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Tag: aadvantage

  • AA: Book With a Third-Party? No Points for You!

    AA: Book With a Third-Party? No Points for You!

    American Airlines has announced some changes to its AAdvantage program that will affect how you earn miles and Loyalty Points on flights, depending on where you book.

    Starting with tickets issued on May 1, 2024, you will only earn miles and Loyalty Points on flights when you:

    • Book directly with American and eligible partner airlines.
    • Book travel anywhere as an AAdvantage Business member or contracted corporate traveler.
    • Book through preferred travel agencies. American will share a list of eligible preferred agencies on aa.com in late April.

    This means that if you book through a third-party site like Expedia, Orbitz, or Priceline, you will not earn any miles or Loyalty Points on your flights. American says this is to “provide the best possible experience” and “reward our AAdvantage members”7. I say this is to discourage customers from shopping around for the best deals and to push them to book directly with American, where they can charge higher fares and fees.

    Basic Economy fare tickets will only earn when booked directly with American and eligible partner airlines – the key distinction here from “normal” economy being that it seems even bookings made with an accredited corporate travel agency won’t earn miles or LPs.

    Of course, for most of us, booking direct is the way to go anyway, unless you are forced to use a corporate travel agency. It’s so much easier in the event of irregular operations (IRROPS) to just work directly with the airline to fix things, rather than trying to work through a third-party. Which would you rather do… wait on hold for 6 hours to speak to a third party who may or may not be familiar with airline policies? Or stop by a ticketing/customer service desk (or even the Admirals Club)?

    Until now, however, there hasn’t been any real penalty to booking flights with an OTA (so long as nothing goes wrong). Hotels have been a different story for a long time. None of the “majors” will typically grant any points or elite credit/recognition on a third-party booking, unless that third party is an accredited corporate travel agency. Back in 2018, Hyatt Place even experimented with restricting its complimentary breakfast only to World of Hyatt members who booked direct (though that’s hardly a loss given the breakfast quality at your typical neighborhood Hyatt Place). Hyatt suspended this policy during the pandemic, and there’s currently no reason to think it’ll be reinstated anytime soon; the mediocre breakfast product just isn’t worth the manpower to protect, I guess!

    The message from AA is clear: book direct, or else. The major airlines tend to move in lockstep with each other, so time will tell if this is just an AA thing, or an industry-wide shift. What do you think of these changes? Will they affect how you book your flights with American?

  • Aer Lingus Added as Earn-Only AA Partner; Will They Rejoin Oneworld?

    Aer Lingus Added as Earn-Only AA Partner; Will They Rejoin Oneworld?

    American Airlines and Aer Lingus forged a partnership early in 2022. This move followed the Irish flag carrier’s entry into the Oneworld transatlantic joint venture in 2020.

    The partnership initiated a codeshare agreement aimed at enhancing the travel experience between the United States and Ireland. This agreement allowed American Airlines and Aer Lingus to place their codes on each other’s flights, streamlining the booking process for passengers on either airline’s website.

    Despite the promising start, the journey to full integration faced challenges, particularly in the area of frequent flyer reciprocity. For nearly two years after the launch of the partnership, passengers had no opportunities to earn or redeem miles, and certainly didn’t receive reciprocal elite benefits.

    However, as of December 2023 (in other words, now), a breakthrough has emerged with the introduction of reciprocal mileage earning. Let’s be clear: this is currently an earn-only partnership at this time. American AAdvantage members can now earn miles for flights marketed and operated by Aer Lingus, with an earning rate of 5x miles per dollar spent. Additional elite bonuses are available for higher-tier AAdvantage members.

    While reciprocal award redemptions are anticipated in the future, the timeline for this development remains uncertain. Moreover, there is no indication of reciprocal elite perks at this point.

    The integration process has not been without its challenges, and concerns have been raised about the slow progress and lack of metal neutrality in the oneworld transatlantic joint venture. Despite Aer Lingus’s membership in the joint venture for almost three years, the reciprocity between the airlines took time to materialize, leaving observers perplexed about the reasons behind the delayed and limited integration.

    Adding to the complexity of the situation is Aer Lingus’s historical partnership with United, which recently came to an end, as previously discussed in an October blog post. The severed ties with United seem to be a push to align the airline even further with Oneworld.

