Dec 17, 2021, 11:25 am
Last edit by: jbeckett
American Airlines announced that starting in 2022, the way to earn Elite status has changed. No more Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM), Elite Qualifying Segments (EQS), or Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQD)!
Now, you can get AA Elite status by earning Loyalty Points (LPs): https://aadvantagestatus.com/?anchor...=newaadvantage
How many LPs do I need for elite status?
How do I earn LPs?
Flying
What you get for redeemable miles (RDM) is what you'll get for LPs.
AA and B6 flights:
No status: 5 LPs per $ spent in base fare plus fees (excludes taxes)
Gold: 7 LPs per $
Platinum: 8 LPs per $
Plat Pro: 9 LPs per $
EXP: 11 LPs per $
Partner flights (other than B6):
Distance flown x accrual rate* x (1 + cabin bonus + elite bonus**)
* Certain discount fares earn less than 100% of miles flown. In those cases, the discounted accrual rate (0% to 75% depending on the partner and the fare class) should be applied to the flown miles. Otherwise, the accrual rate is 100%. If there is a cabin bonus, it should not be added to the accrual rate; it is applied separately within the parentheses. The accrual rate can never be more than 100%.
** 40% for GLD, 60% for PLT, 80% for PRO, 120% for EXP.
So for example, an EXP on a 5000-mile flight on QR booked in J would earn 5000 x 100% x (1 + 25% + 120%) = 5000 x 1 x 2.45 = 12250 LPs.
A PLT on the same flight booked in P would earn 5000 x 75% x (1 + 0% + 60%) = 5000 x .75 x 1.6 = 6000 LPs.
Earning chart for QR
Here's a great online LP calculator:
https://lpcalculator.com/#/calculator/
AAdvantage non-flying partners:
Generally, 1 LP per base mile earned. But in many cases you can earn large bonuses that post as base miles; see link here: https://exploreamerican.com/newaadva...nloyaltypoints
There are differences among how these programs work, ranging from minor to significant, in terms of awarding LPs. You will need to skim through the thread as there are too many different promo offers to address here. But here are the popular ones:
BookAAHotels and RocketMiles: You can earn large mileage bonuses here, separated into "base" miles and "promo" miles by the portals. For now they are all posting as base miles on aa.com, but there is a suspicion that the "promo" miles may start posting as bonus miles (and so would not count as LP). You don't even have to actually check in or stay at the hotel as long as you pay for the stay.
SimplyMiles: You must link a MasterCard to the account. Then you can add their promos to your card by activating the offers. When you accept one of their offers and then pay for it using your linked card, you will get the associated miles which currently post as base miles on aa.com.
AAdvantage eShopping: Once you click through the AAdvantage eShopping portal to a vendor offer and make a purchase, you will eventually get the associated miles posted to your AAdvantage account as both redeemable miles and Loyalty Points. If the merchant advertises an increase in the miles per dollar spent, you'll earn the higher amount in both redeemable miles and an equal number of Loyalty Points. The same applies if a merchant advertises a higher fixed amount per purchase, rather than a per dollar amount. Examples of this would appear on the portal as, "Extra miles. Was 1 mile/$. Now earn 3 miles/$" or "Extra miles. Was up to 3700 miles. Now up to 6200 miles." However, if the website advertises a "Limited-time bonus offer" for "bonus miles" after meeting a spending threshold, that bonus will only post as redeemable miles and not Loyalty Points. If a bonus is offered for some site-wide activity such as 1000 miles for installing an extension, or 500 miles for enrolling in the portal, or 2000 miles for meeting a spending threshold across multiple merchants, the bonus will only post as redeemable miles and not Loyalty Points.
(If a vendor has offers with both SimplyMiles and eShopping, activate the offer on SimplyMiles first and then make the purchase through eShopping with the MasterCard linked to your SimplyMiles account. Apparently that you can get a double-dip. You can also get a double-dip by stacking the promos with discount offers from your credit card issuers, basically reducing the cost to you.
Booking directly with hotels, car rental companies, etc.: The picture here is a bit unclear but it appears that if you book with a hotel that offers 5x miles, only 1 mile will post as base and the rest as bonus.
Credit card spend:
1 LP per $ spent on an AA branded card (except for one card which earns 0.50 LP per $ and several non-US cards which earn 2 LP per $). See the list of cards, and a lot more small print here: https://creditcards.aa.com/aadvantag...hange_ExecCard
What about spending bonuses?
E.g., your card gives 2x miles for hotels, or 3x for AA purchases, etc etc. These do NOT count.
These bonuses count:
Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard (the $450 annual fee card that gives Admirals Club access): 10K LP bonus when hitting $40K spend for the year.
AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard: 5K LP bonus when hitting $20K spend, another 5K LP bonus when hitting $40K spend, and another 5K LP bonus when hitting $50K spend for the year.
Do miles earned at Bask Bank count?
No.
Will Loyalty Points count toward Million Miler℠ status?
No, Million Miler℠ status will still be earned the same way as today, based on miles earned from flying with American and its partners.
Now, you can get AA Elite status by earning Loyalty Points (LPs): https://aadvantagestatus.com/?anchor...=newaadvantage
How many LPs do I need for elite status?
Code:
Gold: 40K Platinum: 75K Plat Pro: 125K EXP: 200K
Flying
What you get for redeemable miles (RDM) is what you'll get for LPs.
AA and B6 flights:
No status: 5 LPs per $ spent in base fare plus fees (excludes taxes)
Gold: 7 LPs per $
Platinum: 8 LPs per $
Plat Pro: 9 LPs per $
EXP: 11 LPs per $
Partner flights (other than B6):
Distance flown x accrual rate* x (1 + cabin bonus + elite bonus**)
* Certain discount fares earn less than 100% of miles flown. In those cases, the discounted accrual rate (0% to 75% depending on the partner and the fare class) should be applied to the flown miles. Otherwise, the accrual rate is 100%. If there is a cabin bonus, it should not be added to the accrual rate; it is applied separately within the parentheses. The accrual rate can never be more than 100%.
** 40% for GLD, 60% for PLT, 80% for PRO, 120% for EXP.
So for example, an EXP on a 5000-mile flight on QR booked in J would earn 5000 x 100% x (1 + 25% + 120%) = 5000 x 1 x 2.45 = 12250 LPs.
A PLT on the same flight booked in P would earn 5000 x 75% x (1 + 0% + 60%) = 5000 x .75 x 1.6 = 6000 LPs.
Earning chart for QR
Here's a great online LP calculator:
https://lpcalculator.com/#/calculator/
AAdvantage non-flying partners:
Generally, 1 LP per base mile earned. But in many cases you can earn large bonuses that post as base miles; see link here: https://exploreamerican.com/newaadva...nloyaltypoints
There are differences among how these programs work, ranging from minor to significant, in terms of awarding LPs. You will need to skim through the thread as there are too many different promo offers to address here. But here are the popular ones:
BookAAHotels and RocketMiles: You can earn large mileage bonuses here, separated into "base" miles and "promo" miles by the portals. For now they are all posting as base miles on aa.com, but there is a suspicion that the "promo" miles may start posting as bonus miles (and so would not count as LP). You don't even have to actually check in or stay at the hotel as long as you pay for the stay.
SimplyMiles: You must link a MasterCard to the account. Then you can add their promos to your card by activating the offers. When you accept one of their offers and then pay for it using your linked card, you will get the associated miles which currently post as base miles on aa.com.
AAdvantage eShopping: Once you click through the AAdvantage eShopping portal to a vendor offer and make a purchase, you will eventually get the associated miles posted to your AAdvantage account as both redeemable miles and Loyalty Points. If the merchant advertises an increase in the miles per dollar spent, you'll earn the higher amount in both redeemable miles and an equal number of Loyalty Points. The same applies if a merchant advertises a higher fixed amount per purchase, rather than a per dollar amount. Examples of this would appear on the portal as, "Extra miles. Was 1 mile/$. Now earn 3 miles/$" or "Extra miles. Was up to 3700 miles. Now up to 6200 miles." However, if the website advertises a "Limited-time bonus offer" for "bonus miles" after meeting a spending threshold, that bonus will only post as redeemable miles and not Loyalty Points. If a bonus is offered for some site-wide activity such as 1000 miles for installing an extension, or 500 miles for enrolling in the portal, or 2000 miles for meeting a spending threshold across multiple merchants, the bonus will only post as redeemable miles and not Loyalty Points.
- A separate thread exists to discuss the AAdvantage eShopping portal
- Another thread exists to discuss using the portal for a particular merchant, giftcards.com
- For additional questions about buying and using gift cards, refer to the separate Manufactured Spending forum.
(If a vendor has offers with both SimplyMiles and eShopping, activate the offer on SimplyMiles first and then make the purchase through eShopping with the MasterCard linked to your SimplyMiles account. Apparently that you can get a double-dip. You can also get a double-dip by stacking the promos with discount offers from your credit card issuers, basically reducing the cost to you.
Booking directly with hotels, car rental companies, etc.: The picture here is a bit unclear but it appears that if you book with a hotel that offers 5x miles, only 1 mile will post as base and the rest as bonus.
Credit card spend:
1 LP per $ spent on an AA branded card (except for one card which earns 0.50 LP per $ and several non-US cards which earn 2 LP per $). See the list of cards, and a lot more small print here: https://creditcards.aa.com/aadvantag...hange_ExecCard
What about spending bonuses?
