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Note: older posts have been archived to ARCHIVE: Business Extra Program master thread (consolidated)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)
Nov 28, 2017, 1:26 pm
#316
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP/4MM, DL GM/1MM, HH ♦, Bonvoy LT PLT, Hyatt Globalist, AMEX Bus Plt
Posts: 620
I don't see why they would waste time verifying something like this. Even if they were to how would they know someone wasn't doing consultancy work for you? Or a family member working part time?
Nov 29, 2017, 12:13 am
#317
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 107
Agreed that this is probably not verified, but do you even need to add them at all? Can't you just submit manual requests for credit for their flights if you have their ticket number?
Nov 29, 2017, 10:15 pm
#318
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,314
They can save it in their AA.com profile so it automatically is added to their reservations. AA doesn't ask you to give them a "list" of employees.
Dec 1, 2017, 12:27 pm
#319
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Has anyone had issues applying a BXP1 to a reservation ticketed through points like Citi ThankYou Points, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex MR, etc? In the past, I have had to pay a re-ticketing fee for a flight booked not through the AA website -- has that been an issue for applying a BXP1?
Dec 1, 2017, 4:05 pm
#320
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: New York City
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
Has anyone had issues applying a BXP1 to a reservation ticketed through points like Citi ThankYou Points, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex MR, etc? In the past, I have had to pay a re-ticketing fee for a flight booked not through the AA website -- has that been an issue for applying a BXP1?
Dec 1, 2017, 4:34 pm
#321
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
Has anyone had issues applying a BXP1 to a reservation ticketed through points like Citi ThankYou Points, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex MR, etc? In the past, I have had to pay a re-ticketing fee for a flight booked not through the AA website -- has that been an issue for applying a BXP1?
Dec 1, 2017, 4:36 pm
#322
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greener Pastures
Posts: 10,515
Question for the pros....
I'm Australia based & have about 8k BizExtra points in my account with about 4k of them expiring at the end of the year. I was looking at the BX9B award, which is saver biz between South Pacific & US. The only direct AA routes is SYD/AKL-LAX and there is *no* availability at all in 2018 on these routings on AA metal. So I'm very hesitant to cash out for this award - and this is the only award I'd really use.
Any suggestions on an award from Pacific (or even Asia) that's got good AA biz availability that I should consider cashing out on?
I'm Australia based & have about 8k BizExtra points in my account with about 4k of them expiring at the end of the year. I was looking at the BX9B award, which is saver biz between South Pacific & US. The only direct AA routes is SYD/AKL-LAX and there is *no* availability at all in 2018 on these routings on AA metal. So I'm very hesitant to cash out for this award - and this is the only award I'd really use.
Any suggestions on an award from Pacific (or even Asia) that's got good AA biz availability that I should consider cashing out on?
Dec 1, 2017, 5:43 pm
#323
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
Question for the pros....
I'm Australia based & have about 8k BizExtra points in my account with about 4k of them expiring at the end of the year. I was looking at the BX9B award, which is saver biz between South Pacific & US. The only direct AA routes is SYD/AKL-LAX and there is *no* availability at all in 2018 on these routings on AA metal. So I'm very hesitant to cash out for this award - and this is the only award I'd really use.
Any suggestions on an award from Pacific (or even Asia) that's got good AA biz availability that I should consider cashing out on?
I'm Australia based & have about 8k BizExtra points in my account with about 4k of them expiring at the end of the year. I was looking at the BX9B award, which is saver biz between South Pacific & US. The only direct AA routes is SYD/AKL-LAX and there is *no* availability at all in 2018 on these routings on AA metal. So I'm very hesitant to cash out for this award - and this is the only award I'd really use.
Any suggestions on an award from Pacific (or even Asia) that's got good AA biz availability that I should consider cashing out on?
