I tend to not favor anything that complicates the relationship between an airline and its customers. Personally, I think most airlines today have too many elite tiers, too many award levels (ok, 2 (good)  vs 3 (ugh) ) and too many things to mess up when it comes to how an airline relates to its customers. The new Dynamic Air award option from American Airlines, however, is something different. Personally, I think it can represent a real enhancement to a mileage program that is already among the best there is in my humble opinion.

In short, AAdvantage elite members can now book economy class flights on American using Dynamic Air awards which are based on the published fare of the flight. Dynamic Air awards are only good in economy class and are only available to AAdvantage elite members. Additionally, they can only be used for domestic flights (lower 48). While I’d prefer that these awards be available for all classes, and perhaps all destinations, I like the concept in theory. Like all things airline, there are a few catches. Surf over to aa.com/dynamicairawards for more of the scoop. In the meantime, kudos to American AAdvantage for something new…and useful.