American Airlines Vacations Drops AAdvantage Requirement

American Airlines Vacations (AAV) is now allowing travelers without an AAdvantage membership to book its vacation packages.

AAV made the announcement in a message to its travel partners this week, stating that the change is based on feedback from its travel advisor community and makes it easier for advisors to service their clients.

AAV noted that while membership won’t be mandatory, it will still encourage travelers to become AAdvantage members.

At the same time, AAV is making changes to how groups earn points through AAdvantage. Effective immediately, members booking in a group will earn miles and loyalty points at the same rate as the person with the highest AAdvantage status. Previously, it matched the status of the lead traveler.

This means that the total number of miles and points earned will be based on the group member with the highest status, multiplied by the total package value excluding fees and taxes, and then divided by the number of passengers in the booking.

American also announced another change that will take effect on Jan. 22, 2025. Starting on that date, prices for its Pre-Departure Protection (PDP), a flight protection plan that covers revision fees and cancellations for AAV packages, will be updated.

Pricing for PDP is based on the cost of AAV packages. Starting Jan. 22, the cost for the lowest package price, up to $1,500, will be $50 per person. The price increases to $75 for packages up to $3,000; $90 for packages up to $6,000; $120 for packages up to $10,000; and $135 for packages priced at $10,000 or more.