E.g., your card gives 2x miles for hotels, or 3x for AA purchases, etc etc. These do NOT count.
These bonuses count:
Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard (the $450 annual fee card that gives Admirals Club access): 10K LP bonus when hitting $40K spend for the year.
AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard: 5K LP bonus when hitting $20K spend, another 5K LP bonus when hitting $40K spend, and another 5K LP bonus when hitting $50K spend for the year.
Do miles earned at Bask Bank count?
No.
Will Loyalty Points count toward Million Miler℠ status?
No, Million Miler℠ status will still be earned the same way as today, based on miles earned from flying with American and its partners.
Loyalty Points discussion/questions - From 2022 now used for determining elite status
Dec 15, 2021, 11:08 am
#1172
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: $9 Fare Club
Posts: 1,479
Also wondering if they switch up the sticker situation vis-a-vis EQMs for the PL/GLs amongst us.
Dec 16, 2021, 8:02 am
#1173
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,533
Also, I've been told that (so far) the charts and percentages that currently exist for partner RDM will not be changing.
Cheers.
Dec 16, 2021, 8:10 am
#1174
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,247
Dec 16, 2021, 9:20 am
#1175
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,041
Dec 16, 2021, 1:24 pm
#1176
formerly DreAAmliner
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 419
This is quite a deep thread and I have followed a lot of it, but please be kind if this is a dumb question;
I have never used SimplyMiles before (until the recent promo...). Can anyone confirm if the SimplyMiles points post as "Base Miles"?
If so, and based on the wording from AA FAQ (below), wouldn't one be able to donate $5,000 to Conservation International on 1/1/2022 and essentially have bought EXP "lite", assuming the $1:40 stays around?
As far as i can tell, this would be the cheapest and quickest way to get EXP "lite"? unless BaskBank pans out.
I have never used SimplyMiles before (until the recent promo...). Can anyone confirm if the SimplyMiles points post as "Base Miles"?
If so, and based on the wording from AA FAQ (below), wouldn't one be able to donate $5,000 to Conservation International on 1/1/2022 and essentially have bought EXP "lite", assuming the $1:40 stays around?
As far as i can tell, this would be the cheapest and quickest way to get EXP "lite"? unless BaskBank pans out.
Which AAdvantage® miles count toward earning Loyalty Points?
In the air: All base miles earned from flying on Loyalty Point-qualifying airlines (flights marketed by American Airlines, oneworld® airlines, and JetBlue). This includes:- Basic Economy tickets on American
- All status bonuses earned when flying on American Airlines and eligible partner airlines
Dec 16, 2021, 3:41 pm
#1177
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,658
This is quite a deep thread and I have followed a lot of it, but please be kind if this is a dumb question;
I have never used SimplyMiles before (until the recent promo...). Can anyone confirm if the SimplyMiles points post as "Base Miles"?
If so, and based on the wording from AA FAQ (below), wouldn't one be able to donate $5,000 to Conservation International on 1/1/2022 and essentially have bought EXP "lite", assuming the $1:40 stays around?
As far as i can tell, this would be the cheapest and quickest way to get EXP "lite"? unless BaskBank pans out.
I have never used SimplyMiles before (until the recent promo...). Can anyone confirm if the SimplyMiles points post as "Base Miles"?
If so, and based on the wording from AA FAQ (below), wouldn't one be able to donate $5,000 to Conservation International on 1/1/2022 and essentially have bought EXP "lite", assuming the $1:40 stays around?
As far as i can tell, this would be the cheapest and quickest way to get EXP "lite"? unless BaskBank pans out.
Which AAdvantage® miles count toward earning Loyalty Points?
In the air: All base miles earned from flying on Loyalty Point-qualifying airlines (flights marketed by American Airlines, oneworld® airlines, and JetBlue). This includes:- Basic Economy tickets on American
- All status bonuses earned when flying on American Airlines and eligible partner airlines
Of course most of the BIG offers expire Dec 31, 2021 - so they won't count as LP - unless I guess they take some time to post. So might be better to use these offers say Dec 30, 31.
Dec 16, 2021, 3:49 pm
#1178
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,658
The GE credit on the Silver card is worth basically $20/year and then only if you need it. The $25 or $50 Wi-Fi credit is only worth its face value if you actually use it (you're basically pre-paying for it). The daily F&B credit on the Silver card is actually worth it if you travel enough *and* buy food or beverages on board -- it can save money in the long run. I don't think I have ever paid for food or drinks on board. Ever. And the companion certificates seem like they have a dubious value because of their limitations and difficulty in booking.
