Changes Coming to AA Frequent Flyer Program

[Limewood]

They could be doing a Qantas "enhancement"

 

[serfty]

On the jimmy fallon tonight show, they just mentioned the changes to aa to compete with Lcc by way of offering no snacks, no seat selection and 'no destination selection'

Delta already do this with their 'E' class fares.

One means Legacy airlines originally tried to use to compete with LCC was their own LCC offshoot (such as NZ's "Freedom Air" and UA's TED). Most failed - one exception was Jetstar which arguably has similar to the 'E' class fare type these days but in reverse with default 'starter' fares with upsells.

 

[JohnK]

On the jimmy fallon tonight show, they just mentioned the changes to aa to compete with Lcc by way of offering no snacks, no seat selection and 'no destination selection'

LOL. Random destinations? Mystery flights on all your flights booked?

 

[CPMaverick]

LOL. Random destinations? Mystery flights on all your flights booked?

No need to finish reading, just quote and reply once you think you know what is being said

 

[Mattg]

Let's hope that the enhancements are to the point-earning side, and not the point-burning part of the program!

 

[exceladdict]

Let's hope that the enhancements are to the point-earning side, and not the point-burning part of the program!

Will be interesting to see how many point-purchase promos happen between now and then.

I've stayed away due to the high dollar so only have 16k in the bank. Will need to get a DOM J to use these up on before mid 16 it seems...

 

[JohnK]

No need to finish reading, just quote and reply once you think you know what is being said

Have I misunderstood the refer3nc3 to LCC and 'no destination selection'? Apologies.

 

[CPMaverick]

Have I misunderstood the refer3nc3 to LCC and 'no destination selection'? Apologies.

I was agreeing with you. Referring to the post you quoted. Obviously if they said DL does the same thing, they didn't finish the sentence about 'no destination'. All good

 

[serfty]

First hint of changes are coming through.

See here from JonNYC on http://www.travelingbetter.com/showthread.php?t=5972

I've now seen the full set of changes.

They do impact the entire program and are substantial, and they do start in 2016. There's a separate phase on earning (redemption miles, not elite miles) that begins late in 2016

As far as earning status, I think what they've come up with is excellent.

No minimum spend for elite

No $-based elite earning (but bonuses for higher spend)

No change to level for elite

No change to segment qualification.

Albeit possibly not as many of them [SWU's].

The part of the changes that kick into effect late 2016 that relate to redeemable miles from flights will ruffle some feathers, for sure. A non/lower elite on cheap/cheapish fares, as an example, would find such earning definitely effected negatively.

RDM accrual in the late 2016 phase will be radically different than current.

 

[moa999]

Fitst hint of cnahges are coming through

Link? Hint? Describe

 

[baggyred]

Looks like the FT forums are suggesting no change to redemptions... *fingers crossed*

 

[serfty]

Link? Hint? Describe

fleshed out a bit in a post edit ...

 

[moa999]

So sounds like the bad news is delayed for 12mths or so

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Had a look at the hinted changes... looks like there is no immediate need to burn our miles given that substantial RDM and redemption changes won't affect first half(?) of 2016. Cutting SWU will be painful for EXPs. Based on the comments, the worse I'm expecting to affect Plats is a cut to our 100% RDM earnings. Some people mentioned that we might see higher EQP for J/F fares which would mean that there are still possibilities for MRs exEU.

If RDMs are going to be substantial, I wonder if AS would be a new place for our miles?

Now when are they going to rip the band-aid off!?

Edit:

RIP EQP
Will be all EQMs, solving the problem of a "mixed" flyer where a few premium/full-Y/etc tickets get buried (and therefore unrewarded) under AAdv's current system.

no more EQPs?!

 

[serfty]

...

Edit:
no more EQPs?!

I guess the RDM earn will vary far more significantly than currenly based upon fare class/status, as such they'll more closely reflect EQP earn, so no further need for 'em.


SWU's ...

SWUs for EP cut to 4 but with definitely possibility/mechanism to earn more.

SWUs for CK boosted to 4 with definitely possibility/mechanism to earn more.


Without having access to the actual criteria (it's not even published yet in this) I'd *speculate* that there will be:

- a certain % of EPs that will only earn the 4 SWUs annually. Probably a pretty large %.

- a certain % of more profitable (higher EQMs) EPs that will earn 6 SWUs annually. Probably a pretty large %.

- a certain % of even more profitable (higher EQMs) EPs that will earn 8 SWUs annually.

- a certain % of even more profitable (higher EQMs) EPs that will earn (10, 12, etc) SWUs annually.

Presumably posted automatically, no more "magic words" calls to ACS, etc

 

[serfty]

"500 milers"

earning of 500-milers goes from 4 every 10K to 4 every 12.5K. (keep in mind the bonuses for premium/higher fares comes into play here now-- didn't before.)

 

[_TheTraveller_]

New EQM system

New system:

Full fare First/Business F/J 3 EQMs per mile flown
Discount fare First/Business 2 EQMs per mile flown
Full fare Y/B 1.5 EQMs per mile flown
Discount Main Cabin 1 EQM per mile flown

RDM will be entirely reworked in late 2016. ($$ x status)

This is actually really good. This actually solves a lot of my problems that I had this year where I purchased a mix of discounted J, PE and Y fares. I'm impressed with AA! This great news for those earning status on AA but I reckon RDMs will be a bloodbath for those who often travel on deep discounted Y fares.

 

[moa999]

Nothing about PE? Probably full fare Y

 

[andye]

The suggested new EQM rates bring the ease of gaining OWS and OWE closer to that of QFF and BAEC for the J flyer. The 4~ on each programme (and no soft landing on AA) is obviously an issue but if they don't change redemption rates AA looks like it will remain very good in comaprison.

 

[serfty]

It seems that, even with status, the redeemable mile earn may be worse that with Qantas under "Simpler and Fairer[SUP]TM[/SUP]".

• Per Gary Leff at View From the Wing, here are the new RDM earning levels¹:
  

  
  Please note: There are NO additional elite status bonuses.
  ¹Award miles will be calculated using the fare purchased less any taxes and fees; flights sold with an AA flight number will include any carrier-imposed surcharges in the calculation.
  ​