I took two flights on American Airlines yesterday, and they basically summed up my experience of getting upgraded on the airline, in a nutshell.
In this post:
Why American Airlines first class upgrades are harder
Over the years, all airlines in the United States have gotten much better at monetizing their premium cabins. Back in the day, airlines maybe sold a few first class seats per flight at exorbitantly high prices, and then the rest of the seats were filled with those receiving upgrades, as an incentive for loyalty. That’s no longer the case. For example, in 2022, an American executive indicated that the airline was selling around 80% of its first class seats.
American upgrades becoming tougher comes down to several factors:
- American is pricing first class on domestic flights more reasonably to begin with, and when you combine that with the strong demand for premium leisure travel, a good number of seats are just being sold directly; I’ll often just buy first class, as the math often checks out
- American then sells upgrades for cash to passengers booked in economy, and they’re often very attractively priced, as the airline would rather have some revenue than no incremental revenue
- American’s pilot contract gives deadheading pilots priority on the airport upgrade list over anyone else on the upgrade list; so sometimes the last couple of available first class seats go to pilots rather than customers
- American now offers unlimited complimentary upgrades for all elite tiers, and each elite member can have a companion; so if there are two first class seats left, that could go to a higher tier elite member and their companion, rather than two high tier elite members
- American’s Loyalty Points system makes it easy to earn elite status with credit card spending, and I get the sense that this has greatly swelled elite ranks, so upgrades are very competitive
Let me be clear, I don’t blame American (or any other airline) for trying to monetize its premium cabins best it can. However, I also think this is a double edged sword for airlines. Historically, loyalty programs have been the biggest cash cows for US airlines, and the single biggest reason that people are loyal is for upgrades.
I don’t have a right answer as to what the right mix of paid seats vs. complimentary upgrades is. But I don’t think any high tier elite member feels great when they’ve put a lot of effort into earning elite status, only to not have their upgrade clear within their elite window, and to instead be offered an upgrade for a fairly small amount of cash.
My experience with Executive Platinum upgrades
For some background, I’ve had American AAdvantage Executive Platinum status for nearly 15 years. That’s American’s highest elite tier with published requirements, with the only higher tier being invitation-only Concierge Key status.
Back in the day, upgrades as an Executive Platinum were a near guarantee. Most years I’d fly American 100 segments, and I could count on one hand the number of upgrades I didn’t clear. When I didn’t clear upgrades, I was almost always the first or second person on the upgrade list. In fairness, let me acknowledge that’s not good business for the airline, so I’m not suggesting that’s how things should be. 😉
But nowadays my experience is basically the opposite extreme. Let me acknowledge that I’m just about at the bottom of the totem pole among Executive Platinum members. American awards status based on the Loyalty Points system, and upgrades within each elite tier are prioritized based on your rolling 12-month total of Loyalty Points.
I earn pretty close to the absolute minimum Loyalty Points required for status, since I’m not going to spend an unnecessary amount on my American credit card. Therefore I’m among the last Executive Platinum to get an upgrade. What’s interesting to me is how “extreme” my upgrade list situations seem to be. For example, yesterday I flew from Miami to Chicago to Billings.
On the Miami to Chicago flight, I was number eight on the upgrade waitlist, with no seats remaining.
Meanwhile on the Chicago to Billings flight, everyone cleared their upgrades, and there was no one on the upgrade list.
I find this to be pretty standard for my upgrade luck with American. More often than not when I don’t clear my upgrade, I’m not even in the top five on the list. Let me clarify that I’m not usually traveling on Monday mornings or Thursday evenings, so I’m not traveling during peak periods. Meanwhile when I do clear my upgrade, it’s in situations where there are very few people on the upgrade list.
Despite all elite tiers being eligible for complimentary upgrades, I’m definitely finding upgrade lists to be more “top heavy” nowadays, whereby as a “low ranking” Executive Platinum member, I’m about halfway down the upgrade list. It really seems to me like there are lots more Executive Platinum members than before. So when you combine that and fewer seats to upgrade to, I’ve been conditioned to no longer expect upgrades in any way.
