American makes upgrades free for all elites, eliminates 500-mile coupons
American Airlines is gearing up to launch its new elite-status program on Tuesday — and some last-minute news just dropped that's sure to be of interest to AAdvantage members.
The airline is tweaking the upgrade process for elite members, bringing complimentary upgrades to all tiers of status. As part of the changes, American will retire the 500-mile upgrade coupons later this year.
The move is part of a sweeping overhaul coming to the AAdvantage loyalty program beginning on March 1. The airline is replacing the elite-qualifying miles, segments and dollars metrics with a single new metric, Loyalty Points.
Be sure to get caught up on all the changes below.
Complimentary upgrades for all elites
Beginning with travel on March 2, all elite members, regardless of status tier, will be eligible for complimentary space-available upgrades on American flights within the North America region — regardless of distance.
Prior to this change, 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.
For instance, on a 2,153-mile route from New York-JFK to Phoenix (PHX), Gold and Platinum members would need to use four 500-mile upgrade certificates to be upgraded to first class, space permitting.
Going forward, an upgrade will automatically be requested if everyone in the reservation is eligible for a complimentary upgrade. In the next day or so, American will also look at all existing reservations and automatically add complimentary upgrade requests for flights beginning on March 2.
But, American isn’t retiring 500-mile upgrade coupons immediately. They’ll continue to be required if you’d like to upgrade a non-elite companion. (More on that below.)
While the press release only mentions "North America" as the eligible upgrade region, a carrier spokesperson confirmed to TPG that this includes all of the following flights: Within and between the U.S. (including Hawaii) and between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central America.
Going forward, all AAdvantage status members are now eligible for complimentary upgrades when traveling on purchased tickets, including basic economy fares, on American Airlines marketed and operated flights. Additionally, invite-only ConciergeKey and top-tier Executive Platinum members receive complimentary upgrades on award tickets booked in economy.
Say goodbye to 500-mile coupons
As American phases in complimentary upgrades for all elites, it’s also bidding farewell to 500-mile upgrade certificates, fondly referred to as “e500s” or “stickers.”
Later this year, American will convert each existing 500-mile upgrade into 250 Loyalty Points, which will help give existing elites a boost towards requalifying for status.
This will be especially useful for long-time Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elites who’ve banked lots of 500-mile upgrades, but haven’t necessarily needed to use them. (Top-tier members only need to use 500-mile upgrades for non-status companions.)
When American officially retires 500-mile upgrades later this year, it’ll also offer complimentary upgrades for one non-status companion on all eligible tickets.
Until the switchover happens, elites looking to upgrade a companion will need to use 500-mile upgrades. However, you’ll no longer earn them from flying.
So, if you’re running low and have an immediate use for the 500-mile upgrades, you can purchase them for $40 per upgrade or redeem 40,000 miles for a pack of eight.
Changes to the upgrade priority
American isn’t changing the upgrade windows as part of this move. Elites can be upgraded as early as:
- Concierge Key — 120 hours before departure
- Executive Platinum — 100 hours before departure
- Platinum Pro — 72 hours before departure
- Platinum — 48 hours before departure
- Gold — 24 hours before departure
However, the upgrade priority is getting tweaked with the new AAdvantage program. Going forward, first-class bumps will first be prioritized based on status level, followed by upgrade type — systemwide and mileage award upgrades are first, followed by complimentary upgrades on purchased tickets and then award tickets.
Last, American will now consider your rolling 12-month Loyalty Point balance (as opposed to rolling 12-month elite-qualifying dollar balance in the previous program). If all else is equal, American will look at your booking code and the time of the request to determine prioritization.
It’s not all good news for lower-tier elites
While the headline is that all elites can now receive complimentary upgrades, it may not necessarily be good news.
Historically, lower-level elites would “opt-in” to upgrades, meaning that the upgrade list wouldn’t necessarily include every elite traveling on a given flight. Some lower-tier members previously saved their upgrades for certain flights, and those who wanted an upgrade would have a better shot without a stacked standby list.
Now, every elite member will automatically be added to the upgrade list, which could make it harder for Golds and Platinums to clear on busier flights. The best way to improve your odds as a lower-tier member would be to increase your rolling 12-month Loyalty Points balance.
Upgrades are only 1 part of a major new program
Complimentary upgrades are only a small part of the revamped AAdvantage loyalty program.
Beginning on March 1, all members will begin earning Loyalty Points, which will be accrued at a one-for-one rate for each base AAdvantage mile earned.
As you accrue Loyalty Points, you’ll climb the status ladder. As a special promotion for the start of 2022, all eligible activity completed in January and February accrued both Loyalty Points towards the new program and elite-qualifying flights, segments and dollars under the outgoing reward scheme.
"We recognize the path to earning status is different for each individual, which is why we’re giving members more ways to earn Loyalty Points — whether by flying, shopping or using an AAdvantage credit card. We want to make it easier for our customers to achieve status wherever they may be in their travel journey," said Alison Taylor, American’s chief customer officer.
American will convert all qualifying activity into Loyalty Points in the coming days and weeks, so stay tuned for TPG for the full rundown of American’s new program.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
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. |
Intro Offer
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.