Frequent flyer online communities like milepoint were abuzz recently with the news that American AAdvantage is cracking down on their members who, against AAdvantage rules, are trading eVIPs (systemwide upgrades given to elite members), award tickets, mileage upgrades, vouchers and coupons. MSPeconomist at milepoint said the program is, “… cracking down and aggressively identifying and punishing those who trade AA stuff or even offer to do so.”

Bottom line: One way to look at this is that the AAdvantage program is cleaning house in preparation for the merger with US Airways Dividend Miles. A couple of things to remember, as noted in the AAdvantage terms and conditions: “At no time may AAdvantage mileage credit or award tickets be purchased, sold or bartered (including but not limited to transferring, gifting or promising mileage credit or award tickets in exchange for support of a certain business, product or charity and/or participation in an auction, sweepstakes, raffle or contest).” And, “American Airlines reserves the right to audit any and all accounts at any time and without notice to the member to ensure compliance with AAdvantage program rules …”