American Killing miles flown, New FF program 2016

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Starting in 2016, we'll make changes to the American Airlines AAdvantage® program. We're evolving to build a rewarding program for all members while giving our best customers access to our most exclusive benefits. These updates will roll out in phases over time. We'll keep you updated as we implement these changes.

Earning award miles

In the second half of 2016, award miles earned from flying will be calculated differently to reward you when you spend more. When traveling on flights marketed by American, you'll earn miles based on the price paid for your ticket (base fare plus carrier-imposed fees, excluding any government-imposed taxes and fees), multiplied by five (5) for AAdvantage® members. If you reach elite status, you’ll earn award miles at higher rates.
How award miles will be calculated »

Earning award miles for travel on flights marketed by partner airlines will be based on a percentage of the flight distance and the fare class purchased. We'll have more information about earning on partner airlines in 2016.

Until the new award mile earning structure takes effect, you'll continue to earn miles based on the distance flown. In addition, we're extending our 2015 AAdvantage bonus miles promotion that allows you to earn more bonus miles when you purchase and fly on a First or Business Class ticket on American and select airlines.
2015 AAdvantage bonus miles promotion »

Award redemption changes

We're adjusting existing award levels for award tickets redeemed on March 22, 2016 and beyond due to changes to market pricing and demand. Award levels on some routes, such as flights to Europe and other international destinations, will increase. Award levels on other routes, like flights to popular destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, will decrease. Plus, you'll be able to redeem MileSAAver® awards for as low as 7,500 miles one-way (plus any applicable taxes and carrier-imposed fees) for flights 500 miles or less.
More about award level changes on American »
More about award level changes on partner airlines »

Earning elite status

On January 1, 2016, elite-qualifying points will be removed from our qualifying structure, and elite status will be based on Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) or Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs). The membership year is also changing. Beginning with the 2017 membership year, elite status will be valid through January 31 of the following year.
How you'll earn elite status in 2016 »

We'll continue to keep you updated as we get closer to implementing these changes to the AAdvantage program. We appreciate your continued loyalty.

Sincerely,


Suzanne L. Rubin
President, AAdvantage Loyalty Program

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

Not sure if this is good or bad. Sure is going to put a damper on those mileage runs on flyer talk. For me most of miles Ce from credit card spend so hopefully won't impact me negatively.


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[Carolinian Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Carolinian]

It screws international flyers to the wall. I had expected garbage like this from the USAir takeover. Sad. This WAS the one decent ff program still out there. There is no justification for loyalty anymore, as AA goes frequent buyer instead of frequent flyer. As an AA Plat, I am DONE! I will henceforth fly price alone.

It is not just the ticket price garbage that hurts international flyers but also the new calculations on milage on partner tickets. This sucks big time. While not as bad as what Delta did, it is bad enough to make me give up on airline loyalty.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

Lately been seeing that just buying miles when they have a 20% bonus promo is a decent deal if you want a flexible cancelable ticket and want to fly first class.
With all the chaos in the world I am starting to think that that perk is worth sticking with the AA ff program.
Those cheap tickets end up being expensive in the end.


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[Hoc Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Hoc]

I pretty much stopped doing mileage runs two years ago, when the price of flying them tripled.

[Carolinian Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Carolinian]

I pretty much stopped doing mileage runs two years ago, when the price of flying them tripled.

I never did a pure milage run. If I was short on miles, I would try to figure out somewhere on my bucket list of places I wanted to go that I could book a trip to get the needed miles.

The vast increase in air fares coincided with the reduction of competition, as the US airline industry has become an oligopoly of a few players. That has also led to the trashing of frequent flyer programs. Unfortunately, the Justice Department under both parties signed off on these monopolistic mergers.

From here forward, I will be flying more European carriers, which have a better passenger experience since I will no longer be looker to maintain elite status. The US carriers can get stuffed.