For 2026, the loyalty programme keeps things simple: status and reward levels remain unchanged, making it easier to earn and retain status. New Loyalty Point Reward choices add more personalised travel options, while expanded redemptions now include premium experiences and AAdvantage® gift cards from leading retailers and entertainment brands. Completing the upgrade, free high-speed Wi-Fi sponsored by AT&T starts rolling out this month.
American Airlines- For the 2026 program year, status and reward levels will stay the same, making it straightforward for members to achieve or retain status.
- New Loyalty Point Reward choices offer more personalized travel experiences.
- Members enjoy even more ways to use their miles, including premium experiences and AAdvantage® gift cards from top retailers, entertainment and more.
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi sponsored by AT&T begins rolling out this month.
7 January 2026 — As American Airlines celebrates its centennial year, the airline continues to elevate its award-winning AAdvantage® loyalty program. For the third consecutive year, status and reward requirements remain unchanged, giving members a clear and simple path to achieve or maintain status and benefits.
“As American Airlines marks 100 years of connecting people and places, loyalty remains at the core of our business,” said Scott Long, American’s Senior Vice President of AAdvantage. “The AAdvantage® program is about more than earning miles — it’s about creating meaningful rewards that reflect the trust our members place in us. With these program updates, we’re giving members more reasons to love being part of the AAdvantage® program.”
More choices, more rewards
With Loyalty Point Rewards, members of American’s AAdvantage® program can enjoy more rewards before, between and beyond each status. Along with the current Loyalty Point Reward choices, these new rewards give members even more flexibility to create their preferred experience. Additionally, all AAdvantage® members who qualify for status starting March 1, 2026, and beyond may claim a limited-edition centennial luggage tag. This luggage tag will be available on request for all status tiers, from AAdvantage Gold® to AAdvantage Executive Platinum® members, as well as Million Miler℠ members.1
Rewards starting March 1 for members:
- Save on their next getaway with American Airlines VacationsSM credits, ranging from $250 to $500.
- Unlock premium retail rewards from the AAdvantage ExchangeSM marketplace.
Coming later in 2026, members can:
- Sip and snack in the sky with inflight food and beverage coupons.
- Start their day with a New York Times subscription of their choice.
Turning miles into memorable moments and experiences
AAdvantage® miles go beyond flights, giving members access to unique experiences and everyday moments through American’s growing list of partners.
- Use miles for tickets to exciting sporting events like the PGA Championship and U.S. Soccer matches. Get ready to turn miles into memories.
- Shop premium retail with the AAdvantage ExchangeSM marketplace, a great way to treat yourself or your loved ones.
Coming later in 2026, members can:
- Redeem their miles for AAdvantage® gift cards from top retailers, entertainment and more.
Free inflight Wi-Fi
Starting this month, American began rolling out free high-speed Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T, for AAdvantage® members across 100% of the airline’s narrowbody and dual-class regional fleets2, and by early spring, it will be available on more than 2 million American flights a year — more than any other carrier in the world. Accessing free Wi-Fi is easy through the upgraded aainflight.com portal. Customers can simply log in using their AAdvantage® number and password, then select “Free Wi-Fi” to start browsing. The new portal is designed for speed, reliability and simplicity, making it effortless to stay connected inflight.
American remains committed to evolving its industry-leading loyalty program to deliver more value and customizable experiences for AAdvantage® members. For details on the 2026 program updates, visit aa.com/programchanges.
1To receive a luggage tag, U.S. members need to validate their shipping address and agree to receive marketing from American Airlines.
2Starting January 2026, American Airlines will be rolling out free high-speed Wi-Fi across these fleet types: all single-aisle narrowbody aircraft (Airbus A319, A320, A321 and Boeing 737), select Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 widebody aircraft and all dual-class American Eagle® regional aircraft.
About American Airlines Group
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.
The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.
Source: American Airlines
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