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
Jul 15, 2016, 11:08 am
#1456
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,192
I used to travel BOS - LGA last min purchases paying $700 +. I always used to choose AA even though i could get more miles with Delta with no status and better schedule.
I didnt care when I earned only 2000 RDM and 1000 EQM for $700 fare. But now i have to meet the EQD and EQM. So, if I take 10 trips between BOS-LGA paying $700 each time, my EQM is just 10K and EQD is 7K. If I should be rewarded for my spend, i should have a way to get status by spend threshold also.
The way I look at this whole thing, they should just throw a bone to us instead of making it one sided.
I didnt care when I earned only 2000 RDM and 1000 EQM for $700 fare. But now i have to meet the EQD and EQM. So, if I take 10 trips between BOS-LGA paying $700 each time, my EQM is just 10K and EQD is 7K. If I should be rewarded for my spend, i should have a way to get status by spend threshold also.
The way I look at this whole thing, they should just throw a bone to us instead of making it one sided.
Jul 15, 2016, 4:11 pm
#1457
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: 22,319
Why should someone who buys the available published fare, which might be $150 today or $550 next week be penalized even though they are flying the same flight as the person sitting next to him (with the same status) just because the other person happened to buy a more expensive fare for the same flight.
The CASM for the Big 3 carriers is around 10 cents. Using that metric, the "break-even" point per passenger on a LAX-BOS flights is just around $260. Now of course, the CASM is just an average. As a one-hour flight costs much more to operate (per mile flown) than a five-hour flight. But on the other hand, you can schedule more one-hour flights in the same amount of time as a five-hour flight; and thus, fly more passengers.
Jul 15, 2016, 4:14 pm
#1458
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/SFO & ORD
Programs: LT Gold/BA Executive Club/AS MP/Marriott
Posts: 1,646
But maybe you can answer this question which I have posed here, yet no one has responded to... Why should someone paying $150 on a flight from LAX to BOS be earning the same amount of FF miles for that flight as the person sitting next to him (with the same status) who is paying $400 for his ticket?
For those who have purchased a ticket in advance and need to make last second changes - AA charges for that as well as a fare difference so its not a loss on that end either.
AA would not be able to run an efficient business if most people purchase a last-minute fare, even if its more expensive. IMHO cash-flow would be too erratic.
As far as I'm concerned right now simply wasn't the best time for Parker & Kirby to make drastic changes and alienate a number of loyal flyers.
^ Might even be lower.
Jul 15, 2016, 4:24 pm
#1460
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, AA Gold, A3 Gold, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,251
What's the feeling? As someone who generally flies partners I think it's reasonable news. Nothing wildly different from the guesses of 25-30% flown miles equating to EQD on paid I and J fares.
The only downside I see is that it won't be possible to fly to the USA on a BA ticket comprising AA flights on the BA codeshare and use SWUs to get into First. However I am happy to give up those as the 77W J is perfectly acceptable.
The only downside I see is that it won't be possible to fly to the USA on a BA ticket comprising AA flights on the BA codeshare and use SWUs to get into First. However I am happy to give up those as the 77W J is perfectly acceptable.
Jul 15, 2016, 4:27 pm
#1461
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,148
I'm pleased. This keeps me with AA now. With 2x long J trips on QR each year, this is great news. I'll hit the EQD on just those 2 trips alone now.
What's the feeling? As someone who generally flies partners I think it's reasonable news. Nothing wildly different from the guesses of 25-30% flown miles equating to EQD on paid I and J fares.
The only downside I see is that it won't be possible to fly to the USA on a BA ticket comprising AA flights on the BA codeshare and use SWUs to get into First. However I am happy to give up those as the 77W J is perfectly acceptable.
The only downside I see is that it won't be possible to fly to the USA on a BA ticket comprising AA flights on the BA codeshare and use SWUs to get into First. However I am happy to give up those as the 77W J is perfectly acceptable.
Jul 15, 2016, 4:31 pm
#1463
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: BSL
Programs: AA (EXP); among others :)
Posts: 2,526
This is way better than I feared it would be. As long as I don't fly the cheapest Y fares (which earn 5% EQD per mile flown), things are looking pretty good.
Especially premium economy and heavily discounted business class, with earnings between 20% and 25% will mean that it's almost business as usual for me.
Except that I will spend my money on partners instead of on aa.com like I did up to now.
Especially premium economy and heavily discounted business class, with earnings between 20% and 25% will mean that it's almost business as usual for me.
Except that I will spend my money on partners instead of on aa.com like I did up to now.
Jul 15, 2016, 4:33 pm
#1464
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,148
Jul 15, 2016, 4:34 pm
#1465
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, AA Gold, A3 Gold, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,251
This is way better than I feared it would be. As long as I don't fly the cheapest Y fares (which earn 5% EQD per mile flown), things are looking pretty good.
Especially premium economy and heavily discounted business class, with earnings between 20% and 25% will mean that it's almost business as usual for me.
Except that I will spend my money on partners instead of on aa.com like I did up to now.
