American Airlines rolls out new elite status based on lower 2020 requirements
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we've seen all major U.S. airlines make major adjustments to their loyalty programs.
Perhaps the biggest update is the sweeping elite status extensions. Most currently valid status on American, Delta and United is being extended across the board through Jan. 31, 2022.
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Though American was about a week later than Delta and United in announcing such changes, it added some unique and generous perks with its offer. For one, it's the only carrier to already extend status for its invite-only elite status tier, Concierge Key. Additionally, the Fort Worth, Texas based carrier introduced two promotions. One that allows you to earn Million Miler status through credit card spend and another that gives elite a credit for a future Vacations package.
Related: American Airlines joins Delta and United in extending elite status and more
Though the carrier made these announcements on April 13, 2020, it promised to have the back-end systems updated by May 15, 2020. Well, as stated on its updated webpage, American is now in the process of rolling out these updates, about ten days earlier than initially promised.
In fact, upon checking my AAdvantage account, I see that the process has begun. I'm currently an Executive Platinum member (gifted through my Hyatt Globalist status).
The status trackers have now been updated to reflect the lowered 2020 thresholds.
However, my four unexpired systemwide upgrades haven't yet been extended, nor has my actual status been pushed to January 2022.
According to the AA website, all the AAdvantage adjustments are going to be made over the course of the "next few days." This includes extending currently valid status, lowering the elite qualifying thresholds, extending the expiration date for systemwide upgrades, lowering the EQM threshold for Executive Platinum rewards and introducing the Million Miler promotion.
Related: Complete guide to American AAdvantage elite status
This also means that you may get a status boost in the next few days if you already flew a bunch before the coronavirus halted most travel in mid-March.
American's system updates follow closely after United's. UA made most of its back-end updates about two weeks ago. Delta, on the other hand, has confirmed that extended Medallion status will be reflected on Feb. 1, 2021.
All in all, it's great to see American using this downtime to speed up the implementation of its AAdvantage changes. Be sure to monitor your accounts over the next few days to make sure that everything looks the way it should.
All photos by the author.
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The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
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- Terms apply.