American Airlines won’t increase its elite threshold, but other changes are coming
American Airlines has some positive updates for AAdvantage loyalty program members.
On December 12, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier announced annual loyalty changes that will take effect in the 2025 membership year, and the good news is that things are getting better.
Here’s everything you need to know about American’s loyalty plan for 2025.
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There are no changes to status thresholds
Good news for those on the elite status hamster wheel: Americans won’t change the thresholds needed to achieve status and earn money Loyalty point rewards.
The American status year runs from March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026, and you will need to earn the following number of Loyalty Points during that period to achieve or qualify for status Thai.
- Gold: 40,000 Loyalty Points
- Platinum: 75,000 loyalty points
- Platinum Pro: 125,000 Loyalty Points
- Executive Platinum: 200,000 loyalty points
Last year, the Americans introduced several New loyalty points rewardsand all of that will return for the 2025 program year.
What’s interesting is that American is emphasizing that it won’t change its goals for status, especially in a year where its main competitor, Flowerannounced that this will make achieving status much more difficult. (Delta already made it even more difficult to achieve Medalist status last year.)
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At some point, I imagine American will copy its competitors, but 2025 will not be that year.
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Added loyalty point rewards
In addition to enjoying status benefits, US Loyalty Point Rewards Program allows travelers to choose their favorite perks as they move up the elite tier.
Historically, popular options have included system-wide upgrades and bonus miles, and while those will return next year, Loyalty Rewards will also include some new options in 2025.
This includes the option to choose a personalized, collectible luggage tag upon reaching 15,000 Loyalty Points.
Furthermore, American will swap the carbon offset credit at the 175,000 Loyalty Point threshold with a donation to support the use of sustainable aviation fuel.
Finally, as previously announced, American reaffirmed that it will Introducing the World of Hyatt awards as part of the Loyalty Rewards program next year.
The airline has shared all the details for this The next phase of the Hyatt partnership (which comes with a corresponding mileage and points-earning cost), so be sure to check Detailed instructions from TPG to those changes.
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Longer validity for system-wide upgrades
American’s systemwide upgrade programs — one of the airline’s most sought-after benefits — have expired a year since they were adopted as Loyalty Points Rewards.
However, starting March 1, 2025, all new upgrades released systemwide will be effective through March of the next membership year.
For example, any system-wide upgrade received between March 1, 2025 and February 28, 2026 will be effective until March 31, 2027.
As part of this news, American will also extend any system-wide upgrades achieved during the 2024 program to March 31, 2026.
In addition to extending the shelf life, American recently introduced Ability to apply system-wide upgrades online.
Grants new Million Miler status
For those choosing American for the long haul, the airline has some exciting news.
The carrier is adding new lifetime status levels starting March 1, 2025.
- 4 million miles: lifetime AAdvantage Platinum Pro status
- 5 million miles: lifetime AAdvantage Executive Platinum status
These new tiers join existing tiers at 1 million miles (lifetime AAdvantage Gold status) and 2 million miles (lifetime AAdvantage Platinum status).
It’s interesting that American dropped the three million mile threshold as part of this announcement; perhaps the airline is reserving that threshold for a future fifth elite class that could be introduced in the future.
Redeem miles for in-flight meals
In recent years, American has focused on increasing the utility of AAdvantage miles (even if it comes at the cost of favorable conversion rates).
The airline announced Thursday that it will soon allow passengers to use airline miles to purchase food and drinks on board. There’s no word on redemption rates, but I’d imagine the flight rewards will still offer the most value.
In addition to spending miles on in-flight meals, the airline now lets you redeem for in-flight Wi-Fi, access to Flagship First lounges and dining facilities, and sports games and tickets watch a concert.
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Redeem miles for partners
In addition to the elite status changes, American announced Thursday that it will introduce mileage redemptions with JetSMART, Aer Lingus and Oman Air next year.
Bottom line
American’s loyalty update for 2025 may be a bit boring, but it’s actually good news.
While the airline could have followed United’s path and significantly beefed up its status requirements, American will maintain the current thresholds, while also adding some new options on its Rewards menu Loyalty points.
The other changes – millions more miles and the ability to redeem miles for onboard dining – didn’t really impress most travelers, but it seems Americans are happy the show is going on and that is great news for everyone (especially big spenders) who are excited about the introduction of a Loyalty Points-based scheme.
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