Some new rules governing the information on the American AAdvantage Web site might present a problem when it comes to reporting on, and linking to, the program’s site. The new fine print says: “American Airlines specifically denies you permission to hyperlink or provide references to the Site, unless you are allowed to do so under a separate written agreement with American Airlines. You are also denied permission to use any trademarked or copyrighted material to provide such hyperlinks or references, unless you are allowed to do so under a separate written agreement with American Airlines.”

These new rules were put into place with the re-launch of the AAdvantage Web site in mid-April and, while we hope that they don’t mean everything they say here, we have nonetheless applied for an exemption (but as of yet have heard nothing back).

OK, we’re not exactly shaking in our boots (namely because we often have some very positive things to say about this program). We think this probably has more to do with privacy policies that can, and do, cause problems. In the meantime we’ll take the risk and continue to report on AAdvantage and give you links to promotions on the AAdvantage Web Site. Truthfully, the changes made to the site are terrific — in fact, we’ll go way out on a limb and refer you to see the changes for yourself at www.aa.com.