American Airlines has announced some upcoming changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program. The modifications include additional perks for members and changes to the airlines’ same-day standby service.
Previously, same-day standby was available to all passengers, but from the start of the new program year on March 1st, 2024, passengers will need to be an AAdvantage member if they wish to stand by for a later flight on the same day. All passengers will still be able to stand by for an earlier flight.Additional perks for AAdvantage members
Among the new benefits for AAdvantage members that will be introduced throughout this year are:Extended Trip Credit – members will have six more months to use up Trip Credit than non-members when canceling travel online.
Admirals Club One-Day Passes – members will be able to buy a One-Day Pass to visit Admirals Club lounges.
Flagship Lounge Single Visit Passes – members will be able to buy a pass to enjoy this premium lounge.24-hour trip hold – members will be able to put flights on hold free of charge for up to 24 hours if they need more time to decide before booking.
Greater flexibility – members will be able to cancel a non-refundable Basic Economy ticket and receive a partial refund in the form of credit.Flagship First Dining too
Other changes being introduced by American Airlines include the option to redeem miles for upgrades with select airline partners.
Members with Platinum Pro status will also be able to redeem miles for Flagship First Dining passes at the carrier’s Flagship First Lounges at Miami International Airport (MIA), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).American Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Loyalty and Revenue Management, Scott Chandler, expressed their excitement at the changes, saying,There has never been a better time to be a member in the award-winning AAdvantage program. American has built a travel rewards program that’s simple and rewarding for everyone. We have one goal in mind: offer the best loyalty rewards program, unmatched. This means delivering true value for our members through rewards and the best experiences based on their engagement in the program.More than 40 years of AAdvantage
Launched in May 1981, AAdvantage is the world’s largest airline loyalty program today, with more than 115 million members.
In 2023, AAdvantage members redeemed approximately 14 million awards for flights, upgrades, hotel bookings, car rentals, and merchandise.Most major US airlines offer some form of same-day standby service, and in August 2023, Southwest Airlines joined the ranks by making it free for all travelers. While it may seem like a backward step from American Airlines to limit later same-day standby to AAdvantage members, the loyalty program is free to join, so passengers can still take advantage of the service by signing up.