Status Earning Changes for AAdvantage from March 2022

[Must...Fly!]

Looks like we are safe, for now.

Changes apply to status qualification (and some quite nasty changes too, but thankfully don't really have an effect on the majority here)

Introducing AAdvantage Loyalty Points

Forget about tracking your EQMs, EQDs and EQSs, simply earn Loyalty Points whenever you fly, use an AAdvantage credit card, or earn eligible miles on AAdvantage partners. It’s all part of the new AAdvantage Program, and yes, it’s really that easy.

aadvantagestatus.com

 

[andye]

Looks like we are safe, for now.

Changes apply to status qualification (and some quite nasty changes too, but thankfully don't really have an effect on the majority here)

Introducing AAdvantage Loyalty Points

Forget about tracking your EQMs, EQDs and EQSs, simply earn Loyalty Points whenever you fly, use an AAdvantage credit card, or earn eligible miles on AAdvantage partners. It’s all part of the new AAdvantage Program, and yes, it’s really that easy.

aadvantagestatus.com

Those status thresholds don't look impossible to me (though likely harder than QF from just flying)

If I read it correctly, there would be a decent business case for someone like Citi opening up an AA card in Australia. QF might not like it though

 

[aus_flyer]

Those status thresholds don't look impossible to me (though likely harder than QF from just flying)

If I read it correctly, there would be a decent business case for someone like Citi opening up an AA card in Australia. QF might not like it though

Probably not given Citi is exiting the Australian market

 

[andye]

Some commentary here (which doesn't cover the partner flying aspect much)

Redirect Notice

Seems to me that someone with a US business arm could cruise to top-tier

 

[andye]

I looked at the in-air Elite Status qualifying assuming flying non-AA and that basic miles earn/cabin bonuses remain same.

On that basis it is terrible for a typical SYD-MEL flyer (over 200 flights to get/retain OWS in low (but not lowest economy)). That's largely the current situation though

Its better for international but still worse than main competition.
You'd need 2.5 return Discount Business trips SYD-LHR to get OWS and 4 to get OWE from scratch (Compared with 1-1.5 for OWS and 2.5 for OWE in QF/BA optimising SC earn on a 2 leg trip).
It is somewhat better for AA retention. The calculations are a bit tricky but I made it 2 returns to retain OWS and 3 to retain OWE

The main benefit seems to be for AAdvantage credit card holders

 

[andye]

Looks like you will need to make 30 flights (any airline) to unleash full AA Platinum benefits (system-wide upgrades, Admirals passes) but I don't think that will affect OWE benefits

 

[Danger]

It would seem that if you don't have an AA credit card, you need very deep pockets to retain EXP and deeper pockets again to come from a lower tier.

 

[exceladdict]

The main benefit seems to be for AAdvantage credit card holders

And it seems to be both more and less generous than points club plus, in that you get status (as opposed to club membership), but the key is sign on bonuses don't count. (I wonder how strictly that will be policed).

Interesting indeed.

 

[PLM]

Probably not given Citi is exiting the Australian market

And NAB don't seem the type to pursue an AA partnership. The thinking will be very Oz centric.

 

[Mattg]

Someone has made a parody website:

.

www.disaadvantagestatus.com

 

[shuuy]

Having earned EXP on AA through 4 SYD-LAX round-trips in the past... and no business credit card in the US. Farewell AA - need to somehow use my 800k AAdvantage points on that F cabin EY trip I booked pre-COVID!

Or said differently... The number of EXP is going to go WAAAY up