American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) is giving up to 1 million Business Extra® points to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in need of travel support. The airline will award 500,000 points to help these groups cover future travel costs and match up to an additional 500,000 points based on member gifts through July 31.
The 500,000 gift will be divided evenly between minority-owned small businesses and the airline’s Our Social Good program, which supports organizations that seek to improve stability, health and care for global citizens in need. American is the first major U.S. carrier to give businesses the ability to gift points from their respective company loyalty program accounts to support a cause.
“Our conversations with customers and research throughout the coronavirus pandemic reveal a notable concern for the viability of small businesses,” said Alison Taylor, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “In light of the challenges facing so many, it’s only right that we leverage our platforms to help others. We’ve been developing the ability to gift Business Extra points for some time and are thankful to have one more way to serve as a conduit of care to those in need.”
Additional gifts from Business Extra members may be designated for one of three funds:
- Our Social Good charitable donation program.
- Small businesses, with special consideration given to women-owned, LGBTQ-owned and veteran-owned businesses.
- Minority-owned businesses.
“Now, more than ever, we each have a responsibility to consider how we can do our part to care for the communities we serve,” said Ken Charles, American’s Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. “We’re proud to leverage our position to support these organizations and the entrepreneurial leaders who drive them forward and hope our customers will join us.”
A recent customer survey conducted by the airline shows travelers’ primary concern during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is the impact on small and local businesses, followed closely by the general economy and the health of their friends and family members. In fact, eight of 10 customers surveyed noted the concern for small and local businesses is “very important right now.”* In addition, many of the airline’s beneficiaries have expressed concerns about budget constraints due to a decline in corporate giving in light of the coronavirus.
Small business applications
Business Extra members with up to 999 employees can apply by July 31 to receive points at BusinessExtra.com. Points will be awarded based on the amount of points requested, importance of travel to the business and the company’s plans for using any points received.
Customer giving
Current Business Extra members can gift points at BusinessExtra.com. Points can be designated for small businesses**, small businesses that are minority-owned or nonprofit organizations through the airline’s Our Social Good partner organizations. The airline will distribute points based on the organizations’ business needs.
Throughout COVID-19, American’s customers have helped care for people on life’s journey through overwhelming generosity. In cooperation with its customers, American has raised more than $3 million to support the American Red Cross and its volunteers who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply kits have been provided to the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston; and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to support medical professionals on the frontlines. American has provided thousands of care packages to military bases to be shared with troops who are quarantined after returning from deployment. As a result of excess inventory due to a reduced flying schedule, American has donated more than 200 tons of food to food banks globally.
More information about the Business Extra point gifts is available at BusinessExtra.com.
Current offers for business travel
Companies who enroll in Business Extra and fly before June 30 will earn 2,000 points – enough for a domestic coach round trip ticket. Enrolling in the program is an easy way for companies to earn free travel and other benefits. Interested companies should enroll online to receive the offer.
In addition to the Business Extra program, travelers may sign up for AirPass, American’s all-inclusive prepaid travel membership program. Through June 30, the airline is offering a lowered entry point of pre-paid travel funds — from $10,000 down to $5,000 per traveler — the program’s most generous offer yet.
*Since April 3, 2020, each week, a representative sample of 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage members are selected and sent a personalized thank you/invitation email to participate in an online survey. Through 11 weeks, 110,000 members who reside in the U.S. have been invited to provide their feedback to American.
**In addition to the dedicated collection for Minority Business Enterprises; special consideration will be given to small business applicants that qualify as Women Business Enterprise; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Business Enterprise; or a Veteran Business Enterprise.
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