Exciting News for SMBs: Earn AAdvantage Business with AmTrav and American Airlines

Great news for small and midsized businesses (SMBs) who rely on American Airlines and AmTrav for their travel management needs! American Airlines has announced a significant update to its AAdvantage Business small business program, allowing customer companies to earn AAdvantage Business miles for bookings made through all channels (more about AAdvantage Business). This means AmTrav clients can now earn AAdvantage Business miles (in addition to travelers earning AAdvantage miles, as they always have) through AmTrav.

What's changing?

Previously, American Airlines’ AAdvantage Business program allowed miles accrual only for business travel booked through its direct channels, such as the American Airlines website or mobile app. This policy was part of a broader strategy that emphasized booking through direct and New Distribution Capability (NDC)-enabled channels, which created frustration among corporate travel buyers.

However, as of last week, American Airlines has expanded the AAdvantage Business program to include bookings made through travel agencies like AmTrav. This means AmTrav clients can now enjoy the benefits of booking through AmTrav while still earning valuable AAdvantage Business miles for the company.

why this matters for smbs

This change is particularly beneficial for SMBs that manage their travel through AmTrav. Here’s why:

1. Increased Flexibility: Businesses can now book through their preferred channels alongside other airlines, hotels and car rentals without worrying about missing out on earning AAdvantage Business miles.
2. Streamlined Booking Process: By booking through AmTrav, businesses can continue to enjoy our comprehensive travel management services while earning rewards.
3. Enhanced Loyalty Benefits: SMBs can maximize their travel budgets by earning miles on all eligible flights, making it easier to achieve their travel goals and reward their teams.

understanding the aadvantage business program

The AAdvantage Business program, introduced in October 2023 as a replacement for the Business Extra program, is designed specifically for small and midsized businesses. To participate, organizations must have at least five active travelers and spend a minimum of $5,000 on American Airlines flights over the past 12 months. Once enrolled, businesses can earn and redeem AAdvantage miles for a variety of travel-related benefits, enhancing their overall travel experience.

Learn more about the benefits of AAdvantage Business.

the bigger picture

This update from American Airlines is part of a broader shift in its sales and distribution strategy. Since April 2023, the airline had been gradually removing content from traditional EDIFACT-connected channels, pushing for bookings through NDC-enabled and direct channels instead. However, following feedback from corporate travel buyers and a change in leadership, American Airlines has begun to reverse some of these changes. The airline has now reinstated content to EDIFACT-connected channels and canceled plans to restrict point accrual for AAdvantage loyalty program members.

how amtrav can help

At AmTrav, we’re dedicated to making business travel easy - as seamless and rewarding as possible for our clients. With this new development, we’re excited to help you take full advantage of the expanded AAdvantage Business program. Our team is ready to help you in setting up your AAdvantage Business program, booking your flights and ensuring you earn the maximum benefits from your travel spend.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Reach out to your AmTrav Relationship Manager: For advice on AAdvantage Business, for help setting up your AAdvantage Business account and loading it into AmTrav, your Relationship Manager is ready to help.
2. Book through AmTrav: Continue to book your flights through AmTrav to enjoy our expert travel management services while earning AAdvantage Business miles.
3. Stay informed: We’ll keep you updated on any further changes to the AAdvantage Business program or other important travel news that may impact your business.

This move by American Airlines to allow AAdvantage Business point accrual through all booking channels is a win for SMBs and travel management companies alike. At AmTrav, we’re thrilled to bring this benefit to our clients, making it easier than ever to earn rewards on your business travel. Stay tuned for more updates and reach out to us with any questions—we’re here to support your travel needs every step of the way.

About AmTrav: Through one simple technology and services platform, AmTrav helps travelers be more productive and connected, empowering companies and their people to go places, meet people and grow further. AmTrav customers enjoy integrated travel booking, travel spend reporting, traveler tracking, and 24x7 expert human support, reducing obstacles, complexity and cost so they get the full value of their business travel. Learn more or reach out for a one-on-one consultation today.