So taking the credits aside, it seems like a $150 fee for the privilege of earning up to 15k extra LPs if you pump enough spend onto the card. What are people's opinions on whether that in itself justifies the extra fee?
So taking the credits aside, it seems like a $150 fee for the privilege of earning up to 15k extra LPs if you pump enough spend onto the card. What are people's opinions on whether that in itself justifies the extra fee?
Citi Exec only gives 2x. I don't know of any CC that gives better than 3X miles in your AAdvantage account for AA redemptions. AmEx Plat gives 5x but not usable on AA.
Dec 16, 2021, 4:22 pm
#1179
formerly DreAAmliner
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 419
My take on this is you would get LP based on the base amount - the offer amount, but not the 5X bonus that was offered.
Of course most of the BIG offers expire Dec 31, 2021 - so they won't count as LP - unless I guess they take some time to post. So might be better to use these offers say Dec 30, 31.
Of course most of the BIG offers expire Dec 31, 2021 - so they won't count as LP - unless I guess they take some time to post. So might be better to use these offers say Dec 30, 31.
Dec 16, 2021, 6:22 pm
#1180
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
If ur next trip is in Jam, I assume ur airfare is greater than $211. Remember qualification has an extra 2 months.
Dec 16, 2021, 7:36 pm
#1181
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, DL PM, Bonvoy Titanium (Plat Life), HH G, Amtrak, B6, MR
Posts: 1,548
If you buy your AA tickets with the Barclay card you get 3X RDM miles, versus 2X with the Red. Say you spend $10K on AA tickets that is an extra 10,000 RDM.
Citi Exec only gives 2x. I don't know of any CC that gives better than 3X miles in your AAdvantage account for AA redemptions. AmEx Plat gives 5x but not usable on AA.
Citi Exec only gives 2x. I don't know of any CC that gives better than 3X miles in your AAdvantage account for AA redemptions. AmEx Plat gives 5x but not usable on AA.
Dec 16, 2021, 9:33 pm
#1182
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Miami Beach FL, Philadelphia PA, and Oxfordshire UK
Programs: BA Gold, AA Executive Platinum, PriorityPass, Global Entry, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 737
With much respect to the AA forum mods, do you think a sticky or wiki is appropriate for this topic as like me, I’m sure lots of regulars have tons of questions. Maybe someone will pick up the baton!
Mine are -
What are the rules regarding SWU’s - I earned my ExP renewal in Sept 2021, before this announcement - fully expecting my 2022 SWU’s - will they still post?
When do AA credit card miles start affecting your loyalty points? Jan 1st? I have a lot of work expenses pending and rather post on my AA credit card to get those loyalty points, but only when I have to, otherwise I’ll use another credit card with good FF benefits.
Thanks for your help. Cheers.
Mine are -
What are the rules regarding SWU’s - I earned my ExP renewal in Sept 2021, before this announcement - fully expecting my 2022 SWU’s - will they still post?
When do AA credit card miles start affecting your loyalty points? Jan 1st? I have a lot of work expenses pending and rather post on my AA credit card to get those loyalty points, but only when I have to, otherwise I’ll use another credit card with good FF benefits.
Thanks for your help. Cheers.
Dec 16, 2021, 10:00 pm
#1183
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: in the vicinity of SFO
Programs: AA 2MM (LT-PLT, PPro for this year)
Posts: 19,781
There used to be a day or two delay between my statement closing and the miles post date, but lately it's same day, so if your statement date is late in the month that's not very helpful right now. In theory Citi might change your statement date, but I'm not sure if they can do it quickly enough for the current month.
Dec 17, 2021, 6:07 am
#1184
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
SWUs are available as part of your elite choice rewards. Log into your AA account then click on "Wallet" and you should see a link below Gifts and Rewards to choose your rewards. Through that link you can select SWUs or a different reward. Each choice gets you 2 SWUs. The Plat Pro choice only gives 1 SWU. I would recommend the 15% off award or the 20K bonus and use your EXP choice reward for the SWU since you get 2x more SWUs.
Dec 17, 2021, 8:20 am
#1185
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,533
SWUs are available as part of your elite choice rewards. Log into your AA account then click on "Wallet" and you should see a link below Gifts and Rewards to choose your rewards. Through that link you can select SWUs or a different reward. Each choice gets you 2 SWUs. The Plat Pro choice only gives 1 SWU. I would recommend the 15% off award or the 20K bonus and use your EXP choice reward for the SWU since you get 2x more SWUs.
One is already "real" EXP this year as they are getting the award options, there is no need for EQMs in the current year.
And, since EQM will not matter for qualification next year with the move to LP, even waiting until next year doesn't make EQM worth anything.
Is this just an anachronism (and maybe it will change to bonus LP in 2022?) or am I missing a reason why one might choose this?
Cheers.