American Airlines Terminates Business Extra Program

American Airlines today announced they are terminating their Business Extra program, their corporate loyalty program geared toward small and midsize companies.  They are replacing it with a new program that allows companies and their travelers to earn points for travel only when booked directly with American Airlines.  In so many words, AA is challenging the value of a managed travel program. 

So, what is the value of a managed travel program?  Here are highlights:

• Traveler Safety and Security: know where your travelers are; safety assistance in times of crisis
• Lowest Fares: corporate discounts automatically loaded; rate re-check technology
• Ease of Use: one-stop-stop for the best air, hotel, rental car rates via online booking tool and/or Advisor
• Control Spending / Policy Adherence: ensure your travelers make smart decisions at time of booking
• Manage Unused Tickets & Credits: ensure your company’s money in the form of unused tickets and credits are used
• Meaningful Data: key travel metrics; individual traveler details; benchmarking against internal and external data sources; preferred vendor discount negotiations
• 24/7/365 Assistance: peace-of-mind assistance if something goes wrong before, during, and after travel
• True Partnership: travel professionals working in your best interest; consultative approach

We believe American’s attempts to “blow-up” managed travel are unwise and short sighted.  Nonetheless, your travelers may receive communications from AA advising them of this program change.  Please be aware of it.

Your company’s existing Business Extra points must be redeemed by January 31, 2024. Please contact your Travel One Account Manager with any questions.