American Airlines
An American Airlines plane prepares to land at the Miami International Airport on July 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida.Joe Raedle/Getty
Collecting miles and loyalty points with American Airlines will soon become somewhat harder, with the carrier announcing on Tuesday changes to its AAdvantage rewards program that limit how customers can earn frequent-flyer points.
“We want to make it more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel,” American Airlines’ chief commercial officer Vasu Raja said in a statement. “Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it’s also where we offer the best fares and it’s most rewarding for our AAdvantage members.”
The carrier said in a press release Tuesday that tickets issued from May 1 onwards will be subject to the new policy. Here’s what to know:
How do you keep earning points?
Starting in May, most customers will only be eligible for AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points if they book directly with American Airlines and eligible partner airlines, or through “preferred travel agencies,” which the airline said it will reveal in a list in late April.
Those buying basic economy tickets will face even more restrictions, only being able to earn miles by booking directly with American Airlines or partner operators.
But the update in the rewards program will not affect AAdvantage Business members or contracted corporate travelers, who remain eligible for miles and points no matter where they book their tickets.
Meanwhile, AAdvantage members can also continue earning miles and points while shopping, booking hotels, and registering for events through partner platforms.
This is not the first time American Airlines has made changes to its loyalty program. Last year, the carrier raised the threshold for its members to attain the Gold status, which promises perks like selective free upgrades.
Major U.S. airlines made a total revenue of $7 billion in baggage fees in 2022, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Fees like these became the subject of a Senate panel investigation in November amid complaints that customers are often blindsided by these costs during the purchasing process.
American Airlines said its new changes are partly being driven by rising costs.
“Fuel has gone up quite a bit. That’s a big component of our costs when we’re carrying bags,” Scott Chandler, American Airlines’ vice president of revenue management, told USA Today.
The changes will not affect AAdvantage members and American Airlines credit card holders, who get complimentary checked bags. Customers who purchase premium cabins and active-duty U.S. military personnel will also remain eligible for free checked bags.
American Airlines’ calculation of extra charges for overweight baggage is also changing. The latest changes introduce a $30 fee for bags that are up to 3 lbs or 3 inches over the limit. Anything more, and the existing charges, which start at $100, will kick in.
The carrier is also capping its oversized baggage limit to 115 linear inches, as well as banning items like javelins, pole vaults, and hang gliders from April 17 onwards.