American Airlines’ AAdvantage Business incentive program for small businesses now allows you to earn miles and loyalty points even when booking through a travel agent.
The new approach took effect on July 16 and marks a shift from the airline’s previous stance on the issue, according to Travel Weekly. Previously, American Airlines only offered points or miles to customers who booked directly with the airline. The policy was implemented last October when the airline’s Business Extra program was renamed AAdvantage Business.
Currently, the airline’s website states: “The AAdvantage Business program offers benefits to eligible companies and their travelers who book business travel on aa.com, the American app or with a travel agent of their choice.”
According to the program’s website, the AAdvantage Business program is designed for any business, whether local or global.
The policy change for its AAdvantage Business program comes shortly after the airline announced it would take steps to reverse course on its unpopular NDC plan.
In May, amid reports of American Airlines lowering its revenue and profit forecasts and a plummeting stock price, the airline said it would back away from its controversial New Distribution Capacity (NDC) plan and some AAdvantage requirements.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said at an investor conference that the airline plans to rethink its efforts to get customers to book directly with the airline through NDC, rather than through third-party sites or travel agents.
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) had previously opposed American Airlines’ NDC initiative, but later praised the airline for its decision to change course.
With AAdvantage Business, registered companies can earn one reward mile for every dollar spent on flights.
According to American Airlines’ AAdvantage website, participating businesses can also earn an additional two miles per dollar spent on airfare purchased with their AAdvantage Business Mastercard, with points redeemable for everything from flights to hotels to rental cars.
American Airlines has also created a customer service phone number for customers in its AAdvantage Business program.
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