donotblink

As more and more companies add global and domestic travel restrictions, I'm wondering what type of concessions Bridget Blaise-Shamai is considering for AAdvantage in 2020. I'm wondering if we'll see a promo for double EQM or EQD later in the year, or any sort of incentives to book over the next few weeks, like offering double redeemable miles or book X trips get a certificate for a free trip.

TheBOSman

AS has announced a promo today, 50% more EQM on all AS operated flights through April 11:

https://www.alaskaair.com/promo/AS2008

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

For now I don't see but that could rapidly change. Still, Parker giving out DEQDs I doubt. We'd have to see a 2009 decline or worse. I guess if DL and UA do so then AA would feel force to follow suit.

aztimm

US has done a variety of promos in the past, from, "everything counts," to double miles on all flights, and nearly everything in between. I wouldn't put anything past them at this point.
I remember people buying flowers to top off their accounts, rather than flying, in December one year.

wetrat0

I recall the "good old days" (in quotes because the economy wasn't so good) where there were routinely double-EQM promotions (e.g. Promo: Double EQM - again! DBLEQ, Sep 2 - Dec 15 2009 (consolidated)).

I'm not sure how this will work now in the era of EQD-- I suppose that both EQD and EQM could be doubled (otherwise simply doubling EQM wouldn't do much for many elites). But I'm sure we'll see some sort of promotion this year. If there is going to be double EQM this year I selfishly hope that it is announced before I fly my $3000 Finnair J fare to Asia this summer, which will already generate 33k EQM (assuming that trip doesn't get canceled).

JonNYC

100% guaranteed

bse118

I'm currently about to board the last segment of what will likely be my last trip for 2-3 months. The meetings and events I travel to are getting canceled.

If the meetings are canceled or the company shuts down travel, an EQM promotion isn't going to get me to buy a plane ticket.

Such promotion needs to come, if it happens, during the transition back to normal period, not the current period.

ijgordon

I bet they just waive the EQD requirements (in addition to whatever EQM bonuses they offer).

ryan182

Every major tech company in Seattle has put travel on hold and moved from "you can" to "you should" work from home, in person meetings have largely been prohibited as well so not surprised that flights in/out of SEA are empty this month.

mvoight

I remember some triple mile promos, which got EXP and PLTs 4x total, all counting toward MM status. Without that, I would not have my lifetime status.
Coupled with some below $100 transcon fares, it was not difficult to put some sweat equity into getting mileage awards and SWUs for family travel. Of course, that sweating was reduced after getting EXP and a lot of upgrades

LHSEN

If any, I guess it would only be after the situation, then, some “analysis” before anything will happen. My view, it is sensible to adjust qualification requirement for this year, but not to freely extend status to another year.

MikeFly

I have already had a lot of intl. trips cancelled so I am hoping that AA does what they did after 9/11 - a blanket your status will carryover regardless if you qualify or not.

Often1

This really doesn't belong in the AA forum because the same issues and motivations affect both the carrier and the consumer respecting others as well.

There will be some fits and starts with promotions, fares, and other bells & whistles, but if this all settles in, one can't replace solid corporate travel with leisure bookings (and still make money). If major tech employers in Seattle stop corporate travel, that can't be replaced by offering cheap weekend fares to somewhere which worries people in the first place.

The fears about travel will only increase as the full impact of being quarantined, perhaps overseas, becomes known. The hardship and cost, particularly for those who can't work remotely, will dampen the enthusiasm for a vacation package which is cheaper and includes some FF benefits.

This will all come down to bailouts, just because air carriers aren't something which can be mothballed for 90-120 days and then restarted.

iadisgreat

I'm sure they will, though as someone who's had no travel curtailed and don't expect to cancel any trips, I'll be a bit annoyed that I actually flew for my status. I guess my rolling EQD will keep me at the top of the upgrade lists which is a nice consolation.

I can't imagine the panic will last much longer - each day it becomes clear that unless you're infirm, your risk is essentially the same as the flu - plus my understanding is that community spread is a good sign as that means people get it without symptoms, pushing the fatality rate down even more. I'm not a doctor or public health official though.

morrisunc

Best I ever saw but didn't participate in was with United - post 9/11 I think - where if you completed a certain number of flights under certain parameters you could get up to a free round-the-world ticket in business class ticket. My parents both easily got the rtw ticket and my sister got a free biz ticket to europe.