Following Delta and United, American Airlines has finally rolled out a comprehensive policy for their frequent flyer program (AAdvantage). It is now easier to attain and retain AAdvantage Elite status, as American Airlines has lowered the threshold and extended the expiry date.
In summary, here are the updates American Airlines has made amidst the COVID-19 situation:
- Extension of Change Fee Wavier And Flight Credit For Normal Ticket
- New Reinstatement And Change Fee Wavier For Award Ticket
- AAdvantage Elite Status Extension
- Lower Elite Status Threshold for 2020
- Lower Thresholds For Executive Platinum Rewards For 2020
- Up to $400 American Airlines Vacation Credit For Elite Members
- Credit Card Spending Counts Towards Million Miler Status
- Extension of Admiral Club Memberships
Extension of Change Fee Wavier And Flight Credit Policy For Normal Tickets
The following customers are entitled to change fee waiver:
- If the ticket is bought before 7th April 2020, for travel through 30th September 2020
- If the ticket is bought between 1st March 2020 and 31st May 2020, for all future travel
Although it is not stated on American Airlines’ COVID-19 ticket policy, TPG noted that passengers, who choose to cancel their flights, will be issued a flight credit valid through 31st December 2021.
New Reinstatement And Change Fee Wavier For Award Ticket
For award tickets booked on or before 31st May 2020, for travel through 30th September 2020, award reinstatement and change fee will be waived.
For award tickets booked after 31st May 2020, reinstatement and change fee waiver when the change is done at least 60 days before travel. If any change is made fewer than 60 days before travel, here are the charges:
| Elite status | Change made 60 days or more before travel | At least 7 days, but fewer than 60 days before travel | Fewer than 7 days before travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Platinum | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Platinum Pro | $0 | $50 | $75 |
| Platinum | $0 | $75 | $100 |
| Gold | $0 | $100 | $125 |
| Regular member | $0 | $125 | $150 |
AAdvantage Elite Status Extension
All AAdvantage elite status expiring on 31st January 2021 will be extended by one year to 31st January 2022.
Although the extended elite status does not come with additional system wide upgrades, existing system wide upgrades expiring on 31st January 2021 will be extended to 31st July 2021.
Lower Elite Status Threshold for 2020
In addition to the status extension, AAdvantage has made it easier to attain Elite status in 2020.
| Qualifying metric | Gold oneworld® Ruby | Platinum oneworld® Sapphire | Platinum Pro oneworld® Sapphire | Executive Platinum oneworld® Emerald |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQDs | $1,500 (previous: $3,000) | $4,000 (previous: $6,000) | $6,000 (previous: $9,000) | $9,000 (previous: $15,000) |
| EQMs | 15,000 (previous: 25,000) | 30,000 (previous: 50,000) | 45,000 (previous: 75,000) | 60,000 (previous: 100,000) |
| EQSs | 15 (previous: 30) | 30 (previous: 60) | 45 (previous: 90) | 60 (previous: 120) |
Lower Thresholds For Executive Platinum Rewards For 2020
By default, all Executive Platinum members are entitled to additional benefits when they achieve a higher threshold. Effective 15th May 2020, AAdvantage has made it easier for Executive Platinum members to earn these benefits.
Reach 90,000 EQMs (Previous: 150,000 EQMs) and choose from:
- 2 systemwide upgrades
- 40,000 bonus miles
- Gift of AAdvantage® Gold status
Reach 120,000 EQMs (Previous: 200,000 EQMs) and choose from:
- 2 systemwide upgrades
- 40,000 bonus miles
- Gift of AAdvantage® Platinum status
Reach 150,000 EQMs (Previous: 250,000 EQMs) and choose from:
- 2 systemwide upgrades
- 40,000 bonus miles
- Gift of AAdvantage® Platinum status
Elite Members to Receive up to $400 American Airlines Vacation Credits
Elite members will be given up to $400 Vacation credits, the credits are to be used to purchase a package from American Airlines Vacations. These credits will be given based on elite status as of 30th June 2020.
| Elite status | Credit amount |
|---|---|
| Gold | $300 |
| Platinum and Platinum Pro | $350 |
| Executive Platinum | $400 |
The credits are valid for new reservations made by phone after 1st July 2020. Package must include round-trip flights and hotel and meet the minimum spend requirement of $2,500. All travel must start by 20th December 2021.
Credit Card Spending Now Counts Towards Million Miler Status
By default, you can only earn lifetime status based on distance flown with American Airlines or partner airlines.
American Airlines has now made it easier to attain lifetime status. For all eligible Citi / AAdvantage and AAdvantage Aviator products, as well as select AAdvantage credit cards outside the U.S, every dollar spent on net purchases that post between 1st May 2020 and 31st December 2020, will count as one mile toward Million Miler status.
Extension of Admiral Club Memberships
All existing Admiral Club memberships, including new ones purchased between 1st March 2020 and 31st March 2020, will have their expiry extended by 6 months.
In addition, Admiral Club one-time passes, with an expiration date between 1st March 2020 and 31st May 2020, will be extended by 6 months.