My Changing AAdvantage Loyalty Points Strategy
American Airlines unveiled its AAdvantage Loyalty Points program for the 2022 qualification year. Ever since, I’ve had more fun with AA’s scheme than any other airline or hotel loyalty program. I’ve reached the Executive Platinum threshold and well beyond each year. But my AAdvantage Loyalty Points strategy is most definitely changing in this fifth qualification year. Today, I’m sharing my current qualification situation and why I’m choosing to let off the gas a bit this year.
Where I’m At
Almost halfway through the current qualification year, I’m sitting at about 192k Loyalty Points. While I’m busy with the program, it’s substantially slower than my usual pace the past few years. I know I can easily reach the 200k threshold for Executive Platinum in the remaining six or so months without much creativity. I could keep pushing harder with other methods, but I don’t plan to at this point.
Instead, I’m simply planning to reach 200k via a combination of normal spending on a Citi AAdvantage Business Mastercard, some via the airline’s shopping portal. While I’d “just” be off the next Loyalty Point Reward threshold by 50k, I don’t think I’m going for that or anything beyond. Now, I’ll get into the reasons why.
Why I’m Slowing Down with AAdvantage Loyalty Points
Changing Methods
For better or worse, increased spending methods in our points and travel hobby routinely change. Over the years, I feel attentive, curious individuals come out ahead. Nonetheless, we can’t ignore that things tighten up here and there. Instead of a “yes, and” situation, we periodically run into “either, or” situations. I’m dealing with the latter now;consequently, a variety of cards increasingly compete for my spend priorities. Cash back is still my favorite rewards currency, and those pursuits take precedence over hoarding more miles and/or elite status along the way. My decision here is even easier since – like some of you – I have enough airline miles and hotel points to cover my travel needs for the foreseeable future.
And although that’s the case, I must face that my Loyalty Point climb this year hasn’t been as rewarding as it used to be. I’ve historically earned 2x redeemable miles in addition to whatever Loyalty Points from spending. These days, my redeemable earning is coming up short, predominantly in 1x categories. So that’s yet another reason I’m starting to apply the brakes more.
The Biggest Perk Is Getting Old
I don’t keep exact statistics here, but I can confidently say I’ve been upgraded from economy to first class on the majority of my domestic AA flights since first reaching Executive Platinum status in 2022. I think much of this has to do with flying into and out of my rather-small regional airport nearby. The number of higher-level elites competing for these upgrades seems to be relatively small.
Due to these frequent upgrades, each first class flight experience feels increasingly mundane. I’m definitely not complaining, but I also can’t ignore it. I catch myself turning down meals and drinks. There’s no improved IFE in first in comparison to economy (although that may apparently, eventually change). Service is fine, but I’ve found it to be fairly similar to sitting a few feet away in Main Cabin Extra as an Executive Platinum.
Much More United and Some Delta
I’ve spent years building up my United Travel Bank balance while only occasionally flying the airline. Consequently, these funds’ biggest weakness – the five year expiration policy – is coming into play sooner rather than later. I’m not quite up against it yet, though. I just booked United flights in premium classes which use up my remaining funds expiring in 2027. Right now, my next funds expire in January 2028. Nonetheless, United air travel is more front of mind in the next couple of years. Coupling this with my relatively-light travel demands, American flights and status will play a lesser role for at least the next three or so years.
Beyond United, I’ll keep redeeming Flying Blue, Virgin, and (hopefully) some SkyMiles for my occasional needs on Delta metal. AA flights will clearly be farther and fewer between for me.
Looking For Inspiration
Much of what I’m looking to do with American Airlines and oneworld partners moving forward isn’t reliant on my Loyalty Points Balance. Sure, it matters, but only to a point. Again, I care about hitting the 200k threshold for Executive Platinum’s standard benefits. But building up LPs beyond is less important than it usually was (as I mentioned in the Best Perk Is Getting Old section).
For existing and future American products, primarily domestic transcon and international options, I plan to book directly into premium cabins. I’ve done this before, and I expect it’ll be my predominant move with aspirational AA experiences (not sarcasm). Elite status and obviously my LP balance play less of a role here.
Conclusion
Of course, evolving spend options could drastically change my strategy yet again. But I don’t necessarily expect it to. Even if it does, I doubt it’ll be to the extent it has in the past. Regardless, my loyalty is balancing out across the big three domestic carriers more this year than the last four.
How has your AAdvantage Loyalty Points quest going this year? Are you making any tweaks?
