American Airlines has changed the way its flyers earn loyalty points, based on how flights are booked. With the changes to AAdvantage, American Airlines hopes to lure more direct business, which it says will allow customers to “enjoy the best possible travel experience” with the carrier and its partner airlines.
The new updates will come into effect for tickets issued from 1 May 2024 and will see travellers earn miles and points on flights when they book directly with American and eligible partner airlines, book travel as an AAdvantage Business member or contracted corporate traveller, or book through preferred travel agencies only.
American says it will share a list of preferred agencies on on its website in late April.
According to the airline, AAdvantage members will only earn points on Basic Economy fare tickets when booking directly with American and eligible partner airlines.
“We want to make it more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel,” American Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja said.
“Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it’s also where we offer the best fares and it’s most rewarding for our AAdvantage members.”
AAdvantage members can continue to earn miles and points with non-airline partners such as AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Hotels, AAdvantage Events and others.
Higher baggage fees
Meanwhile, American Airlines has increased its checked baggage fees for the first time in six years.
Effective for bookings made from 20 February, new bag fees of $35 (for online purchases) and $40 (for first checked bags purchased at the airport) will apply to domestic flights including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. A second checked bag fee is $45 purchased online or at the airport.
Bag fees for Canada and short-haul international flights are $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag, whether purchased online or at the airport.
Passengers buying premium cabins on domestic and international flights will still get free bags.
Additionally, American Airlines is rolling out its lowest-ever fee for slightly overweight or oversized items, resulting in savings of more than $350 for some customers.
Earlier this month, American Airlines announced it will introduce nonstop seasonal services between Brisbane and Dallas-Fort Worth on 27 October 2024, making it the US carrier’s second Australia-bound route and the longest flight on its network by distance at 15 hours gate-to-gate.