Nov 21, 2012, 10:53 am
Last edit by: Prospero
American Airlines Business Extra® Program (master thread)
Historical Notes
Key Information
Note: older posts have been archived to ARCHIVE: Business Extra Program master thread (consolidated)
Historical Notes
- October 5th, 2021: New award types introduced: BXL1 for Platinum status and BXP0 to convert Business Extra points to AA miles at a 1:6 rate. New requirement introduced to redeem: Starting January 1, 2023, current members will be required to have three unique travelers and maintain $5,000 in qualifying Business Extra flight activity during the previous 12-month period to redeem points.This policy will go into effect immediately for new members who join the program on October 4, 2021 or later.
- Feb 2018 - BXP1, BXP2, BXP3 Upgrade Certificates can be redeemed electronically, without the need to redeem or submit paper certificates. [URL="https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29470237-post1150.html"[/url]
- Dec 2015 - Unannounced more-restrictive changes to BXP upgrade certificates implemented. [URL="http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/898180-business-extra-program-master-thread-consolidated.html#post25942133"[/url]
- Nov 2015 - Europe AA Business Extra closed and migrated to AA-BA-IB On Business [URL="http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage-combined-airline-program/1715008-aa-ba-ib-europe-business-programme-nov-30-2015-ex-business-extra-europe.html"[/url]
- Oct 2014 - Business Extra Awards may be redeemed for flights on US Airways
- Sep 2013 - Business ExtrAA brand changed to simply Business Extra
- Sep 2012 - Upgrade Awards are no longer restricted to use within 30 days of travel [url=http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19345217-post394.html[/url]
Key Information
- Promotion Codes - For a current list of Business ExtrAA promotions, see: Business ExtrAA Bonus Offers (consolidated)
- Point Expiration - Business Extra points expire on a rolling basis, two years after the year in which they are earned, on December 31 at midnight U.S. Central Time. Their validity can not be extended.
- Award Redemption - All awards must be redeemed via the Business Extra website. Flight Awards are delivered electronically via email with an Electronic Authorization Number. Upgrade Awards and Admirals Club Day Passes are delivered in paper certificate form via regular mail. Redemption sweeps occur twice per week and expedited delivery is available if you provide your FedEx/UPS account number via email. Gold Status and Admirals Club Membership awards are processed and active in the member's account after approximately one week, with other membership materials delivered in the mail within 4 weeks.
Note: BE awards must be booked on nonstop flights if they are available between your origin and destination.
- Award Inventory Codes - Per Meeting Services, Business Extra Awards book into the following inventory (although there are conflicting reports from mvoight and InsipidMonkey on whether or not this information is accurate for PlanAAhead Awards, for which availability may be significantly less than MileSAAver Award and/or T inventory availability):Award Type Books Into
PlanAAhead - Economy T
PlanAAhead - Business* U
PlanAAhead - First† Z
AAnytime - Economy Y
AAnytime - Business* J
AAnytime - First† F
Upgrade to Business* C
Upgrade to First† A
* = First class cabin on 2-class flights
† = First class cabin on 3-class flights
- Flight Award Reservations - Award Tickets must be booked through AA Meeting Services at 1-800-433-1790 (U.S. and Canada; others contact your local reservations office), and you will need to provide the Reservations Agent with the Electronic Authorization Number from your award certificate. As of Oct 2012, flight awards can be booked without a telephone booking service charge.
- Flight Award Expiration - As published on the Business Extra website, Award Tickets must be booked within one year of redeeming the certificate, and are then valid for one year from booking:
Award ticket must be issued by midnight one year from the original award redemption date. Tickets issued against Business Extra flight awards are then valid for one year from the ticket issue date. - Upgrade Award Reservations - Upgrade Awards may be applied once a reservation is Ticketed by calling AA Meeting Services or using the Business Extra website. Once requested online you will receive an email with a confirmation number and serial numbers for each upgrade certificate requested.
Upgrade Awards carry fare restrictions (excludes B, N, O, Q or S fares). Take careful note of your fare when making a reservation. It is possible to "Upfare" a reservation from the lowest available fare to an BXP-upgrade-eligible fare by placing it on Hold at AA.com, calling AA to request the desired higher fare basis code, then completing the purchase online.
You can specify ITA searches that exclude the ineligible fares as follows:jfk:: aa /f ~bc = b & ~bc = n & ~bc = o & ~bc = q & ~bc = s
(Or you can place everything after the slash directly in the second advanced control box.)
