American Ready to Join Rivals in Basing Flier Awards on Fares

Photographer: Mark Elias/Bloomberg
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American Airlines will match Delta and United in basing loyalty awards on the amount paid for a ticket instead of distance flown, rewarding travelers who spend the most.

The shift will occur on Aug. 1, American Airlines Group Inc. said Monday in a statement. Travelers who are elite members of American’s AAdvantage frequent-flier program will earn more for each dollar spent based on their status, with bonuses of as much as 120 percent.