New American Elite Qualifying Points Bonus Announced

If you’re one to purchase First or Business Class tickets on American Airlines, you’re in luck. American has announced a new Elite Qualifying Points bonus, through December 31, 2015.

• You’ll earn the points on American, US Airways and most partners.
• There’s no need to register. You’re automatically enrolled in this promotion.
• Valid for travel April 7 through the end of the year.
• From the terms and conditions: “Airline tickets issued as a result of airfare offered inadvertently or by mistake will not be eligible for elite-qualifying points.” It looks as if those of you that got on the ~$400 Business Class mistake-fare to China a few weeks ago, will not be eligible to earn bonus points via this promotion.

It’s worth noting that this promotion earns bonus Elite Qualifying Points, and not redeemable miles or Elite Qualifying Miles. Essentially, flying purchased Business or First Class tickets and earning EQPs on this promotion will allow you to reach the next elite status tier faster.

How do I qualify for elite status?

Last year, and this year, I’ll qualifying on Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs), which is the amount of miles physically flown (also known as “butt-in-seat” miles).

Here’s where I stand on elite status.

I’m at about a 12,000 gap between my EQMs and EQMs, which means I’ll most likely qualify based on EQMs, unless for some reason my travel patterns change and I start purchasing full fare Business or First Class tickets.

I’m happy American is awarding a promotion to those who spend more, in this case, and not completely gutting their loyalty program to completely favor to those customers, like Delta and United have. Slow and steady…I have faith in American.