American Airlines is enhancing its AAdvantage frequent flyer program in 2024 by adding benefits for loyal travelers while maintaining status and reward levels. New perks include the ability to earn additional loyalty points, redeem miles for upgrades on partner airlines, and access to Flagship First Dining passes for Platinum Pro members. Some benefits previously available to all customers will become exclusive to AAdvantage members, such as same-day standby, Admirals Club lounge access, and free flight holds. Additionally, AAdvantage members will have extended trip credit usability and the option to receive partial trip credit for canceling non-refundable basic economy tickets.
American Airlines is making changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program, including extending certain services exclusively to AAdvantage members, such as standby for domestic flights, 24-hour flight holds, and lounge access. The changes reflect the airline's focus on rewarding big spenders and generating revenue through its loyalty program, as seen in recent overhauls by other major carriers. Elite status requirements will remain unchanged for the next earning period, and additional perks for AAdvantage members include extended trip credit usability and the ability to earn miles for cabin upgrades and redeem them for partner airline upgrades.
United Airlines is adjusting its frequent flyer program to reward customers who spend more on co-branded Chase credit cards. Starting in 2024, customers will receive 25 qualifying points for every $500 spent, compared to the current rate of 500 points for every $12,000 spent. The airline will also remove caps on credit card spending that counts towards elite status. This move comes as airlines face the challenge of maintaining exclusive yet attainable programs amidst a surge in elite frequent flyers during the pandemic. Delta Air Lines also made changes to its program but later reversed some of them due to customer complaints.
Frontier Airlines is revamping its frequent flyer program to reward travelers based on how much they spend on flights, similar to recent changes made by larger airlines like Delta and American. The new program will allow customers to earn elite status and perks based on their spending, with tiers ranging from silver to diamond. Ancillary revenue is crucial for budget carriers like Frontier, and the airline's second-quarter results showed a rise in ancillary revenue while airfare revenue declined.
Southwest Airlines is revamping its Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program by lowering the thresholds for reaching elite tiers. Starting in 2024, passengers will only need to take 20 one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points to qualify for A-List status, down from the current requirement of 25 flights. For A-List Preferred, the requirement will drop from 50 one-way trips to 40. The airline will also accelerate the earning of tier points from everyday spending on Southwest co-branded credit cards. Additionally, A-List Preferred members will receive two free premium drinks on every flight. Southwest's changes aim to align with the shift from business to leisure travel and reward customer spending.
