American Airlines passengers will be pleased to learn that they can now earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on paid upgrades.
The airline made the news official this week after hinting at the possible change back in January. Until now, passengers flying on American and upgrading to the next cabin up did not receive the extra Loyalty Points or AAdvantage miles.
AAdvantage members will accrue miles and points on paid upgrades in the same way they would for any other American Airlines ticket — a base of 5 miles and Loyalty Points earned per $1 spent.
American Airlines AAdvantage elite status members would earn a bonus in addition to the 5 miles per $1 base earnings at the following rate:
AAdvantage Gold member: 7x miles
AAdvantage Platinum member: 8x miles
AAdvantage Platinum Pro member: 9x miles
AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Concierge Key members: 11x miles
This policy change aims to encourage travelers to consider paying for upgrades on their next American flight.
In the coming months, the airline will be sharing more updates about planned changes for . AAdvantage members. Other updates in the pipeline include having the opportunity to upgrade on more Oneworld alliance and partner airlines.
Currently, AAdvantage members can use their miles to upgrade select fares to a higher cabin of service on a few partner airlines like Qantas, British Airways, and Iberia.
American Airlines has recently announced a significant enhancement to its AAdvantage program, bringing a new incentive to its passengers. This week, the airline confirmed that travelers can now earn both AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on paid upgrades, a move that will likely appeal to frequent flyers and those aiming to maximize their rewards. The announcement comes after speculation earlier in the year when American Airlines hinted at potential changes to their loyalty program.
The AAdvantage program, one of the oldest and most established airline loyalty programs in the world, has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of its members. Over the years, the program has introduced various ways for members to earn miles and points, from everyday purchases to flying with partner airlines. However, one area where the program lagged was in rewarding passengers who opted for paid upgrades.
Until now, passengers who paid to upgrade to the next cabin—whether from economy to business or business to first—did not receive additional AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points for the cost of the upgrade. This policy left a gap in the benefits offered, particularly for travelers who frequently upgraded their seats for a better in-flight experience.
With the new policy in place, AAdvantage members will now accrue miles and Loyalty Points on paid upgrades in a similar manner as they would for any other ticket purchased with American Airlines. Specifically, members will earn a base of 5 miles and Loyalty Points for every $1 spent on the upgrade.
For example, if a passenger pays $200 to upgrade from economy to business class, they would earn 1,000 AAdvantage miles and 1,000 Loyalty Points. This straightforward earning structure aligns with American Airlines’ broader strategy to simplify and enhance the earning potential for its loyal customers.
The benefits of this new policy are particularly advantageous for AAdvantage elite status members. Depending on their status level, these members can earn significantly more than the base rate of 5 miles per $1 spent. Here’s a breakdown of the earning rates for elite members:
– AAdvantage Gold members earn 7 miles per $1 spent on upgrades.
– AAdvantage Platinum members earn 8 miles per $1 spent.
– AAdvantage Platinum Pro members** earn 9 miles per $1 spent.
– AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Concierge Key members earn an impressive 11 miles per $1 spent.
This tiered earning structure not only rewards loyalty but also provides an added incentive for members to pursue higher status levels within the AAdvantage program. For frequent flyers, the ability to earn more miles and points through paid upgrades could be a game-changer, particularly for those who regularly travel long-haul or on premium routes.
The decision to allow miles and points accrual on paid upgrades is a strategic move by American Airlines to encourage more passengers to consider upgrading their seats. Upgrading to a higher cabin can significantly enhance the travel experience, offering more comfort, better service, and additional amenities. For passengers, the ability to earn miles and points on these upgrades adds tangible value to the cost, making the decision to upgrade more appealing.
For American Airlines, this policy change could lead to increased revenue from upgrades, as more passengers may be inclined to pay for an upgrade if they know they’ll be rewarded with additional miles and points. It’s a win-win situation: passengers enjoy a better flight experience and earn more rewards, while the airline boosts its revenue and fosters greater loyalty among its customer base.
American Airlines has hinted at more changes coming to the AAdvantage program in the near future. While details are still forthcoming, the airline has indicated that it plans to expand the opportunities for AAdvantage members to upgrade on more Oneworld alliance and partner airlines. Currently, AAdvantage members can use their miles to upgrade select fares on a few partner airlines, including Qantas, British Airways, and Iberia.
Expanding upgrade options across the Oneworld network would be a significant enhancement, particularly for frequent international travelers who often fly on partner airlines. It would further integrate the AAdvantage program within the broader alliance, providing more flexibility and value to members.
For AAdvantage members looking to make the most of this new benefit, there are a few strategies to consider. First, it’s important to be aware of the upgrade options available on your specific route. Not all flights may offer paid upgrades, so checking in advance can help you plan accordingly.
Second, if you’re close to reaching the next elite status tier, taking advantage of a paid upgrade could help you earn the necessary points to level up. Since elite members earn more miles per dollar spent, upgrading during a status run could accelerate your progress.
Finally, keeping an eye on American Airlines’ announcements will be key. With more updates expected in the coming months, there could be additional opportunities to earn rewards and enjoy enhanced travel experiences.
American Airlines’ decision to allow miles and Loyalty Points accrual on paid upgrades marks a significant improvement to the AAdvantage program. This change not only enhances the value proposition for passengers but also aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to reward loyalty and encourage more premium cabin bookings. As the airline continues to evolve its loyalty program, AAdvantage members can look forward to even more opportunities to earn and redeem miles, making their travel experiences even more rewarding.
With these updates, American Airlines is setting a new standard in the industry, demonstrating its commitment to providing a top-tier loyalty program that caters to the needs and preferences of its most valued customers. As we await further announcements, one thing is clear: the AAdvantage program is becoming more advantageous than ever.