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.
Interesting. But I wish you would be able to earn EQM for flights flown through Dynamic Air. That would make it really attractive.
Not to hijack, but United appears to be changing their “Choices” program through Chase, which looks like it may be somewhat inline with the Dynamic Air offering. Cardmembers can use their Mileage Plus RDM against united.com purchases at a rate of 100 miles = $1. And you earn miles/segments for the flight. I like that airlines are starting to make it a little easier to access and use pent up miles.
Haven’t done the math yet, but I will. In the meantime, here’s an example for a trip to Miami from DCA this weekend…same flights, as of 9:45pm on August 4 for travel on August 5, returning August 7.
Pay option: $327.00
Dynamic Air: 34,000 miles + $5.00
Economy AAnytime: 50,000 miles + $5.00
No MilesAAver coach available.
But in this case on these exact same flights, MilesAAVer first class was available at 50,000 miles + $5.00. Things wouldn’t always work out that way….so as is usually the case, whether or not this new option is the best for you….depends.
Do these return a fixed $ per mile, or some other relationship? What sort of value do they offer? I’m not an AA elite so can’t see what is available, but am curious what the difference between this and e.g. Delta’s “Pay with miles” that they offer to their CC holders is.