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American Airlines announces new benefits for frequent flyers

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Jake Hardiman Senior Editor | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jul 21, 2024

American Airlines has announced new benefits for its frequent flyers, set to be introduced later this year. These additions are part of a broader program overhaul aimed at providing more ways to earn and redeem miles.

One of the significant updates is the ability for all members to earn miles on cash upgrades. While there are various methods to upgrade flights with American Airlines, purchasing a seat in a premium cabin remains popular. The airline stated that starting "later this year," members will earn miles when they pay cash to upgrade their seats. Currently, miles can be redeemed for upgrades, with domestic flight prices beginning at 5,000 miles.

Additionally, all loyalty program members will soon be able to redeem miles for AAdvantage Events experiences. Presently, members can earn miles and loyalty points by booking events such as concerts through Ticketmaster, earning 1 AAdvantage mile and 1 Loyalty Point per dollar spent on standard and resale tickets (excluding taxes and fees).

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For its most loyal frequent flyers, American Airlines will allow AAdvantage Platinum Pro status members to redeem miles for access to Flagship First Dining lounges before eligible flights. These first-class dining experiences feature menus from local chefs and are currently available at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).

In addition to these changes, American Airlines plans to open another Flagship Lounge next year. The carrier confirmed that it would expand its second transatlantic hub at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) with the opening of the A-West Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club spaces in 2025.

Earlier this year, American Airlines has been revamping its frequent flyer program. WiFi has been rolled out on all Viasat-equipped narrowbody aircraft and is expected to extend to all Viasat-equipped widebody aircraft by fall. This ad-supported WiFi service allows AAdvantage members to redeem miles for an inflight session.

Improvements have also been made for infrequent flyers signing up for the loyalty program. Members can now fly standby for free on an earlier flight via the mobile app or airline website. Additionally, canceling non-refundable Basic Economy tickets is more manageable; members receive partial trip credit for a fee and have six additional months compared to non-members to use Trip Credit.

Further changes include upcoming redemption opportunities for upgrades on additional airlines and the ability to request systemwide upgrades online.

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GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Qatar Airways In Talks To Buy 20% Of Virgin Australia - Airline Ratings

American Airlines announces new benefits for frequent flyers

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