Now, I’m not going to keep giving American the same, while getting less, so to me, this means I should adapt one of two strategies:
- I could just go for AAdvantage Platinum Pro status, as I don’t think my upgrade odds would change materially, and I’d still get oneworld Emerald status (the elite perk I value most), while only needing to earn 125,000 Loyalty Points rather than 200,000 Loyalty Points
- I could dump American AAdvantage altogether and maintain British Airways Gold status, which offers incremental perks on domestic itineraries, like Flagship Lounge access and Flagship First Check-In
Bottom line
American has gotten much better at selling first class seats, and when you combine that with a bunch of other factors, first class upgrades have gotten much tougher. I don’t blame American for trying to sell first class seats and generate incremental revenue, but it also fundamentally shifts the value proposition of qualifying for elite status, and that’s a big money maker for the airline.
I’m curious if my experience is representative of what others are seeing as well, or if I’m just unlucky…
If you’re an American elite member, what has your experience been with upgrades, and how they’ve evolved over the years?
I can echo all of these other comments regarding continued erosion of upgrades as an EXP. However, today, I saw something new. I hadn't cleared with less than 24 hours to go, and AA.com is now trying to get me to buy an upgrade at check in. I called AA and the EXP agent said he had not seen that before, especially when there are 4 empty seats in 1st Class. He noted that they...
I can echo all of these other comments regarding continued erosion of upgrades as an EXP. However, today, I saw something new. I hadn't cleared with less than 24 hours to go, and AA.com is now trying to get me to buy an upgrade at check in. I called AA and the EXP agent said he had not seen that before, especially when there are 4 empty seats in 1st Class. He noted that they typically hold back a seat or two but not 4. He wondered if this was a change. Anyone else seen that while checking in?
Earlier this month, 77 hours prior to departure, I booked a flight from PHX to CLT. At the time of booking, there were 3 FC seats open & I was expecting an upgrade within 72 hours of departure. 24 hours prior to departure, still 3 seats open in FC but no upgrade received. So I called AA. Agent confirmed FC seats available but they were trying to sell them. In fact, I too rec'd email...
Earlier this month, 77 hours prior to departure, I booked a flight from PHX to CLT. At the time of booking, there were 3 FC seats open & I was expecting an upgrade within 72 hours of departure. 24 hours prior to departure, still 3 seats open in FC but no upgrade received. So I called AA. Agent confirmed FC seats available but they were trying to sell them. In fact, I too rec'd email offers to buy FC upgrade. Ultimately I never got upgraded. AA’s promotion of this benefit ("Your upgrade can be confirmed...") suggests a possibility rather than a guarantee. This tactic encourages loyalty without delivering promised benefits. This is not the transparent, premium service one expects from a world-class legacy airline. At best, this language is misleading and a misrepresentation. At worst, it's a scam.
In the last three years, I have been upgraded once (and that was oddly enough, a year when I was a lowly platinum; and I got bumped back for weight and balance). I have never once been upgraded as executive platinum. Frankly, the only benefits to me are the free economy plus seat selection and mileage multiplier. But I don't see much inducement to stay loyal for executive platinum any more. I'll probably just do...
In the last three years, I have been upgraded once (and that was oddly enough, a year when I was a lowly platinum; and I got bumped back for weight and balance). I have never once been upgraded as executive platinum. Frankly, the only benefits to me are the free economy plus seat selection and mileage multiplier. But I don't see much inducement to stay loyal for executive platinum any more. I'll probably just do the bare minimum to get gold and be a free agent after that.
Longtime EXP. Booked PE ticket from LAX to LHR 3 weeks ago. Requested to use SWU and these were 23 seats available in business on 777-300, but had to waitlist. Used to clear almost 100% on same route/plane. Was number 1 on waitlist at airport with 0 seats available. Did a flight status search on other flights that day and every one had 0 seats available with no one clearing. Others are certainly being offered...
