American Airlines announced Wednesday that the spending requirements for earning elite frequent flyer status in 2027 will remain consistent for the third consecutive year. This decision aligns with the carrier's strategy to attract higher-spending customers.
Industry Context
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines previously stated that their elite status thresholds would also be maintained for the 2026 earning year.
Airlines offer elite loyalty program members various benefits, including priority boarding, complimentary checked baggage, upgrades to premium cabins, and airport lounge access. These benefits are granted based on accumulated flights with the airline and its partners, as well as spending on co-branded credit cards. Recent trends indicate a shift in loyalty program models, with carriers increasingly rewarding traveler spending over distance flown.
New Perks and Initiatives
American Airlines is also introducing additional perks for reaching milestones below the defined elite status tiers. Examples include two food and beverage coupons at the 15,000-point level, or subscriptions to The New York Times games or cooking platforms, or its sports publication, The Athletic. The first tier of elite status, Gold, is achieved at 40,000 loyalty points.
In related developments, the carrier has been investing in cabin upgrades and expanding lounge facilities. American Airlines commenced offering free in-flight Wi-Fi, an initiative originally announced in April.
Credit Card Updates
Details regarding adjustments to American Airlines' Citibank credit card offerings have not yet been released, following the airline's decision to discontinue its partnership with Barclays. Further announcements on these changes are anticipated later in the current year.