The new year is already bringing some big changes in the world of airline and hotel loyalty programs. One of the most exciting updates comes from American Airlines and Hyatt, with new ways to earn elite status between the two brands. If you’re a frequent flyer or a hotel loyalist, these changes could make your travels even more rewarding.
Hyatt Points Can Now Unlock AA Status
Historically, Hyatt and American Airlines had a partnership where elite members could earn reciprocal points and miles, but the benefits didn’t go much further. That’s changing in a big way. Now, Hyatt points can be redeemed for American Airlines status—even if just for a day.
Here’s what you can now redeem Hyatt points for:
5,000 Hyatt points = One day of AA Gold status
8,000 Hyatt points = One day of AA Platinum status
12,000 Hyatt points = One day of AA Platinum Pro status
This is a game-changer because even a single day of American Airlines elite status can unlock key perks like priority check-in, expedited security, extra miles, and a free checked bag. If you’re flying American and don’t have status, this is a great way to use Hyatt points to enhance your travel experience without spending cash.
New AA Perks for Hyatt Loyalists
If you’re someone who racks up Hyatt nights throughout the year, you’re in luck—American Airlines benefits are now tied to Hyatt’s milestone rewards program. Hyatt members can now earn AA perks just by staying at Hyatt properties, starting at 20 nights.
Here’s how it breaks down:
20 & 30 nights: Two Preferred Seat coupons
40 & 50 nights: Two Main Cabin Extra Seat coupons
70, 80, & 90 nights: AA Gold status for a full year
100-150 nights: AA Platinum status for a full year
That means you could turn your Hyatt stays into AA elite status—without ever stepping foot on a plane. If you’re already hitting 60 nights at Hyatt for Globalist status, just 10 more nights would get you AA Gold for a year. That’s a solid trade-off considering all the perks AA Gold offers, from priority boarding to complimentary upgrades.
American Airlines Loyalty Points Now Unlock Hyatt Benefits
The partnership works both ways. If you’re a frequent flyer earning American Airlines Loyalty Points, you can now unlock Hyatt benefits as you hit key thresholds.
Here’s what you get:
100,000 Loyalty Points: Hyatt Discoverist status (not groundbreaking, but a nice perk)
Higher Loyalty Point tiers: Additional Hyatt perks (though not many will reach these levels)
For most people, the most exciting new benefit is the ability to redeem AA miles for Hyatt free nights. Here’s how it works:
Gold members: Redeem 25,000 AA miles for a Hyatt Category 1-4 Free Night Certificate
Platinum members: Redeem 60,000 AA miles for a Hyatt Category 1-7 Free Night Certificate
This adds another way to convert airline miles into high-value hotel stays, giving AA elites more flexibility with their rewards.
Why This Matters
At the end of the day, American Airlines and Hyatt have two of the best loyalty programs in the travel world. The ability to convert loyalty in one program into elite status or free perks in the other makes this partnership even more valuable.
If you already fly AA frequently or stay at Hyatt properties often, these changes allow you to get even more value out of your existing loyalty. Whether it’s earning free upgrades, skipping baggage fees, or scoring free hotel nights, there’s now more incentive than ever to stay loyal to these two brands.
So as you map out your travel plans for 2025, keep these new benefits in mind—because if used strategically, they can make a big difference in how you travel!
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