An American Airlines Airbus 321 sits at the gate at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on July 23, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia.
Daniel Slim | AFP | Getty Images
First of all: american airlines The requirements to earn elite status with an airline in the next earnings year remain unchanged.
These criteria are typically top of mind for frequent fliers, as airlines have tweaked their loyalty programs in recent years as travel demand has soared and elites have grown.
And while American Airlines raised the bar for earning the lowest level of Gold in its 2023-2024 earnings year, which ends Feb. 29, the airline has no intention of moving that needle in the next earnings period. do not have. Airline elite status gives big spenders perks like free upgrades and free checked baggage.
American Airlines announced Tuesday that it is making a number of changes that extend some services only to AAdvantage members.
Here are the changes:
Due to the program changes, only AAdvantage members in the U.S. can hold domestic flights without paying fees, hold flights for 24 hours before booking, or purchase a day pass to the Admirals Club Lounge or Flagship Lounge. You will be able to All customers currently have access to these services.
“Membership is the only status,” said Scott Chandler, American Airlines senior vice president of loyalty and revenue management.
AAdvantage members can also use their travel credits for six months longer than non-members, and for a fee, can also get a partial travel credit when canceling a limited basic economy ticket. can.
The changes highlight American’s focus on getting more customers to sign up for its loyalty program. These programs generate billions of dollars annually for airlines. delta airlines Last year, the airline announced it would begin offering free Wi-Fi onboard for members of its SkyMiles frequent flyer program.
Loyalty programs have been a lifeline for airlines as travel numbers have declined slightly during the coronavirus pandemic. Airlines make money by selling their mileage points to banks when customers use co-branded or other reward credit cards, no matter what they spend on, from airline tickets to new countertops. .
American, united Delta Air Lines and Delta Air Lines both recently overhauled their loyalty programs to reward big spenders, giving passengers more points and elite status based on how much they spend rather than how far they fly. Now you can earn it.
Airlines have grappled with the surge in elite travelers, repeatedly increasing requirements to earn status and tweaking benefits. Part of that is because airlines have allowed customers to keep their status during the pandemic even if they’re not traveling.
Last year, Delta Air Lines reversed some changes after customer complaints, including tightening access restrictions to popular airport lounges. All three airlines are building larger airport lounges to accommodate more people.
American Airlines also announced that it will allow customers to earn miles when paying for cabin upgrades and redeem those miles for upgrades on partner airlines. For customers aiming for elite status, the airline will award bonus loyalty points after earning 15,000 points. For the lowest Gold status he needs 40,000 Loyalty Points.
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