American Airlines AAdvantage and World of Hyatt recently unveiled changes to their partnership, which will take effect starting January 2025. The announcement details new opportunities for members of both loyalty programs to earn and redeem rewards, yet also marks the end of certain benefits that have been popular among frequent travelers.

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New Reward Options for Linked Members

Starting in January, AAdvantage and World of Hyatt members will have access to an expanded range of rewards. AAdvantage members will be able to redeem miles for World of Hyatt free night awards, while World of Hyatt members can select AAdvantage rewards such as seat upgrades and status upgrades through the World of Hyatt Milestone Rewards program.

For AAdvantage members, options to redeem miles for hotel stays will be available at various loyalty point levels, including opportunities:

• Category 1 – 4 Free Night Award at 40,000 Loyalty Points
• Category 1 – 7 Free Night Award at 70,000 Loyalty Points

Starting March 1st, 2025

• 100,000 Loyalty Points Discoverist Status
• 175,000 – 250,000 Loyalty Points Explorist Status
• At loyalty points 400k – 750k a free night award of 1 – 4 hotel categories will be awarded
• At loyalty points 1M, 3M, & 5M a free night award of 1- 7 hotel categories will be awarded

Similarly, World of Hyatt members who reach certain milestones will be able to select AAdvantage benefits, including seat coupons and status upgrades

From January 2025, those reaching 20 or more nights in a year can earn seating perks, while those hitting higher milestones, such as 70 or 100 nights, will have options for AAdvantage Gold or Platinum status.

Starting January 1st, 2025 World of Hyatt points can be redeemed for status for a day

• 5K World of Hyatt Points AAdvantage Gold Status for a day. Complimentary upgrades (depending on availability), 1 free checked bag, priority check-in, 40% mileage bonus. Must be a Hyatt Explorist or Globalist.
• 8K World of Hyatt Points AAdvantage Platinum Status for a day. Complimentary upgrades (depending on availability), 2 free checked bags, priority check-in, 40% mileage bonus. Must be a Hyatt Explorist or Globalist.
• 12K World of Hyatt Points AAdvantage Platinum Pro Status for a day. Complimentary upgrades (depending on availability), 3 free checked bags, priority check-in, 40% mileage bonus. Must be a Hyatt Globalist.

End of Dual Points-Earning Opportunity

One notable aspect of the announcement is the discontinuation of a key benefit for members who had linked their accounts. As of December 31, 2024, members will no longer be able to simultaneously earn AAdvantage miles and World of Hyatt bonus points when booking flights or hotel stays. This change marks a significant shift from the previous structure that allowed members to maximize their earnings across both programs.

While members will continue to have the option to transfer World of Hyatt points to AAdvantage miles, this adjustment may impact those who have relied on earning dual rewards to enhance their travel experiences. American Airlines and Hyatt emphasize that the changes are aimed at offering more personalized reward choices, though they come at the cost of removing the popular dual-earning feature.

Evolving Travel Experiences for Members

Hyatt and American frame the changes as a way to provide more flexibility and choice for travelers, aligning with the needs of modern travelers. According to Laurie Blair, Vice President of Global Marketing at Hyatt, the adjustments aim to give travelers more options for redeeming points and status opportunities that suit their preferences.

Anmol Bhargava, American’s Vice President of Partnerships, highlighted the benefits for loyal AAdvantage members, emphasizing the ability to customize rewards to suit individual travel needs. These updates are positioned as an evolution of the partnership, focusing on what both brands describe as a commitment to enhancing travel journeys.

However, travelers who have enjoyed the partnership’s original features, such as the ability to earn rewards across both brands, might perceive these changes as a reduction in value. While new options for rewards have been introduced, the removal of the dual-earning capability could alter how members plan their travel and redeem their points.

Analysis

For frequent travelers who have long appreciated the synergies between the AAdvantage and World of Hyatt programs, the upcoming changes signal a refinement. The end of getting awarded from Hyatt and American will be missed as you can earn both loyalty points and AA award miles. I took AAdvantage of this but rarely factored it into my loyalty points calculations.

The original aim of the American Airlines & Hyatt partnership was to gain new customers for both brands. I believe this is their phase 2 / refinement of that particular approach.

Redeeming World of Hyatt points for AAdvantage status for one-day awards is an interesting development. I wonder if that will come to the main AA program. For example, American allows its own members to redeem miles to be a Platinum Pro. I feel that getting an upgrade would be difficult as a day user, but using those perks may make it worth it for special trips.

Overall, the adjustments mark a mixed development for the travel loyalty programs. They introduce a new layer of personalization and flexibility but also mean the end of a feature that has been a hallmark of the collaboration.