Comments on: American Airlines elite status review: Extensions and reduced qualifications in 2021

By: Jay Moore

Jay Moore — Thu, 27 May 2021 15:06:58 +0000

You can also spend $25,000 on the Barclays aviator red (business) for $3,000 in EQM.

Between that and flying partners on premium cabin deals (to game EQM) is how I make Executive Platinum each year.

By: Paul S

Paul S — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 23:01:04 +0000

Due to covid shutdowns, you don’t even get a glass of water in first class right now. You get a larger seat, and you can get off the plane first (doesn’t matter to me–we all get our baggage at the same time downstairs). I was offered a *free* upgrade last year to first class, and was excited, until I saw it got me no food and not even a sip of water. I was told I could check at the connection desk to see about another free first class upgrade on my connecting flight, and I didn’t even bother, because it was such a let down (I think they did this as I’m a new customer to AA).

And then looking at the rewards. Wow. To get to the LOWEST gold level you have to fly 20 segments a year? That’s basically one flight a month. I can’t imagine flying much more than that ever, and that’s to reach the lowest tier that just gives you free checked bags. It’s probably cheaper to pay the $60 to check your bags, or just carry on. Honestly I would prefer to forget frequent flyer programs and just pick the best / cheapest carrier every time I fly. Get a cash rewards credit card and put the money in your own pocket, and buy your own tickets on whatever airline you like.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:50:07 +0000

Are any other airlines (Delta?) reducing their thresholds to obtain frequent flyer status?

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:48:58 +0000

In reply to David. You have an option. SWA!!!

By: Guy

Guy — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 14:40:23 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth. 2 million miles

By: Neil

Neil — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 00:00:31 +0000

To qualify for elite status on AA, do you have to take any flights during the year on AA, or can the status be earned entirely by flying partners? For example, 4 well planned overseas trips to Asia booked in Prem Eco or above and when on sale can easily meet the 100K miles and 15K spending.

By: Carl

Carl — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 18:27:37 +0000

Can a family member who is Executive Platinum offer their 500-mile upgrade to business to a family member who is on the same flight? My grandmother is Executive Platinum with AA and all 4 of her grandkids are travelling on the same flight. Is the upgrade transferable and if so, how many upgrads can she hand out or purchase?

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 21:07:18 +0000

I’m a million miler. Currently gold. What do I need to do to get to platinum?

By: Andrew Wan

Andrew Wan — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 03:08:01 +0000

In reply to carole.

If you haven’t been or won’t be flying very often, you might not be missing the benefits too much. See the list below and if you’re already getting the perks you really care about from another card, then I’d probably agree you’re probably not missing much.

Gold status perks listed from the article:

7 miles per $1 spent on American Airlines and certain oneworld flights
At least 500 EQMs every time you fly (or 250 EQMs for Basic Economy fares)
Unlimited upgrades on flights under 500 miles
First Class upgrades – 24 hours before departure when you use 500-mile upgrades on flights over 500 miles
Companion upgrade when available
Preferred seats and Main Cabin Extra seats within 24 hours of departure
Free same-day standby
1 free checked bag
Priority check-in and boarding
Waived award processing fees
Partner airline benefits, like priority check-in

By: carole

carole — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 22:42:02 +0000

I’m about to lose my Gold status. (unless i pay $699 and a bunch of miles). I don’t fly very often. What do I really “lose”? I have an AA credit card, so I believe I already get a little better boarding status and a free checked bag.