6 ways my loyalty to American Airlines is now paying off
Even before the pandemic changed travel as we knew it, I had begun questioning the value of airline loyalty.
In 2019, I redeemed miles (and found deals) for first and business-class flights like no other year before. My attachment to American Airlines was waning as the airline eliminated routes from my home in New York.
But I still valued American's Oneworld partners, frequent upgrades and redeeming AAdvantage miles. So I persisted with my loyalty. And now, that looks to be paying off.
With a new partner in JetBlue and the full-fledged Alaska tie-up (the newest member of Oneworld), American appears to be doubling down on a newfound 2021 strategy: Relying on other airlines for some of its domestic network and focusing more on its own international flights. As an AAdvantage elite member in New York, that plan will work in my favor.
Here are six reasons why these latest partnerships will reward my loyalty to American.
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Avoiding American's weakest link
With new partnerships, that means more opportunities to fly domestically from New York with Alaska and JetBlue.
On domestic routes, American offers an inconsistent experience. On the one hand, you can have a premium transcontinental first class flight to Los Angeles (LAX) with direct aisle access seating and a la carte lounge dining. On the other hand, you might fly home and connect through Charlotte (CLT), flying on an old legacy US Airways plane with no power outlets.
Related: I flew Alaska on its first day in Oneworld: Here’s what it was like as an American Airlines elite
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Service is sometimes another erratic category for American. While every airline has varying degrees of stellar – and not-so-stellar – service, I have found American to be the most inconsistent. From employees who are devoted to passengers to those who belittle them, it truly runs the gamut.
And while American has seriously improved on this front, domestic flight delays due to mechanical issues were a serious issue in the past. In 2019 American was even calling passengers to apologize for summer travel delays.
Related: Review: Is American Flagship First still the most exclusive domestic flight during the pandemic?
Leveraging partners' strengths
JetBlue product
As mentioned, American Airlines already has a stellar premium transcontinental product between New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
And the only airline that might have it beat is now a strategic partner – JetBlue. JetBlue Mint is a highly regarded business class experience -- and it even has a new seat debuting soon.
JetBlue economy is no slouch either. You can expect seatback entertainment, free high-speed Wi-Fi and premium snacks. Best of all, JetBlue has more legroom in its economy cabin than any equivalent main cabin seat on American Airlines.
Alaska service
American's partnership with Alaska unlocks the Seattle-based carrier's reputation as having some of the best customer service of any U.S. airline. That is an exciting development, especially if you're flying to the West Coast as an American loyalist.
American – alongside its Alaska and JetBlue partners – will likely dominate the transcontinental market from both a service and product angle once both partnerships are fully implemented.
Related: Why Alaska frequent flyers have so much to look forward to
Alaska and American's reciprocal perks
As part of the special joint Alaska-American agreement, American elites are eligible to receive complimentary access to Alaska's Premium Class and, in some cases, first class.
All American elites are eligible for Premium Class upgrades, while Executive Platinums qualify for first-class upgrades. For details about upgrade priority, read our full guide to American and Alaska reciprocal benefits.
New ways to earn American miles
JetBlue and American haven't fully rolled out their reciprocal frequent flyer benefits yet. Currently, you can only earn redeemable miles when booking JetBlue codeshared flights on American's website. However, full reciprocal earning will be coming later this year.
For Alaska, the newest Oneworld member, reciprocal mileage earning and status benefits have already begun in earnest.
I value my American AAdvantage miles for two reasons. First, I primarily use miles for premium cabins on partners such as Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways. Second, Web Special awards have fit my needs so far.
Related: How points and miles helped me see the world before coronavirus shut it down
Expanded international routes
As part of the tie-up with JetBlue, American is set to expand its international footprint from New York. This is a drastic shift from a yearslong draw-down at JFK in favor of a neighboring international hub at Philadelphia (PHL).
New American routes to Tel Aviv and Athens are a solid step forward. However, the number of long-haul flights from JFK is still barely a drop in the bucket compared to United and Delta. With American continuing its dominance at PHL, I can't envision a huge number of additional routes. My biggest wish list route out of JFK? A flight to Asia.
American has a solid widebody business class product. At the very least, every seat gives you direct aisle access. With system-wide upgrades at the ready, thanks to my Executive Platinum status, I am looking forward to using them on a new route out of JFK.
Related: Choosing the best credit card for American Airlines flyers
More routes out of New York
American's reputation in New York City has deteriorated largely due to reduced flying out of the tri-state area airports, particularly at JFK.
The explanation was that JFK would be a niche business traveler hub and focus primarily on premium routes. LaGuardia (LGA) still has a sizable domestic American presence, but the airline is still a distant fourth in the city behind Delta, JetBlue and United.
Partnerships with Alaska and JetBlue will open the door to an array of new domestic route options for American loyalists in New York and Boston. For instance, JetBlue will provide access to 130 new routes from both the Boston and New York City-area airports.
Related: JetBlue announces 30 new routes, adds Mint service from Newark
Bottom line
I'm fortunate enough to live in a city that's a hub for four major airlines. With a smorgasbord of travel choices, I have remained with American through thick and thin. And that now looks to be paying off.
However, that still doesn't mean I'll stay loyal for loyalty's sake. When travel fully rebounds, I'll assess my travel and airline needs. For now, I have American Airlines elite status valid through early 2022. With these latest partnerships, that makes me one excited customer through at least the end of the year.
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.