Nov 21, 12, 10:53 am
Last edit by: PHL
American Airlines Business Extra® Program (master thread)
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"]POST]
- 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"]POST]
- 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"]POST]
- 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]POST]
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)
Nov 22, 22, 9:12 am
#1741
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 10,639
Nov 22, 22, 7:16 pm
#1742
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: Marriott LT Plat; WoH Exp; AS Gold; AA Plat
Posts: 323
upgrade availability on JFK-LAX / SFO
Does AA typically release 2 J-class seats for upgrade availability on JFK-LAX / SFO?
Is it feasible to expect to use 2 BXP1 certs on these trans-con flights for next April?
Is it feasible to expect to use 2 BXP1 certs on these trans-con flights for next April?
Nov 25, 22, 7:16 pm
#1744
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kamuela, HI
Programs: AA-Plat
Posts: 451
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?
Nov 25, 22, 9:24 pm
#1745
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, WOH Globalist
Posts: 1,124
You're looking for C inventory, which is the same fare class you would need for SWU or miles+copay upgrades. Finding 2 seats is not impossible but you will need to be flexible. I just found 2 on a Tuesday night on the last JFK-SFO flight of the evening in mid December. I have found Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays to be the easiest Availability is constantly changing so keep an eye out or set up alerts with expertflyer. Good luck!
Nov 29, 22, 3:53 pm
#1746
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 200
The 6x conversion to AA miles seems pretty fair. I think that or 300 points for an admirals club pass are still pretty affordable. Those seem prime for a rate devaluation soon.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see those get devalued in 2023. I’m guessing business extra is losing money and they are going further tighten the screws on redeeming. Use em or lose em , usually a good style for these programs. This particular one stayed pretty amazing for quite a while
I wouldn’t be surprised to see those get devalued in 2023. I’m guessing business extra is losing money and they are going further tighten the screws on redeeming. Use em or lose em , usually a good style for these programs. This particular one stayed pretty amazing for quite a while
Last edited by lunchtime; Nov 29, 22 at 4:18 pm
Nov 30, 22, 11:17 pm
#1747
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 200
Ok interesting interaction with a phone rep:
agent on the phone just told me starting January 1 bxp1s will not be confirmed just enter the waitlist for an upgrade. so if elite pointless domestically.
1. is he just wrong
2. Is this new and I missed that
maybe he’s confused cause usually there isn’t space and you get waitlisted , but I see the real value in getting confirmation.
i am stating very clearly I think he was just confused or something , cause I don’t see any changes in January mentioned. I just wanted to confirm if anyone else has heard this.
agent on the phone just told me starting January 1 bxp1s will not be confirmed just enter the waitlist for an upgrade. so if elite pointless domestically.
1. is he just wrong
2. Is this new and I missed that
maybe he’s confused cause usually there isn’t space and you get waitlisted , but I see the real value in getting confirmation.
i am stating very clearly I think he was just confused or something , cause I don’t see any changes in January mentioned. I just wanted to confirm if anyone else has heard this.
Dec 1, 22, 4:42 am
#1748
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 10,639
Ok interesting interaction with a phone rep:
agent on the phone just told me starting January 1 bxp1s will not be confirmed just enter the waitlist for an upgrade. so if elite pointless domestically.
1. is he just wrong
2. Is this new and I missed that
maybe he’s confused cause usually there isn’t space and you get waitlisted , but I see the real value in getting confirmation.
i am stating very clearly I think he was just confused or something , cause I don’t see any changes in January mentioned. I just wanted to confirm if anyone else has heard this.
agent on the phone just told me starting January 1 bxp1s will not be confirmed just enter the waitlist for an upgrade. so if elite pointless domestically.
1. is he just wrong
2. Is this new and I missed that
maybe he’s confused cause usually there isn’t space and you get waitlisted , but I see the real value in getting confirmation.
i am stating very clearly I think he was just confused or something , cause I don’t see any changes in January mentioned. I just wanted to confirm if anyone else has heard this.
Some of the Meeting Services agents are just as clueless and poorly trained as the regular phone agents. Probably just confused and/or getting words mixed up with the other Jan 1 changes.
It makes no sense why AA would arbitrarily not allow BE upgrades to be confirmed if space is available.
Dec 6, 22, 3:17 pm
#1749
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Seattle, WA (US)
Programs: Oneworld (Emerald)
Posts: 121
Redeposit fees are back for upgrade certificates (BXP1, etc.)
). If you check the https://www.businessextra.com/redeem/upgrade-awards.htm on businessextra.com:Points that have been redeemed but not yet processed can be reinstated online within 5 days of redemption without incurring a fee. After 5 days, reinstatement fees of $150 USD for the first certificate and $25 for each additional (within the same transaction) will apply."
Last edited by wylek; Dec 6, 22 at 3:21 pm Reason: formatting
Dec 7, 22, 12:23 pm
#1750
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SFO or OAK
Programs: AA 1MM GLD, Hertz #1 Gold, bunch of other programs w/no status
Posts: 1,389
Just got an email stating points set to expire Dec 31 2022 are extended to Feb 28 2023. However, doesn't the "$5000 spend for redeeming points" rule kick in on Jan 1st? If so, it seems like it may still be wise to redeem soon to expire points before the end of the year.
Dec 9, 22, 12:37 pm
#1751
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA Gold and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott LTT (former Ambassador), Uber One
Posts: 1,179
Just got an email stating points set to expire Dec 31 2022 are extended to Feb 28 2023. However, doesn't the "$5000 spend for redeeming points" rule kick in on Jan 1st? If so, it seems like it may still be wise to redeem soon to expire points before the end of the year.
Dec 9, 22, 2:18 pm
#1752
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,423
I have been told specifically that the company must have three travelers. My company has two (me and DrQ), so the account will be suspended. They allowed me to spend points until Dec 10, 22. I got some AC day passes for friends. Good bye Business Extra. It's been fun.
Dec 10, 22, 7:01 am
#1754
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 455
I have been told specifically that the company must have three travelers. My company has two (me and DrQ), so the account will be suspended. They allowed me to spend points until Dec 10, 22. I got some AC day passes for friends. Good bye Business Extra. It's been fun.
I don't know about you, but my business uses lots of consultants. For example, if a friend or family member is travelling with me, I often use the time to consult with them about business matters. I pay for their flight and/or meal, and I put my business extra number in the reservation.
Dec 10, 22, 8:45 am
#1755
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 10,639
I have been told specifically that the company must have three travelers. My company has two (me and DrQ), so the account will be suspended. They allowed me to spend points until Dec 10, 22. I got some AC day passes for friends. Good bye Business Extra. It's been fun.
For anyone in this situation I don't see any reason not to continue to accrue BE points as usual, they'll be there for use later if you're able to make it over the threshold. It's not like it costs anything.
