American Airlines Unveils New AAdvantage Tier—and More Flights to the Sun

As summer travel hits its stride, American Airlines is laying the groundwork for a busy winter and an upgraded business travel experience.

With a two-pronged announcement, the airline is expanding both its small business loyalty program and its footprint across Latin America and the Caribbean, catering to two distinct — but often overlapping — audiences: business travelers and sunseekers.

New Tier in AAdvantage Business Program

Starting July 21, companies that spend $250,000 or more annually on American Airlines will qualify for a new AAdvantage frequent flyer elite status: Business Select.

The tier builds on the existing AAdvantage Business program and offers added perks tailored to high-volume corporate customers.

Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

So, what’s in it for those companies? Exclusive savings of up to 4 percent on eligible fares, Group 5 preferred boarding for employees, and immediate access to use company-earned miles for travel or employee transfer — without spending thresholds or waiting periods.

“The AAdvantage Business program was designed to meet small and medium-sized businesses where they are,” said Lucas Martin, American’s Senior Vice President of Sales. “Adding the AAdvantage Business Select tier allows us to further enhance the benefits that our most valuable members earn.”

All participating businesses will continue to earn one mile for every dollar spent on eligible travel. Registered employees earn Loyalty Points in addition, helping them fast-track toward elite status.

American Airlines / Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

The program remains free to join, with base benefits available to companies spending as little as $5,000 annually and enrolling at least five employees. Companies with the Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard will also see spend and redemption waivers.

New Winter Routes

American Airlines is also ramping up its winter schedule with new international service from Chicago and Philadelphia — plus increased holiday frequencies across its Miami hub.

In a move dubbed “Christmas in July,” the airline unveiled daily flights from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Mexico City (MEX) beginning October 26, and holiday-season service from ORD to Queretaro (QRO) starting December 18. Queretaro, a UNESCO-listed city and emerging wine destination, joins the American network for the first time.

Photo: American Airlines gates. Courtesy of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

From Philadelphia (PHL), American will add daily flights to Santo Domingo (SDQ), the capital of the Dominican Republic, launching December 18. Other PHL routes will get a bump in frequency during the holidays, including Aruba (AUA), San Juan (SJU), and St. Maarten (SXM).

“American is giving travelers more options to get away this winter,” said Philippe Puech, the airline’s Director of International Network Planning. “We are thrilled to offer customers more new routes and flights to popular destinations.”

According to American, it is the largest U.S. airline in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America and will operate more than 430 peak daily flights to 97 destinations in the region this winter.

Photo: Mexico City. Courtesy of Carlos Aranda / Unsplash

That includes more than 2.3 million round-trip seats during the December holidays — nearly one million more than the next largest competitor.

Miami: Still the Hub for the Tropics

American’s gateway to Latin America, Miami (MIA), will see service increases on eight routes from December 18 through January 5. In total, American will offer more than 170 daily flights from MIA to 73 destinations in the region during the holiday rush.

Photo: Courtesy of Miami International Airport

From Jamaica to the Bahamas to the British Virgin Islands, these frequency bumps add capacity on already-popular routes, targeting peak leisure demand.

New and Expanded Routes for the Winter

Taken together, American’s updates to both its AAdvantage Business program and its winter route network signal a continued focus on the dual priorities of rewarding business loyalty and capturing leisure demand.

The new Business Select tier formalizes benefits for high-spending corporate clients, while expanded access to sun destinations reflects a strategic push to meet surging seasonal demand.

Dominican Republic / Photo: Courtesy of That Girl Beverly

With more than 430 daily departures to 97 destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America this winter — and over 2.3 million roundtrip seats available during the holiday period alone — American is reinforcing its position as the dominant U.S. carrier in the region.

For both frequent business travelers and vacationers looking to escape the cold, the message is clear: American wants to be their airline of choice.