American Airlines announced their new combined AAdvantage program earlier this week as they continue to merge with US Airways and combine into one airline.  Here’s a look at what the new program entails:

How to qualify:

The AAdvantage program has 3 elite status levels – Gold, Platinum, Executive Platinum – and 3 ways to qualify for status with miles, points or segments.

You earn elite-qualifying miles and segments based on actual miles or segments you fly on qualifying paid tickets. On January 1, 2015, the segment qualification requirement for Executive Platinum will move to 120 for the 2016 membership year.

Complimentary Upgrades:

We know 500-mile upgrades are new for Dividend Miles Preferred members, so we’ll add 500-mile upgrades to your account (based on your Dividend Miles Preferred-qualifying activity) to get you started. You can use these upgrades on flights over 500 miles or to upgrade a travel companion. If you are an AAdvantage Gold or Platinum member, you’ll earn four 500-mile upgrades for every 10,000 elite-qualifying miles you fly.

Systemwide upgrades:

If you qualify for Executive Platinum, you’ll receive 8 systemwide upgrades for use, when available. If you’re Chairman’s Preferred, you’ll also receive 8 systemwide upgrades, when we combine programs in the second quarter of 2015. Upgrades are valid for one-way travel on any US Airways or American marketed and operated flight (up to 3 segments) and you can give them to anyone, even if you’re not traveling with them.

Here’s what else is new for Dividend Preferred members:

Right now

• Complimentary snacks and drinks in the Main Cabin for Chairman’s Preferred members on all US Airways and American flights

January 2015

• Enjoy complimentary same-day confirmed flight changes on American, a new benefit for Chairman’s Preferred members
• Redeem all your Special Dividends by early 2015; qualification ends in December 2014

Second quarter of 2015 (when programs are combined)

• Move to three elite status levels in the AAdvantage program – Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum
• Qualify for elite status based on elite-qualifying miles, segments and points
• Receive a 100% elite mileage bonus for eligible flights if you’re a Dividend Miles Gold (currently receive a 50% elite bonus) or Platinum (currently receive a 75% elite bonus) member who becomes AAdvantage Platinum
• Redeem miles for AAnytime awards and mileage upgrade awards on both American and US Airways marketed and operated flights
• Upgrade on American marketed and operated flights before day of departure

Right now

• Executive Platinum members now enjoy a complimentary snack and drink in the Main Cabin on US Airways

January 2015

• Move to 120 segments to qualify for Executive Platinum status for the 2016 membership year
• Complimentary confirmed flight changes for Executive Platinum members flying on American
• Increased class of service bonus for Business Class tickets from 25% to 50%

Second quarter of 2015 (when programs are combined)

• Enjoy complimentary upgrades on flights 500 miles or less on flights marketed and operated by American
• Complimentary upgrades will be auto-requested on flights marketed and operated by American and US Airways
• Complimentary upgrades on flights marketed and operated by US Airways before day of departure
• Redeem miles for upgrades on flights marketed and operated by US Airways
• Use systemwide upgrades on flights marketed and operated by US Airways
• Redeem miles for AAnytime awards on flights marketed and operated by US Airways

Bottom Line

Combing loyalty programs of two major airlines isn’t an easy task that can be done overnight. I’m sure there will be hiccups along the way, but once the programs are fully merged, I think they will have a great program. You can view the full list of changes on their site here.