In 2019, American Airlines’ AAdvantage and Hyatt’s World of Hyatt launched a partnership that delighted elite members by offering reciprocal earning privileges. Over the years, the partnership has seen limited-time promotions and benefits, including instant status upgrades and bonus points. However, major changes are on the horizon for 2025, with new perks available at the cost of losing reciprocal point earnings. Here’s what elite members of these programs can expect in the coming year.
End of Reciprocal Points Earnings
One of the most significant changes involves the end of reciprocal points earnings. Currently, AAdvantage elite members can earn 1 mile per dollar spent on qualifying Hyatt stays, while World of Hyatt elite members earn 1 Hyatt point for every dollar spent on eligible American flights. This benefit will end on December 31, 2024.
For many travelers, this is disappointing news. For example, AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Hyatt Globalist members could earn thousands of bonus miles or points annually by participating in this reciprocal earning structure. The change means members will need to consider alternative strategies to maintain their reward balances as these automatic bonuses will no longer be available.
New Hyatt Benefits for AAdvantage Members
Starting January 2, 2025, AAdvantage members will have the opportunity to redeem their miles for Hyatt awards based on loyalty points earned within the year:
- 40,000 Loyalty Points: Redeem 25,000 miles for a Category 1-4 Hyatt free night award.
- 125,000 Loyalty Points: Redeem 65,000 miles for a Category 1-7 Hyatt free night award.
Additionally, beginning March 1, 2025, four new Hyatt-related perks will be available as part of AAdvantage’s Loyalty Point Rewards:
- Hyatt Discoverist Status: Available at 100,000 Loyalty Points.
- Hyatt Explorist Status: Can be unlocked at both 175,000 and 250,000 Loyalty Points.
- Category 1-4 Free Night: Available at 400,000, 550,000, and 750,000 Loyalty Points.
- Category 1-7 Free Night: Unlockable at 1 million, 3 million, and 5 million Loyalty Points.
These new redemption options allow AAdvantage members to access free Hyatt stays and hotel status. However, members must choose between these Hyatt perks and other AAdvantage Loyalty Point Rewards, such as systemwide upgrades and Admirals Club memberships.
New AAdvantage Benefits for Hyatt Members
World of Hyatt members will also see additional AAdvantage-related perks introduced in 2025. Beginning January 1, 2025, Hyatt members will be able to choose from several new options as part of Hyatt’s Milestone Rewards:
- Preferred Seat Coupons: Available at both 20 nights/35,000 base points and 30 nights/50,000 base points.
- Main Cabin Extra Seat Coupons: Available at both 40 nights/65,000 base points and 50 nights/80,000 base points.
- AAdvantage Gold Status: Selectable at 70, 80, or 90 qualifying nights.
- AAdvantage Platinum Status: Available starting at 100 qualifying nights.
Additionally, starting in 2025, Explorist and Globalist members can redeem Hyatt points for a day of AAdvantage status, including Gold, Platinum, or Platinum Pro, depending on the number of Hyatt points redeemed. This option allows members to enjoy American Airlines elite perks for a day, which could be advantageous on high-cost trips.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
While these new benefits provide added flexibility, they come at the cost of losing reciprocal earning privileges. For elite travelers, the decision will hinge on whether the new perks can offset the loss of automatic points earnings.
Pros:
- Increased Flexibility: AAdvantage members can now redeem miles for Hyatt free nights and select various loyalty benefits across both programs.
- Enhanced Status Options: Hyatt members have new ways to earn AAdvantage status, expanding the range of benefits for frequent flyers.
Cons:
- Loss of Reciprocal Earnings: Members lose the simplicity of earning American miles on Hyatt stays and Hyatt points on American flights, which previously helped accumulate rewards with minimal effort.
- Trade-offs Required: New perks require members to forego other valuable benefits, such as systemwide upgrades or Admirals Club access, making the choice less clear-cut.
Maximizing the New Benefits
For those who decide to engage with the new benefits, a strategic approach can help maximize their value:
- Calculate Redemption Value: Before redeeming miles for a Hyatt free night, check the equivalent cash rate. This ensures you’re getting a good return on your miles.
- Choose Status Options Wisely: When selecting between perks like AAdvantage Gold status or suite upgrade awards, consider which option aligns best with your travel habits and will offer the most value.
- Plan Hyatt Redemptions for Peak Travel: Using Hyatt points for a day of American status can be particularly valuable on high-cost flights or when traveling with companions, as benefits like free checked bags apply.
These strategies can help members navigate the changes and make the most of their loyalty rewards in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The end of reciprocal earnings marks a significant shift in the AAdvantage and World of Hyatt partnership, and it remains to be seen whether the new benefits can fully compensate for this loss. While the added flexibility and status options provide new ways to engage with both programs, members will need to weigh these perks against the value they previously gained from reciprocal earnings.
As always, the best approach is to align your choices with your specific travel goals and preferences. With careful planning, you can still make the most of these elite partnerships and find value in the new array of benefits available.
