American Airlines (EEL) – Get Free Report is trying its best to put a positive face on the new update to its loyalty program, but the bottom line is that some passengers will find it harder to earn points after the latest change.
American Airlines AAdvantage members must earn 40,000 loyalty points to earn “Gold” status beginning March 2023, up from the previous threshold of 30,000.
“We are creating a more meaningful travel rewards program for our AAdvantage members,” said Vasu Raja, American’s chief commercial officer.
“Only our members have access to everything American has to offer. Achieving status will unlock an even larger world of unique experiences with the airline and our partners.”
American will also be jettisoning its MileSAAver and AAnytime awards, which were used to redeem frequent flyer miles for tickets at set minimum fares.
Now the airline will have internet sales or “web specials” that have mileage requirements that change based on demand.
On the bright side, after earning 15,000 points, loyalty members unlock the first tier of benefits and receive Group 5 boarding privileges. You also have the choice of priority check-in, security and boarding Group 4 for one trip or five Preferred Seating Vouchers.
The airline is also removing the previous limit of 75,000 miles a member could earn on a single ticket. In addition, AAdvantage members will earn two miles per dollar spent on Basic Economy fares for all tickets issued on or after January 1, 2023 for all flights departing March 1, 2023.
Delta has also made big changes
Delta Airlines’ (DAL) – Get Free Report’s frequent flyer loyalty program is called SkyMiles, and customers can earn points for purchasing flights and using Delta-branded credit cards.
Customers can use these SkyMiles to earn Medallion Status, which is available at Diamond, Platinum, Gold, or Silver levels.
Delta has increased the threshold required to qualify for various Medallion Statuses as reported by Travel Weekly.
Silver Medallion status can still be earned with $3,000. For gold, the minimum payment is now $8,000 instead of $6,000. Platinum sees a surge from $9,000 to $12,000. Diamond is now $20,000 in 2023, up from $15,000.
The changes do not affect the minimum number of flight segments or flown miles.
“As Delta weathers an unprecedented summer of travel demand and navigates an evolving industry landscape, the airline remains committed to ensuring that Delta SkyMiles membership and Medallion tiers provide exclusive, well-deserved opportunities for its most loyal customers,” the airline said in a statement.
Medallion offers benefits like priority boarding and check-in, and all but Silver get priority security and baggage access. As you would expect, the higher your status, the more you get.
Silver includes bonus miles (40%), free baggage, free upgrades, priority check-in and boarding, while Gold offers free same-day flight changes, free upgrades, priority access through security and expedited baggage service.
Platinum offers free flight changes, while Diamond, the big enchilada, also offers free Clear membership and three bonus benefits.