Source: American Airlines

  • Ready, set, jet promotion launches into full swing with new AAdvantage® program year
  • New Loyalty Point Reward options now available
  • Vote for the AAdvantage® program in the 2026 Freddie Awards

American Airlines is ushering in the 2026 AAdvantage® program year by bringing back its popular “Ready, set, jet” promotion, giving millions of AAdvantage® members a head start toward status and rewards. For a limited time, AAdvantage® members may earn 500 additional Loyalty Points for each flight taken from now through April 30 — up to 5,000 Loyalty Points total.

Here’s how members can make the most of the offer:

  1. Register for the promotion in their AAdvantage® account
  2. Book an eligible American Airlines flight (offer excludes Basic Economy)
  3. Complete travel by April 30
  4. Earn up to 5,000 additional Loyalty Points — 500 Loyalty Points for any flight, or 1,000 Loyalty Points for select beach destinations, adding even more value to spring travel plans.

“As the new AAdvantage® program year begins, American is focused on setting our members up for success,” said American’s Senior Vice President of AAdvantage® Scott Long. “This promotion helps members reach status faster and provides meaningful benefits that recognize and reward their loyalty.”

Visit aa.com for more information on the promotion.

AAdvantage® program updates

Earlier this year, American announced that for the third consecutive year, status and reward requirements will remain unchanged, giving members a clear and simple path to achieve or maintain status and benefits.

Starting this month, members will now have more Loyalty Point Reward options including:

  • American Airlines VacationsSM credits, ranging from $250 to $500.
  • Premium retail reward options available through the AAdvantage ExchangeSM marketplace.

To commemorate American’s centennial year, AAdvantage® members who qualify for status starting March 1 and beyond may claim a limited-edition centennial luggage tag. This luggage tag will be available on request for all status tiers, from AAdvantage Gold® to AAdvantage Executive Platinum®status members, as well as Million MilerSM members.1

American remains committed to enhancing its loyalty program, offering members more flexibility and more value throughout 2026 and beyond. Travelers not yet enrolled in the AAdvantage®program can join for free and make the most of their travel starting from the program new year.

Freddie Awards voting

Established in 1988 by InsideFlyer magazine’s Randy Petersen, the “Freddies” honor the legacy of Sir Freddie Laker and have since become the most respected member-driven awards in the travel loyalty industry. Created to amplify the voice of frequent flyers, the Freddie Awards recognize the programs and teams serving a global community of more than 300 million loyalty members.

As the awards continue to elevate the voice of loyal travelers, voting for the 2026 Freddie Awards is open through April 15. AAdvantage® members are invited to vote across six categories. Members can cast their votes to support American Airlines and the AAdvantage® program on the Freddie Awards website.

1To receive a luggage tag, U.S. members need to validate their shipping address and agree to receive marketing from American Airlines.