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 13, 2016, 4:08 pm
#1006
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, AA Gold, A3 Gold, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,251
Jun 13, 2016, 4:14 pm
#1007
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NUW
Programs: Amex Plat, UA, AA ExPlat, AS, HHonors Diamond, Avis Preferred, Marriott, Priority Pass
Posts: 150
I did a search for any prior posts and was not able to find a post to the speculation that the ranks/size of the Executive Platinum folks will be reduced. What are your thoughts?
Jun 13, 2016, 4:31 pm
#1008
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
And it never happened.
Dont get your hopes up.
Plenty of OPM flyers for whom 12k will not be a barrier whatsoever.
Jun 13, 2016, 4:38 pm
#1009
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Over the North Atlantic
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 494
Even if all of your bookings are AA-coded, you still have to average 15,000 physical miles per trip.. Are you flying to HNL on all of these trips?
Jun 13, 2016, 4:51 pm
#1010
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, AA Gold, A3 Gold, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,251
).Total obviously depends on travel plans, but since 2009 I've not gone below 100k nor have I gone above 150k, with the bulk being EU-US travel. Usually 1 trip will be to Hawaii and 1 trip every 2 years will be to South America. Rest will be to Tampa, Baton Rouge/New Orleans and Kitchener/Toronto. In addition I generally aim to go to Asia/South Pacific every other year too.
So no, not all trips to HNL, although I can think of worse places to visit
Jun 13, 2016, 4:56 pm
#1011
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/SFO & ORD
Programs: LT Gold/BA Executive Club/AS MP/Marriott
Posts: 1,646
Bolding mine. Where would FT be without massive all-encompassing statements without any evidence?
Consider the position of someone like me, who travels 80ish segments a year, 100K+ miles BIS, domestic and international mix. 95% of it for work (OPM) All low-fare Y by policy. Plenty of "usefulness" comes from status:
Consider the position of someone like me, who travels 80ish segments a year, 100K+ miles BIS, domestic and international mix. 95% of it for work (OPM) All low-fare Y by policy. Plenty of "usefulness" comes from status:
To say the benefits are not as good as they used to be (TRUE) is not the same as to say there are no benefits. These (EQD) changes don't change that. The SWU changes still hurt more.
My criteria have to do with which carrier is likely to get me to my destination on time, in relative comfort, and with the most integrated travel experience across multiple destinations (including partners). Splitting things up over multiple LCCs, ULCCs doesn't satisfy that.
My criteria have to do with which carrier is likely to get me to my destination on time, in relative comfort, and with the most integrated travel experience across multiple destinations (including partners). Splitting things up over multiple LCCs, ULCCs doesn't satisfy that.
Credit cards offer lounges and now one can purchase lounge memberships (such as Priority Pass) without evening owning an airline credit card.
I think the most interesting take from my conversation with someone in the Executive Offices was their absolute surprise to some of the points I brought up.. it was like they had absolutely no idea how people think.
**She was definitely taking notes as well as I heard her typing
1- She said we are trying to reward the people that spend the most money; which I understand. However, I said, if you are buying your own $8,000 ticket do you really care about the frequent flyer program? My friends that can afford these tickets want 3 things: Best Service, Best Seats, Best Times, that's absolutely it.
She was amazed by that.
**She was definitely taking notes as well as I heard her typing
1- She said we are trying to reward the people that spend the most money; which I understand. However, I said, if you are buying your own $8,000 ticket do you really care about the frequent flyer program? My friends that can afford these tickets want 3 things: Best Service, Best Seats, Best Times, that's absolutely it.
She was amazed by that.
Whoever this person was, she really needs to get a clue.
In fact, since DL/UA and now AA have started this mass devaluation, we haven't seen a recession.
I wouldn't be surprised if the "Big 3" offer a lot of incentives for the (ex)loyal fliers to come back to them. IMHO might be too late by then.
Jun 13, 2016, 5:27 pm
#1012
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 466
The "NEW" AA: Best guess: EQD's and Pall list?
I posted this in the Discussion thread regarding the CHANGES to the AA program.... but perhaps it got lost in ALL the comments.... so here is my post again.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Best guess: EQD's and Pall list?
Do you think EQD's will show up on the Pall List?
Once the upgrade system moves to use EQD"S as the basis for the priority of upgrades, it would be interesting to see what kind of spend it takes to be 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the upgrade list.
If that information does not end up in the Pall list, any idea where it might be researched?
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Best guess: EQD's and Pall list?
