Update on the compromised AAdvantage frequent flyer accounts

Yesterday I wrote about how numerous American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flyer accounts had been compromised. There are more details available now as to what happened and as to what those affected customers should know.

• According to ABC News, the issue is affecting approximately 10,000 AAdvantage frequent flyer accounts. The airline has started to freeze and merge (to new accounts) members who have over 100,000 miles in their account first and will move their way down to those who have <100,000 soon.
• Upgrades, both e500s and systemwide upgrades, will continue to be honored and will be reflecting soon, if they haven’t already. Though, I recommend being proactive by emailing AAdvantage Customer Support via AA.com if your upgrades are not there by now.
• Itineraries will be remapped soon to reflect your new AAdvantage account number, just give it a bit or call reservations.
• Citi Bank has apparently been notified and if your account was affected (or merged as some call it), then your credit card has also been updated to reflect the new AAdvantage number.
• New Admirals Club cards and elite status cards will be sent reflecting the new AAdvantage number. Though, I DO recommend you make sure this is being done by calling reservations and/or the AC desk directly.

According to an American spokeswoman, American will be paying for credit-watch services for one year for those affected customers.

The matter has been referred to the FBI for further investigation.