There are quite a few changes coming to the Americans Airlines AAdvantage program on March 22, 2016. In this article, we’re going to focus on the American Airlines AAdvantage award chart.

The good:

American has added a short haul reward (less than 500 miles). Redemptions in the Main Cabin and Business/First will be 40% less.

US domestic flight conversions remain unchanged.

Flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America will be 14%-17% lower (in two cabin aircraft).

The Bad:

In a three cabin aircraft, First Class seats cost 41% additional miles on average than in 2015.

Trips to Canada and Alaska are 20%-69% higher.

Journeys to South America (1) are 14%-38% more.

are 14%-38% more. Asia and South Pacific premium cabin redemptions have increased by 20%-63%.

We strongly suggest that anyone planning on booking a premium class seat to do so before the March 22 cutoff. It will save you thousands of points.

Full detail of the changes to the AAdvantage Award Chats may be found below. Please keep in mind that all charts are listed as one way trips.

American Airlines Main Cabin 2016 Award Chart Changes

To: 2015 2016 Change % Change Contiguous 48 U.S. states 12,500 12,500 0 0% Contiguous 48 U.S. states & Canada (≤ 500 miles) 12,500 7,500 -5,000 -40% Canada & Alaska 12,500 15,000 2,500 20% Hawaii 22,500 22,500 0 0% Caribbean 17,500 15,000 -2,500 -14% Mexico 17,500 15,000 -2,500 -14% Central America 17,500 15,000 -2,500 -14% South America Region 1 17,500 20,000 2,500 14% South America Region 2 30,000 30,000 0 0% Europe 30,000 30,000 0 0% Asia Region 1 32,500 35,000 2,500 8% Asia Region 2 35,000 35,000 0 0% South Pacific 37,500 40,000 2,500 7%

American Airlines Business/First 2016 Award Chart Changes

To: 2015 2016 Change % Change Contiguous 48 U.S. states 25,000 25,000 0 0% Contiguous 48 U.S. states & Canada (≤ 500 miles) 25,000 15,000 -10,000 -40% Canada & Alaska 25,000 30,000 5,000 20% Hawaii 37,500 40,000 2,500 7% Caribbean 30,000 25,000 -5,000 -17% Mexico 30,000 25,000 -5,000 -17% Central America 30,000 25,000 -5,000 -17% South America Region 1 30,000 30,000 0 0% South America Region 2 50,000 57,500 7,500 15% Europe 50,000 57,500 7,500 15% Asia Region 1 50,000 60,000 10,000 20% Asia Region 2 55,000 70,000 15,000 27% South Pacific 62,500 80,000 17,500 28%

American Airlines First Class 2016 Award Chart Changes

To: 2015 2016 Change % Change Contiguous 48 U.S. states 32,500 50,000 17,500 54% Canada & Alaska 32,500 55,000 22,500 69% Hawaii 47,500 65,000 17,500 37% Caribbean 40,000 50,000 10,000 25% Mexico 40,000 50,000 10,000 25% Central America 40,000 50,000 10,000 25% South America Region 1 40,000 55,000 15,000 38% South America Region 2 62,500 85,000 22,500 36% Europe 62,500 85,000 22,500 36% Asia Region 1 62,500 80,000 17,500 28% Asia Region 2 67,500 110,000 42,500 63% South Pacific 72,500 110,000 37,500 52%

Although the domestic awards have improved somewhat, it is disappointing to see such strong devaluation of point conversions to first class. Although the move is not surprising given the trend in the industry, American is clearly pushing its AAdvantage members to book main cabin seats.

There are numerous other changes to the AAdvantage program that we will be evaluating in a future article. Check back soon for details.