American Airlines AAdvantage Members to See Great Change in 2017

The New Year is upon us and American Airlines is rolling out numerous changes to its AAdvantage frequent flyer program.

The most visible change is a move from three levels of status to four. The new tier, Platinum Pro, falls between Platinum and Executive Platinum and requires 75,000 elite qualifying miles or 90 elite qualifying segments annually. It includes all of the benefits of Platinum and adds unlimited complimentary upgrades in 500-mile upgrade markets; the option to upgrade one’s travel companions; a 72-hour upgrade window; the ability to earn nine award miles per dollar spent with the airline; and oneworld Sapphire status.

Another change is the move of the airline’s Concierge Key invitation-only status to a formal elite tier above Executive Platinum.

Following the lead of its two main competitors, Delta and United, the Fort Worth-based carrier is introducing a revenue component for the traveler to earn and maintain status. In addition to elite qualifying miles or elite qualifying segments, AAdvantage members will need to spend $3,000 on qualifying air travel to maintain Gold status, $6,000 for Platinum, $9,000 for Platinum Pro, and $12,000 for Executive Platinum.

While there is no direct credit card waiver similar to what Delta offers certain American Express cardmembers, AAdvantage members can earn an equivalent of up to $6,000 in elite qualifying dollars through the use of American Airlines-branded credit cards from Barclays.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)