Miles Saved.
Mission Accomplished.
The AAdvantage program will be available to all customers, regardless of where they book their ticket. Thank you for standing behind us and being a part of this effort.
On May 29, the American Society of Travel Advisors and the entire travel agency community celebrated a major victory in our months-long battle with American Airlines.
Robert Isom, American Airlines CEO, changed course on its modern retailing initiative, recognizing the value of the travel advisor by rolling back its NDC implementation plan and AAdvantage program changes. Reversing the decision to withhold AAdvantage points and miles for agency bookings is a testament to the firm position that travel agencies hold in the airline distribution channel. We look forward to working with American Airlines on a responsible implementation of its NDC program which includes its valuable partners in the travel advisor community.
Our gratitude for the Society’s leadership has never been stronger. Because of their commitment to our efforts, we were able to activate thousands of travel advisors and their customers in an unprecedented grassroots effort. Thank you for standing behind us and being a part of this campaign.
What we know.
As of last week, we know that the AAdvantage program will be available to all customers, regardless of where they book their ticket.
We understand American also intends to continue moving forward with a “preferred agency” program by rewarding agencies it designates as preferred, even though AA has cancelled plans to differentiate traveler eligibility to earn loyalty miles based on the booking channel used including those air tickets booked by travel agencies. To date, AA has not provided specifics regarding the new preferred program but has indicated additional information is forthcoming including potential incentives to reward agencies who promote and book travel through NDC.
We’re pleased to learn that American Airlines account representatives have reached out and engaged with some ASTA members to assess areas of improvement needed for successful NDC implementation.
What we know.
As of May 29, we know that the AAdvantage program will be available to all customers, regardless of where they book their ticket.
We understand American also intends to continue moving forward with a “preferred agency” program by rewarding agencies it designates as preferred, even though AA has cancelled plans to differentiate traveler eligibility to earn loyalty miles based on the booking channel used including those air tickets booked by travel agencies. To date, AA has not provided specifics regarding the new preferred program but has indicated additional information is forthcoming including potential incentives to reward agencies who promote and book travel through NDC.
We’re pleased to learn that American Airlines account representatives have reached out and engaged with some ASTA members to assess areas of improvement needed for successful NDC implementation.
IT’S CLEAR: THIS ANTI-CONSUMER, ANTI-COMPETITIVE MOVE BY AMERICAN DEMANDS A RESPONSE. THE AIRLINE’S LATEST ANNOUNCEMENT IS POWERFUL EVIDENCE OF ITS MONOPOLISTIC BEHAVIOR.
Save Your Miles. Take action.
Congress, don’t let American Airlines eliminate consumer choice.
American Airlines is wielding its considerable market power to condition the way miles and loyalty points are awarded and, in the process, disenfranchising customers who prefer to — or have to — book through a travel agency.
Starting July 11, the burden is now on the traveler to make sure their agency is preferred, and jump through even more hoops, just to obtain their loyalty points.
American’s behavior is monopolistic and should be concerning to lawmakers who value consumer choice. Please take a moment to contact your Members of Congress and express your concern with American’s practices.
Are you a travel advisor or agency impacted by American Airlines? Click here.
If you have information you’d like to share about your preferred status, your NDC implementation process, or anything else related to AA and this campaign, please contact us:
* Source: Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) Airline Sales Statistics. Total figures include Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).
IT’S CLEAR: THIS ANTI-CONSUMER, ANTI-COMPETITIVE MOVE BY AMERICAN DEMANDS A RESPONSE.
THE AIRLINE’S LATEST ANNOUNCEMENT IS POWERFUL EVIDENCE OF ITS MONOPOLISTIC BEHAVIOR.
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