American Airlines announced this morning that they are launching an updated version of its mobile app. Passengers can expect to see their apps to be updated between now and May. The airline notes three points for customers:
- The app’s more intuitive design will help customers navigate their trip planning with ease and is now optimized for a seamless iPad experience.
- AAdvantage members will enjoy a dedicated section within the app to provide more visibility into their progress toward status and rewards.
- A more personalized home screen gives customers a quick glance at near-term travel as well as their standing in the AAdvantage program.
I actually don’t think their current app is bad. They may be lacking in a few features that some other airline apps have, but I find it easy to use overall. With that said, American notes that they’ve looked at customer feedback for the improvements on this update.
The home screen is the first area that is getting a refresh. More AAdvantage info being readily available is new.
Passengers can also find “A new section completely dedicated to AAdvantage® members with information to explain status and miles as well as information about the member’s account.” Note the AAdvantage tab on the bottom of the screen in the above photo.
I’m especially pleased to see this one. The app will take advantage of new iOS upgrades, including Live Activities displaying real-time flight updates on the lock screen. United currently has this feature via their app, and it’s useful to have as an iOS user.
Some other improvements include:
- The ability to use the app seamlessly on an iPad
- A new section dedicated to all upcoming trips — both close in and far out — plus intuitive options to review flight status and find a trip
- Easy-to-use navigation with similar look and feel to other apps customers use in their daily lives
- Inspiration about destinations to which American flies and ways to engage with the airline’s partners
I’ve Had Worse
As I mentioned earlier, I don’t think American Airlines currently has a bad app. I’m aware that this is somewhat of an unpopular opinion, but that’s just coming from someone who’s used far worse apps than any airline in the U.S. currently offers (the worst of the airline apps that I’ve used has to go to Japan Airlines or ANA).
Either way, improvements are always welcome. This doesn’t seem to be a complete overhaul either, which is good for passengers who are used to the current version. I’ll hopefully have this new update by my next American flight next week, and I’ll get to see how it feels during a trip.
Featured image by American Airlines.