Longtime EXP. Booked PE ticket from LAX to LHR 3 weeks ago. Requested to use SWU and these were 23 seats available in business on 777-300, but had to waitlist. Used to clear almost 100% on same route/plane. Was number 1 on waitlist at airport with 0 seats available. Did a flight status search on other flights that day and every one had 0 seats available with no one clearing. Others are certainly being offered low cost upgrades for cash, but once you request to use SWU or mileage upgrade you are no longer offered the cash upgrade deals. That is a real slap in the face and the opposite of loyalty to your top tier members that are flying your airline and spending on your credit cards.
EXP, this year I’ve been upgraded a whopping 1! time. I am usually first in line on many screens. I completely agree with everyone and the total uselessness of obtaining status. Most of my travel has me going through DFW. Lounges are just terrible today. On a recent trip from PHX I was 9th on the list, totally stunned. The lounges there are as stuffed as every Centurion lounge. But looking again, there were 25...
EXP, this year I’ve been upgraded a whopping 1! time. I am usually first in line on many screens. I completely agree with everyone and the total uselessness of obtaining status. Most of my travel has me going through DFW. Lounges are just terrible today. On a recent trip from PHX I was 9th on the list, totally stunned. The lounges there are as stuffed as every Centurion lounge. But looking again, there were 25 people listed…
This is my last time chasing status with AA, I cannot even access the free system wide upgrades any longer- great bonus if only everyone wasn’t offered. And now, 773’s losing first class seating to LHR, BA surely may be the way to go. Good luck everyone!
Interesting that pilots have priority.
Exp and Ck for over a decade. Last year I had zero upgrades as a exp. Yes, zero. And I fly every week. The change to 50% mileage credit for most of my fares (booked through concur) and seeing pilots upgraded ahead of me were the last straws. Status matched to delta as a platinum. Upgrades were maybe 20%. Now a diamond much better. Should be 360 shortly (spent about 60k this year so far)....
Exp and Ck for over a decade. Last year I had zero upgrades as a exp. Yes, zero. And I fly every week. The change to 50% mileage credit for most of my fares (booked through concur) and seeing pilots upgraded ahead of me were the last straws. Status matched to delta as a platinum. Upgrades were maybe 20%. Now a diamond much better. Should be 360 shortly (spent about 60k this year so far). Absolute last issue was being on 6 hour flights in coach with one drink service. Multiple times. AA was very short sighted in their decisions. I have lifetime status which allows me to grab good coach seats when needed. However, everything else is on other airlines.
My experience as an EXP tracks yours. It's frustrating to watch a wide open domestic F cabin fill up in the 24-48 hours predeparture, well within our upgrade window. It's happening to me right now on a PHL-MIA flight operated with a 788. 36 hours out, there were 11 F seats out. Now there's one. Who's getting these seats? Surely pilots positioning hub-to-hub and EXP coupon clippers with higher rolling LP balances than me. I've had enough.
I know a lot of frequent fliers as well as AA employees. They are all less loyal versus before. A very short-sighted strategy, but that's AA for you in recent years. The employee morale is rock bottom. They used to get first class often, too, but now it's almost never...and that's if they even get on the flight...since AA also sells the remaining coach seats for next to nothing if the flight isn't filling up...
I know a lot of frequent fliers as well as AA employees. They are all less loyal versus before. A very short-sighted strategy, but that's AA for you in recent years. The employee morale is rock bottom. They used to get first class often, too, but now it's almost never...and that's if they even get on the flight...since AA also sells the remaining coach seats for next to nothing if the flight isn't filling up enough. Many of them have said they would have never became an employee if they had known in advance it would be like this. A big part of their reason for working there, and accepting a lower pay rate than they otherwise would have been satisfied with, was access to flights and getting first class on a semi-regular basis. At some point, this will all come back to haunt AA if they don't seek some sort of middle ground. I don't think the majority of employees are demanding first class, as the pilots did, but having the chance of getting it from time to time is something they wish they'd get. I think if AA dialed back the selling of upgrades just a bit, and I imagine it would be nice if they would offer the same paid upgrade to employees that's confirmed if they get a seat on the plane. Not sure if that would work, but sounds fair enough. It's funny how people think it's a benefit to offer unlimited, free, upgrades, but the result is, fewer get them when they really want one.
