Jan 18, 2015, 1:29 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
FAQ: "In Recognition of Outstanding Service Excellence" Employee Recognition & Certificates AKA "Above and Beyond" Certificates, Previously "Round of Applause" program)
(including how to meaningfully compliment employees using Twitter)
N.B. This “Applause” program has been the "Round of Applause" program and later the "Above and Beyond" program, based on US Airways' original "Above and Beyond" program, with changes to what employees can win in now quarterly draws.
Much of the original information about this program was posted by members HNL and JonNYC. Recent updates thanks to sukn and NovaEngr.
Updated 16 Aug 2015 - JDiver
(including how to meaningfully compliment employees using Twitter)
N.B. This “Applause” program has been the "Round of Applause" program and later the "Above and Beyond" program, based on US Airways' original "Above and Beyond" program, with changes to what employees can win in now quarterly draws.
Q. I received some certificates titled "In Recognition of Outstanding Service Excellence"; what are they and how do they work?
A. These certificates, also called “Applause” "Above and Beyond" and "Round of Applause"), are mailed to elite AAdvantage members with their status credentials. The number of certificates is based upon their specific Elite status as follows:
Requests for More Certificates: "Unfortunately, requests for additional or replacement certificates cannot be honored." (However, some members claim they've called and been issued more.)
The certificates are numbered with a 12 digit code and intended to be given out to employees who who "go beyond the call of duty to truly make a difference when customers fly" as a form of passenger-generated employee recognition to those They can be handed to or otherwise given (ask other employees how they'd like these - you could mail or email and include the 12 digit certificate code) to "all active American (and U.S.) and American Eagle employees worldwide up to and including Management Level 4 are eligible to participate in the employee recognition program."
Original certificates did not have an expiration date.
A. These certificates, also called “Applause” "
- Executive Platinum - 10 certificates
- Platinum Pro - unknown
- Platinum - 8 certificates
- Gold - 6 certificates
Requests for More Certificates: "Unfortunately, requests for additional or replacement certificates cannot be honored." (However, some members claim they've called and been issued more.)
The certificates are numbered with a 12 digit code and intended to be given out to employees who who "go beyond the call of duty to truly make a difference when customers fly" as a form of passenger-generated employee recognition to those They can be handed to or otherwise given (ask other employees how they'd like these - you could mail or email and include the 12 digit certificate code) to "all active American (and U.S.) and American Eagle employees worldwide up to and including Management Level 4 are eligible to participate in the employee recognition program."
Original certificates did not have an expiration date.
Q. How do employee recognition certificates benefit employees?
A. The certificates are not entered into employee's files at this time (as reported by employees) unlike letters and other communications regarding employee recognition. The certificates are entered (using Jetnet, employee identification and the 12 digit code) into quarterly drawings:
"AA has adopted the US Air(ways) program so the drawings, which used to be monthly, are now quarterly. The drawings used to be for 25k miles but now it is various monetary sums...."
Verified and originally posted by sukn and NovaEngr.
A. The certificates are not entered into employee's files at this time (as reported by employees) unlike letters and other communications regarding employee recognition. The certificates are entered (using Jetnet, employee identification and the 12 digit code) into quarterly drawings:
"AA has adopted the US Air(ways) program so the drawings, which used to be monthly, are now quarterly. The drawings used to be for 25k miles but now it is various monetary sums...."
- 10 employees $10,000 each
- 100 employees $1,000 each
- 250 employees $250 each
Verified and originally posted by sukn and NovaEngr.
Q. How do I use an employee recognition certificate?
A. You may personally hand a certificate to any AA (including wholly owned subsidiaries) employee; they're pre-printed with your name and FFN, you can add brief feedback, and the employee will add their information as necessary.
You may also "award" a certificate by phone - the employee will need the 12 digit code from the certificate you have. (Certificates are designed for single use, so it's a good idea to dispose of used certificates awarded this way, or if you wish to retain it you may want to annotate it as used.)
You may still write a letter or use the "Contact AA" e-mail form to pass on your commendation to AA, as the certificates neither go to supervisor / management nor to be appended to the employee's record.) And read on about using Twitter to register your compliments.
A. You may personally hand a certificate to any AA (including wholly owned subsidiaries) employee; they're pre-printed with your name and FFN, you can add brief feedback, and the employee will add their information as necessary.
You may also "award" a certificate by phone - the employee will need the 12 digit code from the certificate you have. (Certificates are designed for single use, so it's a good idea to dispose of used certificates awarded this way, or if you wish to retain it you may want to annotate it as used.)
You may still write a letter or use the "Contact AA" e-mail form to pass on your commendation to AA, as the certificates neither go to supervisor / management nor to be appended to the employee's record.) And read on about using Twitter to register your compliments.
Q. what else can I do to reward an exceptional employee?
A. You can use Twitter - @AmericanAir - to tweet your compliments. The AA Social Media Twitter team will log your comments, which are forwarded to the employee's supervisor and added to their employee file.
