American Airlines Unveils More AAdvantage Changes

American Airlines has announced more significant changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program, including the rollout of Loyalty Point Rewards—formerly known as Loyalty Choice Rewards. This latest announcement comes on the heels of changes to the program earlier this year, which simplified elite qualification requirements.

Beginning in March, members will have the opportunity to receive their first Loyalty Point Reward after earning only 15,000 Loyalty Points, well below the threshold to reach Gold tier status.

At this level, members will enjoy the benefit of Group 5 boarding for the membership year and choose between two Loyalty Point Rewards—priority check-in, security, and Group 4 boarding for one trip or five preferred seat coupons.

Beyond this, members gain higher reward levels at 60,000 points, 100,000 points, 175,000 points, 250,000 points, and six advanced levels. Additionally, members earn miles and Loyalty Points when they fly, use an AAdvantage credit card for purchases, or engage with more than 1,000 AAdvantage partners.

Those Loyalty Points are essential to the airline’s AAdvantage status levels. Starting in March, the number of points necessary to qualify for Gold status will increase from 30,000 to 40,000. However, points required for the other levels will remain the same: 75,000 for Platinum status, 125,000 for Platinum Pro status, and 200,000 for Executive Platinum status.

As members continue to earn Loyalty Points and advance toward higher status levels, the program promises new benefits such as Loyalty Points bonuses for shopping with some of American’s partners and status with the airline’s preferred car partner.

American Airlines Premium Economy. Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

Even beyond the 200,000 point Executive Platinum tier status, members will continue to be able to unlock further benefits as they earn more Loyalty Points, including “systemwide upgrades, Admirals Club One Day Passes, trip credits, award rebates for flights purchased with miles and more,” according to the airline.

Among the other changes coming to the program, American is also removing the 75,000 limits on miles which can be earned on a single ticket. However, under the new rules, members flying on Basic Economy fares will earn only two miles per dollar, down from the current five miles per dollar spent.

This change will go into effect for tickets issued from January 1 for travel beginning March 1, 2023.

“We’re creating a more meaningful travel rewards program for our AAdvantage members,” said Vasu Raja, American’s chief commercial officer. “Only our members will have access to everything American has to offer. Achieving status will unlock an even wider world of unique experiences with the airline and our partners.”