I've been EXP years ago and requalified last year via the Loyalty Points program. Since introduction I find that upgrading to First is a great option, pay the price, as Lucky points out, most times if you time it right, it's very incremental and you're guaranteed the seat. That's all I care about. Sitting up front on 4 hour flights does make a difference. First on, first off with your carryon is a life saver.
One of the reasons I chase after status now is because I travel with 4 people and the MCE seating is valuable to me. The only upgrade I’ve received in the last year is on American’s shortest flights (LGA to PHL). I don’t expect many other benefits
I am one of those credit card EXP after many years of earning via BIS flying. I only do 2-3 round trips a year now, so I just buy into the front cabin unless it’s being reimbursed by someone.
Concierge Key here, I almost always buy the upgrade offer.
I can't say I blame you, but this comment is so telling of why there's so few comp status upgrades processing within the expected windows. They're holding out until the last minute for anyone to buy up.
definitely not worth it chasing status just pay for the upgrade if offered.
I’m usually Platinum or Platinum Pro. I hit Executive Platinum for 2023 and felt like it wasn’t worth it. On Flight from DFW-MIA, a route I fly a lot, I was usually in double digits on the wait list. I’m back to Platinum Pro their year and can’t tell any difference, except the fact that most gate agents refuse to call Group 2 as a separate group.
As an EP for well over 10 years, I decided to get the BA Gold match.
Trying to get the upgrade ring on the AA merry-go-round has become frustrating.
Once simple: if there were seats available when they did a status sweep, you would get it. Then, they started holding off, hoping to sell seats at regular price, creating huge upgrade wait lists. Now these upgrade wait lists are still there, but anyone with a...
As an EP for well over 10 years, I decided to get the BA Gold match.
Trying to get the upgrade ring on the AA merry-go-round has become frustrating.
Once simple: if there were seats available when they did a status sweep, you would get it. Then, they started holding off, hoping to sell seats at regular price, creating huge upgrade wait lists. Now these upgrade wait lists are still there, but anyone with a bit of disposable income can just bypass all that by buying the upgrade.
Enough! I'll take the predictability of great lounge access and good seat selection with BA Gold.
Flagship lounge, BA First lounge, and Quantas LA lounge on a recent trip confirmed this is the right choice. (I may even drop AmEx Platinum, as those benefits have become less stellar in comparison)
I'll likely still quslify AA EP this year, only so that I can try to burn through the EP SysUp certificates.
Doesn't BA Gold require flying a minimum number of BA segments? Like 4?
The 4 segment requirement can be met through flights on BA or IB metal, as well as those booked under a BA codeshare. So you don't ever need to step foot on BA metal.
Obviously you can't book domestic US journeys with a BA codeshare but it's an easy enough requirement to meet on TATL journeys given the BA/AA/IB/AY JV.
As a measly gold member, I never get anything. When it was US Air, I would get upgraded all the time as a Silver member. I recently used points for a flight from DCA to Cleveland and they offered me a first class upgrade for both legs at $120 total. I jumped on it and I understand why the Elite members are frustrated. No matter how loyal you are and I love AA, they like...
As a measly gold member, I never get anything. When it was US Air, I would get upgraded all the time as a Silver member. I recently used points for a flight from DCA to Cleveland and they offered me a first class upgrade for both legs at $120 total. I jumped on it and I understand why the Elite members are frustrated. No matter how loyal you are and I love AA, they like any other business are trying to maximize profits. It sucks and I am not invested in them but as a shareholder in many other companies, I understand what they are doing. I just say take advantage of the low cost upgrades and keep maximizing your points.
