Check your AAdvantage account now: American Airlines has a gift for you
It's been a busy few weeks at American Airlines' Fort Worth headquarters.
The carrier has recently unveiled a slew of customer-friendly updates to its policies and AAdvantage loyalty program, including improving the basic economy experience, eliminating most change fees and lowering the elite qualifying thresholds for 2021.
These changes combined to help AA earn the TPG's Editors' Choice Award for loyalty innovation this year.
Well, AA's not done yet. After announcing its latest promotion yesterday, it's now live — though sadly, the actual gifts are quite underwhelming.
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Every member gets a free gift
Starting today and running through Dec. 16, every AAdvantage member will receive a gift. The freebies include AAdvantage miles, a complimentary Main Cabin Extra seat, an Admirals Club one-day pass and more. The gifts are personalized to your account — they are based on a number of factors, including your elite tier and how frequently you've traveled this year.
Everyone gets a gift — even non-elites — though the gifts do get better as you climb the (elite status) ladder. For instance, one of the top presents — a domestic upgrade certificate — is reserved for select elite members.
To receive your gift, simply login to your account on AA.com or through the mobile app. Click on the "Promotions" tab to reveal your offer.
Register for the promotion by clicking the blue Register button underneath the promotion's title. You can then view your gift and your 2021 promotion (more on that soon). All awards will be deposited to your account within 24 hours of registering.
The best part? Even those who aren't yet AAdvantange members can take part in this holiday promo. Simply join the program by Dec. 16 to receive a free gift.
Here's what to expect
American is offering a large variety of gifts to members — here's a look at what was offered to TPG staff members.
The overwhelming majority of TPG staffers without elite status were awarded 100 miles as a gift. That said, one staffer received a single Preferred Seat upgrade certificate and double miles on a future Hertz booking. Admittedly, these are both pretty underwhelming gifts but are still nice to have — especially if you're looking at expiring AAdvantage miles in the near future.
TPG staffers with Gold status saw varying gifts. One received two 500-mile upgrade certificates and a one-class car upgrade with Avis. Another received a Main Cabin Extra seat upgrade certificate. This shows just how varying these gifts are.
On the Executive Platinum side, a staffer received 200 miles, another got 250 miles and another was gifted 1,000 bonus Million Miler miles.
Oddly enough, one staffer with Executive Platinum status received an undisclosed number of 500-mile upgrades (in addition to an Avis upgrade). This is a strange move on American's part, and we're not sure if it was done on purpose or in error. A day later, four upgrades were added to the staffer's account.
Miles will be deposited right into your AAdvantage account balance. Certificates, however, are viewable on the Wallet screen underneath the "Coupons" header.
Promotions to fly American in 2021
In addition to your freebie, you'll also unlock a promotional offer to encourage you to take to the skies in early 2021.
These personalized offers vary by account. These are "book and fly" promos — you'll receive bonus miles or possibly another gift depending on how many segments you book and fly between Jan. 1, 2021, and Feb. 28, 2021.
You can view your 2021 offer underneath the 2020 gift on the promotion screen.
This level of customization is new for American. Though the carrier has occasionally offered promotional bonuses, this is one of the most personalized promos the carrier has released in recent years. In a way, it's similar to United's Mile Play, which offers targeted bonuses after completing certain tasks.
A look at 2021 promotions
So, what's up for grabs in 2021?
One TPG staff member without elite status received a 2021 offer of a Main Cabin Extra certificate after taking two flights between Jan. 1, 2021, and Feb. 28, 2021. Alternatively, another TPGer with no status was offered double miles after booking and taking two qualifying flights.
On the other hand, a TPG staffer with Gold status got an offer of two 500-mile upgrades after taking four qualifying flights during the promotional period.
Offers get a little more interesting for members with top-tier elite status. One TPGer with Executive Platinum status was offered four 500-mile upgrade certificates and 2,000 bonus miles after taking four premium-cabin flights before the end of February. Another was offered a 100% mileage bonus on four premium cabin flights.
Finally, another staffer with Executive Platinum status was offered 10,000 bonus Million Miler miles after flying four or more premium cabin flights. This shows us that these gifts vary widely, even amongst the same status level.
Interestingly enough, a Concierge Key reader was offered the ability to gift AAdvantage Gold status to another member after completing six flights in premium economy, business or first class. This is a particularly lucrative, offer as TPG values AAdvantage Gold status at $930 annually.
As the industry looks to recover from the pandemic, we expect to see more promotions that are geared to get flyers back in the skies.
There's even a sweepstakes
Upon receiving your free gift, you'll also be entered into a sweepstakes to win 500,000 AAdvantage miles, plus a vacation package.
Five winners will receive each receive half a million miles plus an all-inclusive, four-night stay for two guests at any Hyatt Ziva or Hyatt Zilara property. In addition to the miles, the grand-prize winner will receive a three-night stay for up to four guests at the Universal Orlando Resort, including park passes.
The sweepstakes is open to all AAdvantage members who are U.S. residents, aged 18 or older. You'll automatically be entered to win upon claiming your free gift.
Those 500,000 miles would be worth $7,000 according to TPG valuations. That's more than enough for seven one-way flights in Qatar's award-winning Qsuite business class from New York to Doha.
Bottom line
It's great to see American offer a lucrative new promotion around the holidays. However, despite a lot of hype surrounding these gifts, many of them fall flat. It's understandable that the carrier isn't in a position to give every member enough miles for a round-trip flight, but this is far from a truly valuable offer.
Regardless, it still makes sense to log into your account to see what free gift you've been sent and register for your targeted promotion.
And you never know if you might take home 500,000 miles as a sweepstakes winner.
Additional reporting by Zach Griff
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.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.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.