Following Delta’s news of Delta Extending 2020 Medallion Status, and United Extending Premier Status, Reducing Requirements, American Airlines has now announced a similar move, where the airline will be extending 2020 AAdvantage Status for Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum members through January 31, 2022.

American Airlines will also be reading elite elite status qualifications for 2020, extending Admirals Club memberships for 6 months, waiving award redeposit fees through September 2020, reducing qualifications for Executive Platinum rewards and more.

Per American Airlines,

American Airlines is recognizing the loyalty of AAdvantage members by extending their elite status amid reduced travel related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Changes include:

• Extending elite status for AAdvantage members until Jan. 31, 2022.
• Reducing elite status qualifications for 2020.
• Extending Admirals Club® memberships purchased from American for 6 months.*
• Introducing up to $400 special credits for future travel on American Airlines Vacations packages for elite members.**
• Every dollar spent on an eligible AAdvantage co-branded credit card through the end of 2020 will count for one mile toward Million Milerâ„  status.
• Award reinstatement fees waived for travel through September 2020.

Lowered elite qualification requirements:

The airline has lowered AAdvantage elite qualification requirements for all of 2020. AAdvantage members will achieve status more easily during the current elite qualifying year through lower Elite Qualifying Dollar (EQD), Elite Qualifying Mile (EQM) and Elite Qualifying Segment (EQS) requirements.

Bottom Line

It’s great to see American follow in Delta’s and United’s footsteps and extend AAdvantage status for all members for another year. They’re taking it even further by reducing elite status requirements for 2021, and will be evaluating next year’s program requirements as well.

It’s no surprise that American did these changes as a result of what other airlines are doing. Nonetheless, I know many American flyers will be pleased to hear this latest news.

What are your thoughts on American’s announcement extending AAdvantage status for another year and lowering elite requirements? Feel free to share in the comments below.