American Airlines Makes Change to Award Fees
American Airlines made a big announcement two days ago with updates to its AAdvantage program for 2020. But there are also some important changes to award fees.
The airline says it is giving members more flexibility with waived reinstatement and change charges for awards booked by May 31, 2020 for travel through September 30, 2020. Then award travel ticketed on or after June 1, 2020 will include free changes if made at least 60 days in advance.
Award Fee Changes
For award tickets issued as of June 1, 2020, a new variable fee structure will apply. It is based on elite status and amount of days before departure. Here is the list of fees as published in the announcement:
| 60 days or more | At least 7 days, but fewer than 60 |
Fewer than 7 days | |
| Executive Platinum | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Platinum Pro | $0 | $50 | $75 |
| Platinum | $0 | $75 | $100 |
| Gold | $0 | $100 | $125 |
| Regular | $0 | $125 | $150 |
There is good and bad news here, depending if you have status and how you travel. The main bad news here is that within 60 days of departure you can no longer make changes without fees. On the positive end, you can make any changes or redeposit awards without fees up to 60 days before departure. Elite members will also pay less when making changes within 60 days.
Conclusion
These changes kind of balance out, but I think they are more towards the negative. This is especially true for non-elites.
Let us know what you think!
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How does it affect changes from economy to business or first? These were free before I believe.