American Airlines AAdvantage Partner Airline Earning Changes January 1, 2022

American Airlines has made changes to select AAdvantage partner airline earnings effective January 1, 2022.

The airline is moving away from Elite Qualifying Miles, Elite Qualifying Segments, and Elite Qualifying Dollars in 2022 (read more) to Loyalty Points, which are used to determine elite tier within the AAdvantage program.

You can access AA’s page for partner airlines here.

Select Partner Earnings

British Airways

The cabin bonus for Premium Economy, Business, and First Class is higher than previously. You earn Loyalty Points.

Japan Airlines

No changes here other than stating that these are Loyalty Points eligible.

Etihad Airways

No changes to earnings, but no mention of Loyalty Points (none).

American Airlines Loyalty Points:

American Airlines Introduces Loyalty Points

Conclusion

You earn a more significant premium cabin bonus with airlines that have a JV with American Airlines for transatlantic travel (BA, IB & AY).

I still cannot wrap my head around these Loyalty Points, however. American tries to get members to credit more partner transactions outside of flying to AAdvantage and swipe their credit cards with inferior earning rates.