXP is more important to me.
Thanks
After 8/1 i understand that redeemable miles will be based on spend, but miles earned towards elite status level are still based on distance flown?
In 2017, miles earned towards elite status is still based on distance flown + the various minimum $ spend ?
I don't really care about earning redeemable miles because I never seem to be able to use them. PL or EXP is more important to me.
Thanks
Jun 10, 2016, 2:51 pm
#909
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
Can someone please clarify:
After 8/1 i understand that redeemable miles will be based on spend, but miles earned towards elite status level are still based on distance flown?
In 2017, miles earned towards elite status is still based on distance flown + the various minimum $ spend ?
I don't really care about earning redeemable miles because I never seem to be able to use them. PL or EXP is more important to me.
Thanks
After 8/1 i understand that redeemable miles will be based on spend, but miles earned towards elite status level are still based on distance flown?
In 2017, miles earned towards elite status is still based on distance flown + the various minimum $ spend ?
I don't really care about earning redeemable miles because I never seem to be able to use them. PL or EXP is more important to me.
Thanks
Jun 10, 2016, 3:18 pm
#910
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/SFO & ORD
Programs: LT Gold/BA Executive Club/AS MP/Marriott
Posts: 1,646
I got a response from AS Twitter as well.
"@Jacobin777 We are not changing anything. The report was incorrect. -Rachel"
Just because they are not going to a revenue-based model, does not mean they will not reduce mileage earnings. @:-)
Just look at what AA did earlier in the year to BA mileage earnings. It used to be 100% for all economy fares. Then it became a range from 25% to 100% depending on the fare class booking. And this was while they were still a mileage-based-earning FF program.
Just look at what AA did earlier in the year to BA mileage earnings. It used to be 100% for all economy fares. Then it became a range from 25% to 100% depending on the fare class booking. And this was while they were still a mileage-based-earning FF program.
I know it really doesn't help if one is thinking about switching out of AA for 2018 but it is something to consider.
Jun 10, 2016, 3:19 pm
#911
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ROC/NYC/MSP/LAX/HKG/SIN
Posts: 3,215
In NYC-KIX Sept 2016 that I have been looking:
UA W - $1150
AA O/Q - Similar. But they don't fly from US to KIX, so you either have to eat the Y seat in JL, or connect in any other countries that eVIPs take you.
To SYD, I give you that. AA's lowest fare is almost always lower than UA W.
Jun 10, 2016, 3:57 pm
#912
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM; UA 1K; AA 1MM
Posts: 4,520
I jumped from UA to AA 3 years ago. My experience is that I enjoy the customer service at AA, the higher chance of upgrade (~50%, but I usually buy tickets closer in) and the use of first class lounge during international travel, but hated the delays -- 30-40% of all my flights have been delayed, most of these caused misconnections. The delays seem to be particularly bad at Dallas, which I'm either avoid or just allow >2 hour connecting time.
With the latest changes I'm thinking about jumping again. I travel ~100k miles a year, average spend ~10-12 c/mile. Half of my travel is domestic, 1/4 to Europe and 1/4 to Asia. From what I can see:
UA: I have been with UA a long time; if I go back I can achieve MM status in a couple of years.
Delta: the best on-time performance. I do like the AAgents who are very good at taking care of me during misconnections, but hey, if the flights are on time, I may not need them.... But I heard the upgrades are rare.
Oh the all-knowing board of FT, which of the big 3 should I choose??
With the latest changes I'm thinking about jumping again. I travel ~100k miles a year, average spend ~10-12 c/mile. Half of my travel is domestic, 1/4 to Europe and 1/4 to Asia. From what I can see:
UA: I have been with UA a long time; if I go back I can achieve MM status in a couple of years.
Delta: the best on-time performance. I do like the AAgents who are very good at taking care of me during misconnections, but hey, if the flights are on time, I may not need them.... But I heard the upgrades are rare.
Oh the all-knowing board of FT, which of the big 3 should I choose??
Jun 10, 2016, 4:08 pm
#913
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
My point being, whether or not the lowest upgradeable fare W in UA is always way higher than any fare (Q/O) in AA depends highly on routes.
In NYC-KIX Sept 2016 that I have been looking:
UA W - $1150
AA O/Q - Similar. But they don't fly from US to KIX, so you either have to eat the Y seat in JL, or connect in any other countries that eVIPs take you.
To SYD, I give you that. AA's lowest fare is almost always lower than UA W.
In NYC-KIX Sept 2016 that I have been looking:
UA W - $1150
AA O/Q - Similar. But they don't fly from US to KIX, so you either have to eat the Y seat in JL, or connect in any other countries that eVIPs take you.
To SYD, I give you that. AA's lowest fare is almost always lower than UA W.
Jun 10, 2016, 5:20 pm
#915
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM; UA 1K; AA 1MM
Posts: 4,520
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.