As the merger between US Airways and American Airlines progresses, so to is changes to elite status, recognition and upgrade benefits.
Some new changes have been revealed by JonNYC and will effect elite member upgrades.
Non elite members will not be able to upgrade on Y or B fares
For reference, previously, AAdvantage members who were not elites were allowed to use 500-mile upgrades to sit in First Class when flying on a Y or B class ticket (full fare, fully refundable). Now, they’ll need to be traveling as the companion of an elite member to receive this benefit, and the upgrade stickers will be deducted from the elite member’s account.
Gold and Platinum elites will not be eligible for complimentary upgrades on Y or B fares
Previously, an AAdvantage Gold or Platinum member would receive a complimentary upgrade to First Class on domestic trips for purchasing a Y or B fare. Now, they’ll only receive this perk for flights under 500 miles, though may continue to use 500-mile stickers for flights over that amount.
The 51 mile buffer for 500-mile upgrades is gone
I’ve written about this previously, and you can read that here.
US Airways elites will be given a starter amount of stickers in the new program
US Airways elites merging into the new AAdvantage program will be given up to 24, 500-mile upgrades depending on their flight history last year.
Hat Tip: JonNYC at Traveling Better
Jamie Larounis is an avid traveler, blogger and miles/points educator. Traveling well over 100,000 miles a year and staying in hotels for over 100 nights, he leverages miles, points and other deals to fly in first class cabins, and stay in 5-star hotels. The Forward Cabin shares his experiences, musings, reviews, tips, tricks, resources and industry news with you, the fellow traveler.
So as a flier who failed to re qualify for Gold this year, you’re telling me that all those 500 mile upgrades sitting in my account are now worthless (because I always travel solo and am no longer an elite)?!!!