For families who love to travel, understanding the perks of non-revenue (non-rev) travel can open up exciting possibilities. If you’re part of the American Airlines family, or considering it, the AAdvantage program offers significant advantages that can greatly enhance your non-rev travel experiences. AAdvantage members, including retirees and their eligible travel companions, can access benefits that bring their non-rev journeys closer to the experience of paying customers, such as priority check-in and earlier boarding.
In 2022, American Airlines simplified its AAdvantage program by introducing Loyalty Points, making it easier for members to earn status. The Loyalty Point Rewards system allows you to unlock valuable rewards as you accrue points, both before and between traditional status tiers. The best part for non-rev travelers? Certain Loyalty Point Rewards can directly improve your leisure travel listings.
Elevating Your Non-Rev Experience with Loyalty Points
Imagine reaching a milestone that makes your standby travel smoother. For instance, upon earning just 15,000 Loyalty Points, you’ll achieve Group 5 boarding for all leisure non-rev travel listings created after hitting this reward threshold. This means a better chance of securing overhead bin space and settling in sooner with your family.
American Airlines is continuously enhancing the non-rev travel experience for AAdvantage members, with more updates and benefits on the horizon. Leveraging your AAdvantage membership is key to making the most of your non-rev travel privileges.
Priority Perks for AAdvantage Members
The following table outlines the priority benefits associated with different AAdvantage elite statuses and credit cards, demonstrating how you can move up the boarding groups even when flying non-rev.
| Elite status/credit card | Priority check-in | Priority boarding |
|---|---|---|
| AAdvantage ConciergeKey | X | Preboard |
| AAdvantage Executive Platinum | X | Group 1 |
| AAdvantage Platinum Pro | X | Group 2 |
| AAdvantage Platinum | X | Group 3 |
| AAdvantage Gold | X | Group 4 |
| Citi Exec card | X | Group 4 |
| Aviator Silver/Red/Business card | Group 5 | |
| Citi Platinum Select/Platinum Select Business card | Group 5 | |
| NEW! Team members reaching 15K Loyalty Points (revenue and non-rev) | Group 5 |
Getting Started with AAdvantage for Non-Rev Travel
To begin enjoying these enhanced benefits, ensure your AAdvantage number is linked to your non-rev travel profile. Simply visit Travel Planner and update your profile to include your AAdvantage number. Once added, your number will automatically be associated with all future non-rev listings. You also have the option to manually add your AAdvantage number each time you list for non-rev travel. Accuracy is crucial: double-check that the name on your AAdvantage profile is an exact match to the name in your Travel Planner profile.
If you’re not yet an AAdvantage member, signing up is a straightforward process. AAdvantage is open to everyone, and you can enroll today. Explore the full spectrum of benefits tied to AAdvantage status, Loyalty Points, and AAdvantage credit cards—many of which extend to your non-rev travel experiences. Learn more and start maximizing your travel advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions About AAdvantage and Non-Rev Travel
Why should I become an AAdvantage member if I’m not already?
AAdvantage is American Airlines’ award-winning loyalty program. Membership allows you to earn and redeem miles for flights across American Airlines and their partner network. For team members, there’s an added perk of a 20% refund on completed AAdvantage award travel. Plus, when flying on an AA20 award ticket, you automatically receive Group 6 boarding as part of a current AAdvantage promotion. AAdvantage credit card holders with Citi or Barclays are guaranteed Group 5 or better boarding when traveling.
Does having an AAdvantage number improve my standby priority?
No, your AAdvantage number does not change your position on the standby list. Standby listing is still determined by your priority/pass type and check-in time. However, having an AAdvantage number can grant you an earlier boarding group once you receive a seat assignment, which is a separate benefit.
How do I ensure my AAdvantage number is on my non-rev listing?
You have several convenient ways to add your AAdvantage number to your non-rev listing:
- Edit your existing listing directly in Travel Planner.
- Cancel your current listing and create a new one, including your AAdvantage number from the start.
- Request to add your AAdvantage number to your listing at the airport check-in.
Can my travel guests also benefit from my AAdvantage status?
Yes, your guests traveling with you on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) can enjoy credit card-related benefits linked to your AAdvantage account. Conversely, you can also benefit from your guest’s credit card perks when traveling together on the same PNR.
Guests traveling independently can also access benefits associated with their own AAdvantage number, provided it is correctly entered in their Travel Profile and matches their AAdvantage account name. This includes status-related benefits and those linked to specific credit card types.
Will I earn AAdvantage miles on non-rev travel?
Non-rev travel does not qualify for earning AAdvantage miles. However, you can still take advantage of other status-related benefits while traveling non-rev, such as priority check-in, priority security screening (where available), priority boarding, and priority baggage handling, depending on your AAdvantage status level.
Can I use aa.com or the American Airlines app to manage my non-rev travel if my AAdvantage number is in my Travel Planner profile?
No, you will still need to use the Travel Planner system to check in for your non-rev flights and to manage or view your non-rev Passenger Name Record (PNR). The integration of your AAdvantage number in Travel Planner primarily serves to unlock boarding and check-in benefits, not to migrate non-rev travel management to the standard customer-facing platforms.
By understanding and utilizing your AAdvantage membership, your family’s non-rev travel experiences can become more comfortable and enjoyable. Make sure to link your AAdvantage number today and explore the full range of benefits available to you.
