American Airlines Will Only Award Miles and Points to Passengers Who Book Direct or Via Select Partners

Passengers checking bags for an American Airlines flight at LaGuardia Airport
American Airlines is changing how miles and loyalty points are awarded later this year and the change is already causing consternation and concern for some passengers.
The changes go into effect on May 1.
Effective on that date, members of the airline’s frequent-flyer program will only earn miles and points if they either 1.) book travel directly with American or with eligible partner airlines, or 2.) book non-basic economy fares through what American terms “preferred travel agencies.”
The airline said it would provide a list of said preferred travel agencies by late April.
The carrier said that the change would make booking travel more “convenient” and magical, although it will also likely greatly limit booking options once the list of preferred travel agencies is released and the update goes into effect.
“We want to make it more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel,” said Vasu Raja, the airline’s chief commercial officer. “[B]ooking directly with American provide the best possible experience.”
Travelers may also book their flights anywhere as an AAdvantage Business member or a corporate traveler whose company is under contract with American.
At the same time, American said it would raise checked bag fees, although members of the AAdvantage frequent-flyer program with elite status will be exempt from such so-called nuisance fees.
For travel booked on or after February 20, the cost to check a bag on a domestic flight including those to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be $35 for the first checked bag when paid for online or $40 for the first checked bag if paid for at the airport. The second checked bag fee will be $45, regardless of how or when it is purchased. The checked bag fee for flights to Canada and to other short-haul international destinations is $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked, regardless of how or when it is paid for.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)