Nov 21, 12, 11:53 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Note: older posts have been archived to ARCHIVE: Business Extra Program master thread (consolidated)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 28, 18, 10:49 am
#751
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: UA, bmi, AA, CO, DL, B6, AMEX, Hertz, Most Hotels
Posts: 2,998
Tips on Using Online Booking?
I tried to logon on to business.aa.com but am unsure what credentials are required?
For example, this new site asks for a User Name and password, whereas the old Business Extra site asks for FF#, Last Name and Password
I attempted to register but the new site sign up looks like it's a sign up to JOIN Business Extra?
Also, does this new site still require redeeming a specific existing award cert from the Business Extra site or does it just charge the points needed for the award flight searched and found?
Finally, the few searches I did showed some odd pricing, such as 13.5K rt for a BX2E Anytime Biz award JFK-HNL?
Before I redeem a reward for my soon expiring points the old fashioned way on the Business Extra site, I'd love to have a clearer understanding of how this new website/system works?
Thanks!
Dec 28, 18, 2:24 pm
#752
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 2
I tried this in the newbie thread, but didn't get any response. I'll give it a shot here and hope you'll all be nice. Thanks!
I have a small number of AA Business Extra miles about to expire (about 900 out of 4900). I'm trying to figure out what to do with them. My travel has greatly decreased since earning them, so I have no particular plans for next year. In theory, it seems like domestic upgrades would be nice, but I'm reading they are challenging to actually use. Are PlanAhead flights somewhat easily used?
Other ideas? I still have status from BA so getting that doesn't seem highly useful. And I have PriorityPass so lounge access may add options but doesn't seem as important either.
I have a small number of AA Business Extra miles about to expire (about 900 out of 4900). I'm trying to figure out what to do with them. My travel has greatly decreased since earning them, so I have no particular plans for next year. In theory, it seems like domestic upgrades would be nice, but I'm reading they are challenging to actually use. Are PlanAhead flights somewhat easily used?
Other ideas? I still have status from BA so getting that doesn't seem highly useful. And I have PriorityPass so lounge access may add options but doesn't seem as important either.
Dec 28, 18, 3:08 pm
#753
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,417
Could you please explain the process you used?
I tried to logon on to business.aa.com but am unsure what credentials are required?
For example, this new site asks for a User Name and password, whereas the old Business Extra site asks for FF#, Last Name and Password
I attempted to register but the new site sign up looks like it's a sign up to JOIN Business Extra?
Also, does this new site still require redeeming a specific existing award cert from the Business Extra site or does it just charge the points needed for the award flight searched and found?
Finally, the few searches I did showed some odd pricing, such as 13.5K rt for a BX2E Anytime Biz award JFK-HNL?
Before I redeem a reward for my soon expiring points the old fashioned way on the Business Extra site, I'd love to have a clearer understanding of how this new website/system works?
Thanks!
I tried to logon on to business.aa.com but am unsure what credentials are required?
For example, this new site asks for a User Name and password, whereas the old Business Extra site asks for FF#, Last Name and Password
I attempted to register but the new site sign up looks like it's a sign up to JOIN Business Extra?
Also, does this new site still require redeeming a specific existing award cert from the Business Extra site or does it just charge the points needed for the award flight searched and found?
Finally, the few searches I did showed some odd pricing, such as 13.5K rt for a BX2E Anytime Biz award JFK-HNL?
Before I redeem a reward for my soon expiring points the old fashioned way on the Business Extra site, I'd love to have a clearer understanding of how this new website/system works?
Thanks!
https://www.businessextra.com/viewAwards.htm
Between North America & Hawaii
Cabin of ServicePointsAward CodePlanAheadTravel for fewer points when space
is available on American.Main Cabin 3000BX2A
Redeem Now Business 5400BX2B
Redeem Now Anytime
Travel anytime on American
with no restrictions.Main Cabin 7500BX2D
Redeem Now Business 13500BX2E
Redeem Now
Dec 28, 18, 4:23 pm
#754
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,263
IME, no, they're not at all, unless you're VERY flexible in your booking dates and itineraries (long connections, three segment routings where it really should be 2, etc.)
I find economy PlanAhead awards to be somewhat easier than premium cabin PlanAhead awards.
Take all of this with a grain of salt; I infrequently book mileage awards.
I find economy PlanAhead awards to be somewhat easier than premium cabin PlanAhead awards.
Take all of this with a grain of salt; I infrequently book mileage awards.
