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As a frequent flyer or even a first-time traveler, you may have come across the term “EQD” while booking a flight with American Airlines. EQD stands for “Elite Qualifying Dollars,” which is a critical factor in determining a passenger’s elite status with the airline.
In this article, we will dive into the details of EQDs on American Airlines, what they are, how they work, and how you can earn them. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting, understanding EQDs can help you earn valuable perks and benefits with American Airlines. So, let’s get started!
Contents
- What is an EQD on American Airlines?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What does EQD mean on American Airlines?
- 2. How do I earn EQD on American Airlines?
- 3. How many EQD do I need for American Airlines elite status?
- 4. Do EQD expire on American Airlines?
- 5. Can I earn EQD on American Airlines partner flights?
- AAdvantage | The Best Loyalty Program
- How Many Aircraft Does American Airlines Have?
- Is American Airlines Business Class Worth It?
- Can You Have 2 Carry Ons For American Airlines?
What is an EQD on American Airlines?
An EQD or an Elite Qualifying Dollar is a term that is used by American Airlines to measure the spending of its frequent flyers. It is a part of the airline’s AAdvantage loyalty program, and it determines a passenger’s elite status level. EQDs are calculated based on a passenger’s spending on American Airlines flights, including the base fare and carrier-imposed fees. The higher the EQD earned by a passenger, the higher their elite status level, which comes with various benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access.
How are EQDs calculated?
The calculation of EQDs is straightforward. For each American Airlines flight, passengers earn EQDs based on the fare they paid and the carrier-imposed fees. The EQD calculation is based on the following formula:
Base fare + Carrier-imposed fees = EQD
The EQD earned is calculated as 5 times the base fare and carrier-imposed fees paid by the passenger. For example, if a passenger pays a base fare of $100 and carrier-imposed fees of $50, they would earn 5 times that amount, which is $750 EQDs.
What are the benefits of earning EQDs?
Earning EQDs comes with several benefits. The higher the EQD earned, the higher the elite status level, which entitles passengers to more benefits. Some of the benefits of earning EQDs include:
Priority Boarding
Passengers with higher EQDs are allowed to board the plane earlier, giving them more time to settle in and relax before takeoff.
Free Checked Bags
Passengers with higher EQDs are allowed to check their bags for free. The number of bags that can be checked for free depends on the passenger’s elite status level.
Lounge Access
Passengers with higher EQDs are allowed to access American Airlines’ lounges, which offer comfortable seating, free food and drinks, and other amenities.
EQD vs. EQM vs. EQS
EQD is just one of the terms used by American Airlines to measure a passenger’s frequent flyer status. The airline also uses EQM (Elite Qualifying Miles) and EQS (Elite Qualifying Segments) to determine a passenger’s elite status level. Here’s how they differ:
EQM
EQM is calculated based on the distance flown by a passenger on American Airlines flights. The more miles flown, the higher the EQM earned.
EQS
EQS is calculated based on the number of segments flown by a passenger on American Airlines flights. The more segments flown, the higher the EQS earned.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EQD is an essential component of American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program. It allows the airline to measure a passenger’s spending and determine their elite status level. Earning EQDs comes with several benefits, including priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access. Passengers should aim to earn as many EQDs as possible to enjoy these benefits and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Eqd on American Airlines:
1. What does EQD mean on American Airlines?
EQD stands for “Elite Qualifying Dollars” on American Airlines. It is a measure of how much money a passenger spends on a ticket that counts towards elite status. Elite status allows passengers to enjoy exclusive benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges.
EQD is calculated based on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges for American Airlines flights, but excludes government-imposed taxes and fees. Passengers can earn EQD on American Airlines flights as well as partner flights that are marketed by American Airlines.
2. How do I earn EQD on American Airlines?
Passengers can earn EQD on American Airlines by purchasing eligible flights and fare classes. The amount of EQD earned is based on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, and excludes taxes and fees. Passengers can also earn EQD on partner flights that are marketed by American Airlines.
To earn elite status on American Airlines, passengers must earn a certain amount of EQD in addition to either Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM) or Elite Qualifying Segments (EQS), which are based on the distance flown and the number of segments flown, respectively.
3. How many EQD do I need for American Airlines elite status?
The amount of EQD required for American Airlines elite status varies depending on the level of status. As of 2021, the requirements are as follows:
- Gold: 7,000 EQD
- Platinum: 12,000 EQD
- Platinum Pro: 18,000 EQD
- Executive Platinum: 24,000 EQD
Passengers must also earn a certain amount of Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM) or Elite Qualifying Segments (EQS) in addition to EQD to qualify for elite status.
4. Do EQD expire on American Airlines?
Yes, EQD on American Airlines expire at the end of each calendar year. Passengers must earn enough EQD to qualify for elite status within a calendar year, and the EQD counter resets on January 1st of each year.
However, American Airlines may offer promotions or status challenges that allow passengers to earn EQD outside of the regular calendar year requirements.
5. Can I earn EQD on American Airlines partner flights?
Yes, passengers can earn EQD on partner flights that are marketed by American Airlines. The amount of EQD earned on partner flights depends on the fare class and the airline partner. Passengers can check the American Airlines website for a list of eligible partner airlines and fare classes.
It’s important to note that not all partner flights are eligible for EQD, and passengers must purchase the ticket through the American Airlines website or reservations line to earn EQD on partner flights.
AAdvantage | The Best Loyalty Program
In conclusion, an EQD on American Airlines is an important factor in determining a passenger’s elite status. It is calculated by multiplying the cost of a ticket by a specific percentage depending on the type of fare and the passenger’s elite status. This calculation helps determine a passenger’s loyalty and rewards them accordingly with additional perks and benefits.
Having an understanding of EQDs can be beneficial for frequent flyers who want to maximize their travel rewards and status on American Airlines. By keeping track of their EQDs, passengers can plan their travel accordingly and take advantage of promotions and offers that can help them achieve elite status faster.
Overall, EQDs are an essential component of American Airlines’ loyalty program and can greatly benefit passengers who frequently travel on the airline. Whether you’re a business traveler or a vacationer, understanding EQDs can help you make the most of your travel experiences and enjoy the perks that come with elite status.
