Even before the pandemic changed travel as we knew it, I had begun questioning the value of airline loyalty.

In 2019, I redeemed miles (and found deals) for first and business-class flights like no other year before. My attachment to American Airlines was waning as the airline eliminated routes from my home in New York.

But I still valued American’s Oneworld partners, frequent upgrades and redeeming AAdvantage miles. So I persisted with my loyalty. And now, that looks to be paying off.

With a new partner in JetBlue and the full-fledged Alaska tie-up (the newest member of Oneworld), American appears to be doubling down on a newfound 2021 strategy: Relying on other airlines for some of its domestic network and focusing more on its own international flights. As an AAdvantage elite member in New York, that plan will work in my favor.

Here are six reasons why these latest partnerships will reward my loyalty to American.

Want more travel news, loyalty tips, and credit card advice? Sign up for our daily newsletter.

In This Post

Avoiding American’s weakest link

With new partnerships, that means more opportunities to fly domestically from New York with Alaska and JetBlue.

On domestic routes, American offers an inconsistent experience. On the one hand, you can have a premium transcontinental first class flight to Los Angeles (LAX) with direct aisle access seating and a la carte lounge dining. On the other hand, you might fly home and connect through Charlotte (CLT), flying on an old legacy US Airways plane with no power outlets.

Related: I flew Alaska on its first day in Oneworld: Here’s what it was like as an American Airlines elite

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE9vC_BJ_z9/

A post shared by Chris Dong (@thechrisflyer)

A post shared by Chris Dong (@thechrisflyer)

Service is sometimes another erratic category for American. While every airline has varying degrees of stellar – and not-so-stellar – service, I have found American to be the most inconsistent. From employees who are devoted to passengers to those who belittle them, it truly runs the gamut.

And while American has seriously improved on this front, domestic flight delays due to mechanical issues were a serious issue in the past. In 2019 American was even calling passengers to apologize for summer travel delays.

Related: Review: Is American Flagship First still the most exclusive domestic flight during the pandemic?

Leveraging partners’ strengths

JetBlue product

As mentioned, American Airlines already has a stellar premium transcontinental product between New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

And the only airline that might have it beat is now a strategic partner – JetBlue. JetBlue Mint is a highly regarded business class experience — and it even has a new seat debuting soon.

JetBlue economy is no slouch either. You can expect seatback entertainment, free high-speed Wi-Fi and premium snacks. Best of all, JetBlue has more legroom in its economy cabin than any equivalent main cabin seat on American Airlines.

Video: Why it’s unlikely Southwest Airlines paid full price for Boeing jets (CNBC)

• Fintech firms vie for stimulus checks as a gateway to more deposits

  CNBC
  

• Mohamed El-Erian discusses the potential impact of Biden's infrastructure bill on the economy

  CNBC
  

• Former SEC chair on need to modernize disclosure system and Archegos fallout

  CNBC
  

• How having a hit record is like winning the lottery

  CNBC
  

• Private markets will play a 'key role' in the delivery of Biden's infrastructure plan, analyst says

  CNBC
  

• General Motors total sales are up 4%, vs. 4.4% estimate

  CNBC
  

• Hyundai North America CEO on impact of the current chip shortage

  CNBC
  

• Hyundai North America CEO on record-breaking auto sales in March

  CNBC
  

• Cineworld CEO on reopening Regal Cinema movie theaters

  CNBC
  

• How this 23-year-old makes up to $5,000 a month from his dirt bike side hustle

  CNBC
  

• Grounding of cargo ship in Suez Canal had little impact on oil markets: Refinitiv

  CNBC
  

• Biden administration studying supply chain 'stress tests': Sources

  CNBC
  

• Semis need to rethink 'just in time' supply chain, says Acme Capital's Nada

  CNBC
  

• AMC CEO Adam Aron on the economic recovery and raising capital

  CNBC
  

• What Biden's infrastructure plan could mean for the US economy

  CNBC
  

• Red Sox chairman Tom Werner on Fenway Park's opening day

  CNBC
  

• 
  Fintech firms vie for stimulus checks as a gateway to more deposits
  CNBC's Kate Rooney explains how fintech companies are vying for customers' stimulus checks.
  
