How important are American Airline booking codes?

Very Important!

The 411 on how to earn AAdvantage status for 2017!

Program Perks

At the end of 2015, I achieved Executive Platinum membership with American Airlines. This was a celebratory moment for me as I worked hard to achieve this status. I was looking forward to the added perks and comparing the difference between Platinum, which I have held for years, and Executive Platinum. I can say confidently that there is a significant difference. I am regularly upgraded as an Executive Platinum member. I have also achieved a higher status level in the One World Alliance called Emerald. Emerald status with One World member airlines has proven to be my favorite perk.

When flying Cathay Pacific recently to Hong Kong, I was able to access their first class airport lounges. They were amazing. There is really nothing like being offered a glass of my favorite champagne “Veuve Clicquot” in The Pier Lounge and then being told I have been upgraded to business class on a long haul flight. This put a sparkle on my Always 5 Stars. As I was sitting on the plane with champagne in hand, I determined that I will again earn this status for 2017!

Extensive Research

Since the beginning of the year, I have extensively researched the details for earning qualifying miles before I book each flight. Quite honestly, I think a rocket scientist would be challenged to figure out how the system works. Currently, they are making even more changes to the program. I have read the program rules and have made several calls to AAdvantage agents asking for advice. I have explored many travel blog sites including The Points Guy and OneMileAtATime (which are great resources for understanding point programs).

Booking Codes

What I have gained through all this research is that booking codes are extremely important. They determine the elite qualifying miles (EQM) earned for each flight. In the past, I have assumed that if you booked a higher class fare, such as first or business class, it would provide a higher mile’s multiplier. It turns out that this is not always the case.

I was recently booking a round trip flight online from Los Angeles, California (LAX) to Miami, Florida (MIA). The first class flight prices seemed reasonable. I was operating on the assumption that selecting a first class seat, over an economy seat would earn more qualifying miles.

To make sure I understood the mile’s calculations before purchasing the flight, I decided to call and double check with an American Airlines agent. What I discovered is that even though it was a first class seat, this particular booking code was a deep discount and only resulted in a 1.0 points multiplier. By booking another flight, with a slightly different time schedule, I was able to get a “P” code for a small additional cost and receive the 2.0 multiplier. The price differential was well justified given the opportunity to earn twice as many miles.

Calculating EQM’s

The chart below details how EQM’s are calculated for each airfare code:

American Airlines Code Chart Information

Using my flight example above, here is how the EQM’s calculate for the two codes:

Round trip flight from LAX to MIA = 4,685 total miles

• Code 0 – 4,685 miles multiplied by 1.0 = 4,685 EQM’s earned
• Code P – 4,685 miles multiplied by 2.0 = 9,368 EQM’s earned

Despite my original flight being a first class ticket, the booking code was that of a discount economy. Obviously, the better choice was changing my flight and booking under the P code.

5 Star Tip: Two Simple Steps to Maximize EQM’s

I would like to offer these two simple steps for attaining this coveted status without having to deplete your bank account.

🌟 Step 1: When researching your flight online, select the small + box (see blue example arrow in diagram below) to access the detailed information for that flight. The booking code is listed for each seat category. In the example below, “P” is the code (see red example arrow in diagram below) for the first class seats for flight 1297. Looking at the American Airlines Code Chart Information above, this flight would earn 2.0 elite qualifying miles for each mile flown.

🌟 Step 2: American Airlines displays a “Review and Pay” screen before you purchase your flight. This page will show EQM’s that you will earn for your flight.

🌟 Additional resources for calculating EQM’s: I have also used the mileage calculator website http://www.milecalc.com/ to estimate miles for flights. Though it is not always 100% accurate, it’s estimates are usually very close. It helps me to plan flights that help me meet my EQM’s goals.

Final Thoughts

I have found the experience of being an Executive Platinum member for 2016 to be very rewarding. I would suggest that American Airlines add the EQM’s on the booking page. This would make it easier for customers to determine how many EQM’s they would earn.

By following these simple steps, you will enhance your travel experiences to an Always 5 Star level. A significant reward is sitting in a business or first class seat for a fraction of the cost, with access to first class airport lounges, and, of course, drinking champagne!

So, when we meet on a flight, let us raise a glass to each other, and proclaim:

“Cheers! We did it!”

**I was not compensated in any way for this post. My opinions are completely my own based on my experiences which I paid entirely for myself.

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