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American Airlines changes its policies concerning mileage redemptions and checked bag policies

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) today announced new mileage redemption options for American Airlines AAdvantage and US Airways Dividend Miles members, as well as new checked bag policies for customers traveling across the combined network of more than 356 destinations in 56 countries. The changes, along with enhancements in First and Business Class on flights operated by US Airways, part of American Airlines Group, will provide customers a more consistent experience and an onboard product in line with or better than that of American’s competitors.

Mileage Redemption Structure

Effective today for travel starting June 1, Dividend Miles members now will be able to book last seat availability awards for flights year-round without any blackout dates. For AAdvantage members, AAnytime award travel will now be available more for than half of the year at an even lower redemption level. Previous redemption rates called for 25,000 miles one way, and the new redemptions will start at 20,000 miles one way. Redemption mileage during the remainder of the year will begin at 30,000 miles one way for last seat availability. The exceptions will fall on the busiest travel days of the year. On those days, American will offer a higher award redemption option, which will be available starting at 50,000 miles one way. Since January, when American and US Airways launched the first phase of reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, AAdvantage and Dividend Miles members have earned more than 587 million miles through travel across the new American’s combined global network. For details on award travel levels, visit aa.com/aadvantage or usairways.com/dividendmiles.

Checked Bag Policies

American has also updated its checked bag policies. For flights operated by American, these changes take place for tickets issued starting today. For flights operated by US Airways, these changes take place for tickets issued starting April 23. The changes include removing the second bag charge on flights to and from South America. Also, AAdvantage Gold members and Dividend Miles Platinum and Gold members will receive one fewer free checked bag than they do today. Customers traveling on an AAnytime award or a full-fare economy ticket (on legacy American) will no longer receive free checked bags. Lastly, Citi cardholders will continue to receive one free checked bag, and starting April 30, that same benefit will also apply to customers who have the US Airways MasterCard® with an annual fee of at least $79.

Importantly, American leads the industry in baggage exemptions for our nation’s military as the only airline to offer five free checked bags to military servicemen and women traveling on orders, and three bags to military servicemen and women on personal travel.

Inflight Enhancements

Customers in First Class on flights operated by US Airways will now enjoy an updated selection of fresh meals on most flights longer than 1,000 nautical miles, or about 2 hours 45 minutes in duration. Customers in international Business Class on flights operated by US Airways will be able to tune out or tune in to new entertainment options with new Bose® Quiet Comfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones. Another feature includes Business Class on Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft which will now offer 60 movies and a greater variety of television programs, as well as audio selections on the new Samsung Galaxy Tab. Business Class on Airbus A330 aircraft now offers double the previous entertainment options, with more than 250 movies and 350 audio choices.

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American Airlines and Alaska Airlines move closer with a new codeshare agreement

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) and Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) announced today that the two airlines are strengthening their relationship by adding new codeshare routes that will offer customers even more choices and benefits when traveling throughout the United States. The codeshare flights are available for purchase today for travel beginning Feb. 7, 2013.

The codeshare expansion will allow American to place its code on 22 new Alaska routes that provide Bay Area travelers with access to Hawaii and will increase the options for transcontinental flights for travelers in the Pacific Northwest and San Diego to Boston, Washington, D.C. and Orlando, Fla. Under the agreement, Alaska will place its code on 19 American routes, which will provide better access for Alaska customers on flights between Los Angeles and U.S. cities such as Washington, D.C., Orlando and Houston. Additionally, Alaska customers will gain better access between the Pacific Northwest and 11 new cities throughout Texas via American’s Dallas/Fort Worth hub. In all, Alaska customers will gain access to 13 new destinations.

American and Alaska Airlines already have an established and successful frequent flier program relationship in place allowing members to earn and redeem miles on each other’s flights. In addition, the miles Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members earn on American Airlines flights count toward elite status qualification and elite status members can receive their elite status bonus miles on American Airlines flights. Likewise, the miles American Airlines AAdvantage^® members earn on Alaska Airlines flights count toward elite status qualification and elite status members can receive their elite status bonus miles on Alaska Airlines flights. Elite members are also eligible for priority check-in and boarding as well as waived baggage charges for two checked bags when traveling on each other’s flights. Elite Level Mileage Plan members have access to preferred seating when traveling on American Airlines and AAdvantage Executive Platinum and AAdvantage Platinum members have access to preferred seating when traveling on Alaska Airlines or its affiliates.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Newly-painted Boeing 737-823 N908NN (msn 31157) in the new livery ferries from Los Angeles (LAX) to Orange County-Santa Ana (SNA) as flight AA 1125.

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