These filters can also be concatenated with other commands, such as maximum duration, separated with a semicolon:jfk:: aa /maxdur 800 ; f ~bc = b & ~bc = n & ~bc = o & ~bc = q & ~bc = s
- Upgrade Award Expiration - Electronic BXP Upgrade Awards are valid for 1 year from redemption. Previously, paper Upgrade Awards were valid thru Jun 30 or Dec 31 of the following year, with the exact date depending on the batch of certificates available at the time of redemption.
- Returning Unused Awards - Points redeemed for awards but not yet applied to a ticket can be returned for no charge by using the 'returns' option in your account options. Points will be reinstated with an expiration date 2 calendar years from reinstatement (i.e., expiring on December 31 two calendar years from reinstatement). For awards already applied to a ticket, you must call Business ExtrAA customer services at 800-457-7072, or email [email protected]. Customers outside the US should use the email.
- Business Extra Account Credit - A Business Extra number can be added to an existing reservation (for example, booked by a third-party travel agent) by calling AA Meeting Services.
A Business Extra number can be added to an existing BA reservation as follows:- Go to www.britishairways.com
- Select 'Manage My Booking' tab
- Follow the instructions to pull up your reservation
- Select the link towards bottom listed under 'Quick Links' 'Add On Business or Business Extra number'
- Add your Business Extra number and check the box to give your consent.
Retroactive credit for completed travel can be requested via the Business Extra website.
- Contact Business Extra
Web home page: https://www.businessextra.com
Booking and Ticketing (Meeting Services desk)
www.aa.com
1-800-433-1790 5:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight (CT) 7 days a week
Business Extra Customer Service
1-800-457-7072 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CT) Monday - Friday
Fax: 1-817-931-9029
E-mail: [email protected]
Link to aa.com BE contact web form
http://www.aa.com/contactAA/viewEmai...businessExtrAA
Link to BE web contact form
Note: older posts have been archived to ARCHIVE: Business Extra Program master thread (consolidated)
Business Extra ("ExtrAA") Program (master thread)
Dec 27, 2021, 6:03 pm
#1546
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vail, CO
Programs: AA EXP/1mm, Marriott Titanium/LT Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 626
I have a transcon coming up in paid business class. Looks like F seats are still for sale but A=0. Do any of you have experience with A opening up close to flight time and if it does, what is the best way to upgrade? Can it be done at the airport? Or do you have to call? The BE website seems not to be allowing for online upgrades.
Dec 29, 2021, 10:40 am
#1547
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PHX
Posts: 4,787
For BE upgrades, the best (and pretty much only) way to have it done is to make sure it is done before the airport. Agents at the airport have no idea what to do with Business Extra certificates on the waitlist. You can definitely call Meeting Services and have them waitlist. Monitor for A upgrade space opening up, and then call to make sure it gets applied and re-ticketed.
IME the system has become better at auto-upgrading waitlisted BE upgrades, but it's still not 100%.
IME the system has become better at auto-upgrading waitlisted BE upgrades, but it's still not 100%.
Dec 31, 2021, 7:39 am
#1548
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: RIC
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Delta Plat, Bonvoy Platinum, Honors Diamond, WOH Globalist
Posts: 126
I have about 3500 points expiring tomorrow, so went on-line to convert to AAdvantage miles. No dice, error messages every time. The system seems to think a list of employees or member AAdvantage numbers will pop up and I get to pick one, but nothing shows when I try to select an account. Of course, I tried calling and the office is closed for New Year's weekend. Any advice? From other posts it seems like several of you pick an award and then cancel it later and get points back- considering my expiring balance what would you pick? I also see that several of you were informed there will not be expiration of points with the New Year- I have not received this message. Thanks.
Dec 31, 2021, 8:03 am
#1549
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 552
I have about 3500 points expiring tomorrow, so went on-line to convert to AAdvantage miles. No dice, error messages every time. The system seems to think a list of employees or member AAdvantage numbers will pop up and I get to pick one, but nothing shows when I try to select an account. Of course, I tried calling and the office is closed for New Year's weekend. Any advice? From other posts it seems like several of you pick an award and then cancel it later and get points back- considering my expiring balance what would you pick? I also see that several of you were informed there will not be expiration of points with the New Year- I have not received this message. Thanks.
Dec 31, 2021, 9:25 am
#1550
Used to be 'g_leyser'
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brandon Johnson International Airport (expect delays)
Programs: AA PlatPro, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,036
I have about 3500 points expiring tomorrow, so went on-line to convert to AAdvantage miles. No dice, error messages every time. The system seems to think a list of employees or member AAdvantage numbers will pop up and I get to pick one, but nothing shows when I try to select an account. Of course, I tried calling and the office is closed for New Year's weekend. Any advice? From other posts it seems like several of you pick an award and then cancel it later and get points back- considering my expiring balance what would you pick? I also see that several of you were informed there will not be expiration of points with the New Year- I have not received this message. Thanks.
