American Airlines has just revealed some changes to the Business Extra program. While the news is a mixed bag, on balance I’m kind of happy that the changes weren’t worse.
Continue reading: American Airlines Business Extra Program Changes
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I was excited to see the option about being able to convert points into miles...until I saw the exchange ratio which seems to essentially cut the value of the points in half should you opt for that method. I had expected/hoped to see an exchange ratio of at least 1:10.
If three unique travelers are needed on an account, is there any requirement in terms of how much they need to travel at a minimum or do you just have to have 3 A advantage accounts listed in the business's profile?
How can I be too upset? This has been a generous program run by very nice people. Wishing them the best (though probably without me).
For Sole Proprietor LLC who used this like I did, this is going to be a kick in the gut unless there is no issue with throwing all of your family members against this account to satisfy the request.
I have used it successfully over the years to pay for annual Lounge access, but with retirement and less flying now using it as one off day passes to lounge. (This was also awesome until they changed that you had to be flying them, and they simply do not exist within Canada - so forced into other carriers hands).
Their direction overall is just pushing me into other carrier hands. Flew Air Canada this past week and the experience was amazing. New aircraft, phenomenal service on the ground and in the air, go figure an appetizing meal on flights of 2.5 hours. I felt like a human being again versus cattle call.
Ridiculously sub standard business class service compared to all European and world airlines. They use Covid restrictions to treat you like cattle! no more!
Not too surprised considering Delta and United had more stringent requirements on their programmes. All things considered, this seems to be a pretty mild change for AA and I appreciate that they gave a cash-out option for those that know they won't hit the new minimums come next year. Might not be the best option but some miles are better than nothing and AA management could have easily stayed true to their roots and started the mileage conversion right after the new rules kick in.
I signed up for the program when you wrote a post about it. I am about to buy tickets for my husband and myself. How do I add him to my profile? And how do I get credit on the business side for his flight and mine? I’m used to only having my AA number associated with my flights and my husband’s number with his? Thanks in advance for answering my basic program questions.
When purchasing your tickets there is a spot for adding your business extra number. Every ticket on the reservation will receive credit for the flights into your business extra account.
Thanks, Lisa, for answering my question. It sounds like I don’t need to add my husband’s business number since he’s on the same reservation as me?