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Note: older posts have been archived to ARCHIVE: Business Extra Program master thread (consolidated)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)
Sep 23, 2022, 1:05 pm
#1681
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 253
I mean, I did figure out I was doing it wrong 
I just didn't realise you could get different C availability by searching a connecting itinerary versus segment by segment, especially when EF shows the availability on each flight if you search that connecting itinerary.
I should therefore assume that in this case it's the same as C = 0 on any other flight. I see some other options out there where I can get FC reasonably so I'll just do that and lose the vouchers...
I just didn't realise you could get different C availability by searching a connecting itinerary versus segment by segment, especially when EF shows the availability on each flight if you search that connecting itinerary.I should therefore assume that in this case it's the same as C = 0 on any other flight. I see some other options out there where I can get FC reasonably so I'll just do that and lose the vouchers...
Sep 24, 2022, 6:14 pm
#1682
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX oriented World Digital Nomad
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hyatt Globalist, MLife/Cosmo Identity Gold, Other Vegas too...
Posts: 1,317
I have 3 BXP1's expiring around Thanksgiving, as well as two lounge passes. I am sure I can use one or two of them, but not 3. I looked in the Wiki but I am missing something or stupid today, can anyone remind me if I can transfer either of these passes (lounge or upgrade) to a coworker or friend/family? I am indeed the business manager for the company for the travel account, but some of these passes were redeemed using the promotion last year where they cost less points than usual.
Sep 24, 2022, 6:16 pm
#1683
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,689
Have you tried to redeopist
I have 3 BXP1's expiring around Thanksgiving, as well as two lounge passes. I am sure I can use one or two of them, but not 3. I looked in the Wiki but I am missing something or stupid today, can anyone remind me if I can transfer either of these passes (lounge or upgrade) to a coworker or friend/family? I am indeed the business manager for the company for the travel account, but some of these passes were redeemed using the promotion last year where they cost less points than usual.
Sep 24, 2022, 7:01 pm
#1684
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Santa Barbara, CA, Park City, UT
Programs: AA EXP, Delta Plat, Marriott Plat,Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat
Posts: 902
I have 3 BXP1's expiring around Thanksgiving, as well as two lounge passes. I am sure I can use one or two of them, but not 3. I looked in the Wiki but I am missing something or stupid today, can anyone remind me if I can transfer either of these passes (lounge or upgrade) to a coworker or friend/family? I am indeed the business manager for the company for the travel account, but some of these passes were redeemed using the promotion last year where they cost less points than usual.
Sep 24, 2022, 7:13 pm
#1685
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX oriented World Digital Nomad
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hyatt Globalist, MLife/Cosmo Identity Gold, Other Vegas too...
Posts: 1,317
Does that essentially put them back, give the points back, and then I can make new ones, at the higher price than last year's Thanksgiving discount deal? That seems ideal versus them expiring. But I am still wondering if I can issue one to someone else, a friend or family.
Sep 24, 2022, 8:11 pm
#1686
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,482
Does that essentially put them back, give the points back, and then I can make new ones, at the higher price than last year's Thanksgiving discount deal? That seems ideal versus them expiring. But I am still wondering if I can issue one to someone else, a friend or family.
Sep 24, 2022, 8:13 pm
#1687
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Santa Barbara, CA, Park City, UT
Programs: AA EXP, Delta Plat, Marriott Plat,Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat
Posts: 902
BXP1s will be 650 each, not that deal
youll have to call as I understand it to use for someone else, but I could be wrong as the last time I did I had to call for even myself
youll have to call as I understand it to use for someone else, but I could be wrong as the last time I did I had to call for even myself
Sep 25, 2022, 7:31 pm
#1688
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Santa Barbara, CA, Park City, UT
Programs: AA EXP, Delta Plat, Marriott Plat,Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat
Posts: 902
Does anyone know where the terms and conditions are really spelled out for 2023? I find nothing that’s detailed enough to be meaningful. Talking to agents means a bunch of conflicting info. Here’s what I understand so far that may be wrong:
On 1/1/23 will have three traveling employees incl me, but have that now. Was told I will not be able to redeem until spend $5000 in 2023 and would need all three of us to have traveled. But, was also told that flights taken in 2022 don’t count towards the $5000 or all 3 employees taking a qualifying flight in 2022. That makes no sense given the rolling 12 months. Probably a mistake by them but when I questioned it they were emphatic.
-fare code for bookings cannot be B,N, O, Q or S or basic economy, meaning the $5000 spend and qualifying flights have to be outside of these fare classes.. is this correct? I’d thought for upgrades they have to not be these codes.
one thing I didn’t ask is what redemption would mean if not able to qualify. If I were to redeem all points into BXP1 certs before the Jan1 date to qualify I’d be able to use them because ive “redeemed” before the changes before existing members?
