AAdvantage program changes rumored Oct 2021
Oct 1, 2021 | 7:41 am
#106
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,775
Being DCA based, it means I still end up flying AA quite a bit since they offer me the most non-stops. But I'll just as happily take DL or AS and typically prefer the destination's flag carrier out of IAD on international trips.
Last edited by Beltway2A; Oct 1, 2021 at 7:47 am Reason: Grammar
Oct 1, 2021 | 8:15 am
#107
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 31,464
I'm not sure we're operating on the same definition of free agency. What I mean is that for any individual trip, I buy the ticket that (1) is non-stop or has the fewest stops and (2) offers me the most value for my money, including buying up to Y+. I don't "go" to any program.
Being DCA based, it means I still end up flying AA quite a bit since they offer me the most non-stops. But I'll just as happily take DL or AS and typically prefer the destination's flag carrier out of IAD on international trips.
Being DCA based, it means I still end up flying AA quite a bit since they offer me the most non-stops. But I'll just as happily take DL or AS and typically prefer the destination's flag carrier out of IAD on international trips.
Oct 1, 2021 | 8:23 am
#108
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,775
To me being a free agent is someone who can afford to buy and does buy F class tickets meaning loyalty is moot at this point. Loyalty to AA will give me free good Y seats (free agent would have to pay), upgrades once in a blue moon and preferential treatment during irregular operations. At least I'd like to think that!
I do aim for J (or Y+ at a minimum) when flying internationally.
Oct 1, 2021 | 8:26 am
#109
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,474
You could book tickets for a family member or friend and have them pay you back in cash at 1cpm. Technically not permitted (iirc) but Im sure your friend who you book a flagship first transcon ticket (recent finds of one ways for 35k miles or $2-3k cash) for and only charge then $350 wont complain.=p
Oct 1, 2021 | 9:12 am
#110
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,651
That's what I was thinking. Alaska has OW + some oddball partners they retained like KE or SQ. If EQM is at parity between Alaska and AAdvantage, there's absolutely no reason whatsoever to stay with AAdvantage unless your employer shells out for full fare Y all the time.
The only thing AA has over Alaska is EQM on BA PE fares - 1x on Alaska, 1.5x on AA.
The only thing AA has over Alaska is EQM on BA PE fares - 1x on Alaska, 1.5x on AA.
Last edited by stupidhead; Oct 1, 2021 at 9:25 am
Oct 1, 2021 | 10:06 am
#111
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DL: Gold; BA: Silver; AA: PLAT PRO; UA: Silver; HY: Globalist; HH: Gold; MR: TIT
Programs: PHL (& occasionally EWR/LGA/JFK)
Posts: 1,727
Oct 1, 2021 | 10:37 am
#112
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,474
That's what I was thinking. Alaska has OW + some oddball partners they retained like KE or SQ. If EQM is at parity between Alaska and AAdvantage, there's absolutely no reason whatsoever to stay with AAdvantage unless your employer shells out for full fare Y all the time.
The only thing AA has over Alaska is EQM on BA PE fares - 1x on Alaska, 1.5x on AA.
The only thing AA has over Alaska is EQM on BA PE fares - 1x on Alaska, 1.5x on AA.
Oct 1, 2021 | 10:59 am
#113
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 36,866
At least until a couple of years ago, buying a $40K Airpass would get you CK. I haven't looked into it recently. So yeah, $250K is absurd. The others seem in line (I remember EXP being granted with a $25K Airpass, for example).
Oct 1, 2021 | 11:03 am
#114
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 309
I may well be in the minority, but purely EQD based status would be a good deal for me.
I usually finish 1 or 2 levels above my status in terms of EQD, as Im flying high dollar low mile flights for the most part.
Would put me in a decent place in the upgrade line, as opposed to being capped by status level.
I usually finish 1 or 2 levels above my status in terms of EQD, as Im flying high dollar low mile flights for the most part.
Would put me in a decent place in the upgrade line, as opposed to being capped by status level.
Oct 1, 2021 | 11:04 am
#115
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: USA
Programs: American Airlines (Executive Platinum), Hyatt (Globalist), Hilton (Diamond), IHG (Diamond)
Posts: 3,251
The other numbers arent even close. Most current EXP wouldnt even be Gold under the numbers in that post.
Oct 1, 2021 | 11:13 am
#116
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 36,866
Oct 1, 2021 | 11:14 am
#117
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,651
Yeah looks like it. JL's PE earnings are kind of pathetic across the board. For me the main appeal for Alaska is EQMs on SQ. Pretty sure a round trip JFK-SIN or IAH-MAN-SIN in PE alone is enough to get silver.
Oct 1, 2021 | 11:32 am
#118
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium, UA Gold (*G), DL Silver, Makers Mark Ambassador
Posts: 5,068
This makes me so glad I just cashed in 140k AAdvantage miles for IAH-DOH-MLE QSuites for my honeymoon. AAdvantage balance currently sitting at 319 miles.
Oct 1, 2021 | 11:47 am
#119
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: USA
Programs: American Airlines (Executive Platinum), Hyatt (Globalist), Hilton (Diamond), IHG (Diamond)
Posts: 3,251
Are speculative award bookings the smart play here? Any downside potential?
Oct 1, 2021 | 12:00 pm
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: Top Tier with all 3 alliances
Posts: 20,036
The combination of raising redemption levels and the re-opening of the US for foreign visitors after November will be a disaster...