The airline will extend 2021 elite status qualification for three months and AAdvantage credit card holders will have an additional path to status. Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members will enjoy a new rewards menu and Elite members will enjoy new benefits.
On Wednesday (October 14, 2020), American Airlines announced the introduction of new benefits and flexibility for AAdvantage® members for 2021. Program members will get a head start on earning elite status for 2021 with three extra months towards elite qualification and AAdvantage credit card holders will have an additional path to status. Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members will enjoy a new rewards menu while Elite members will now receive benefits when traveling on Basic Economy fares. In Wednesday’s announcement, American Airlines AAdvantage Program President, Rick Elieson, said,
“We realize this year has been challenging for our members, so we’re happy to provide more ways to achieve more rewards. We thank our members for their continued loyalty, and we look forward to our continued relationship both on the ground and inflight as we head towards 2021.”
American Airlines will count all fourth quarter 2020 elite qualifying flight activity towards 2021 elite status and elite status achieved in 2021 will remain valid through January 31, 2023. The carrier is also waiving elite qualifying dollar requirements for Gold, Platinum and Platinum Pro members for 2021 is they spend $30,000 on purchases on their eligible AAdvantage credit cards.
Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members will now enjoy a new curated menu of rewards including systemwide upgrades, Admirals Club day passes, bonus AAdvantage miles and more. The carrier reminds AAdvantage members that last April Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elite had their status automatically extended to January 21, 2022.
Starting October 1, 2020, elite members have enjoyed priority access, upgrade privileges, access to Preferred and Main Cabin Extra Seats and same-day confirmed flight changes when traveling on Basic Economy fares. Now, elite members can use their 500-mile upgrade certificates, systemwide upgrade certificates or mileage award upgrades with Basic Economy fares, just as they do with a Main Cabin fare.
American Airlines’ purpose is to “care for people on life’s journey.” Shares in the American Airlines Group, Inc., trade on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock is included in the S&P 500.
Source: American Airlines