American Airlines Announces Changes You Won’t Like on Fees and NDCs | Travel Research Online

In the latest step toward pushing customers to book direct, American Airlines today announced that it will only grant AAdvantage® miles and loyalty points to customers who book through an AA or partner site, a corporate account, or a “preferred agency” that books at least 30% of its trips through the American Airlines NDC.

At the same time, the company raised fees on baggage checking and pets in the cabin.

The NDC ruling takes effect May 1, 2024. Customers can receive points only if they book through AA or its partner airlines, are an AAdvantage Business™ member or have a contracted corporate travel account, or book through an “eligible preferred travel agency.”

“All agencies on a 2024 contracted incentive agreement issued by American are eligible to qualify into the preferred agency program at American’s sole discretion, which enables travelers booking through your agency to continue earning AAdvantage^® miles and Loyalty Points,” the company website now states (Preferred agency program – American Airlines Global Sales (exploreamerican.com). “Agencies will be evaluated on the criteria outlined below, which focus on the use of Modern Retailing technology to provide the best possible traveler experience when booking and servicing tickets. Agencies must be approved by American Airlines to qualify as a preferred agency, and agencies should contact their Modern Retailing business manager to discuss their individual approval process and timeline.”

There are three qualifying criteria:

1. Agencies must be on a 2024 incentive agreement issued by American at American’s sole discretion. If, at any point, their incentive agreement with American ends, the agency will no longer be able to participate in the preferred agency program.
2. Agencies must adopt and implement American’s NDC and shop and book through American’s NDC connections, meeting the progressive NDC thresholds below. Shopping and booking must be done in accordance with American’s connection and capacity requirements.

3. As customers consider purchasing an American Airlines offer, fare rules, product attributes, and fare restrictions should be fully displayed and clearly communicated. A new product attribute of American’s offers is the ability to earn AAdvantage^® For an agency to be considered preferred, they must demonstrate their ability to clearly communicate to customers when they earn AAdvantage^®miles in the online booking tool throughout the booking flow before a purchase is finalized.Agencies must contact their Modern Retailing business manager to begin the review and approval process on display criteria.

   The deadline for the display qualification criteria is July 1, 2024, to allow time for the completion of any necessary updates.

   If an agency meets the criteria for the first NDC threshold on April 21, 2024, customers with tickets issued by the preferred agency between April 21 and June 30 will earn miles and Loyalty Points. In order for customers purchasing a ticket July 1, 2024, and beyond to earn, however, the agency must meet the display criteria.

Basic Economy fare tickets will only earn when booked directly with American and eligible partner airlines.

“We want to make it more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it’s also where we offer the best fares and it’s most rewarding for our AAdvantage members.”

Baggage Fees on the rise

Also in the announcement were new rates for baggage on trips booked beginning tomorrow.

The new fee for domestic flights including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canada and short-haul international flights, is $35 for the first checked bag if purchased online or $40 at the airport. A second bag will cost $45 whether purchased online or at the airport.

AAdvantage® status members, customers in premium cabins, active-duty U.S. military personnel and most AAdvantage® credit cardmembers flying domestically will continue to receive complimentary bags.

The fee for oversize bags that are only slightly larger than heavier than regular bags will be lower, however. Bags that weigh less than 70 pounds currently cost $100, but will be charged just $30 effective April 17.

The pet-in-cabin fee was raised to $150.