Dec 31, 2021, 10:31 am
#1551
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: RIC
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Delta Plat, Bonvoy Platinum, Honors Diamond, WOH Globalist
Posts: 126
Called the 800-457-7072 number. That line defaults to a message about being closed. If you pick option 1 (the only other option) that sends you to reservations (just spoke with the guy) and he was powerless to help. He did suggest using points to buy a flight or upgrade, sending an e-mail (today) to business extra so they know this was all attempted by New Year's, and calling next week to convert points to miles. If you have a better number to call I'm all ears.
Dec 31, 2021, 12:15 pm
#1553
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 336
Thanks for sharing! I have some experience with BE but it's been a couple years since I redeemed. Need to redeem today. As I understand it, we used to be able to redeem an award and then return it within 5 days without a fee. I did get an email in March that said there weren't reinstatement fees any longer, so am I understanding correctly there's no fees for reinstating all awards until they expire? (I understand that once awards are ticketed, there's a fee for changes). THANKS!
Last edited by miles4sheli; Dec 31, 2021 at 12:56 pm
Dec 31, 2021, 12:32 pm
#1554
Used to be 'g_leyser'
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brandon Johnson International Airport (expect delays)
Programs: AA PlatPro, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,036
1-800-433-1790
I discussed reservations with them.
They are definitely open today
Edit: just realized you guys need something other than reservations. My bad
I discussed reservations with them.
They are definitely open today
Edit: just realized you guys need something other than reservations. My bad
Last edited by aisleorwindow; Dec 31, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Dec 31, 2021, 12:44 pm
#1555
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 336
I haven't. The BE agent I spoke with a few weeks ago wouldn't allow me to email them voided and reinstate the points (like I've done in the past). I also tried e-mailing and was told they weren't offering further extensions to the passes. I was told to email AA Customer Service, but I haven't heard back. When I look at BE's website, however, it doesn't specifically exclude the Day Passes for reinstatement (but also isn't able to be done online). I tried BE today, but they were closed. I did speak with Mtg Services and they seemed to think even the passes were eligible for reinstatement. Advised me to try emailing again about it (before the end of 12/31). Did anything work for you? THANKS!
Jan 3, 2022, 12:44 pm
#1556
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,698
Did a BXP8 / Admirals Club One Year on 11/24 for myself as no one else in my team wanted to redeem - no one had travel upgrade needs
Just got the physical card today, about one month + 1 week later, still under Redemptions, shows Fulfillment Status: Pending. Thought anyone else who processed this and is waiting would find this helpful.
Just got the physical card today, about one month + 1 week later, still under Redemptions, shows Fulfillment Status: Pending. Thought anyone else who processed this and is waiting would find this helpful.
Jan 3, 2022, 6:43 pm
#1557
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 3,850
Glad to see points were rolled over from 2021 and did not expire, as promised in the email we received.
Found some A availability with an EF award search. Took about 45 minutes to get a call back from Meeting Services, then 30 minutes on the phone to apply BXP1s to three trips this month.
Found some A availability with an EF award search. Took about 45 minutes to get a call back from Meeting Services, then 30 minutes on the phone to apply BXP1s to three trips this month.
Jan 4, 2022, 8:05 am
#1558
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington DC
Programs: BA GLD, AA GLD 1MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,698
I never got the e-mail about expiring points, and did have around 100 points that I had forgotten about expire on Dec 31.
I redemeed a total 6,000 points this year for one BXP7, and 11 BXP1s. Haven't been able to use the BXP1s yet but hopefully will find some suitable flights in 2022.
I redemeed a total 6,000 points this year for one BXP7, and 11 BXP1s. Haven't been able to use the BXP1s yet but hopefully will find some suitable flights in 2022.
Jan 16, 2022, 9:59 pm
#1559
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
For those looking to apply Business Extra Upgrade Awards, the online site (business.aa.com) is currently down and Meeting Services is obviously not open 24/7. Slightly frustrating since C1 opened on a itinerary I just ticketed.
-FlyerBeek
-FlyerBeek
Jan 18, 2022, 8:43 am
#1560
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL, NYC
Programs: AA PLT, DL SLV, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH DIA
Posts: 10,066
I found C inventory on some PHL-BCN and BCN-PHL flights this Summer. A main cabin fare priced at $1695, but in the details it shows it goes into "Q" fare bucket which isn't eligible for a BXP3 cert. $2125 PE booking will qualify. J will be $3941. I guess the only way to find something in between $1595 and $2125 is to put the $1595 Q fare on hold and call to ask about up-faring to an eligible fare that will still be under $2125. Trying to break it up as 2 one-way fares is significantly more than a RT, too.