Dec 28, 18, 4:26 pm
#755
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,263
Regarding fee waiver on refunds -- I had called to check on this because I thought I would need to cancel an award, but wasn't sure and wanted to understand my options. The agent told me that yes, the return fee was waived for EXP/CK. After hearing about mixed experiences with this, I called again to confirm, and was told the same thing. When I actually went to cancel the award, the agent said there was a fee, which couldn't be waived (even for CK). I called again, and was told the same thing. I called a third time and was told there was a fee, and they weren't supposed to waive it, but would do so this one time because I had never returned an award. So this is most definitely a YMMV case.
Dec 28, 18, 6:28 pm
#756
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: PWM/KBXM/BGR; Work: DCA/DFW/Everywhere; Play: LAS/AUA/MIA/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, mlife Noir, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,413
I tried this in the newbie thread, but didn't get any response. I'll give it a shot here and hope you'll all be nice. Thanks!
I have a small number of AA Business Extra miles about to expire (about 900 out of 4900). I'm trying to figure out what to do with them. My travel has greatly decreased since earning them, so I have no particular plans for next year. In theory, it seems like domestic upgrades would be nice, but I'm reading they are challenging to actually use. Are PlanAhead flights somewhat easily used?
Other ideas? I still have status from BA so getting that doesn't seem highly useful. And I have PriorityPass so lounge access may add options but doesn't seem as important either.
I have a small number of AA Business Extra miles about to expire (about 900 out of 4900). I'm trying to figure out what to do with them. My travel has greatly decreased since earning them, so I have no particular plans for next year. In theory, it seems like domestic upgrades would be nice, but I'm reading they are challenging to actually use. Are PlanAhead flights somewhat easily used?
Other ideas? I still have status from BA so getting that doesn't seem highly useful. And I have PriorityPass so lounge access may add options but doesn't seem as important either.
If nothing else, redeem the expiring points for 3 Admirals Club passes and give them as gifts.
Dec 29, 18, 11:22 am
#757
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: UA, bmi, AA, CO, DL, B6, AMEX, Hertz, Most Hotels
Posts: 2,998
Appreciate the reply...I guess doing the search automatically made me think I was looking at cost in normal AA RDM rather than Business Extra points!.
Still looking for any info on how to register/sign on or if my old Business Extra credential are good enough?
Alternatively, if anyone knows of a contact number for web support, that would be great as I couldn't find one and the Business Extra agent I spoke with had no clue about the site or how it works?
Still looking for any info on how to register/sign on or if my old Business Extra credential are good enough?
Alternatively, if anyone knows of a contact number for web support, that would be great as I couldn't find one and the Business Extra agent I spoke with had no clue about the site or how it works?
13500 BE points is the normal rate for a BX2E from JFK-HNL..
https://www.businessextra.com/viewAwards.htmBetween North America & Hawaii
Cabin of ServicePointsAward CodePlanAhead
Travel for fewer points when space
is available on American.Main Cabin 3000BX2A
Redeem Now Business 5400BX2B
Redeem Now Anytime
Travel anytime on American
with no restrictions.Main Cabin 7500BX2D
Redeem Now Business 13500BX2E
Redeem Now
https://www.businessextra.com/viewAwards.htmBetween North America & Hawaii
Cabin of ServicePointsAward CodePlanAhead
Travel for fewer points when space
is available on American.Main Cabin 3000BX2A
Redeem Now Business 5400BX2B
Redeem Now Anytime
Travel anytime on American
with no restrictions.Main Cabin 7500BX2D
Redeem Now Business 13500BX2E
Redeem Now
Last edited by bk3day; Dec 29, 18 at 11:30 am
Jan 8, 19, 12:28 pm
#758
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 515
I have a BXP3 waitlisted for DFW-LHR and C space became available. Called back and they said they couldn't confirm the upgrade, they did confirm the C space was there. Has anyone else had this happen?
Jan 8, 19, 12:30 pm
#759
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: PWM/KBXM/BGR; Work: DCA/DFW/Everywhere; Play: LAS/AUA/MIA/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, mlife Noir, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,413
Jan 8, 19, 12:54 pm
#761
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,417
Jan 8, 19, 12:57 pm
#762
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 515
Called a couple days ago when C space was not available. Upgrade was waitlisted. EF alert told me C space was available today (C4), so I called to see if they could process the upgrade. I tried both Meeting Services and the normal AA #
Jan 8, 19, 1:03 pm
#763
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 11,626
Right but what reason did they give you about why they couldn't process the upgrade?
Jan 8, 19, 1:10 pm
#764
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 515
Jan 8, 19, 2:45 pm
#765
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,464