A. You can use Twitter - @AmericanAir - to tweet your compliments. The AA Social Media Twitter team will log your comments, which are forwarded to the employee's supervisor and added to their employee file.
Q. Which employees benefit from "Applause" certificates?
All AA employees below the director level from our mainline and wholly owned carriers (Envoy, Piedmont and PSA) are eligible for the program. Employees of non-owned carriers or AA contractors (e.g. Club bartenders and cleaning staff, employees of Compass et al, etc.) do not qualify for the benefits offered by Applause chits.
All AA employees below the director level from our mainline and wholly owned carriers (Envoy, Piedmont and PSA) are eligible for the program. Employees of non-owned carriers or AA contractors (e.g. Club bartenders and cleaning staff, employees of Compass et al, etc.) do not qualify for the benefits offered by Applause chits.
Q. Wasn't the original "Round of Applause" certificate for miles drawings?
A. The certificates originally could be entered by employees by using the 12 digit code on Jetnet in monthly random drawings for chances to win 25,000 AAdvantage miles.
"One-hundred winners will be chosen monthly and announced on Jetnet on the 15th of each month following the drawing. The first drawing will be on December 1st and on the first of each month thereafter with the final drawing on May 1, 2007." N.B. Employees were required to pay taxes on these "winnings" just as we are taxed on non-"earned" miles won in contests.
A. The certificates originally could be entered by employees by using the 12 digit code on Jetnet in monthly random drawings for chances to win 25,000 AAdvantage miles.
"One-hundred winners will be chosen monthly and announced on Jetnet on the 15th of each month following the drawing. The first drawing will be on December 1st and on the first of each month thereafter with the final drawing on May 1, 2007." N.B. Employees were required to pay taxes on these "winnings" just as we are taxed on non-"earned" miles won in contests.
Q. What did the "Round of Applause" certificates replace?
A. The program superseded the "You're SomeOne Special" ("SOS") program as of 2006. Three SOS certificates could be used for one round trip positive space; certificates could be used for merchandise discounts or gift certificates. They were very popular.
A. The program superseded the "You're SomeOne Special" ("SOS") program as of 2006. Three SOS certificates could be used for one round trip positive space; certificates could be used for merchandise discounts or gift certificates. They were very popular.
Links to related resources:
Employee reactions: Question for AA Crew: Your preference on Applause Certs
The archive can be searched for posts by AAFA, jrhone, skylady and sluggoaafa; they are also linked to in the OP.
Other ways of providing employee feedback / recognition:
These are merged, archival threads with information about the SOS program, its benefits, discontinuation and how some attempted to appeal to AA or create their own responses:
The LUS thread: Above and Beyond Certificates (now AA & US - see Combined forum) posts have been merged into this thread (17 October 2017).
Link to ARCHIVE: "Rounds of Applause" Employee Recognition and Certificates
You're Someone Special - SOS program employee recognition [merged]
You're SomeOne Special Program (SOS) - Discontinued [merged]
and Appeal to AA (and attempts) to bring back the SOS / SomeOne Special program [merged]
Employee reactions: Question for AA Crew: Your preference on Applause Certs
The archive can be searched for posts by AAFA, jrhone, skylady and sluggoaafa; they are also linked to in the OP.
Other ways of providing employee feedback / recognition:
Originally Posted by AA.com
Compliment/Complaint/Comment
Contact Information (including)
"We want to be sure we hear from you. Please verify that you are on the correct country version of aa.com, by checking the country flag displayed at the top of the page. Then submit your comments or inquiries using the link below: "
Email AA Customer Relations (pops up AA e-form)
Other relevant Contact Information
Mail/Overnight mail
American Airlines Customer Relations
4000 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 817-786-3778
Fax: 480-693-2300
Contact Information (including)
- Praise/Compliments
- Concerns/Complaints
- Suggestions/Comm
"We want to be sure we hear from you. Please verify that you are on the correct country version of aa.com, by checking the country flag displayed at the top of the page. Then submit your comments or inquiries using the link below: "
Email AA Customer Relations (pops up AA e-form)
Other relevant Contact Information
Mail/Overnight mail
American Airlines Customer Relations
4000 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 817-786-3778
Fax: 480-693-2300
The LUS thread: Above and Beyond Certificates (now AA & US - see Combined forum) posts have been merged into this thread (17 October 2017).
Link to ARCHIVE: "Rounds of Applause" Employee Recognition and Certificates
You're Someone Special - SOS program employee recognition [merged]
You're SomeOne Special Program (SOS) - Discontinued [merged]
and Appeal to AA (and attempts) to bring back the SOS / SomeOne Special program [merged]
Updated 16 Aug 2015 - JDiver
Applause Outstanding Service Excellence Employee Recognition Certs / Chits
Jan 21, 2023, 10:03 am
#211
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: CMH, CLE, CAK
Programs: AA, Hertz, Hyatt, Hilton
Posts: 206
Feb 13, 2023, 10:22 am
#212
formerly wchinchen
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Honolulu
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,309
Just wanted to recognize the best AA FA I have met so far. His service was what you would expect on foreign carriers with American humor.