Especially premium economy and heavily discounted business class, with earnings between 20% and 25% will mean that it's almost business as usual for me.
Except that I will spend my money on partners instead of on aa.com like I did up to now.
Jul 15, 2016, 4:41 pm
#1466
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: 22,319
If someone is more EQM-driven, they are better off sticking with AA coded flights. If someone is more EQD-driven, then the partner flights become more attractive. And of course, if someone wants to apply a SWU, then AA-operated flights are the only option. However, in terms of people choosing BA or JL over AA, from AA's perspective, it's a wash.
Jul 15, 2016, 4:54 pm
#1467
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 80
A few thoughts:
- very harsh on Y class flyers especially those flying CX (zero EQD credit for most economy seats). Basically impossible to hit EXP flying economy on partners. Doesn't affect me but will suck for a lot of people.
- agree with the above that EQM becomes the bottleneck for international flyers using partners. Unless you're flying to cities operated by AA, it can be a bit tough to hit the EQM target with a EQM multiple of just 1.5x on business. Surprised they aren't offering at least 2x EQP for F class on partners.
- the RDM changes seem fair. I might see a slight increase net.
Overall agree there weren't any big surprises. I hope they bump up the EQP multiples a bit for partners. The changes will definitely cull the EXP ranks which is probably a good thing. I'll continue to analyze this though, a lot to digest.
- very harsh on Y class flyers especially those flying CX (zero EQD credit for most economy seats). Basically impossible to hit EXP flying economy on partners. Doesn't affect me but will suck for a lot of people.
- agree with the above that EQM becomes the bottleneck for international flyers using partners. Unless you're flying to cities operated by AA, it can be a bit tough to hit the EQM target with a EQM multiple of just 1.5x on business. Surprised they aren't offering at least 2x EQP for F class on partners.
- the RDM changes seem fair. I might see a slight increase net.
Overall agree there weren't any big surprises. I hope they bump up the EQP multiples a bit for partners. The changes will definitely cull the EXP ranks which is probably a good thing. I'll continue to analyze this though, a lot to digest.
Jul 15, 2016, 5:03 pm
#1468
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, AA Gold, A3 Gold, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,251
In comparison with BA's programme, EXP is still more difficult to get that BA Gold however the EQDs ratios isn't too bad and doesn't make EXP any harder for those who fly paid J and F on partners.
For discount Y it's pretty poor, but then the BA programme is poor for this group of fliers too.
On balance I will likely stick with AA earning but will buy tickets through partner channels and on partner codes when flying EU to USA. Previously I would have purchased through AA on AA codes to use the SWUs.
Net change for me, more flying in J when on AA and more SWUs to gift to friends and family! If I switch to the BA programme I wouldn't get SUWs (or the BA equivalent) anyway so no real loss and I can spend the next 2 years pushing to the 2 million mark so I have lifetime plat.
For discount Y it's pretty poor, but then the BA programme is poor for this group of fliers too.
On balance I will likely stick with AA earning but will buy tickets through partner channels and on partner codes when flying EU to USA. Previously I would have purchased through AA on AA codes to use the SWUs.
Net change for me, more flying in J when on AA and more SWUs to gift to friends and family! If I switch to the BA programme I wouldn't get SUWs (or the BA equivalent) anyway so no real loss and I can spend the next 2 years pushing to the 2 million mark so I have lifetime plat.
Last edited by mrow; Jul 15, 2016 at 5:12 pm
Jul 15, 2016, 5:16 pm
#1469
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,900
So let me get this straight.
If we look at Cathay, I have a flight like this KUL-HKG(D,25%)-JFK(F,30%)-YVR(F-30%).
Plugging into GCmap, it seems that all earn roughly 400 dollars for KUL-HKG,$2421.00 for HKG-JFK, and $750 JFK-YVR. Thats roughly $3500 for one way, $7000 for one way.
Miles are calculated 100% + 50%? thats it? theres obviously no bonus then.
Edit..so long as Its not AA codeshare, Im earning more, which seems good to me.
If we look at Cathay, I have a flight like this KUL-HKG(D,25%)-JFK(F,30%)-YVR(F-30%).
Plugging into GCmap, it seems that all earn roughly 400 dollars for KUL-HKG,$2421.00 for HKG-JFK, and $750 JFK-YVR. Thats roughly $3500 for one way, $7000 for one way.
Miles are calculated 100% + 50%? thats it? theres obviously no bonus then.
Edit..so long as Its not AA codeshare, Im earning more, which seems good to me.
Jul 15, 2016, 5:29 pm
#1470
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 80
EXP is still more difficult to get that BA Gold
the EQDs ratios isn't too bad and doesn't make EXP any harder for those who fly paid J and F on partners.
I'll still be fine because I'll get to 80-90k EQM (at least) on my trips with AA's partners. I'll hit the 100k EQM target through my domestic travel, which shouldn't be hard at all if I buy J-class a time or two. AA should probably rethink this part because it's going to send all my high-spend, international travel to their partners and only a small amount of my domestic travel (lowest spend by far) to them.