    Looking beyond the immediate developments, industry observers are left speculating about Aer Lingus’s potential return to the Oneworld alliance. The airline was a member of Oneworld until it departed in 2007 but has maintained strong connections to the alliance despite its official neutrality (possibly owing to its ownership by IAG). Rumors circulating on FlyerTalk earlier in the year suggested that Aer Lingus might be considering a return, possibly as early as Q2 2025.

    Aer Lingus’s unique position within International Airlines Group (IAG) adds to the intrigue. It stands as the only full-service airline under the IAG umbrella that is not a member of any alliance, let alone Oneworld. With IAG’s other legacy carriers, including British Airways and Iberia, holding longstanding Oneworld memberships, the recent severing of ties with United, and now this new development, the speculation about Aer Lingus’s return to the alliance gains momentum.

    While it’s unclear exactly what the future holds, let’s all cross our fingers for a big announcement sometime in early to mid 2024.

  • What’s Going on with the Concourse C Admirals Club at CLT: Remodeling? Or Mold Infestation?

    What’s Going on with the Concourse C Admirals Club at CLT: Remodeling? Or Mold Infestation?

    Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has the distinction of being many travelers’ least favorite American Airlines hub. Despite its status as a “fortress hub” and being the second-largest in American’s network, the Admirals Club situation at the airport leaves a lot to be desired. Let’s dive into the latest update on the Concourse C Admirals Club and why it’s got people talking.

    The Main Club: Large but Lackluster
    The main Admirals Club on Concourse C is the largest in the airport. However, many seasoned travelers would agree that it’s also one of the least impressive Admirals Clubs in American Airlines’ entire network. If you’ve been there, you know what I’m talking about.

    The Baby Admirals on Concourse B
    In contrast, the “baby Admirals” club on Concourse B may be smaller, but it’s significantly better, having undergone a full renovation in 2019. Many travelers prefer to trek over to Concourse B just to escape the underwhelming main club on Concourse C.

    Strange Bar Closure
    Now, the main club’s bar has suddenly closed for remodeling. The circumstances were indeed strange, with not much advance warning. A temporary bar has been set up using tables, and they are currently serving pre-packaged food only. Originally, it was supposed to be closed for just a week, but now there’s talk that it might be January before it reopens.

    Mold Infestation Rumors
    There’s been a rumor circulating on Reddit, shared by user monorail_pilot, suggesting that the bar and kitchen area of the main Admirals Club might have a terrible mold infestation. It’s been noted that the ceiling above the bar had been getting painted over every month or two. Initially, the expectation was to just replace drywall, but it now appears the issue is far more severe. While this information hasn’t been independently confirmed, the Redditor sharing it seems to be a reputable source based on their post history.

    Previous Closure for Fire Code Updates
    Some of you might recall that the main Admirals Club was closed for approximately six months in 2022 for fire code updates. During that time, sprinklers and what appears to be voice evacuation speaker-strobes for the airport’s fire alarm system were installed. However, apart from some restroom updates, no real remodeling was done. It seems that American Airlines missed an opportunity to improve the club while it was closed, because the City of Charlotte allegedly told them they’d have to foot the bill for fire code updates if any changes were made. This closure led to long lines at the “baby Admirals” club on Concourse B, as it was the only functional Admirals Club during this period.

    Independent Lounges Shine at CLT
    One unusual (and arguably backwards) aspect of CLT is that the independent lounges tend to outshine the airline-affiliated ones. Unpopular opinion alert: the Centurion Lounge at the C-D connector is one of my favorite domestic lounges – at least, that I’m in a position to use with any regularity. The layout feels more spacious than many other Centurion outposts, it generally has minimal wait times (unlike DFW where 30+ minute waits are the norm), and the quality food and beverage options exceed expectations for a domestic Centurion location. Even the airport’s Priority Pass lounge, The Club at CLT, while nothing spectacular, is better than either Admirals Club in the airport. What’s more, both independent lounges feature a shower suite, while the Admirals Clubs do not – a holdover from the US Airways era (thanks, Discount Dougie!).

    Future Plans
    Earlier this year, @xJonNYC uncovered plans for a new Admirals Club at CLT. While details are limited, the concept looks promising. However, it’s likely to be years before we see any significant changes or improvements.

    In the meantime, if you’re passing through CLT, you might want to consider alternative lounge options to avoid the main Admirals Club on Concourse C.

