American Airlines is simplifying and rebranding its awards program for unmanaged business travel.
The new program, which went live on Oct. 16, is called AAdvantage Business, replacing the previous Business Extra program. It provides a chance for quicker status accrual for business travelers and opens up more redemption options for businesses.
Under AAdvantage Business, employees flying for participating small- and medium-sized businesses will earn one point per dollar spent toward AAdvantage loyalty status, a perk that wasn't offered under Business Extra. The points will be accrued in addition to reward miles and loyalty points flyers earn as an individual AAdvantage member.
Meanwhile, companies that register with AAdvantage Business will earn one reward mile for every dollar they spend on flights. The travel must be purchased through the American Airlines website or app.
Companies can redeem their miles for any service that is available for purchase within the AAdvantage program, including flights, hotels, car rentals and Admiral Club passes.
The redemption options, American said, are wider than what was available under Business Extra. That program had its own point system, with one point earned for every $5 a company spent on flights. Those points could be redeemed for flights, upgrades, lounge access and AAdvantage Gold or Platinum status, but couldn't be redeemed for lodging or car rental.
To participate in AAdvantage Business, companies must have at least five employees. They can register at aa.com/aadvantagebusiness.
Companies can still redeem points earned under the Business Extra program through Jan. 31.
To earn points AAdvantage Business for upcoming travel, companies will need to cancel and rebook Business Extra reservations.