Core Insights - American Airlines will maintain its elite frequent flyer status spending requirements for 2027 for the third consecutive year, aiming to attract higher-spending travelers and compete with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines [1] - Delta and United have also announced that they will keep their elite status thresholds unchanged for the 2026 earning year [1] Group 1: Loyalty Programs - Airlines are shifting their loyalty program models to reward spending rather than just flight distance, offering perks such as earlier boarding, free checked bags, and upgrades in exchange for frequent flights and credit card spending [2] - American Airlines is introducing additional perks for milestones between earned status tiers, including food and beverage coupons and subscriptions to various publications, with the first level of elite status, Gold, awarded at 40,000 loyalty points [3] Group 2: Investments and Changes - American Airlines is investing in new cabins and larger lounges, and has announced the introduction of free in-flight Wi-Fi, a plan initially revealed in April [3] - The company has not yet detailed adjustments to its Citibank credit cards following the decision to drop Barclays as a credit card partner, but expects to announce changes later this year [4]