How often do you fly AA or Qantas? Perhaps an Admirals Club membership might be of use?
https://www.businessextra.com/awards/toc.htm?awardId=17
However, since you're not domestic to AA you'd likely have to use a lot 'partner lounges', so, check if the partner lounge access policies work for you:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...p#southpacific
Or consider if you have no oneworld status, get yourself (or someone else) 'Ruby' by redeeming for AAdvantage Gold status:
https://www.businessextra.com/awards/toc.htm?awardId=14
My redemption patters would be different than you since I'm based in the US, but, I usually redeem on a mix of BXP1's (single segment North American upgrade) and 1-Day Admiral club passes.
Dec 2, 2017, 12:04 am
#324
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greener Pastures
Posts: 10,515
Since I believe BX9B requires AA metal, and AA has been extremely (I mean extremely extremely!) stingy with releasing space on it's own metal, I would not redeem for that.
How often do you fly AA or Qantas? Perhaps an Admirals Club membership might be of use?
https://www.businessextra.com/awards/toc.htm?awardId=17
However, since you're not domestic to AA you'd likely have to use a lot 'partner lounges', so, check if the partner lounge access policies work for you:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...p#southpacific
Or consider if you have no oneworld status, get yourself (or someone else) 'Ruby' by redeeming for AAdvantage Gold status:
https://www.businessextra.com/awards/toc.htm?awardId=14
My redemption patters would be different than you since I'm based in the US, but, I usually redeem on a mix of BXP1's (single segment North American upgrade) and 1-Day Admiral club passes.
How often do you fly AA or Qantas? Perhaps an Admirals Club membership might be of use?
https://www.businessextra.com/awards/toc.htm?awardId=17
However, since you're not domestic to AA you'd likely have to use a lot 'partner lounges', so, check if the partner lounge access policies work for you:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...p#southpacific
Or consider if you have no oneworld status, get yourself (or someone else) 'Ruby' by redeeming for AAdvantage Gold status:
https://www.businessextra.com/awards/toc.htm?awardId=14
My redemption patters would be different than you since I'm based in the US, but, I usually redeem on a mix of BXP1's (single segment North American upgrade) and 1-Day Admiral club passes.
Dec 2, 2017, 6:23 pm
#325
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Likewise never an issue for me, just make sure your fare code is not one of: N,O,Q,S,B. I've even had success 'upfareing' to 'G' from one of the lower codes (with itin booked by US Bank points) without incurring a re-ticket fee (however, I 'think' she did get a waiver for me so don't necessarily count on it). Of course there was a $40 fare difference per ticket... And note I only went through the process of 'upfareing' because the upgrades (4 of them) were confirmable.
Dec 2, 2017, 10:07 pm
#326
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,147
So, I'm just trying to wrap my head around Business ExtrAA. All the bloggers like to write about it, but as C space never basically appears, there's essentially no way to use the upgrade certs, right? They can't be waitlisted, I don't think, right?
Dec 2, 2017, 11:12 pm
#327
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: 6,669
Of course, simply trying to use them on existing reservations is a fool's errand.
Dec 2, 2017, 11:25 pm
#328
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: LHR
Programs: AA
Posts: 773
If you have an expertflyer subscription it's not hard to use the BXP1s. Just set alerts, search around, etc. I've had no trouble booking JFK-LAX/SFO flights (either in Y, to confirm into C; or in biz, to confirm into A) that I could confirm the upgrade on at the time of booking.
Of course, simply trying to use them on existing reservations is a fool's errand.
Of course, simply trying to use them on existing reservations is a fool's errand.
Dec 4, 2017, 9:27 pm
#329
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Reno, NV
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 44
WILCO.
Dec 6, 2017, 7:16 pm
#330
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 503
If you have an expertflyer subscription it's not hard to use the BXP1s. Just set alerts, search around, etc. I've had no trouble booking JFK-LAX/SFO flights (either in Y, to confirm into C; or in biz, to confirm into A) that I could confirm the upgrade on at the time of booking.
Of course, simply trying to use them on existing reservations is a fool's errand.
Of course, simply trying to use them on existing reservations is a fool's errand.