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Some of American’s new elite perks are so popular that they’re selling out

Sept. 01, 2021
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3 min read
American Airlines Project Kodiak Oasis 2.0 737 Zach Griff ZGriff - 25
Some of American’s new elite perks are so popular that they’re selling out
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Qualifying for top-tier American Airlines elite status this year? Well, you might find yourself with one fewer perk to choose from.

Back in December, American unveiled a new catalog of rewards for its Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members to pick from when qualifying for status via the adjusted 2021 requirements. That replaced the four systemwide upgrades that top-tier elites previously received by default.

The catalog includes some valuable travel rewards, including upgrades, bonus miles and trip discounts, along with some more altruistic options, like carbon emissions offsets or a $200 donation to a partner charity.

There's also a lifestyle reward — a Bang & Olufsen audio product — but not for much longer. This option is now available "while supplies last."

As for why this option is being phased out, an American Airlines spokesperson explained to TPG that it's been extremely popular, and supplies are limited.

In a statement confirming the move, American said:

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We have been pleased to offer our AAdvantage members who qualify for Elite Choice Rewards the option to choose a Bang & Olufsen product as one of their rewards in 2021. The product has been extremely popular with our members and unfortunately, our supplies are limited. We continue to offer several options including Admirals Club access, bonus miles and a $200 flight discount, as part of our rewards menu.

Turns out, despite the so-called supply constraints, only the first of the three products that American offers its top-tier elites is sold out on the Bang & Olufsen website as of press time.

Of course, American could turn to Amazon to fulfill its Executive Platinum members' wishes, but that'd likely cost the airline some serious cash. After all, American replaced Bose with Bang & Olufsen for its inflight noise-canceling headphones back in 2019, so it's likely that the carrier was receiving a healthy discount on the merchandise for its elite members.

American's premium-cabin headphones by Bang & Olufsen (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)

Perhaps more interesting is that AA's seeing increased demand for its non-travel perks. Maybe it's because many business travelers — who've historically overrepresented as top-tier elites — don't have concrete plans to use those travel perks in the coming year and are instead choosing a pair of headphones.

Here at TPG, we'd usually recommend selecting one of the more valuable travel perks — like the systemwide upgrades or bonus miles — even if you don't think you'll use them immediately.

American lets you choose your elite perks earned this year until Dec. 30, 2022, so it could make sense to wait until then to confirm a travel-focused selection, both to maximize the window in which you can use it and for the pandemic to hopefully subside.

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Recommended Credit

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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

  • 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.