Do you think EQD's will show up on the Pall List?
Once the upgrade system moves to use EQD"S as the basis for the priority of upgrades, it would be interesting to see what kind of spend it takes to be 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the upgrade list.
If that information does not end up in the Pall list, any idea where it might be researched?
Jun 13, 2016, 5:30 pm
#1013
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
Once the upgrade system moves to use EQD"S as the basis for the priority of upgrades, it would be interesting to see what kind of spend it takes to be 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the upgrade list.
If that information does not end up in the Pall list, any idea where it might be researched?
If that information does not end up in the Pall list, any idea where it might be researched?
Could you imagine the privacy implications? Not to mention the actual numbers will be a closely guarded trade secret, so I'm fairly certain they can't be "researched" anywhere unless someone seriously breaks their NDA.
Jun 13, 2016, 5:44 pm
#1014
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 466
While I don't like to idly speculate on things, in this case I'm comfortable saying: absolutely, positively, without a doubt, no chance in heck.
Could you imagine the privacy implications? Not to mention the actual numbers will be a closely guarded trade secret, so I'm fairly certain they can't be "researched" anywhere unless someone seriously breaks their NDA.
Could you imagine the privacy implications? Not to mention the actual numbers will be a closely guarded trade secret, so I'm fairly certain they can't be "researched" anywhere unless someone seriously breaks their NDA.
Jun 13, 2016, 5:47 pm
#1015
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 5,456
I imagine the algorithm that ranks pax in order on the PALL list will have access to the spend/EQD data. The GAs and other airport agents won't actually be able to see the numbers, just the relative ranking of pax.
Jun 13, 2016, 5:48 pm
#1016
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
I'd imagine the same information that's now on the list to "validate" the order: passenger code, status, and rank order (which is currently determined by time of request, and next year by rolling EQD).
Jun 13, 2016, 5:59 pm
#1017
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
I posted this in the Discussion thread regarding the CHANGES to the AA program.... but perhaps it got lost in ALL the comments.... so here is my post again.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Best guess: EQD's and Pall list?
Do you think EQD's will show up on the Pall List?
Once the upgrade system moves to use EQD"S as the basis for the priority of upgrades, it would be interesting to see what kind of spend it takes to be 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the upgrade list.
If that information does not end up in the Pall list, any idea where it might be researched?
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Best guess: EQD's and Pall list?
Do you think EQD's will show up on the Pall List?
Once the upgrade system moves to use EQD"S as the basis for the priority of upgrades, it would be interesting to see what kind of spend it takes to be 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the upgrade list.
If that information does not end up in the Pall list, any idea where it might be researched?
Jun 13, 2016, 6:02 pm
#1018
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,433
I am interested to see whether AA will proactively contact people when they see their flying schedules drop off.
I do circa 100-150k in paid J (and maybe 1 or 2 paid F thrown in if the price is right), all EU-US. Next year I will be doing the same flying but will likely be flying the carriers offering the best price-service trade off. I am sure I won't be alone, but the $12k target for me to push to AA for EXP just means it's not feasible to continue with EXP.
I do circa 100-150k in paid J (and maybe 1 or 2 paid F thrown in if the price is right), all EU-US. Next year I will be doing the same flying but will likely be flying the carriers offering the best price-service trade off. I am sure I won't be alone, but the $12k target for me to push to AA for EXP just means it's not feasible to continue with EXP.
Jun 13, 2016, 6:07 pm
#1019
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
2) Access to EXP desk, which used to be a big benefit and is now an okay one
3) Upgrades from J to F
4) General priority in Irrops, etc. and other ancillary benefits
But I agree that the advantages are a lot more limited than someone with a fair amount of domestic flying as well. I'd think going for BA Gold would probably make the most sense for someone who principally flies EU->US in premium cabins. No reason to complain about it here; just switch programs.
Jun 13, 2016, 6:17 pm
#1020
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, AA Gold, A3 Gold, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,251
In addition, my premium flying has only really kicked off in the last 3 years. Prior to this I was very much a discount Y flyer (similar travel patterns), in which case the EVIPs were a fantastic asset as were the domestic Y->F upgrades. I still get quite some value from the EVIPs now when upgrading to F on the 77Ws and for use by friends/family.
But now, the value question is an interesting one. I guess I've always been aiming for 2MM mark and LT Plat. I'm fairly close to that now and if I'm completely honest, there is a slight emotional attachment associated with completing something I set out to achieve.