American Airlines is the last of the Big Three Airlines to make an update to their rewards program today. Last week, both United and Delta Airlines made positive changes to their Rewards Programs. I’m glad to see that American Airlines has followed suit. You’ll find that AA extended their Elite Status & more below!
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Extending AA Elite Status
American Airlines rewards members whose elite status is set to expire on January 31st, 2021 will be extended through January 31, 2022! All members accounts will reflect this change starting on May 15th, 2020.
Easier to Qualify for Elite Status in 2020
American Airlines is offering everyone the opportunity to earn Elite Status easier for the remainder of 2020. The new qualifiers include lower Elite Qualifying Dollar (EQD), Elite Qualifying Mile (EQM) and Elite Qualifying Segment (EQS) requirements.
Systemwide Upgrades Extension
Anyone that has any unused systemwide upgrades will be extended through July 31st 2021. Any members who qualify or requalify for Executive Platinum Status in 2020 will receive 4 Upgrades which can be used through January 31, 2022.
EQM thresholds have been lowered for Executive Platinum Rewards
Typically members would have to earn so many Elite Qualifying Miles in order to receive a reward. The three levels have been all lowered significantly for the remainder of 2020.
Members who Earn 90,000 EQM’s Can Choose From
- 2 Systemwide Upgrades
- 40,000 Bonus Miles
- Ability to Gift AA Gold Status
Members who Earn 120,000 EQM’s Can Choose From
- 2 Systemwide Upgrades
- 40,000 Bonus Miles
- Ability to Gift AA Platinum Status
Members who Earn 150,000 EQM’s Can Choose From
- 2 Systemwide Upgrades
- 40,000 Bonus Miles
- Ability to Gift AA Platinum Status
Million Miler Promotion
All Dollars Spent on either the Citi or Barclays American Airlines co-branded credit cards will count towards earning the Million Miler Status. This Promotion will run from May 1st 2020 through December 31 2020. Every Dollar spent will count as 1 Mile Towards the Million Miler Status. I think this is a creative incentive to spend money on those co-branded credit cards and like the new opportunity to earn status!
New Change Fees Policy
For travel booked by May 31st 2020, all award reinstatement and change fees will be waived. For travel booked on June 1st 2020 and beyond, all fees will be waived on changes are made at least 60 days before. There is a staggered fee schedule for changes that take place less then 60 days from the date of travel. The amount of the fees depends on which AA elite status you have.
Vacation Credits for Elite Members
American Airlines Elite members will receive a one time credit on July 1st 2020 that can be used towards an AA Vacation Package. The amount that you receive depends on which Elite Status you hold. Gold Members will receive $300. Platinum and Platinum Pro Members will receive $350. Executive Platinum Members will receive $400.
Basic Breakdown
I’m glad to see that American Airlines stepped up to the plate for their elite members. I think these extensions are fair and comparable to the other programs. The unique Million Miler promotion is a nice incentive for folks to open or use an AA co-branded credit card. What do you think about these changes? Are you going to strategize earning status with AA due to these changes? I’d love to hear what you think below in the comments or over in the 4,000 + Member Basic Travel Facebook Group!
