American Airlines may have recently changed its plans regarding limiting the earning of miles or points for AAdvantage loyalty program members based on booking channels, but the airline is still moving forward with its intention to reward agencies designated as “preferred.” According to emails sent by American Airlines to corporate clients and travel agencies, the carrier is prepared to offer new incentives to agencies that it recognizes as preferred partners.
Details of the Program
Although the emails from American Airlines, signed by senior vice president Scott Laurence, did not provide specific details about the preferred-agency program, they did mention that additional information would be forthcoming. The program is set to offer upcoming incentives for agencies that continue to promote and book travel through New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology. Corporate clients were also informed that they would be receiving more information about the program and the airline’s sales and distribution strategy in the near future.
Implementation Timeline
The preferred-agency program was initially announced in February with plans to launch on May 1st. However, the start date was postponed to July 11th. As part of the program, agencies were required to book at least 30% of their American Airlines volume through NDC channels by April 21st in order to qualify as preferred agencies. This threshold was set to increase to 50% by October 31st and reach 70% by April 30, 2025.
American Airlines’ decision to reward preferred agencies signifies a shift in the airline’s approach to working with travel agencies and corporate clients. By incentivizing agencies to promote and book travel through NDC technology, the carrier is aiming to streamline its distribution channels and enhance the overall customer experience. As the preferred-agency program unfolds, agencies and clients can expect to see new opportunities for collaboration and increased rewards for their loyalty to American Airlines.
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