Hyatt and American Airlines forged a partnership in March 2019. This is huge because certain members of the hotel and airline’s status programs could be on fast tracks to higher statuses. While news of this partnership has been around for two months, registration just opened today.
There is logic behind airlines and hotels partnering up. Both are the two main travel expenses for most people. This has been done before with SPG and Delta’s Crossover Rewards program. United and Marriott have also tried something like this. Still, it’s nice to see Hyatt and American Airlines try it.
Cross-Earning
Because there are two partners in this deal, we must look at it from both perspectives:
American Airlines members with Gold status or higher will receive one extra American Airlines mile for every dollar spent on Hyatt hotel stays. You will still receive Hyatt points as usual as well.
World of Hyatt members with Explorist or Globalist status will receive one extra Hyatt point per dollar spent on American Airlines flights. You will still receive American Airlines miles as usual as well.
Members of both programs will still receive Hyatt points and American miles for Hyatt and American purchases. All you have to do is link your American Airlines and Hyatt accounts.
Status Matching
This part of the partnership is the more lucrative one. But it’s a rather one-sided proposition with Hyatt members getting the short end of the stick.
Those with American Airlines’ Concierge Key tier can receive World of Hyatt Globalist status. Furthermore, people with AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members, can earn lower Hyatt status at an accelerated rate.
Conversely, those with World of Hyatt Explorist or Globalist status have the chance to be selected for offers with American Airlines. There is no guarantee of getting an offer and no mention of status matching.
American Airlines members have the advantage here as Hyatt offers their statuses just from having American Airlines status. The airline is also being stingy towards Hyatt Explorists and Globalists as there is no guarantee of status matching. Hopefully, this will change soon.
Final Draw
American Airlines and Hyatt are giants in the travel industry and also in their airline and hotel niches. This partnership is not the first of its kind, but its nice to see to see cross-earning and status matching opportunities. I am curious to see how many World of Hyatt and American Airlines AAdvantage members take advantage of this program.