  • Last Call: World of Hyatt Elite Members, Secure Your AAdvantage Instant Status Pass

    Last Call: World of Hyatt Elite Members, Secure Your AAdvantage Instant Status Pass

    If you’re a World of Hyatt elite member and you haven’t heard about the American AAdvantage Instant Status Pass yet, you’re in for a treat. The clock is ticking, and there’s only one day left to take advantage of this fantastic offer. So, let’s get straight to the details.

    The AAdvantage Instant Status Pass

    If you’re a loyal member of both World of Hyatt and AAdvantage, you’re in luck. American Airlines is offering complimentary AAdvantage status to World of Hyatt Explorist and Globalist members. All you need to do is link your World of Hyatt and AAdvantage accounts and register for this promotion before October 12, 2023.

    Here’s what you can expect:

    1. Explorist Members: You’ll receive complimentary AAdvantage Platinum status.
    2. Globalist Members: You’ll be upgraded to AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.

    This elite status will be yours for four months after registration. And the best part? You can extend it for an additional four months through specific activity.

    Maintaining Your AAdvantage Status

    To keep enjoying your AAdvantage status, here’s what you need to do during the qualifying four-month period:

    • Explorist Members: Earn at least 25,000 Loyalty Points to maintain AAdvantage Platinum.
    • Globalist Members: Aim for at least 42,000 Loyalty Points to hold onto your AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.
    • If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even earn AAdvantage Executive Platinum status by reaching 67,000 Loyalty Points.

    The icing on the cake is the opportunity to extend your status for an entire membership year after completing three consecutive four-month “qualifying phases.”

    How to Register

    To get started, head over to the link provided on Hyatt’s official page to connect your Hyatt account to your AAdvantage account. If your accounts are already linked, check out the “Promotions” tab in your AAdvantage account for the registration details.

    Important Notes

    Before you jump in, take note of a couple of important points:

    • You can’t participate in an offer for the same or lower status during the same membership year. So, choose wisely.
    • If you’ve enrolled in the Instant Status Pass™ in the previous 24 months, you won’t be eligible for this promotion.

    A Growing Trend

    For those of you who’ve been in the loop, you might recall that AA and Hyatt ran a similar promotion last year, which gained significant popularity. It seems like more travelers have been targeted this year, so you won’t want to miss out. This joint promotion is an extension of a wider partnership between the airline and hotel group, allowing elite members in both programs double-dipping opportunities on revenue flights and hotel stays (the latter of which also counts towards Loyalty Points with AA).

    So there you have it, folks! The clock is ticking, and you’ve got just one day left to make the most of the AAdvantage Instant Status Pass. If you’re a World of Hyatt elite member, this is an offer that could elevate your travel game for months to come. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Register now and enjoy the perks of elite status. Safe travels!

  • Unlocking Elevated Travel: Exploring the 100K Bonus Miles Offer of the Revamped Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

    Unlocking Elevated Travel: Exploring the 100K Bonus Miles Offer of the Revamped Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

    The revamped Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has certainly caused a stir in the miles and points community, and for good reason. While it’s true that the card’s annual fee has undergone an eyebrow-raising hike from $450 to $595, and some new fees for authorized users have crept in, let’s not jump ship just yet. This card has pulled out some tricks from its sleeve that could make it a compelling choice for frequent travelers, even despite the initial sticker shock.

    But first things first, let’s talk about the star of the show – the 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles on the table for those who manage to meet the minimum spending requirements. If that doesn’t immediately grab your attention, well, it should. This is a “best ever” bonus for this card, and given Citi’s 48-month rule on grabbing signup bonuses, the time to pull the trigger is now.

    Of course, the welcome bonus isn’t the only selling point here. If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for the tranquility and convenience of an Admirals Club membership, this card is waving that perk right in front of you. And while the increase in the annual fee might make you blink twice, consider this: the fee actually comes in cheaper than a standalone Admirals Club membership. Even in spite of recent fee hikes, this is still a great deal for regular AA fliers.

    But wait, there’s more. If you don’t yet have AAdvantage status, this card carries a bevy of status-like benefits, and the ability to defeat some aspects of basic economy. How about a complimentary first checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation when you’re jetting off on domestic American Airlines flights? Plus, with priority check-in, security, and early boarding on the menu for American Airlines flights, you’ll be breezing through the airport like a seasoned traveler, leaving those long lines and hassles behind. If you’re working towards AAdvantage elite status, this is great way to gain early access to some of those perks & make your journey to status more comfortable.

