I agree with this unless you really need those 4 extra SWU's.

How about rolling EQDs? (for upgrades)

Fully agree. Yes, there is some incremental benefit with getting more SWUs/EQDs or working towards a higher status, but it does seem that of all the years this is the one with lowest opportunity cost for using award miles for oneself.

And especially when I'm seeing some of the Web Specials to Europe/Asia lately (42-50k miles in J)

Of course, whether or not the current situation reaches a point where it is feasible to travel to either of those regions at any time later this year is another story.

I can’t think they will change EQD’s for upgrades. If you are flying now you are helping more than if you aren’t flying. Remember this is still a lot better than UA where upgrades are more based on each ticket vs yearly spend.

Of course as a high dollar last minute coach ticket buyer I am a little biased. 😆

Sure they will matter since upgrades within an elite group are decided on the basis of a 12month rolling EQD balance

A simple question, hopefully. On 31 December 2020, what will happen to the EQM and EQD already earned this year. Will they be zeroed out as usual. Thanks!!

I think they will zero out but you will stay at least at the same level you obtained by 12/31/2019. In 2021 you will then need to re-earn your status. I don't believe AA is doing a roll over.

Therefore there is no incentive to fly AA later this year, as my EQM and EQD balance will start as zero on January 1st 2021 regardless. Not exactly a good marketing strategy in my opinion.

While the EQM and EQD will zero out on Jan 1st, the rolling 12 month EQD used for upgrade prioritization will still be a factor. But fundamentally agree this year is probably a good time to use miles as an elite.

Of course there is-- SWU's!

If you are not already EXP, there are reduced EQM/EQD requirements in 2020 to up-Tier for 2021. If travel is possible in Q4, it would be easier to qualify. I am a non-status AAdvantage member but could earn Platinum Pro for a little over $1800 & EXP for about $2800. Wouldn't that marketing entice people who are not EXP to fly a little more in the later half of the year?

James

Has anyone seen the extension in their account? I got a notice when logging in after this was announced that they extended it, but it's still set to expire on 1/31/21 not 1/31/22.

I recall that AA said the update would occur 15May.

Mine says "Keep flying to enjoy this status
(through Jan 31, 2022)"

This is normal, it's saying to keep flying to get your EQD/EQM to get status through 1/31/22.. there's another one towards the top that shows your current status expiration date.