American Airlines has reversed its decision to change how passengers earn miles and Loyalty Points, which would have excluded bookings made through third-party platforms. The move, aimed at reducing confusion and retaining customers, follows the departure of Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja and a lowered financial outlook for the second quarter. CEO Robert Isom emphasized the importance of working with agencies and partners to avoid customer disruption and reaffirmed the airline's commitment to its Sun Belt strategy.
American Airlines will no longer allow travelers to earn Loyalty Points or Aadvantage Miles through third-party online travel agencies (OTAs), pushing customers to book directly with the carrier. This move aims to increase opportunities for upselling and reduce costs associated with third-party sellers. However, OTAs could respond by simply highlighting that miles won't be earned for American Airlines fares and recommending other carriers, potentially impacting American's revenue and loyalty program engagement.
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 has announced 10 changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program for 2024, including new perks for earning Loyalty Points, the ability to redeem points for additional Loyalty Points, and three new ways to earn and redeem miles. The changes also include extending trip credit validity, allowing voluntary cancellation of basic economy tickets, and offering exclusive perks for AAdvantage members. The airline aims to enhance the loyalty program and attract more members, ultimately boosting its bottom line.
Microsoft Rewards has made significant adjustments to how it awards points, with points for "other activities" dropping from 10 to 2. The weekly puzzle now only garners a single point. Microsoft has stated that the program is evolving but has no plans to discontinue it. Users have also reported issues with claiming points via the Xbox Rewards app.
Holiday travelers can expect cheaper domestic flights this season, with airfares averaging $268 during Thanksgiving and $400 around Christmas, according to Hopper. However, international airfares are expected to remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, particularly for popular destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Airlines and airports are better prepared to handle the holiday rush, with improved records for flight cancellations and mishandled baggage. Hotel room rates are likely to increase due to higher demand, so travelers are advised to book early or take their chances with last-minute reservations. Baby boomers and Gen X travelers are expected to make up a larger share of holiday travelers this year, while millennials and Gen Zers are expected to decrease. Many holiday travelers plan to use credit cards and loyalty points to cover expenses, with a growing number of consumers redeeming rewards for bookings at hotels, travel companies, and airlines.
