American Airlines Loyalty Points
American Airlines sent emails to its members introducing the new, simpler AAdvantage® program on October 26, 2021. This new program will start in 2022, revamping the way we accumulate miles to attain frequent flyer status with American Airlines.
We still have until the end of this year to qualify for the elite status based on the EQD Elite Qualifying Dollars, EQM Elite Qualifying Miles, and EQS Elite Qualifying Segments which is valid until January 31, 2023 and should be extended to February 28, 2023 in accordance with the new program year.
There are many news and stories on how to earn the AAdvantage® loyalty points writen by news agencies and bloggers that will teach you how to earn the points.
As an Executive Platinum elite member on the AAdvantage® program since 2013, I have enjoyed numerous benefits associated with this elite status level, from the complimentary upgrades, same day flight changes, priority help on the irregular operation such as flight cancellations and delays and first class check in as well as first class lounge access on partner airlines.
As most of airline flyers, the first class cabin, especially the Flagship Business and Flagship First would be the most enjoyable part of flying. Due to the higher fares of this cabins, the frequent flyers will go the extra length to attain the higher elite status for the chance of getting a complimentary upgrades.
There are 4 elite status on this AAdvantage® Frequent Flyer program, not to mention the exclusive Concierge Key status. The lowest tier is Gold, follow with a higher Platinum status. These two elite status are not beneficial enough to reap teh rewards except for frequent flyers who fly short segments, as they have the chance in getting the complimentary first class upgrade for less then 500 miles distance.
Starting on January 2022, American Airlines loyalty program will reward flyers who spend more on the AAdvantage® credit cards easier than flying on American Airlines or partner flights. My opinion is that the lowest two tier elite status, Gold and Platinum which requires 30,000 loyalty points (accrued by spending $30,000 on the AAdvantage® credit cards) and 75,000 loyalty points (accrued by spending $75,000 on AAdvantage® credit cards) respectively are not worth to pursue.
AADVANTAGE PLATINUM PRO® & AADVANTAGE EXECUTIVE PLATINUM®
The higher 2 elite status on American Airlines loyalty program, The Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum are worth to pursue due to the extra benefits such as higher loyalty points earning and complimentary upgrades to Business and First Class as well as Flagship Business and Flagship First Cabin.
For the big credit card spender, it would be easier to reach these status than to earn with the qualifing miles from the flying by itself.
You can reach The Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum with an annual spending of $125,000 and $200,000 respectively with the AAdvantage® credit cards or spend enough dollars on the American Airlines and its partners flights.
Existing Platinum Pro status
For the elite members that do not have the AAdvantage® credit cards or do not want to spend $125,000 to $200,000 annually on the credit cards, these elite levels would cost more dollars than this year AAdvantage® program.
Platinum Pro who are going to start next year qualification with a goal of maintaining the same elite level, they need to spend about $13,900 plus the taxes and fees which is usually about 20 % of the base fare, bring the spend amount needed to about $16,680 compare to the required EQD for this year in the reduced amount of $7,000.
For existing Platinum Pro elite members who want to reach Executive Platinum on the new program, they need to spend about $22,230 plus taxes and fees which bring the total spend amount to about $26,676
Existing Executive Platinum status
Executive Platinum members who want to maintaining the same elite level, they need to spend about $18,200 plus the taxes and fees which is usually about 20 % of the base fare, bring the spend amount needed to about $21,840 compare to the required EQD for this year in the reduced amount of $12,000.
Opportunity to earn Loyalty Choice Rewards
Starting in March 2022, if you qualify for AAdvantage Platinum Pro® or higher and fly a minimum of 30 flights, you’ll unlock Loyalty Choice Rewards, more benefits which are rewarded to American Airlines most loyal flyers, such as the valuable Systemwide Upgrade certificates.
Benefits of the American Airlines Loyalty Points program
One of the most valuable benefits of the American Airlines American Airlines Loyalty Points elite status for Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum as One World Emerald, is the access to the One World First Class lounges like this The Pier First Class lounge at HKG HongKong International Airport, while flying in any cabin class
Othe First Class lounges around the world that would granted access are British First Gallery lounge at LHR London International Airport, Qantas First Class lounge in SYD Sydney International Airport as well as other One World alliance First Class lounges.
During the flights, one of the benefits of American Airlines Loyalty Points program is the elevated gourmet dining on board. Breakfast menu on the Flagship Business class cabin which your choice of Egg and Fire Roasted Corn Enchiladas with Sriracha pineapple chicken sausage, American Breakfast with scrambled eggs with chives, canadian bacon, roasted potatoes and herbed tomato, European Cold Breakfast or Steel Cut Oatmeals.
Flagship Business class dinner with gourmet menu served on white china and free flow of champagne, wine, cocktail and other beverages (drinks served in plastic cups due to the pandemic).
American Airlines Loyalty Points or other airlines' frequent flyer program
Now you can make a wise decision wether you are going to spend all this money to reach the highest status on this new American Airlines Loyalty Points or by buying outright all of the benefits afforded by this program or look into other airlines’ frequent flyers benefits.