American Airlines has announced it will keep its elite frequent flyer spending requirements unchanged for the 2027 qualification year.
The decision marks the third consecutive year the carrier has held the thresholds steady.
The move comes as American seeks to attract higher-spending customers while closing the profitability gap with rivals Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Both Delta and United have already confirmed they will also keep their elite status thresholds unchanged for the 2026 earning year.
Loyalty Programs Shift Toward Spending
Airline loyalty programs offer perks in exchange for repeat business and customer loyalty.
Benefits can include priority boarding, free checked bags, complimentary upgrades, and access to airport lounges.
In recent years, major carriers have restructured their programs to focus more heavily on customer spending rather than distance flown.
This shift has placed greater emphasis on credit card use, premium fares, and partner transactions.
American’s decision reflects an effort to maintain stability while still rewarding high-value travelers.
Milestone Rewards Expanded
Alongside the unchanged thresholds, American said it is adding more rewards between traditional elite tiers.
These milestone perks are designed to keep customers engaged even if they fall short of the next status level.
At 15,000 loyalty points, members can earn two food and beverage coupons.
Other options include subscriptions to The New York Times games or cooking platforms.
Members can also choose access to The Athletic, the newspaper’s sports-focused publication.
The first elite tier, Gold status, continues to require 40,000 loyalty points.
Investment In Passenger Experience
American has been investing heavily in upgrades aimed at improving the customer experience.
These include redesigned aircraft cabins and expanded airport lounges in key hubs.
Earlier this week, the airline confirmed it is beginning to roll out free in-flight Wi-Fi.
The move follows an announcement made last April and brings American closer to offerings from its competitors.
The carrier hopes these improvements will make its loyalty program more attractive to frequent and premium travelers.
Credit Card Strategy Still Evolving
American did not announce changes to its co-branded credit cards alongside the loyalty update.
The airline recently confirmed it will end its partnership with Barclays as a credit card issuer.
Citibank remains a key partner, but specific adjustments to card benefits or earning structures have not yet been detailed.
American said it expects to share more information on credit card changes later this year.
Competitive Pressure Remains
Delta and United continue to lead the U.S. airline industry in profitability.
Both carriers have leaned heavily on loyalty programs and premium services to drive revenue.
By holding elite thresholds steady, American appears to be prioritising consistency over short-term tightening.
The airline is betting that added perks and service upgrades will help retain loyal customers without raising the bar further.