I think MIA is EP heavy due to geography in the US and S America flying. Isn’t Group 1 chaos for flights to/from MIA even a meme?
I have had the same experience. I’ve been executive platinum for 8 years. I just pay for my own upgrades. But I won’t have enough loyalty points to stay at the same level. I’ll be down to 125,000 now. Oh well.
My experience exactly mirrors the author's. I've been an EP for over 20 years, flying weekly on primarily domestic travel.
Prior to the recent changes in the program, and the surge in leisure travel, not clearing an upgrade was the unusual experience. I was generally 1st or 2nd on the list, even though i am based in Dallas and all my travel originates there. I would almost always clear the bulk of my upgrades...
My experience exactly mirrors the author's. I've been an EP for over 20 years, flying weekly on primarily domestic travel.
Prior to the recent changes in the program, and the surge in leisure travel, not clearing an upgrade was the unusual experience. I was generally 1st or 2nd on the list, even though i am based in Dallas and all my travel originates there. I would almost always clear the bulk of my upgrades before the flight, and if not then, usually at the gate.
Beginning in January of this year, my upgrade list positions dropped consistently to 8th or lower. I can only think of one or two flights this year where I was somehow 1st or 2nd on the list (and even then, I didn't clear an upgrade).
Bottom line for me: This is just another example of the new philosophy at AA. There is no longer much interest in rewarding the customers who previously would have been considered the "loyal" customers - that is, the customers who actually fly the AA metal, week after week after week.
I've been pretty consistently around ~250K rolling LPs and have definitely noticed a downward trend in my upgrade success.
In 2022, I cleared 21 of 32 segments (66%) and was usually towards the top of the list when I didn't clear.
In 2023, I cleared 14 of 28 segments (50%) and was noticeably a bit lower on the list when I didn't clear. 10 of those missed upgrades happened in the second half of the...
I've been pretty consistently around ~250K rolling LPs and have definitely noticed a downward trend in my upgrade success.
In 2022, I cleared 21 of 32 segments (66%) and was usually towards the top of the list when I didn't clear.
In 2023, I cleared 14 of 28 segments (50%) and was noticeably a bit lower on the list when I didn't clear. 10 of those missed upgrades happened in the second half of the year.
In 2024, I've cleared 1 of 14 segments (7%) and have been even further down the list when I didn't clear. The only upgrade I managed was from a same-day flight change from an 8am to 7am flight because I had no shot for an upgrade on my original flight.
I'm DFW-based and mostly fly business routes, so that makes it especially difficult. Though at least I'm not flying on the peak Monday/Thursday times!
Same experience!
Yup. Have rarely gotten an upgrade as exec platinum this year. Been an exec plat for the past 7 years. Does not help that I am based in dallas. The last time, I was first on the list in July, both the seats have been taken by deadheading pilots. Though, I qualified for exec play for next year, I am done.
The past year or two, I also have been British Gold and they actually...
Yup. Have rarely gotten an upgrade as exec platinum this year. Been an exec plat for the past 7 years. Does not help that I am based in dallas. The last time, I was first on the list in July, both the seats have been taken by deadheading pilots. Though, I qualified for exec play for next year, I am done.
The past year or two, I also have been British Gold and they actually surprised me with n upgrade to biz class from LHR to DFW. Totally unexpected.
With CC spending and deadheading pilots taking up any available first class seats, not worth it for me to be exec platinum anymore, British gold gets me free access to the admirals club and flagship lounges. Will be focusing on that
The thing that bothers me about deadheading pilots...they are getting paid and still subject to duty hours. So why do they need a FC seat...can't they rest in a economy seat? Or are the airlines saying that those seats really aren't comfortable...
Think you've answered your own question!
Economy is fine for a 1-2 hour flight, but sucks otherwise - unless you're lucky enough to score a row of seats to put your legs across...