    Oh, and let’s not forget those bonus Loyalty Points – a potential 20,000 of them a year, not tied to your spending. Rack up 50,000 Loyalty Points with AAdvantage and you’ll be showered with an extra 10,000 bonus Loyalty Points. And if you’re aiming even higher, hitting the 90,000 Loyalty Points mark will add yet another 10,000 bonus Loyalty Points to your stash. While not game changing by any means, it’s a nice little boost on your journey to the next tier of AAdvantage status.

    But it doesn’t stop there. The card is essentially throwing you an assortment of credits worth up to $360 annually. Whether you’re planning to hit the road with Avis or Budget, craving some Grubhub delights, or catching a Lyft, these credits have got your back. And if you’re a fan of smooth airport experiences, the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit of up to $100 every four years is a nice perk.

    New travel protections are woven into the card’s fabric too, covering everything from trip cancellations to rental car mishaps. This is one of the most interesting changes on the newly-revamped card; many of you will remember that Citi dropped most travel protections across their lineup of cards back in 2019. And for those looking to elevate their hotel and car bookings, earning 10x AAdvantage miles on eligible bookings through the card’s portals could very well be the icing on the travel cake – though even in light of this benefit, we still generally advise booking direct with hotels to receive elite benefits and avoid any mishaps with a third-party booking.

    So yes, the Citi AAdvantage Executive Card has morphed into something quite intriguing. While the $595 annual fee might make you raise an eyebrow, the multitude of benefits can easily turn that skepticism into intrigue. And if you’ve been eyeing this card from a distance, there’s no denying that this could very well be your moment to seize that 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles offer and set off on a journey of extraordinary perks and possibilities.

  • American Airlines’ Stand Up to Cancer Campaign: Miles for a Cause, But Not for Status

    American Airlines’ Stand Up to Cancer Campaign: Miles for a Cause, But Not for Status

    American Airlines has once again caught our attention with their latest collaboration, once again partnering with Stand Up to Cancer for a charitable promotion that offers a unique way to give back while earning AAdvantage Miles. For those who frequently find themselves at 30,000 feet, this could be an opportunity worth considering. However, as always, the details matter, and it’s important to understand the nuances of this promotion before diving in.

    The heart of the promotion lies in the ability to earn up to 50x AAdvantage Miles for contributions to cancer research. Admirable, indeed. For donations of $25 or more, American Airlines is offering a respectable 25x AAdvantage Miles as a token of gratitude. But the rewards don’t stop there. If you’re wielding an American Airlines AAdvantage Mastercard and your donation falls between the $25 to $10,000 range, you’re in for a treat – a whopping 50x miles.

    Now, before you whip out your credit card and start racking up those miles, there are some key points to consider. This promotion is live until September 30, 2023, or until the $3 million donation threshold for the 50x miles tier is reached. Be aware that patience is the name of the game – those hard-earned bonus miles might take up to twelve weeks to finally make their way into your account.

    Here’s where it gets interesting. While each AAdvantage Mile is valued at 3 cents for the purpose of charitable deductions, it’s worth noting that this could have implications on your tax deductibility. Now, I’m no CPA, but it’s probably a good idea to consult one before you start counting those miles as deductions on your tax return.

    One detail that’s of particular interest to the frequent flyers out there is whether these bonus miles contribute to elite status. Well, folks, I hate to burst your bubble, but these miles are firmly in the “bonus miles” category, and that means they won’t help you inch any closer to that coveted elite status level. Since rolling out Loyalty Points in 2022, AA has used the term “bonus miles” to indicate that you’ll accrue only redeemable award miles – not LPs. So, if you’re eyeing this promotion as a shortcut to elevate your loyalty, you might want to rethink that strategy.

    In the grand scheme of things, if you’re already considering donating to cancer research and have some spare change to throw in the ring, this promotion could be a nice little cherry on top. However, for those aiming to pad their loyalty points tally, it’s essential to recognize that these miles won’t pave the way to elite status. Like a good pilot, it’s wise to have a steady hand on the controls – in this case, a clear understanding of the promotion’s ins and outs – before you take off into the wild blue yonder of charitable giving and AAdvantage Miles.

  • Will Day Passes be Next to Go at the Admirals Club?

    Will Day Passes be Next to Go at the Admirals Club?

