All things considered I’ve been really impressed by the way American and US Airways have been handling their integration. Merging two airlines on completely different reservations systems is no easy task, and I think they’ve done a fairly good job managing expectations.
In particular, they’ve worked hard to “integrate rather than innovate,” which I think makes a lot of sense given the scope of what they’re doing. There’s no area where this has been more evident than with their frequent flyer program. We finally know what the integration of the AAdvantage and Dividend Miles loyalty programs will look like, when the programs merge in the second quarter of 2015.
Overall the changes are quite positive, especially in relation to what we’re seeing at Delta and United.
One thing that frustrates some is that in 2015 American AAdvantage will be raising the segment qualification criteria for Executive Platinum status from 100 segments to 120 segments.
This matches US Airways’ policy, as they require 120 segments to qualify for their top tier Chairman’s Preferred status.
However, it looks like for 2014, US Airways will actually be lowering their qualification requirements for Chairman’s Preferred status to 100 segments. This is in order to align the policies of the AAdvantage and Dividend Miles programs for 2014.
Per usairways.com:
**Chairman’s Preferred status normally requires 100,000 miles or 120 segments. However, in anticipation of combining Dividend Miles with the AAdvantage program in the second quarter of 2015, we are lowering the segment requirement for 2014 to 100 segments to align with the 2014 AAdvantage Executive Platinum threshold. In 2015, 120 segments will be required for both Chairman’s Preferred and AAdvantage Executive Platinum status.
It seems they’ve already updated accounts that have earned 100 segments. So while this only applies this year, it’s a smart move. Otherwise this would have created a sticky situation next year when they combined mileage totals to determine 2015 status.
Are any US Airways flyers earning Chairman’s Preferred status as a result of this?
(Tip of the hat to Senyah)
I was notified of the Chaiman Status after I hit 111 segments. It has taken some of the stress out of my December travels, not having to vie for segments. I am wondering if now is the time to convert to using my AA account? Will this give me a 3 month leg up on earning AA Executive Platinum for 2016? Or aid in earning 500 mile certificates? Any thoughts?
@ Brian -- For your 2014 flying? Either way your EQM counter will be reset on January 1 of next year, so not much of a benefit, in my opinion. If you don't have status with American, not really an upside -- I wouldn't do it.
I'm looking to run for 9 segments to hit 100 next month.
REALLY obnoxious they waited this long to announce this, I already went on a pointless 4 segment run and booked extraneous connections for the last month of the year to make 120. Ugh, this should have been announced when they announced the combined program. :(