CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Earlier this month, American Airlines announced big changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program — and thankfully, most of them are positive.
American will soon offer more flexible cancellation policies, more ways to redeem your miles, a new Loyalty Choice Reward option and other improvements. However, the airline is also taking away benefits from those who are not AAdvantage members.
Let’s take a look at these changes and what they mean for you.
American adds a new Loyalty Choice Reward option
Fortunately, American made it clear that it will not raise the number of Loyalty Points required to earn status. However, with the addition of a new Loyalty Choice Reward, earning status can be slightly easier.
Currently, at various Loyalty Point levels, you’re able to choose from a list of rewards. These include priority boarding, systemwide upgrades, lounge passes and more.
Starting with the new qualification year on Mar. 1, 2024, the airline will let members select bonus Loyalty Points at three Loyalty Choice Reward levels. This can come in handy if you are just a few Loyalty Points shy of earning the next status level at the end of the year.
At these levels, you’ll have the opportunity to earn the following:
- 15,000 Loyalty Point level: Option to earn 1,000 bonus Loyalty Points.
- 175,000 Loyalty Point level: Option to earn 5,000 bonus Loyalty Points.
- 250,000 Loyalty Point level: Option to earn 15,000 bonus Loyalty Points.
All other Loyalty Choice Rewards are staying the same..
New opportunities to earn and redeem miles
American is also adding more opportunities to earn and redeem miles.
On the earning side, when American flyers pay to upgrade to a premium cabin, they’ll earn redeemable miles and Loyalty Points for the amount paid. While this is a much-appreciated change, the date of when it takes effect has not yet been released.
Plus, those with Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum and Concierge Key elite status will soon be able to redeem miles to enjoy Flagship First dining experiences when flying in a lesser cabin. Flagship First dining is available at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Miami International Airport (MIA).
Additionally, members will eventually be able to redeem miles to upgrade cabins on partner airlines. This will roll out later in 2024, although pricing and other restrictions have yet to be announced.
Better policies for AAdvantage Members
Finally, American is incentivizing flyers to join the airline’s AAdvantage Loyalty program by adding new benefits for members. The airline will also make some benefits that were previously available to all travelers exclusive to AAdvantage members.
Starting at the end of January 2024, AAdvantage members will be able to cancel nonrefundable Basic Economy tickets and receive a travel credit for the amount paid, minus a $99 fee. The only caveat is that this only applies to domestic trips booked directly through American Airlines. Previously, Basic Economy tickets were neither changeable nor refundable.
Additionally, AAdvantage members will continue to have one year to use Trip Credits. But once the changes take place, those who are not AAdvantage members will only have six months to use the credit. These changes apply for all Trip Credits issued on or after Mar. 11, 2024.
Lastly, only those enrolled in the AAdvantage program will have access to free 24-hour ticket holds, free same-day standby and the option to purchase one-day passes to the Admirals Club and single-visit passes to Flagship Lounges. Most of these changes will take place later in 2024 (at a date not yet announced), while the free same-day standby changes goes into effect Mar. 1, 2024.
Bottom line
American Airlines is making a handful of positive changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program. While some key details have yet to be disclosed, these benefits will enhance AAdvantage elite status and make travel more flexible for all members.
Looking for a new travel credit card? Check out?CNN Underscored Money’s?list of the?best credit cards?currently available.
