If one of the ways you earn AAdvantage miles is by flying as a passenger aboard airplanes operated by Gulf Air, note that all award travel must be booked and ticketed by Monday, April 30, 2018 as a result of the partnership between Gulf Air and American Airlines ending on that date.
Gulf Air and American Airlines Partnership Ends April 2018
Travel is valid for one year after ticket date; but Tuesday, April 30, 2019 is the absolute last date on which flights must be completed, as you will not be able to implement changes to any Gulf Air segments after Monday, April 30, 2018.
This chart shows how you can earn AAdvantage miles within the Middle East — as well as between the Middle East and Africa, Asia and Europe prior to the partnership ending:
| Cabin | Purchased Fares Booked in Class: | Base Miles | Cabin Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | J, C | 100 percent | 25 percent |
| Business | D, I | 100 percent | Not available |
| Economy | Y | 100 percent | Not available |
| Economy | B, H, K, L, M, X | 50 percent | Not available |
| Economy | E, N, O, U, Q, V, S, W | 25 percent | Not available |
Summary
I earned AAdvantage miles on my first flight operated by Gulf Air from Abu Dhabi to Bahrain back in 2015 — as well as on three subsequent flights, which included the worst flight I have ever taken as a passenger of Gulf Air.
Although staying overnight in Bahrain was not a bad experience, I do not ever plan on doing it again. After being detained at the airport upon arriving in Bahrain for reasons which are still unknown to me to this day, I stayed at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel and spent time in Bahrain before traveling on to Cairo.
Losing a partner is usually not good for members of frequent travel loyalty programs, as it typically means that there is one less option of which to take advantage — unless that partner is replaced by what would be perceived as a better partner. However, I am not sure that losing Gulf Air as a partner airline will significantly impact many members of the American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flier loyalty program.
All photographs ©2015 by Brian Cohen.