I find I'm upgraded about 80% of the time Sep-Apr, and maybe 30% May-Aug. What you haven't mentioned are the system wide upgrade certificates that can be earned. I currently have 6 and was able to use the first one in over a year and a half on a Madrid - Philly segment last week. Otherwise, upgrade not available, will put you on the list for upgrade and no movement of the list, it seems if a seat or 2 are available they sell a couple days before the flight.
In and out of LAX, it's about 1 upgrade in 10 flights. Likely because people are just buying first or continuing on a long-haul premium ticket. Recently got upgraded ORD-LAX which was a shock! I never expect it anymore except on short haul non-hub flights on American Eagle.
I have been ep for 20+ and CK for four before they raised the requirement to $50k. Ben nailed it 100% including my present day feeling.
Living in DFW have very little choice but to fly AA or else I am gone.
I have noticed this as well. The opposite has happened with DL when they reordered the upgrade hierarchy and put the reserve card as a major tie-breaker. It's now much more valuable to be diamond than it used to be.
Delta taking out the fare class for upgrade consideration sucks. I often have to book less than a week in advance, so it's B and Y fare class left. Those are usually more than a C+ seat, but now buying C+ is higher than Y
The fare class system was unfare beacause it benefited hub captives who often have to book in higher fare classes. This evened the playing field.
I’ve been Platinum for about long as there’s been a Platinum status. It really meant something as a premium status. Usually a good shot at an upgrade. Since then I’ve earned Platinum for life due to several millions of miles. Now my Platinum status never scores an upgrade. At best number 12 on the list. It’s a joke. They need to be honest and withdraw this as a realistic perk. Using miles has also become...
I’ve been Platinum for about long as there’s been a Platinum status. It really meant something as a premium status. Usually a good shot at an upgrade. Since then I’ve earned Platinum for life due to several millions of miles. Now my Platinum status never scores an upgrade. At best number 12 on the list. It’s a joke. They need to be honest and withdraw this as a realistic perk. Using miles has also become extremely difficult to use. It’s apparent that they don’t really value my patronage to them and I’ll buy airfares accordingly
I may be losing my mind, but I swear back in the day complimentary upgrades were available to more than just one person on your reservation. I thought your whole party could get upgraded (up to something crazy like 8 people). But maybe that was pre-merger US Airways Chairman’s preferred and I'm not remembering correctly.
We are a family of five, my wife has the Aviator Red card and I have the Silver, so...
I may be losing my mind, but I swear back in the day complimentary upgrades were available to more than just one person on your reservation. I thought your whole party could get upgraded (up to something crazy like 8 people). But maybe that was pre-merger US Airways Chairman’s preferred and I'm not remembering correctly.
We are a family of five, my wife has the Aviator Red card and I have the Silver, so we always take one trip a year using the companion passes. She has one kid on her reservation (since the red card comes with one pass) and I have two kids on mine (since silver comes with two), but I don’t even show up on the upgrade list despite being ExP.
I'm probably a mid-range EXP. I'd guess that my rolling LP total is about ~500K right now. I ended last year a little over 400K and I'm at 400K so far this year. I started the year with a ridiculously expensive trip to AUS and so my rolling LPs got up to 680K early this year. My LPs are almost entirely from flying, so my butt is in the seat a lot. With that context,...
I'm probably a mid-range EXP. I'd guess that my rolling LP total is about ~500K right now. I ended last year a little over 400K and I'm at 400K so far this year. I started the year with a ridiculously expensive trip to AUS and so my rolling LPs got up to 680K early this year. My LPs are almost entirely from flying, so my butt is in the seat a lot. With that context, I think I've missed a couple upgrades this year... maybe. I'm mostly upgraded 4 days out, but occasionally closer to departure and once (on one of those 8 seat F cabins DFW to DCA) I was already on the plane and someone no-showed.
