Upset about American's upgrade changes? There's an alternative
Update (April 21, 2022): Several readers have reported mixed success getting 500-mile upgrades refunded into cash or miles. American has confirmed that consideration will be given to those who originally purchased or redeemed miles for these coupons. Upgrades earned from a promotion or through flying activity likely won’t be converted.
Earlier this year, American Airlines made a big change to the complimentary upgrade process.
Historically, only top-tier elite members received free space-available bumps to first class. Entry-level Gold and Platinum members needed to use 500-mile upgrade coupons to bump up cabins on short-haul flights longer than 500 miles.
As part of an AAdvantage program overhaul, first-class seats are now automatically requested (and complimentary) if everyone in the reservation is upgrade-eligible. At the same time, American is phasing out 500-mile upgrade coupons.
These 500-mile coupons, fondly referred to as “e500s” or “stickers," will each be converted into 250 Loyalty Points later this year, which should help give some existing elites a boost towards requalifying for status.
While some frequent flyers may enjoy a temporary status bump, others are frustrated with American's conversion plans.
And now there's good news for those who are unhappy: American has some additional options to make you whole for your 500-mile coupons.
What happened
When American announced the 500-mile conversion process, it rankled some long-time American flyers. TPG heard from several lifetime Million Miler members, who shared their dismay at the proposed conversion process.
For these travelers, Loyalty Points aren't exactly useful. This new currency, which was introduced on March 1, is the simplified metric that American now uses to determine where you land on the status tier ladder. The more Loyalty Points you earn, the higher your status. (Gone are the days of counting elite-qualifying miles, segments and dollars.)
But, for those with lifetime status, earning additional Loyalty Points was of limited usefulness. Once you cross a million "butt-in-seat" miles on American and its partners, you'll enjoy lifetime Gold status. Hitting the two-million mark will unlock lifetime Platinum.
You'll hold the status for the life of the program — regardless of how many Loyalty Points you earn each year. If you're a Million Miler with no ambitions of hitting a higher status tier, then the only benefit of earning Loyalty Points is that you'd be prioritized higher on the upgrade list. (One of the tie-breakers in upgrade priority is your rolling 12-month Loyalty Point balance.)
Other disappointed members include those who purchased 500-mile coupons for $40 each or redeemed 40,000 miles for a pack of eight.
While everyone will value 250 Loyalty Points differently, I'd personally prefer a cash or mileage refund if I had paid for these "stickers" out of pocket.
What you can do
The good news is that American is listening to (some) member feedback.
TPG recently heard from an AAdvantage member who was offered 125,000 AAdvantage miles, worth $2,215.50 according to TPG's latest valuations, for the 25 unexpired 500-mile upgrades in their account.
That translates to a valuation of nearly $90 per upgrade, which is well above the $40 selling price.
American confirmed that it will consider alternative compensation methods for those who reach out to express their dissatisfaction. "We welcome our members to contact us and will respond to any requests on a case-by-case basis," a carrier spokesperson wrote in a statement.
Consideration will be given to those who purchased or redeemed miles for 500-mile upgrades. If you earned the stickers through a promotion or from flying (on a complimentary basis), odds are that you won’t receive a conversion offer.
If you're upset about earning 250 Loyalty Points per upgrade, then you should give American's AAdvantage team a call at 800-882-8880.
Your mileage may vary, as they say, but it can't hurt to ask. You may luck out with additional miles, or possibly a cash refund, for your unexpired 500-mile upgrades.
Of course, it'd be great if American clearly offered all members the option to pick their preferred compensation method, but at least the airline is encouraging members to reach out.
Hopefully, you won't need to wait on hold for a representative.
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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
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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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.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
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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. |
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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.