FORT WORTH, Texas, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- American
Airlines today announced new mileage redemption options for
American Airlines AAdvantage and US Airways Dividend Miles members,
as well as new checked bag policies for customers traveling across
the combined network of more than 356 destinations in 56 countries.
The changes, along with enhancements in First and Business Class on
flights operated by US Airways, part of American Airlines Group,
will provide customers a more consistent experience and an onboard
product in line with or better than that of American's
competitors.
Mileage Redemption Structure
Effective today for
travel starting June 1, Dividend
Miles members now will be able to book last seat availability
awards for flights year-round without any blackout dates. For
AAdvantage members, AAnytime award travel will now be available
more for than half of the year at an even lower redemption level.
Previous redemption rates called for 25,000 miles one way, and the
new redemptions will start at 20,000 miles one way. Redemption
mileage during the remainder of the year will begin at 30,000 miles
one way for last seat availability. The exceptions will fall on the
busiest travel days of the year. On those days, American will offer
a higher award redemption option, which will be available starting
at 50,000 miles one way. Since January, when American and US
Airways launched the first phase of reciprocal frequent flyer
benefits, AAdvantage and Dividend Miles members have earned more
than 587 million miles through travel across the new American's
combined global network. For details on award travel levels, visit
aa.com/aadvantage or usairways.com/dividendmiles.
Checked Bag Policies
American has also updated its
checked bag policies. For flights operated by American, these
changes take place for tickets issued starting today. For flights
operated by US Airways, these changes take place for tickets issued
starting April 23. The changes
include removing the second bag charge on flights to and from
South America. Also, AAdvantage
Gold members and Dividend Miles Platinum and Gold members will
receive one fewer free checked bag than they do today. Customers
traveling on an AAnytime award or a full-fare economy ticket (on
legacy American) will no longer receive free checked bags. Lastly,
Citi cardholders will continue to receive one free checked bag, and
starting April 30, that same benefit
will also apply to customers who have the US Airways
MasterCard® with an annual fee of at least $79.
Importantly, American leads the industry in baggage exemptions
for our nation's military as the only airline to offer five free
checked bags to military servicemen and women traveling on orders,
and three bags to military servicemen and women on personal travel.
For details on checked baggage policies visit
aa.com/baggageallowance or http://bit.ly/BagPolicies.
Inflight Enhancements
Customers in First Class on
flights operated by US Airways will now enjoy an updated selection
of fresh meals on most flights longer than 1,000 nautical miles, or
about 2 hours 45 minutes in duration. Customers in international
Business Class on flights operated by US Airways will be able to
tune out or tune in to new entertainment options with new
Bose® Quiet Comfort® 15 Acoustic Noise
Cancelling headphones. Another feature includes Business Class on
Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft which will now offer 60 movies and a
greater variety of television programs, as well as audio selections
on the new Samsung Galaxy Tab. Business Class on Airbus A330
aircraft now offers double the previous entertainment options, with
more than 250 movies and 350 audio choices. For details on
inflight enhancements, visit usairways.com.
About American Airlines Group
American Airlines Group
(NASDAQ: AAL) is the holding company for American Airlines and US
Airways. Together with American Eagle and US Airways Express, the
airlines operate an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to 339
destinations in 54 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort
Worth, Los Angeles,
Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. The American Airlines
AAdvantage and US Airways Dividend Miles programs allow members to
earn and redeem miles for travel and everyday purchases as well as
flight upgrades, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and
other retail products. American is a founding member of the
oneworld® alliance, whose members and
members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily
flights to 150 countries. Connect with American on Twitter
@AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines, and follow US
Airways on Twitter @USAirways and at Facebook.com/USAirways.
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SOURCE American Airlines