American Airlines is keeping its frequent flyer status requirements the same

American Airlines It said Wednesday it will keep spending requirements for elite frequent flyer status in 2027 steady for the third year in a row as the company seeks to attract high-spending travelers and tries to catch up with industry earnings leaders. Delta Airlines and United Airlines.

Both Delta and United said they will also keep elite status limits in place for 2026.

Airlines offer elite loyalty program members perks — from early boarding and a free checked bag to free upgrades to more spacious cabins and airport lounge memberships — for more flights on the carrier and its partners, as well as spending on co-branded credit cards.

Airlines in recent years have changed their loyalty program models to reward travelers’ spending rather than just the distance they travel.

American said it is also adding more perks for milestones between earned status levels, such as two food and beverage vouchers at the 15,000 point level or a subscription to The New York Times games, cooking platforms or The Times’ sports publication, The Athletic. The first level of elite status, Gold, is awarded with 40,000 loyalty points.

The carrier is investing in new cabins and larger lounges, and said on Tuesday that it had begun offering free Wi-Fi on board, a plan it announced last April.

America did not specify any amendments to it Citibank credit cards after it said it would drop Barclays as one of its credit card partners, although it expects to announce changes later this year.