As part of its ongoing integration with US Airways, American Airlines yesterday announced several updates to its checked-bag policies, its mileage redemption structure and its inflight services.
Checked Bags
Effective immediately for new tickets aboard American Airlines flights, and April 23 for tickets aboard US Airways flights, American will no longer charge a fee for a second checked bag aboard flights to and from South America. Meanwhile, Gold members of American’s AAdvantage loyalty program, and Gold and Platinum members of US Airways’ Dividend Miles program, will receive one fewer free checked bag than they did previously. Customers traveling on an AAnytime award or a full-fare economy ticket will no longer receive free checked bags. Citi cardholders will continue to receive one free checked bag, a benefit that will be extended April 30 to US Airways MasterCard cardholders with an annual fee of at least $75.
Mileage
Effective immediately for travel starting June 1, US Airways Dividend Miles members will be able to book last seat availability awards for flights year-round without any blackout dates. AAdvantage members, meanwhile, will now be able to book AAnytime award travel for more than half of the year at a lower redemption level; while previous redemption rates called for 25,000 miles one way, new redemptions will start at 20,000 miles one way. Redemption mileage during the remainder of the year will begin at 30,000 miles one way for last seat availability. On the busiest travel days of the year, American will offer a higher award redemption option, starting at 50,000 miles one way.
Inflight Services
First Class passengers on US Airways flights will now have an updated selection of fresh meals on most flights longer than 1,000 nautical miles, or about 2 hours 45 minutes in duration. Customers in international Business Class on US Airways flights will receive new Bose noise cancelling headphones. Those on Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft also will have access to new Samsung Galaxy Tabs, which will offer a choice of 60 movies, a variety of television programs and numerous audio selections. Business Class on Airbus A330 aircraft now offers double the previous entertainment options, with more than 250 movies and 350 audio choices.