American Updates How It Sells Tickets on AA.com
It's been a while since American Airlines last redesigned its website. However, after big changes to its mileage program and Basic Economy fares reportedly launching this year, the carrier needed to refresh how it sells flights online — and you'll see the difference the next time you head to AA.com.
Overall, the changes look cleaner: The search process and viewing the results pages should be easier for the casual traveler — while also including additional features for advanced users and Executive Platinum elites.
Let's go through the new flight-searching process:
Searching for Fights
For those who are used to searching flights from the AA.com homepage, you may be relieved that this search option remains unchanged. However, if you click Advanced Search, you're going to get an updated — but straightforward — flight search tool.
If you're looking for an award flight, American Airlines starts with just this question. Once you enter your origin, destination, dates and number of passengers, you can further limit your search at the bottom of the page. The default is that AA will search the lowest fare for all cabins on flights with American Airlines flight numbers. You have the option to limit your search to refundable fares, search only business/first options or search "All airlines."
For domestic flights, leaving the "American Airlines" default option makes no difference. However, if you're flying internationally, you're going to get more flight options by selecting "All airlines." Leaving it as the default, search results are limited to just AA codeshare flights. While you won't earn as many elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) on partner segments, opening up the search to include other Oneworld partners could mean a cheaper price or a more convenient schedule.
Choosing a Flight Option
The new search result page is an improvement over the previous website. First of all, it's a cleaner interface — simultaneously including more information while keeping the page clear of clutter. At the top of the result page, you can easily compare fares on the date you selected with options on dates +/- 2 days.
One thing that's a definite improvement for AVGeeks — and others familiar with AA's fleet — is that the site will show the particular aircraft type in the search results, without you having to expand the flight option data or open a new tab to find this information. For example, many of American's 777-200s are sub-par — even in business class. So, if you see a "772" option listed, you'll know that you need to bring your own entertainment. Looking to fly on the new American Airlines 787-9 Dreamliner? Look for "789" in the flight results. Need to stay connected? You can see right in the search results which flight options have Wi-Fi.
For further information about a particular flight option, clicking on the "Details" link lists the on-time performance (or lack thereof), meal options and the booking fare code. If you're flying domestic first class, this detail is useful to see if you'll be served a meal or just "refreshments" on a particular flight. If you picked a flight option with a partner flight number, the booking fare code is useful information to be able to calculate how many miles you'll earn from the flight.
American Airlines Executive Platinum members will be able to find out in one click if a flight option currently has availability for applying a systemwide upgrade. Just click the "Systemwide upgrades" link for the flight option to get an in-screen pop-up with the details. In case you've lost track of how many systemwide upgrades you have available, this window also displays your current balance.
Choosing Seats
American Airlines also revamped the seat-selection tool. Rather than having a cluttered map of zero- to four-star seats and numbering every seat, AA has cleaned up the seat map. Now seats are just orange (Main Cabin Extra), green (Preferred Seats), blue (available standard seats) or gray (not available). You can view more information for each seat by hovering your mouse over it.
One interesting aspect of the new seat map: AA seems to have dropped "elite and full-fare" seating. Previously, we called AA out for hiding dozens of available seats from non-elite flyers. Now, AA has dropped the triangle symbol from the seat map and — for all of the flights I checked — the seat maps are identical for Executive Platinum members and general members.
New Concerns for Elite Members
American Airlines Basic Economy is coming. AA hasn't released official details on what Basic Economy fares will entail, but this weekend's changes to its website indicate some updates that could be coming soon.
After selecting main cabin flight options, the trip summary page includes the following unsettling phrases:
- Preferred seats on American flights
- Eligible for upgrades on American flights
- Up to 1 EQM per mile flown on eligible flights
- Changes allowed (fee may apply)
These are "perks" that haven't been listed before, as they're simply taken for granted. Flyers have always been able to select Preferred Seats — for a cost for non-elites — and all flights are currently upgradeable. The only obvious reason these items are listed now is that Basic Economy will strip these benefits away.
This would be mostly in line with what Delta has already done: remove seat selections, deny the ability to upgrade and make fares completely non-refundable/changeable. However, Delta still allows Medallion members to earn elite and award miles on these Basic Economy fares. Since it now mentions that main cabin fares earn EQMs, American seems to be opening the door to Basic Economy fares that wouldn't earn elite miles.
Bottom Line
We generally like the new AA.com redesign and applaud American Airlines for making it easier to see equipment details, on-time performance and systemwide upgrade availability. However, the new design does make the website a lot less compact — meaning it's harder to compare flights at a glance for routes that have many options. Also, our joy is somewhat soured that this change is likely paving the way for Basic Economy fares to be introduced.
H/T: View From The Wing
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.