American Airlines is eliminating complex elite qualification metrics by introducing ‘Loyalty Points’, where one qualifying AAdvantage® mile earned equals one Loyalty Point. Members can now earn status by flying, using an AAdvantage credit card or by spending with a partner.
On Tuesday (October 26, 2021), American Airlines announced a simplification of the elite qualifying metrics for AAdvantage loyalty program members to earn status. Members will now earn one ‘Loyalty Point’ for each AAdvantage mile earned by flying, using an AAdvantage credit card, or by shopping with one of the loyalty program’s partners. Additionally, members can now unlock ‘Loyalty Choice Rewards’ when they earn Platinum Pro status or higher and fly at least 30 flights on American or a qualifying partner airline.
In Tuesday’s announcement, American Airlines’ Chief Customer Officer, Alison Taylor, said,
“Loyalty should be simple, and we have reimagined our AAdvantage program to a single point system that provides a clear path to earning status for our members. For our loyal members, the message is simple: Earn AAdvantage miles, earn status — whether that’s by flying on American or by spending on everyday activities. We thank our members for their continued loyalty and look forward to this renewed relationship as we enter 2022.”
In addition to the changes to elite qualifying metrics, American Airlines is extending AAdvantage status for all current members through March 31, 2022. Customers will also have the opportunity to ‘double dip’, as any qualifying activity earned in January and February will count towards both 2022 and 2023 AAdvantage status, giving members two extra months to earn elite status for both years. In the future, members will qualify for status from March through February, with status valid through March 31st of the following year.
As previously mentioned, next year guests will be able to unlock Loyalty Choice Rewards, previously called elite choice rewards. Loyalty Choice Rewards are awarded to members who earn Platinum Pro status or higher and fly at least 30 flights on American or qualifying partner airlines. Members can select the reward they value most such as an Admirals Club day pass, systemwide upgrades or bonus AAdvantage miles. Additional Loyalty Choice Rewards are unlocked as members accrue more Loyalty Points.
American Airlines’ purpose is to care for people on life’s journey. Shares in the American Airlines Group, Inc., trade on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock is included in the S&P 500.
Source: American Airlines