    As air travel has continued to regain its stride following the tumultuous wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, one particular issue has reared its head more persistently than others: the challenge of overcrowded airport lounges. The eager influx of travelers newly armed with premium credit cards that grant them access to these sanctuaries of comfort has transformed serene lounges into bustling spaces, often marked by serpentine queues and an overwhelming demand for refuge from the terminal chaos.

    For those well-versed in the art of lounge hopping, the all-too-familiar sight of “the sign” at your nearest Admirals Club location has become a sign of the times – that one that informs you that day passes and complimentary entry for military personnel are not on the menu for the day. It’s a reality that we’ve grown accustomed to, and one we see more and more as time goes on.

    As a reminder, day passes are best procured on-site. When you purchase in advance, you always run the risk of arriving to the lounge only to encounter “the sign.” There are no refunds in this situation, so now you’re left with a lounge pass to find a use for by the expiration date – a feat that only seems to get harder by the week. For this reason, it’s best to wait and purchase day passes in-person. This is especially pertinent considering AA’s recent price hike for these passes. What was once a $59 or 5900-mile purchase has now been recalibrated to a steeper $79 or 7900 miles. It’s a clear indicator that American is striving to curtail the surge of visitors clamoring for entry.

    If the overcrowding quandary at select lounges weren’t self-evident through casual observation (seriously, just go to CLT and look around), American’s recent changes certainly paint a vivid picture. Recent measures put in place by AA include:

    • The cost of an Admirals Club membership has swelled to a whopping $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles. This represents approximately a 31% increase from the previous fee of $650 or 65,000 AAdvantage miles. For existing members, these revised rates will only apply to membership renewals beginning September 10, 2023. We’d advise most readers to steer clear of purchasing a membership directly from AA, when it can be had at a significant cost savings through Citi. That being said…
    • The annual fee tagged to the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has experienced an uptick from $450 to $595 per annum. For some, however, the real whopper lies in the fine print – the once-gratis Admirals Club access for authorized users has been rescinded. Instead, authorized users will now be subject to a fee of $175 for up to 3 users, with an additional $175 charge for each additional authorized user beyond the initial trio.

    Amid these changes, there may be some silver lining here. American Airlines has promised to invest in a series of lounge enhancements that will accompany this price surge. Notably, these improvements encompass an elevated selection of food and beverage offerings, signaling the airline’s commitment to justifying the augmented costs. Additionally, the stunning new lounge at DCA gives us a glimpse into the American’s vision for the future of Admirals Club facilities, with similar lounges opening at DEN and EWR later this year.

    But what could this domino effect of changes be foreshadowing for the Admirals Club and its patrons? To glimpse into a potential future, we need only peer across the industry aisle at other lounge networks that have embarked on similar journeys:

    • The revered AmEx Centurion lounges have implemented several measures. Access on arrival was removed several years ago, and an overarching 3-hour time limit has been imposed for non-layover visitors. And of course, back in February, complimentary guest access was nixed for many cardmembers.
    • Delta has taken the initiative to introduce stringent limitations on entry to their popular SkyClubs earlier this year. The sale of SkyClub memberships has been confined to Delta elites, while those flying on basic economy fares have been effectively barred. Of particular note, AmEx cardmembers with SkyClub access currently enjoy an exemption from these restrictions, though rumors are abound regarding potential amendments. As history often shows, airlines are often quick to mirror their competitors – could this be a hint for what’s to come at AA?

    The Admirals Club, even after the recent changes, still features one of the most lenient domestic access policies. While I’m not sure AA’s members have the appetite for some of the draconian measures Delta has taken, one has to wonder how long day passes will remain on the menu.

    Could we see this option eliminated altogether, or could American keep this option open to drive some extra revenue on slow days? Time will tell, but for non-members wielding a credit card with airline incidental credits to burn, day passes have previously been a great way to spend those. Before I picked up an Admirals Club membership of my own, I’d often use my incidental credit to buy a day pass when I got stuck for an extended period at an airport without a good Centurion or Priority Pass option.

    As the airline landscape continues to evolve, we’re left to ponder the next steps American Airlines might undertake. Will the allure of Admirals Club day passes be further tapered or replaced by access restrictions mirroring those of their peers? The tea leaves point to an industry-wide shift towards refining the exclusivity of these sanctuaries. Time will inevitably reveal the destination of this journey, but for now, the signs are clear: change is on the horizon.