I've been an EP like you, forever. I'm in Chicago and regularly get the upgrades. Exceptions would be ORD-LGA where I can be 25th with no seats. ORD-MIA, and DFW-HKG are similar. I also get upgrades more on the 170,175 aircraft going to smaller airports.
I appreciate your thoughtful comments and valuation.
Thanks
When everybody is elite, nobody is elite.
I used to be EXP for a while in the 2000s up to 2018. Also made lifetime Platinum. I had problems being able to use up my SWUs. Ended up using them for a domestic flight as they would have just expired.
AA miles have turned useless. The legs I can buy on miles are usually not optimal and I would spend longer travelling than an itinerary I can purchase with USD. The only...
I used to be EXP for a while in the 2000s up to 2018. Also made lifetime Platinum. I had problems being able to use up my SWUs. Ended up using them for a domestic flight as they would have just expired.
AA miles have turned useless. The legs I can buy on miles are usually not optimal and I would spend longer travelling than an itinerary I can purchase with USD. The only thing AA miles have helped is booking hotels we actually got some pretty decent deals and get to stay at non-Hilton branded hotels for a change. The only reason we have an AA credit card is for lounge access and my wife gets lounge access if we're not traveling together. It came in handy when she had a lot of travel to England to see her father in the last couple of years of his life.
The only loyalty brand that has any value for me is Hilton and the Aspire card. Even though I'm lifetime Diamond it gives my wife Diamond status too when we are not traveling together. We spend enough we typically get 4 free reward nights which work at the resorts too. So we've stayed in some pretty nice places we probably would not have considered otherwise because of the price ($800/night kind of rooms).
I'm now PP because I learned this last year. I couldn't use all of my SWUs which really pissed me off. Going to stick to the emerald hunt from now on. I live in Finland so one world status is a must
Longtime EP and DL Plat…this is the year I go for DL Diamond. Gaps in DL/SkyTeam’s global network mitigated by maintaining OW Emerald (like others have mentioned). For a transcon or longer int’l flight I’ll pay for F/J, but for the most part, AA’s domestic F product isn’t worth the buy up.
I've given up on working towards achieving any AA status give its lack of value. BA gold has been the best for all the reason's already cited in the emerald program. I will purchase AA first class when its the only carrier routing the best way, but their first products is not a lot of value other then a larger seat and 2 free cocktails domestically. No food on flights and no lounge access on...
I've given up on working towards achieving any AA status give its lack of value. BA gold has been the best for all the reason's already cited in the emerald program. I will purchase AA first class when its the only carrier routing the best way, but their first products is not a lot of value other then a larger seat and 2 free cocktails domestically. No food on flights and no lounge access on all by 3-4 domestic flight destinations. This is an inconvenience when flying connections with a long layover as is typical. I've been able to get over the grumpy old union lady FA's a while ago, but why do I easily get served a decent meal and a few drinks on short flights throughout Europe in business class and not on AA.
I've been 20+ on ATL deparing flights as a Delta Diamond with 100 people on the upgrdlade list. So AA is probably not the worst... Although since I'm based at Chicago I get cleared for first most of the time.
It’s all geography. Fly hub to hub and you’re never gonna clear. I’ve had CKs sitting next to me in Y ex-DFW on multiple occasions. Transcon and between major east coast cities is similar but maybe an upgrade if you’re flying very early morning.
Mid-day flights ex-DFW or ORD to just about anywhere non-hub in the Midwest or to the West Coast, I’ve had good upgrade success.
But overall, my philosophy is don’t...
It’s all geography. Fly hub to hub and you’re never gonna clear. I’ve had CKs sitting next to me in Y ex-DFW on multiple occasions. Transcon and between major east coast cities is similar but maybe an upgrade if you’re flying very early morning.
Mid-day flights ex-DFW or ORD to just about anywhere non-hub in the Midwest or to the West Coast, I’ve had good upgrade success.
But overall, my philosophy is don’t play their games, just pay the cash fare to sit up front. “Buy expensive, cry once. Buy cheap, cry often.”
