The perk you didn’t know was going away with the new AAdvantage program.

We all know US Airways elites are griping about the new AAdvantage program. Specifically, I think they’re most upset that lower elites will now have to pay for upgrades on flights longer than 500 miles.

There’s another benefit that’s going away which will affect only US Airways elites. It’s the special dividends program, and it’s a perk that many elites don’t even know about.

Here’s how it worked: As you surpassed a designated elite level, you were awarded with certain perks. Sure, those perks weren’t amazing, but hey, free is free. It essentially rewarded folks for going above and beyond their current elite level, but who weren’t going to make the next level.

There were a few very valuable perks in this program:

• Gifting Gold Preferred for a friend or family member
• First Class upgrades on award travel
• US Airways Club Membership
• 90 Day Silver Trial Preferred Status for a friend

With the merger, this program will be going away, and it doesn’t look like American will be coming up with a similar program to finish off this year.

If you’re a US Airways elite, did you know this program was going away? Will you miss it?