FORT WORTH, TX - American Airlines is taking the first step in the evolution of its award-winning AAdvantage loyalty program. In the second half of 2016, the program will shift how customers earn award miles from distance flown to dollars spent. Award redemption rates will be adjusted with some award levels increasing, while others will be decreasing.

Additionally, American will offer the best elite-qualifying mile multipliers in the industry and simplify the elite qualification process to better reward customers.

"American Airlines has spent the last two years being singularly focused on integration. Now we're at a point where we can begin to look ahead and lay the foundation for the future of the AAdvantage program to ensure we're rewarding our most loyal customers with the benefits they value the most," said Suzanne Rubin, President of AAdvantage. "We seamlessly integrated our programs in 2015, and we're excited about the opportunities that the program will offer our customers in the years to come."

Earning Award Miles

In the second half of 2016, when traveling on flights marketed by American, members will begin earning award miles based on the price of the ticket purchased (base fare plus carrier-imposed fees, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees) and that member's elite status level.

AAdvantage members will receive five miles for every U.S. dollar spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed fees. Gold members will receive seven miles, Platinum members will receive eight and Executive Platinum members will receive 11 miles per dollar spent.

AAdvantage Member Level AAdvantage Member Gold Platinum Executive Platinum
Miles / USD 5 7 8 11
Example Calculation Future 9,470 13,258 15,152 20,834
Example Calculation Current 9,502 11,878 19,004 19,004

Award miles for travel on most flights marketed by partner airlines will be based on a percentage of the flight distance and the booking code purchased. More details will be announced in 2016.

Until the new award mile earning structure takes effect, members will still earn award miles based on the distance flown. American is extending its bonus miles promotion that allows members to earn even more on purchased First or Business class tickets.