American Airlines Advantage members earn points each time they fly as business class or first class ticket-holders. If you become an AA Advantage member, you can add up these points toward a free flight, a hotel accommodation or bonus miles. Members can also earn miles by donating money to registered non-profit organizations by using a credit or debit card or dining out at participating restaurants. Note that if you become an AAdvantage member, you earn miles each time you buy a ticket and fly on American Airlines, AmericanConnection, American Eagle or the airline's 20 other participants.
As of November 2008, American Airlines offers the first Paperless Boarding Pass, a digital way of checking into a scheduled flight departure. Backed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), American Airlines offers the service to reduce stress and wait time for passengers boarding departing flights. If you have a schedule flight, you can register to receive boarding passes electronically on your cell phones or smart phone. TSA security officers check the digital boarding pass at the first security checkpoint. This system, the first of its kind, is an advantage for customers because they do not have to hold onto a paper ticket that could get lost in belongings or stolen by an unticketed customer. Because American Airlines is not issuing as many paper boarding passes, the plan is also "green" for how it reduces paper use and waste.
According to Market Watch, as of September 2010, American Airlines offers passengers the choice to purchase a seat nearest the airplane's front exit. Because these seats are typically the most coveted on the airline, AA decided to offer a small fee for purchasing the seats in advance, starting at $19. You can buy seats nearest the front exits in the first rows of the coach section, which includes the extra-legroom seats towards the bulkhead. Ticket holders can purchase the express seats at the self-service check-in kiosks 24 hours to 50 minutes before departure. With this plan, customers may purchase seats they will be more excited to endure for longer flights.
Starting in March 2008, American Airlines offered a limited connectivity broadband Internet service for $12.95 for cross-country flights and $9.95 for flights lasting under three hours. As of 2010, American Airlines offers customers the advantage of their new in-flight Wi-Fi, wireless Internet, service accessed with a flight pass. Starting at $4.95 for short flights to $12.95 for flights over 3 hours, customers get clear Wi-Fi service while traveling.
