American Airlines has announced major changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program and baggage fees, with the goal of increasing direct bookings and promoting the use of New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology. These changes will impact travel agencies and passengers alike, so it is important to understand how they will affect you if you book flights with American Airlines.
Under the new AAdvantage accrual policy, American Airlines will stop awarding AAdvantage points for basic economy tickets booked through travel agencies. The only way to earn loyalty points for basic economy tickets will be to book directly with American Airlines or one of its airline partners. This move is part of American’s strategy to encourage passengers to book directly, rather than through third-party agencies.
American Airlines will continue to offer AAdvantage point accrual for other types of tickets booked through preferred partner agencies. These agencies must have a 2024 incentive agreement with the airline, and they will need to meet certain requirements to be eligible for the preferred list. This includes booking a certain percentage of tickets through American NDC channels by specific deadlines set by the airline.
In addition to changes in the loyalty program, American Airlines has also increased its checked-bag fees. Passengers will now have to pay $35 for the first checked bag on domestic flights, and $45 for the second checked bag. The fee for in-cabin pets has also been raised to $150. However, American has reduced the cost of slightly oversized baggage, offering a more reasonable fee for bags weighing between 50 and 53 pounds.
With these changes, American Airlines joins other full-service U.S. airlines like Alaska Airlines and JetBlue in charging at least $35 for the first checked bag. Delta and United still charge $30 for the first checked bag (United raises it to $35 for airport payments), while Southwest remains the only major airline with no charge for the first two checked bags. It is clear that the trend in the industry is towards higher baggage fees, making it important for passengers to be aware of these costs when booking flights.
American Airlines’ recent changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program and baggage fees signal a shift towards increasing direct bookings and promoting NDC technology. Passengers should be aware of these changes and consider booking directly with the airline to maximize their loyalty points and avoid additional fees. Travel agencies will also need to adapt to American’s new requirements to remain eligible for AAdvantage point accrual. By staying informed and planning ahead, passengers can navigate these changes and make the most of their travel experience with American Airlines.
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