American Airlines Opens AAdvantage Business Program to Travel Agencies

American Airlines’ AAdvantage Business incentive program for small and mid-size companies is now awarding miles and loyalty points even when bookings are made via a travel agency.

The new approach went into effect July 16, according to Travel Weekly and is a departure from the carrier’s previous stance on the issue. Up until now, American only awarded points or miles in exchange for bookings made directly with the airline. That policy was implemented last October when the airline’s Business Extra program was renamed AAdvantage Business.

As of today, the carrier’s website states: “The AAdvantage Business program rewards eligible companies and their travelers for booking business travel on aa.com, the American app or any agency.”

The change in the AAdvantage Business policy comes not long after the airline announced that it was taking steps to reverse course on its unpopular NDC plans.

In May, amid news of cuts to the airline's revenue and profit forecast and its stock tumbling in value, American Airlines revealed that it was backing away from its controversial New Distribution Capability (NDC) plans and some AAdvantage requirements.

Speaking at an investor conference at the time, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said that the carrier intended to rethink efforts to drive direct bookings directly with the airline via NDC and away from third-party sites and travel agencies.

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) had continually pushed back against American Airlines' NDC rollout and later praised the carrier's decision to change direction.

As for AAdvantage Business, registered companies are able to earn one reward mile for every dollar they spend on flights.

Registered companies can also earn an additional two reward miles per dollar for flights purchased using the AAdvantage Business Mastercard, according to the American Airlines AAdvantage website. Points can be redeemed for everything from flights to hotels and car rentals.

American has also created a customer service phone number for AAdvantage Business program customers.

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