  
  CNBC
  

• 
  Mohamed El-Erian discusses the potential impact of Biden's infrastructure bill on the economy
  Mohamed El-Erian, former PIMCO CEO, says yields are likely to rise after President Biden passes his infrastructure bill, but it's better for long-term to have growth
  
  
  CNBC
  

• 
  Former SEC chair on need to modernize disclosure system and Archegos fallout
  Jay Clayton, former SEC chairman, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the Archegos Capital fallout and when he expects bitcoin to be regulated.
  
  
  CNBC
  

Alaska service

American’s partnership with Alaska unlocks the Seattle-based carrier’s reputation as having some of the best customer service of any U.S. airline. That is an exciting development, especially if you’re flying to the West Coast as an American loyalist.

American – alongside its Alaska and JetBlue partners – will likely dominate the transcontinental market from both a service and product angle once both partnerships are fully implemented.

Related: Why Alaska frequent flyers have so much to look forward to

Alaska and American’s reciprocal perks

As part of the special joint Alaska-American agreement, American elites are eligible to receive complimentary access to Alaska’s Premium Class and, in some cases, first class.

All American elites are eligible for Premium Class upgrades, while Executive Platinums qualify for first-class upgrades. For details about upgrade priority, read our full guide to American and Alaska reciprocal benefits.

New ways to earn American miles

JetBlue and American haven’t fully rolled out their reciprocal frequent flyer benefits yet. Currently, you can only earn redeemable miles when booking JetBlue codeshared flights on American’s website. However, full reciprocal earning will be coming later this year.

For Alaska, the newest Oneworld member, reciprocal mileage earning and status benefits have already begun in earnest.

I value my American AAdvantage miles for two reasons. First, I primarily use miles for premium cabins on partners such as Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways. Second, Web Special awards have fit my needs so far.

Related: How points and miles helped me see the world before coronavirus shut it down

Expanded international routes

As part of the tie-up with JetBlue, American is set to expand its international footprint from New York. This is a drastic shift from a yearslong draw-down at JFK in favor of a neighboring international hub at Philadelphia (PHL).

New American routes to Tel Aviv and Athens are a solid step forward. However, the number of long-haul flights from JFK is still barely a drop in the bucket compared to United and Delta. With American continuing its dominance at PHL, I can’t envision a huge number of additional routes. My biggest wish list route out of JFK? A flight to Asia.

American has a solid widebody business class product. At the very least, every seat gives you direct aisle access. With system-wide upgrades at the ready, thanks to my Executive Platinum status, I am looking forward to using them on a new route out of JFK.

Related: Choosing the best credit card for American Airlines flyers

More routes out of New York

American’s reputation in New York City has deteriorated largely due to reduced flying out of the tri-state area airports, particularly at JFK.

The explanation was that JFK would be a niche business traveler hub and focus primarily on premium routes. LaGuardia (LGA) still has a sizable domestic American presence, but the airline is still a distant fourth in the city behind Delta, JetBlue and United.

Partnerships with Alaska and JetBlue will open the door to an array of new domestic route options for American loyalists in New York and Boston. For instance, JetBlue will provide access to 130 new routes from both the Boston and New York City-area airports.

Related: JetBlue announces 30 new routes, adds Mint service from Newark

Bottom line

I’m fortunate enough to live in a city that’s a hub for four major airlines. With a smorgasbord of travel choices, I have remained with American through thick and thin. And that now looks to be paying off.

However, that still doesn’t mean I’ll stay loyal for loyalty’s sake. When travel fully rebounds, I’ll assess my travel and airline needs. For now, I have American Airlines elite status valid through early 2022. With these latest partnerships, that makes me one excited customer through at least the end of the year.

Featured photo by Chris Dong/The Points Guy

SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

—

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Source: Read Full Article