This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. For other people named Doug Parker, see Doug Parker (disambiguation). William Douglas "'Doug" Parker is an American businessman who is the current Chairman and CEO of American Airlines Group, Inc., the parent company of American Airlines. Parker grew up in Michigan and received a BA in Economics from Albion College (1984). He then received an MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University (1986), where American Airlines offered him a job after a campus interview.
Parker was a financial analyst at American Airlines from 1986 to 1991, where he was a member of then CEO Robert Crandall's, "Brat Pack",[3] alongside Thomas W. Horton (former CEO President and Chairman of American), C. David Cush (CEO of Virgin America) and Ben Baldanza (former CEO of Spirit Airlines). Parker joined Northwest Airlines in 1991 and was tasked to help create a team that would systematically figure out where the airline was making and losing money. Tracking profits flight-by-flight in such detail at that level was a first for Northwest. Parker became Chief Financial Officer of America West Airlines in 1995 after returning to United States, and because then-CEO Bill Franke wanted to train him to be a CEO, Parker moved around between finance, sales and operations.[4] Parker was named Chairman and CEO in September 2001, 10 days before the 11 September terrorist attacks.[5] Under Parker, America West was the first of several airlines to win post-9/11 federal loan guarantees, saving the airline from a second bankruptcy.
America West and US Airways merged in 2005, with Parker continuing as CEO of the combined company. US Airways made an unsuccessful bid to merge with Delta Air Lines as it was in bankruptcy protection in 2006, faltering as Delta rallied workers and creditors against the hostile bid. Creditors rejected the bid in early 2007.[6] US Airways also attempted a merger with United Airlines in 2008 and in 2010, but United ultimately merged with Continental Airlines. In 2012, US Airways launched an effort to merge with American Airlines, while American's parent company, AMR Corporation, was in bankruptcy protection. US Airways took the unprecedented step of securing tentative contracts with American’s labor groups, while AMR was still pushing to exit bankruptcy.[5] That deal closed on 9 December 2013, and Parker was named CEO of the combined company, which became the world's largest airline. Parker lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife, Gwen Parker, and three children. In 2007, Doug Parker pleaded guilty to his third DUI and was sentenced to 1 day in jail.
[7] After his conviction, shareholders questioned if the company should have disclosed Parker's two previous DUI arrests. ^ a b c Business and economics portal As an AAdvantage® elite status member, you'll enjoy a world of perks and benefits designed to make your travel experience more enjoyable when traveling with American Airlines, oneworld® member airlines and Alaska Airlines. There are 2 ways to qualify for elite status based on your activity during the calendar year: Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) + Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs) + Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) Elevate your status and move up to elite benefits Flights 500 miles or less: Unlimited, auto-requested complimentary upgrades Flights over 500 miles: Use earned or purchased 500-mile upgrades Unlimited, auto-requested complimentary upgrades on flights over 500 miles Upgrade 1 companion traveling with you on the same flight with 500-mile upgrades
Upgrades confirmed before departure(as early as) Upgrades are valid on American marketed and operated flights, within and between the U.S. (including Hawaii) and between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central America (based on availability). Upgrades are valid from the Main Cabin to the next class of service. Gold and Platinum members will get four 500-mile upgrades for every 12,500 EQMs you earn during the membership year after you achieve status. You’ll receive 4 systemwide upgrades when you qualify or re-qualify for Executive Platinum status, with the ability to earn up to 4 more for a total of 8 per year. Upgrades are valid, when available, for one-way travel on any American marketed and operated flight (up to 3 segments) and you can give them to anyone, even if you're not traveling with them. Benefits at the airport Priority through the airport at check-in, security and boarding Checked bag fee waived Complimentary same-day flight change
Discounted Admirals Club® membership Reservation assistance, special benefits and more Complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats** Within 24 hours of departure (50% off in advance) Waived ticketing service charge Guaranteed availability in the Main Cabin*** Waitlist priority for purchased First or Business Class Complimentary alcoholic beverage and snack in the Main Cabin Award processing charge waived Expanded award seat availability on American Airlines AAdvantage award change and reinstatement charge waived Special discounts on hotel and car awards oneworld® priority check-in and standby oneworld® partner lounge access2 First and Business Class and frequent flyer lounges Business Class and frequent flyer lounges oneworld® extra bag allowance Total of 3 bags on American Priority check-in and boarding(First Class or MVO) Express security line at select airports Checked bag fee waived(first 2 bags)