On 1/1/23 will have three traveling employees incl me, but have that now. Was told I will not be able to redeem until spend $5000 in 2023 and would need all three of us to have traveled. But, was also told that flights taken in 2022 don’t count towards the $5000 or all 3 employees taking a qualifying flight in 2022. That makes no sense given the rolling 12 months. Probably a mistake by them but when I questioned it they were emphatic.
-fare code for bookings cannot be B,N, O, Q or S or basic economy, meaning the $5000 spend and qualifying flights have to be outside of these fare classes.. is this correct? I’d thought for upgrades they have to not be these codes.
one thing I didn’t ask is what redemption would mean if not able to qualify. If I were to redeem all points into BXP1 certs before the Jan1 date to qualify I’d be able to use them because ive “redeemed” before the changes before existing members?
Last edited by Jonesdds; Sep 25, 2022 at 7:51 pm
Sep 25, 2022, 8:51 pm
#1689
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,482
Does anyone know where the terms and conditions are really spelled out for 2023? I find nothing that’s detailed enough to be meaningful. Talking to agents means a bunch of conflicting info. Here’s what I understand so far that may be wrong:
On 1/1/23 will have three traveling employees incl me, but have that now. Was told I will not be able to redeem until spend $5000 in 2023 and would need all three of us to have traveled. But, was also told that flights taken in 2022 don’t count towards the $5000 or all 3 employees taking a qualifying flight in 2022. That makes no sense given the rolling 12 months. Probably a mistake by them but when I questioned it they were emphatic.
-fare code for bookings cannot be B,N, O, Q or S or basic economy, meaning the $5000 spend and qualifying flights have to be outside of these fare classes.. is this correct? I’d thought for upgrades they have to not be these codes.
one thing I didn’t ask is what redemption would mean if not able to qualify. If I were to redeem all points into BXP1 certs before the Jan1 date to qualify I’d be able to use them because ive “redeemed” before the changes before existing members?
On 1/1/23 will have three traveling employees incl me, but have that now. Was told I will not be able to redeem until spend $5000 in 2023 and would need all three of us to have traveled. But, was also told that flights taken in 2022 don’t count towards the $5000 or all 3 employees taking a qualifying flight in 2022. That makes no sense given the rolling 12 months. Probably a mistake by them but when I questioned it they were emphatic.
-fare code for bookings cannot be B,N, O, Q or S or basic economy, meaning the $5000 spend and qualifying flights have to be outside of these fare classes.. is this correct? I’d thought for upgrades they have to not be these codes.
one thing I didn’t ask is what redemption would mean if not able to qualify. If I were to redeem all points into BXP1 certs before the Jan1 date to qualify I’d be able to use them because ive “redeemed” before the changes before existing members?
2) The B/N/O/Q/S fare restrictions are only for BE upgrade awards, this has nothing to do with what fares you will or will not earn BE points on. You will earn BE points on those fares but you cannot apply a BXP1 or BXP3 upgrade.
3) Any awards claimed before 1/1/23 can be used like normal with no regards to how much you've spent in 2023 or how many travelers.
Sep 28, 2022, 4:19 pm
#1690
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 2,506
Thought I'd hit the $5k before the end of the year but now looking like I'll be about $400 short (just enough money to not want to do a "BE point run"). Some questions for redeeming:
- It looks like I'd have 12 months from when I redeem a BXP1 upgrade to use it, is that correct?
- Do Admirals Club One Day Passes have the same 12 month expiration or does it differ?
- Based on what I'm seeing, both the upgrades and the day passes are fully transferable?
Sep 28, 2022, 10:59 pm
#1691
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,546
Thought I'd hit the $5k before the end of the year but now looking like I'll be about $400 short (just enough money to not want to do a "BE point run"). Some questions for redeeming:
- It looks like I'd have 12 months from when I redeem a BXP1 upgrade to use it, is that correct?
- Do Admirals Club One Day Passes have the same 12 month expiration or does it differ?
- Based on what I'm seeing, both the upgrades and the day passes are fully transferable?
Sep 29, 2022, 12:00 am
#1692
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: LAX
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Alitalia Freccia Alata
Posts: 213
Has anyone run into difficulties using the business.aa website to process a BXP1 for a flight booked using a mix of cash and flight credit? I made such a booking, fare code is G, confirmed space on expert flyer, but I cannot get the business.aa website to pull up the reservation so I can process the upgrade online. I get the message: "No records found. Please ensure you are using the American Airlines record locator." The only ever time I've seen this message is when I had 2 pax on the same record, and it turned out that was the issue so I had to call to have it split. Is the website just down, or can it not process upgrades for flights booked using these annoying credits?
Oct 4, 2022, 6:28 am
#1694
Moderator: Hyatt Gold Passport & Star Alliance
Join Date: May 1998
Location: London, UK
Programs: UA-1K 3MM/HY- LT Globalist/BA-GGL/GfL
Posts: 12,090