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 6, 2016, 7:46 am
#1
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
REACTION, DISCUSSION: EQD, status tier, upgrade changes as of 6 Jun 2016
This thread was originally started by whatupbovice to announce the several coming changes to the AAdvantage program, including "EQD" (Elite Qualifying Dollar) credit that AA will require from those seeking status in 2017 and onward. The thread was split; this part is dedicated to reactions and rumination, not facts about the changes. (For details, glossary and links, please read the wikipost at the top of the page.)
For facts and questions seeking factual answers, etc. please use JUST THE FACTS: EQD, status tier, upgrade changes as of 6 Jun 2016
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Last edited by JDiver; Sep 14, 2016 at 10:06 pm
Jun 6, 2016, 10:11 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Columbia, SC
Programs: AA Plat, SPG/Marriot Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Expl
Posts: 2,363
REACTION, DISCUSSION: EQD, status tier, upgrade changes as of 6 Jun 2016
This is still too vague and ripe for carnage-qualifying:
As well as this, for EQD earning:
Also, if you're going to be over 50K EMQs this year, don't bother pushing for I-can't-say-it-so-stupid-name-it-hurts:
OMG, "Platinum Pro"? :headdesk:
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.
Flights marketed by oneworld® carriers and Alaska Airlines will earn EQDs based on a percentage of the flight distance and the fare class purchased.
If I reach 75,000 EQMs or 90 EQS during 2016, will I qualify for Platinum Pro in 2017?
No, qualification for Platinum Pro does not begin until January 1, 2017 and requires meeting the minimum EQD threshold in addition to the EQM or EQS threshold.
No, qualification for Platinum Pro does not begin until January 1, 2017 and requires meeting the minimum EQD threshold in addition to the EQM or EQS threshold.
Jun 6, 2016, 10:11 am
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,399
EXP at 100,000 status miles (or 120 segments) and $12,000 spend getting 11 redeemable miles per dollar looks good compared to DL.
Using spend to prioritize upgrades will essentially reverse the waitlist on average since last minute tickets are the most expensive (unless someone deliberately buys refundable/changeable fares).
Using spend to prioritize upgrades will essentially reverse the waitlist on average since last minute tickets are the most expensive (unless someone deliberately buys refundable/changeable fares).
Jun 6, 2016, 10:14 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SLC
Programs: DL PM, Hilton/Marriott Gold
Posts: 971
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.
Jun 6, 2016, 10:14 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
How will award miles and EQDs be calculated for Lifetime AirPass members?
Lifetime AirPass members (Limited and Unlimited) will earn award miles as they do today, based on the distance of the flight. EQDs will be awarded based on 20% of the flight distance.
I feel like that gives a bit of a hint as to how much we can expect to earn on non-AA coded flights, since it won't be a straight $ value for EQD. Obviously that will vary based on fare class.
Lifetime AirPass members (Limited and Unlimited) will earn award miles as they do today, based on the distance of the flight. EQDs will be awarded based on 20% of the flight distance.
I feel like that gives a bit of a hint as to how much we can expect to earn on non-AA coded flights, since it won't be a straight $ value for EQD. Obviously that will vary based on fare class.
Jun 6, 2016, 10:14 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K (until it expires then never again), *wood Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 9,239
Just noticed this tidbit on the VFTW - which is not stated on the AA page -
. "But Concierge Key members earning their status via spending will now have priority for upgrades for Executive Platinums who aren’t spending enough to become Concierge Key."
Also I suppose inline with UA and GS re:upgrades, but I think there are fewer CKs than GSs so probably not the end of the world.
. "But Concierge Key members earning their status via spending will now have priority for upgrades for Executive Platinums who aren’t spending enough to become Concierge Key."
Also I suppose inline with UA and GS re:upgrades, but I think there are fewer CKs than GSs so probably not the end of the world.
Jun 6, 2016, 10:15 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,533
Jun 6, 2016, 10:15 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA Concierge Key, Marriott Titanium Elite, National Executive Elite
Posts: 326
Some of these changes are great for CKs and other high spenders! Pretty much will always be at the top of the upgrade list even when Exec Plats are bountiful... This solve
What is most exciting to me about the changes is this gem here:
About damn time!
What is most exciting to me about the changes is this gem here:
Award tickets
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.
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.
Jun 6, 2016, 10:15 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Cincinnati, OH USA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 178
Jun 6, 2016, 10:34 am
#11
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Nothing really new or innovative here (even the name of their new fourth tier is really derivative). I'll be making Platinum this year thanks to a international Business Class trip and I'll have no chance to keep it next year, but I may make a run for Platinum Pro just for fun and because I'll be close.
On another note, I am glad I'm a Million Miler, at least I'll keep some status no matter what my spend. Even in a good year it's rare I spend more than $2000 on AA.
On another note, I am glad I'm a Million Miler, at least I'll keep some status no matter what my spend. Even in a good year it's rare I spend more than $2000 on AA.
Jun 6, 2016, 10:38 am
#13
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Western PA
Programs: AA EXP/2MM
Posts: 441
Not surprised by the introduction of EQD since, as noted, everyone else has it.
But still somewhat ironic considering AA has been so aggressive in trying to push the "buy Gold" for $650 or whatever when they now want a minimum of $3000 spend to earn the same status.
Personally, I would have preferred boosting EXP a bit (say 125k EQM) and moving PLT into the middle (say 75k EQM) and sticking with three levels.
But still somewhat ironic considering AA has been so aggressive in trying to push the "buy Gold" for $650 or whatever when they now want a minimum of $3000 spend to earn the same status.
Personally, I would have preferred boosting EXP a bit (say 125k EQM) and moving PLT into the middle (say 75k EQM) and sticking with three levels.
Jun 6, 2016, 10:38 am
#14
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 226
I purchase my ticket in a different currency, how will award miles and EQDs be determined?
The base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges will be converted to USD (based on the 5-day IATA rate on the date the ticket was issued) and this amount will be awarded as your award miles and EQDs.
The base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges will be converted to USD (based on the 5-day IATA rate on the date the ticket was issued) and this amount will be awarded as your award miles and EQDs.
Jun 6, 2016, 10:38 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Anywhere
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 674
12 cents per mile EQD is not bad. And the upgrades get better. Three improvements I see:
- No longer being at the bottom of the list when booking last minute is nice.
- Upgrades on award travel.
- In the odd year I don't make EXP, I still get unlimited upgrades (at much lower priority, of course) as Platinum Pro (ugh, that name!).
- No longer being at the bottom of the list when booking last minute is nice.
- Upgrades on award travel.
- In the odd year I don't make EXP, I still get unlimited upgrades (at much lower priority, of course) as Platinum Pro (ugh, that name!).