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Note: older posts have been archived to ARCHIVE: Business Extra Program master thread (consolidated)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)
Feb 14, 2017, 12:32 pm
#31
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
I used a BXP1 today and was asked for the serial number. What was really interesting though is that at T-24 I was able to get my boarding pass through the AA app.
The other time when I was able to get my BP through the app, the agent at the airport said she didn't need my BXP1 cert (essentially a freebie that I later used again).
I'm wondering if them now asking for the serial number is to prevent a cert from being used again. I'll find out tomorrow!
The other time when I was able to get my BP through the app, the agent at the airport said she didn't need my BXP1 cert (essentially a freebie that I later used again).
I'm wondering if them now asking for the serial number is to prevent a cert from being used again. I'll find out tomorrow!
Feb 14, 2017, 12:33 pm
#32
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Feb 14, 2017, 3:27 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SBA
Programs: UA & AA 1 million miler
Posts: 1,134
I have never been asked for a serial number when I called.
They asked just for "Star File" number, though.
My last call was last summer, so it was a while ago. Maybe things have changed since then?
Last three times I didn't even submit the paper certs at the airports which happened last fall and last month.
I don't really know what to do with the (un)used certs...
Last edited by MrJBoy; Feb 14, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Feb 14, 2017, 3:53 pm
#35
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: WN A-list Preferred and CP, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, RIP Kimpton
Posts: 853
That makes the most sense. I had it with me but nobody asked for it. If the serial number requirement means that I don't have to stop by the ticket counter for a paper ticket, then I'm all for the change. Yeah it stinks losing out on the occasional double dip BXP1...but it's about time they caught up with this loophole.
Feb 21, 2017, 12:41 pm
#36
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
That makes the most sense. I had it with me but nobody asked for it. If the serial number requirement means that I don't have to stop by the ticket counter for a paper ticket, then I'm all for the change. Yeah it stinks losing out on the occasional double dip BXP1...but it's about time they caught up with this loophole.
Feb 22, 2017, 1:30 pm
#37
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 3,850
Feb 22, 2017, 2:16 pm
#38
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: IWI; Work: DCA/Everywhere; Play: LAS/SJU/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,670
Ouch.
I got two freebies when the GA either didn't know what to do with my BXP1 or didn't want to deal with it (I presented it, GA looked at it, handed it back as though it was a drugstore receipt for chewing gum). Wasn't EXP at the time so thankfully didn't lose eVIPs. Recently, I haven't had the same glitch where I was formerly able to check in via the app without tendering the cert at check-in. I've been getting the "see an agent" message, and the agent has taken the cert.
I just called to upgrade JFK-SFO-JFK from I to A, and I was asked for the serial numbers. Definitely a deterrent to anyone who would willfully fail to tender the certificates along the way.
I got two freebies when the GA either didn't know what to do with my BXP1 or didn't want to deal with it (I presented it, GA looked at it, handed it back as though it was a drugstore receipt for chewing gum). Wasn't EXP at the time so thankfully didn't lose eVIPs. Recently, I haven't had the same glitch where I was formerly able to check in via the app without tendering the cert at check-in. I've been getting the "see an agent" message, and the agent has taken the cert.
I just called to upgrade JFK-SFO-JFK from I to A, and I was asked for the serial numbers. Definitely a deterrent to anyone who would willfully fail to tender the certificates along the way.
Feb 22, 2017, 3:25 pm
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,481
Feb 22, 2017, 4:12 pm
#40
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PBI
Programs: DL 2.8 MM/PM, AA MM/GLD, Marriott LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,746
Whenever I have used one, I am not able to check in in advance and have to go to the ticketing agent to check in (and turn in the certificate).
Feb 23, 2017, 12:24 pm
#41
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: WN A-list Preferred and CP, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, RIP Kimpton
Posts: 853
Ouch.
I got two freebies when the GA either didn't know what to do with my BXP1 or didn't want to deal with it (I presented it, GA looked at it, handed it back as though it was a drugstore receipt for chewing gum). Wasn't EXP at the time so thankfully didn't lose eVIPs. Recently, I haven't had the same glitch where I was formerly able to check in via the app without tendering the cert at check-in. I've been getting the "see an agent" message, and the agent has taken the cert.
I just called to upgrade JFK-SFO-JFK from I to A, and I was asked for the serial numbers. Definitely a deterrent to anyone who would willfully fail to tender the certificates along the way.
I got two freebies when the GA either didn't know what to do with my BXP1 or didn't want to deal with it (I presented it, GA looked at it, handed it back as though it was a drugstore receipt for chewing gum). Wasn't EXP at the time so thankfully didn't lose eVIPs. Recently, I haven't had the same glitch where I was formerly able to check in via the app without tendering the cert at check-in. I've been getting the "see an agent" message, and the agent has taken the cert.
I just called to upgrade JFK-SFO-JFK from I to A, and I was asked for the serial numbers. Definitely a deterrent to anyone who would willfully fail to tender the certificates along the way.
Feb 23, 2017, 8:46 pm
#42
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: ABQ & RNO
Programs: AA EXP 4MM, Piper Dakota, Admirals Club, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Gold, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 1,426
Business Extra Anniversary Promotion-650 miles
In today's monthly account update:
Welcome 236Dakota,
Business Extra® account number: XXXXXXX
Dear 236 Dakota,
This year is the Business Extra® program’s 20th anniversary, and we want you to help celebrate with 650 bonus points. Just register using code BX20UPG and take one flight within 30 days of registering, that’s it. Register by March 30 and that next flight could earn you points for a one-segment upgrade within and between North America and Hawaii or the Caribbean. It's just our way of saying thank you to our members for 20 years of truly rewarding travel. Register now »
Welcome 236Dakota,
Business Extra® account number: XXXXXXX
Dear 236 Dakota,
This year is the Business Extra® program’s 20th anniversary, and we want you to help celebrate with 650 bonus points. Just register using code BX20UPG and take one flight within 30 days of registering, that’s it. Register by March 30 and that next flight could earn you points for a one-segment upgrade within and between North America and Hawaii or the Caribbean. It's just our way of saying thank you to our members for 20 years of truly rewarding travel. Register now »
Feb 23, 2017, 10:09 pm
#43
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: LAX, LGB, SNA
Programs: AA EXP OWE, DL DM ST+, AS MVPG, UA, BA, WN CP, Hyatt E, Ritz Plat, HH GM
Posts: 3,185
In today's monthly account update:
Welcome 236Dakota,
Business Extra® account number: XXXXXXX
Dear 236 Dakota,
This year is the Business Extra® program’s 20th anniversary, and we want you to help celebrate with 650 bonus points. Just register using code BX20UPG and take one flight within 30 days of registering, that’s it. Register by March 30 and that next flight could earn you points for a one-segment upgrade within and between North America and Hawaii or the Caribbean. It's just our way of saying thank you to our members for 20 years of truly rewarding travel. Register now »
Welcome 236Dakota,
Business Extra® account number: XXXXXXX
Dear 236 Dakota,
This year is the Business Extra® program’s 20th anniversary, and we want you to help celebrate with 650 bonus points. Just register using code BX20UPG and take one flight within 30 days of registering, that’s it. Register by March 30 and that next flight could earn you points for a one-segment upgrade within and between North America and Hawaii or the Caribbean. It's just our way of saying thank you to our members for 20 years of truly rewarding travel. Register now »
Feb 23, 2017, 11:09 pm
#45
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,204
Here is a direct link. Thanks for the heads up. https://businessextra.com/i18n/conte...ers/20YEAR.jsp