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Note: older posts have been archived to ARCHIVE: Business Extra Program master thread (consolidated)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)
#1726
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL
Programs: AA PLT, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH LTD
Posts: 10,737
On the rolling 12 month spend count that becomes important starting Jan 1, 2023, I've gone back to my BE account history to Oct 2021 and added up all the spending credited in the months through Sep 2022 + any flights credited so far in Oct 2022. The number I came up with exactly matches my rolling 12 month counter on the BE web site. So, it's not technically 12 months exactly. It's going back to Oct 1, 2021 and including flights taken so far in Oct 2022. So it's effectively up to 13 months. I'm fairly certain on Nov 1, all my Oct 2021 spending will drop from the counter anyway. But this could matter as you approach Dec 31 and may be on the cusp of going under $5000 so you can redeem what you need to.
At least now that it's clear to me how the spend is counted, I have a spreadsheet that is helping me keep track of and project where I'll be based on future purchases already locked in (unless, of course, I have to cancel those trips).
At least now that it's clear to me how the spend is counted, I have a spreadsheet that is helping me keep track of and project where I'll be based on future purchases already locked in (unless, of course, I have to cancel those trips).
#1727



Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,583
Thanks. This is very helpful to know as I had significant travel spend in late 2021 / early 2022 and would like to plan my redemptions. I found the "previous 12-month period" language to be open to interpretation. Of course, BE's target market is not those of us with exactly 3 travelers and $5,001 in spend but there may be some mid-size enterprises whose travel is highly seasonal too.
#1728



Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington DC
Programs: IB Oro, AA GLD 1MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,921
Over the summer my wife, son, and I flew BA BOS-LHR and back in business class - my son on a "child" fare which had a very, very modest discount (maybe $50) over the adult fare and I put my business extraa number on the reservation.
I noticed today that although the flights posted for all three of us, my son's didn't earn any points due to being a child fare. I couldn't find any mention of that on this thread so just wanted to point out if you use a BA Child fare, you will not earn any business extra points for that particular ticket.
I noticed today that although the flights posted for all three of us, my son's didn't earn any points due to being a child fare. I couldn't find any mention of that on this thread so just wanted to point out if you use a BA Child fare, you will not earn any business extra points for that particular ticket.
#1729




Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SJC
Programs: AAdvantage 2MM+ Lifetime PLT; BA, CO, UA, US; SPG; HHonors Gold
Posts: 861
Can you buy or transfer Business Extra Points? I have 3059, and with the new spend requirements I need to burn them up by the end of the year. Another 141 points gets me a Plan AAhead Domestic First award.
Alternatively if I redeem for BXP1 upgrades now, can I use them next year without qualifying? How long are they valid for?
Alternatively if I redeem for BXP1 upgrades now, can I use them next year without qualifying? How long are they valid for?
#1730
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 15,178
Can you buy or transfer Business Extra Points? I have 3059, and with the new spend requirements I need to burn them up by the end of the year. Another 141 points gets me a Plan AAhead Domestic First award.
Alternatively if I redeem for BXP1 upgrades now, can I use them next year without qualifying? How long are they valid for?
Alternatively if I redeem for BXP1 upgrades now, can I use them next year without qualifying? How long are they valid for?
And once you claim an award you have 1 year to use it (all travel must be flown within 1 year).
There is no restriction on using previously claimed awards if your company doesn't "qualify" in 2023. So if you claim an award today it will be no problem to use it next year even if your company is under the 3 traveller / $5k spend.
#1731
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL
Programs: AA PLT, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH LTD
Posts: 10,737
Can you buy or transfer Business Extra Points? I have 3059, and with the new spend requirements I need to burn them up by the end of the year. Another 141 points gets me a Plan AAhead Domestic First award.
Alternatively if I redeem for BXP1 upgrades now, can I use them next year without qualifying? How long are they valid for?
Alternatively if I redeem for BXP1 upgrades now, can I use them next year without qualifying? How long are they valid for?
#1732


Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,198
as I understand it yes. Then you have a year to apply the certs before they expire. You can redeposit and get another year on the points(I think until the next year end so almost two years potentiality, I think, others can confirm). But if you havent met qualifications they will be held hostage till you do or they expire.
So if you dont think youll qualify in time you can redeem for certs youll use and or turn into miles.
So if you dont think youll qualify in time you can redeem for certs youll use and or turn into miles.
#1733




Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TPA/DFW/K15
Programs: AA EXP, Mar AMB, HH LT DIA
Posts: 1,683
Can you buy or transfer Business Extra Points? I have 3059, and with the new spend requirements I need to burn them up by the end of the year. Another 141 points gets me a Plan AAhead Domestic First award.
Alternatively if I redeem for BXP1 upgrades now, can I use them next year without qualifying? How long are they valid for?
Alternatively if I redeem for BXP1 upgrades now, can I use them next year without qualifying? How long are they valid for?
#1734
Moderator: Hyatt Gold Passport & Star Alliance




Join Date: May 1998
Location: London, UK
Programs: UA-1K 3MM/HY- LT Globalist/BA-GGLfL
Posts: 12,761
FoundersCard has a further promotion for extra points.
For a limited time, new Business Extra members can earn a bonus 650 points, enough for a one-segment upgrade.
It's easy! Join Business Extra by January 31, 2023 and fly within 90 days of enrollment with your new Business Extra number.
Any current Business Extra members can earn extra rewards too – register for the offer by January 31, 2023 and receive double points for 90 days after enrollment.
It's easy! Join Business Extra by January 31, 2023 and fly within 90 days of enrollment with your new Business Extra number.
Any current Business Extra members can earn extra rewards too – register for the offer by January 31, 2023 and receive double points for 90 days after enrollment.
#1735




Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: LAX
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum
Posts: 254
#1736


Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: BDL, BOS
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA EXP, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 670
I was a little too quick to enroll today, realizing it would be best to wait until right before my next AA flight since that starts the 90-day period. Just wrote Business Extra to see if they could unenroll me so I can enroll later.
#1737


Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: Marriott LT Plat; WoH Globalist; AS Gold; AA Plat
Posts: 389
Any Black Friday promotions?
Any chance we'll see promotions similar to last year's announced around Thanksgiving? Have a few BE points expiring next month and would love to maximize their value.
#1738




Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX oriented World Digital Nomad
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hyatt Globalist, MLife/Cosmo Identity Gold, Other Vegas too...
Posts: 1,466
Anyone know if Aadmiral Club certificates can be re-instated or at LEAST transferred to another AA member? I did the Thanksgiving promo last year and have some unused stuff... the BXP1s seem eligible but not the Aadmiral Club passes, at least online. I checked the Wiki and didn't see an answer, doesn't mean it isn't there but I am exhausted and its 3 am and I didn't see it...
And since I am here, we got grandfathered in before the spend and 3 flyer requirements took hold but I think they are coming to all accounts eventually? The boss keeps booking on Delta ugh. Will any unsued rewards still be valid and active even if the overall business extra account isn't deemed eligible anymore?
And since I am here, we got grandfathered in before the spend and 3 flyer requirements took hold but I think they are coming to all accounts eventually? The boss keeps booking on Delta ugh. Will any unsued rewards still be valid and active even if the overall business extra account isn't deemed eligible anymore?
#1739
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 15,178
Anyone know if Aadmiral Club certificates can be re-instated or at LEAST transferred to another AA member? I did the Thanksgiving promo last year and have some unused stuff... the BXP1s seem eligible but not the Aadmiral Club passes, at least online. I checked the Wiki and didn't see an answer, doesn't mean it isn't there but I am exhausted and its 3 am and I didn't see it...
And since I am here, we got grandfathered in before the spend and 3 flyer requirements took hold but I think they are coming to all accounts eventually? The boss keeps booking on Delta ugh. Will any unsued rewards still be valid and active even if the overall business extra account isn't deemed eligible anymore?
And since I am here, we got grandfathered in before the spend and 3 flyer requirements took hold but I think they are coming to all accounts eventually? The boss keeps booking on Delta ugh. Will any unsued rewards still be valid and active even if the overall business extra account isn't deemed eligible anymore?
I'm honestly not sure if AC awards can be cancelled with points reinstated but if you're not going to use it it's worth a shot calling and asking.
Also no accounts have been grandfathered it's just that the $5k spend / 3 traveller requirement doesn't kick in until 1/1/23. But this has no effect on any awards that you've already claimed, they are still valid like usual up until their expiration date even if the company falls below the threshold to redeem new awards.
#1740



Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,583
Existing accounts were grandfathered, actually. If you opened a new BE account today the spend and traveller requirement would be effective immediately.