Flew AA2200 from DFW to PDX on 2/12, and the flight attendant name is Timo.
-He remembered everyone's last name in the FC cabin without the iPad.
-Took everyone's predeparture drink order and there were complicated ones that morning; everyone got it and had time to finish. Not the typical water or OJ option.
-Proactive service, and constantly monitored the cabin for refills/finished trays items. He never sat down for the entire 3 hour flight. An example, I went to use the restroom, and came back with my iced coffee refilled without even asking, since I've been drinking the same drink the entire flight.
-Elevated service, meaning service with care and elegance that you see on foreign carriers (ie. Qatar Airlines). But add in US humor, so not as stiff service. Little touches of using linen lined servicing tray, using tongs to actually serve bread (versus some FA just lets the passenger grab the bread?); dessert presented well.....
-15 minutes prior to landing, instead of sitting down and cleaning the cabin, he offered a hot towel service, called "scalding hot towels."
-He went around 5-10 minutes prior to landing, and thanked every one individually for flying AA.
-Joked with passengers; and laughter throughout the entire cabin.
In the end, I didn't have any chits, but wrote in a positive feedback through AA email. He makes AA great, and sets the standard for an excellent FA. Hopefully he gets to teach and train new FAs of what AA service should be like. If you guys have him as an FA, definitely the more positive feedback the better.
Flew AA2200 from DFW to PDX on 2/12, and the flight attendant name is Timo.
-He remembered everyone's last name in the FC cabin without the iPad.
-Took everyone's predeparture drink order and there were complicated ones that morning; everyone got it and had time to finish. Not the typical water or OJ option.
-Proactive service, and constantly monitored the cabin for refills/finished trays items. He never sat down for the entire 3 hour flight. An example, I went to use the restroom, and came back with my iced coffee refilled without even asking, since I've been drinking the same drink the entire flight.
-Elevated service, meaning service with care and elegance that you see on foreign carriers (ie. Qatar Airlines). But add in US humor, so not as stiff service. Little touches of using linen lined servicing tray, using tongs to actually serve bread (versus some FA just lets the passenger grab the bread?); dessert presented well.....
-15 minutes prior to landing, instead of sitting down and cleaning the cabin, he offered a hot towel service, called "scalding hot towels."
-He went around 5-10 minutes prior to landing, and thanked every one individually for flying AA.
-Joked with passengers; and laughter throughout the entire cabin.
In the end, I didn't have any chits, but wrote in a positive feedback through AA email. He makes AA great, and sets the standard for an excellent FA. Hopefully he gets to teach and train new FAs of what AA service should be like. If you guys have him as an FA, definitely the more positive feedback the better.
Apr 19, 2023, 10:09 am
#213
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP; Avis PC; Hertz PC; Marriott LT Gold; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,133
Just found some certificates that expired 3/31/23. I recall hearing that these don't really expire - is that true? I ordered more, but until them come I don't want to give out useless certificates.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Apr 20, 2023, 5:47 am
#214
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 821
Apr 20, 2023, 9:16 am
#215
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: NYC, SEA
Programs: Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP, DL PM, AS 100k (fake), B6 M3 (fake), BA Gold (fake), UA FO.
Posts: 740
Forgive the n00b question, but how does one go about ordering more? I see that the wiki mentions that officially no extras are given, but that some have managed to get more anyway.
Apr 20, 2023, 9:40 am
#216
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, WOH Globalist
Posts: 1,160
Apr 25, 2023, 5:49 am
#218
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 821
In the past, maybe 4 to 5 years ago, I called to request more. AA mailed them out to me.
Apr 25, 2023, 12:15 pm
#219
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: GSP
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 221
Mar 18, 2024, 2:15 pm
#221
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum; HHonors Diamond;Emerald Club Executive Elite
Posts: 285
I haven't handed one of these out in ages as it seems that service is mediocre at best, but more likely just piss-poor. I don't understand the complete disintegration over the past few years.
Mar 19, 2024, 6:11 am
#222
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Scarsdale, NY USA; LT PLT AA; AA 3 mm (4 mm will never happen); Hilton Diamond, Marriott Silver, AA is clueless why I fly
Posts: 754
I kept forgetting to hand one out the past few flights but remembered the other day. While it does little for the flight attendant, I always premise it by saying, "I know this isn't much but I wanted to thank you for your great service."
Mar 19, 2024, 7:16 am
#223
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: AA 1MM/Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,215
Ended up sending a response on the website.
The FA wrote her name down as well as the flight info. She seemed to be genuinely appreciative of the recognition. I told her that she was the best FA I’ve ever had on AA. The couple across the aisle expressed similar sentiments to her.
The FA wrote her name down as well as the flight info. She seemed to be genuinely appreciative of the recognition. I told her that she was the best FA I’ve ever had on AA. The couple across the aisle expressed similar sentiments to her.
Mar 19, 2024, 10:30 am
#225
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: DCA - PDX - LAX
Programs: AA Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, AS 75k
Posts: 767