What happened
American Airlines is raising paid Admiral's Club membership from $700 to $850 at the low end and from $1,200 to $1,400 for higher-status members, while Hyatt launched a free-night certificate promotion for Latin America and Caribbean resorts. Three-cabin American aircraft now give complimentary elite upgrades only as far as premium economy.
The Executive card annual fee rose from $595 to $695. The card carries a $500 travel credit. Bonus loyalty points that can be earned double from 20,000 to 40,000. Up to three authorized users cost $175 total. Paid Admiral's Club access is more expensive relative to that card. Getting to business class on three-cabin aircraft means buying premium economy first.
Hyatt's free-night certificates are capped at five, with registration through the end of September for first-quarter stays the following year. Compare a paid Admiral's Club membership with the Executive card and register by the end of September.
- Numbers
- $700: prior lower-end Admiral's Club membership price
- $850: new lower-end Admiral's Club membership price
- $1,200: prior higher-status Admiral's Club membership price
- $1,400: new higher-status Admiral's Club membership price
- $595: prior Executive card annual fee
- $695: new Executive card annual fee
- $500: travel credit on the Executive card
- $175: total cost for up to three authorized users
- 20,000 points: prior bonus loyalty points earn on the Executive card
- 40,000 points: new bonus loyalty points earn on the Executive card
- Where
- Latin America, Caribbean
- Takeaway
- Weigh paid Admiral’s Club membership against the Executive card, plan for weaker complimentary upgrades on three-cabin American flights, and register for the Hyatt Latin America/Caribbean free-night promo by the end of September.