I posted over the weekend regarding questions that were popping up regarding AA “500-miler” upgrades, and the new combined program in Q2 2015. The questions centered around news that the “buffer” historically given by AAdvantage for upgrades would be disappearing. My take was that this would come with the combined program, and not immediately. I highlighted the issue in my first post on the new AAdvantage program:
As noted in my weekend post, I did reach out to American for clarification, asking two questions in separate emails. First, I asked:
“Specifically, regarding the new 500 mile complimentary upgrades. During the call I asked if the “grace buffer” which I believe to be 51 miles would remain in place, and the answer given was no. 500 will mean 500. I took this to mean that this change will be made when the programs combine in Q2 2015, and not immediately. Am I correct in that assumption?”
And in a follow up email I asked:
“For example, a 1,501 mile flight – my read on the 2015 combined program is that it would require 4 upgrades. Am I correct?”
I did receive a reply, and I wanted to share it here.
“This is correct – any “buffer” that used to exist will be gone once we launch the new upgrade policy in second quarter 2015.” (emphasis mine)
So, the buffer is here for now, but will be gone when the programs combine in 2015. That’s the way I took things to work originally. The other little wrinkle in all this is my example of the 1,501 mile flight, or my original example of 515 miles. My understanding of that situation has not changed, you’re going to be using more stickers than you were when the programs combine. This will generate some angst. On the other hand, we are getting complimentary upgrades for flights up to 500 miles. Comments?
-MJ, November 6, 2014
[…] Clarification on American’s New Upgrade Policy […]
[…] My take on things was that this was a change that would come with the new program in Q2 2015. Some are saying on FlyerTalk that the 50 mile buffer is already gone based on phone conversations with agents. I’m indifferent to this change, but I know quite a few don’t feel the same way. I’ve reached out for clarification on this, and when I get it, I’ll report it here. But either way, it appears that the 50 mile buffer is going away if it hasn’t already. Updated: Click here for details on the update I received on 500 milers.… Read more »