In late 2023, American Airlines AAdvantage announced a significant change to their loyalty program, stating that credit card spending would now earn Loyalty Points based on the purchase date. This change was met with excitement from many American Airlines flyers, as it promised to make it easier for them to earn points and reach elite status. However, after the most recent AAdvantage elite status qualification year ended on Feb. 29, 2024, there has been a lot of confusion and frustration among AAdvantage members.
Many AAdvantage members, including myself, were surprised to find that while base miles from credit card spending were posted on their most recent statements, Loyalty Points were missing. This discrepancy left many members wondering why they were not receiving the Loyalty Points they had earned through their credit card spending. As shown in the screenshot provided, base miles were clearly credited, but Loyalty Points were conspicuously absent.
American Airlines addressed this issue with a banner on its website and a formal email notification to AAdvantage members. The airline explained that this year, Loyalty Points would be posted separately to ensure all members received their points correctly and in a timely manner. Loyalty Points earned in February would be posted in March, while points earned in March would be posted in April. This process was designed to result in more members earning status and Loyalty Point Rewards. While the exact reason for this change is unclear, it is evident that American Airlines is working to streamline the process and ensure a better travel experience for its members.
To gain further insight into this issue, we reached out to American Airlines for clarification. According to a carrier spokesperson, splitting Loyalty Points into two different status years was a complex IT task that was undertaken to optimize the program and provide a better experience for members. The spokesperson reiterated that all Loyalty Points earned in February would be posted in March, and all points earned in March would be posted in April. This process would allow members to unlock rewards and status toward a more rewarding travel experience.
In addition to the explanation provided by American Airlines, the airline also offered an explainer on how March statements work on its website. Members were advised that Loyalty Points earned until Feb. 29 would count toward the previous qualification year, while points earned from March 1 onwards would count for the current qualification year. This clarification helped shed light on the confusion surrounding Loyalty Points and their allocation to specific qualification years.
As a member who earned a significant number of Loyalty Points in the previous qualification year, the delay in posting points for the current year raised questions about reward eligibility. With the deadline to choose Loyalty Point Rewards approaching on April 5, 2024, many members were left wondering what would happen if their points did not post in time. Speculation arose that members may need to call customer service for assistance in choosing their rewards if points were not posted before the deadline.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the posting of Loyalty Points, members were reminded to make any outstanding reward choices that may be waiting in their account. This proactive approach would ensure that members did not miss out on valuable rewards and benefits due to delays in point posting.
In conclusion, the recent changes to the American Airlines AAdvantage loyalty program have introduced new challenges and complexities for members. While the process of posting Loyalty Points separately may have caused confusion initially, it is clear that American Airlines is working to improve the program and provide a more rewarding experience for its members. By understanding the process of earning and redeeming Loyalty Points, members can navigate the changes with confidence and maximize their benefits within the AAdvantage program.