My experience is that it's not geography. I'm based in Dallas, so all my travel at least originated in the main hub. I fly hub to hub consistently (DFW-LGA, DFW-ORD, DFW-PHL) and for all these years, I've consistently cleared upgrades on those flights. Since January of this year, almost no upgrades.
Agree Ben. I end up with about 400k LP’s each year and tend to be #5 or 6 on the upgrade list. I tend to book my flights a week out, which helps, as I can see how many biz class seats are open (I’ll take an earlier or later flight if I think my upgrade chances are better). Main thing I value with EXP is the SWU’s. While tough to get confirmed space, I’ve had good luck with expert flyer scoring upgrades for my family.
It pays to be elite.
It pays to be loyal to a brand/company.
The BA Gold idea sounds like a good AA domestic solution (MCE, Admirals/Flagship). Credit BA (and other OW) flights to Alaska then use those miles for AA domestic first in combo with some cash upgrades. Bask Bank "invest?" for those great AA mid-east/Asia and Web Special redemptions. Need to play with the math.
DL not AA here, but related it’ll be interesting to see how things compare for Delta this next spring when many people may ‘reset’ to a lower status after the MQD changes take full effect
I just wrote about AA, but I'm also DL Diamond. Just... don't ask why. I'm a MM and I've noticed a HUGE difference this year. I'm clearing 4 days out most of the time. But if I don't clear four days out, I'll usually clear day of departure. On the rare cases it gets to the gate I'm always 1 or 2. I've also found it easier to confirm the confirmable upgrades this year. So,...
I just wrote about AA, but I'm also DL Diamond. Just... don't ask why. I'm a MM and I've noticed a HUGE difference this year. I'm clearing 4 days out most of the time. But if I don't clear four days out, I'll usually clear day of departure. On the rare cases it gets to the gate I'm always 1 or 2. I've also found it easier to confirm the confirmable upgrades this year. So, don't know if people bailed early or if the order change to elevate MMers made the difference. And I'm usually flying to or from ATL too. Last year I almost never got upgraded. Big difference.
I see 70% or more of my upgrades clear at EXP for short segments (BOS to DCA, LA to SFO, etc) and about 40% for Charlotte flights, but nothing ever clears into or out of DFW or MIA. With both of those cities a large number of the domestic F passengers are going onward to or are connecting back from an international business class flight, andthere are a ton of CK members who pre-cleared.
...I see 70% or more of my upgrades clear at EXP for short segments (BOS to DCA, LA to SFO, etc) and about 40% for Charlotte flights, but nothing ever clears into or out of DFW or MIA. With both of those cities a large number of the domestic F passengers are going onward to or are connecting back from an international business class flight, andthere are a ton of CK members who pre-cleared.
The main benefit of EXP is better treatment during AA's not infrequent east coast weather meltdowns.
I think you need to keep a rolling 12 month total of at least 350-400k Loyalty points in order to get EP upgrades on a consistant basis. I've been around that level for the last two years and my upgrades clear a very high percentage of the time on domestic flights, even when booked in an economy award flight. The key to racking up big loyalty points (and RDM) is not general AA credit card...
I think you need to keep a rolling 12 month total of at least 350-400k Loyalty points in order to get EP upgrades on a consistant basis. I've been around that level for the last two years and my upgrades clear a very high percentage of the time on domestic flights, even when booked in an economy award flight. The key to racking up big loyalty points (and RDM) is not general AA credit card spending but having the AA Citi exec card and making use of AAadvantageeshopping.com and AAdvantagehotels.com on a regular basis.
Please break down for us how you achieved EXP for this current year i.e. loyalty points from flights from CC spend.
I fly about 25 segments a year between PHL and either FLL or PBI
Upgrades to or from PBI are virtually nonexistent. I am about 1 in 4 to FLL.
I do get offers to buy the upgrade at very widely varying prices. On a flight to PBI in October the upgrade price dropped from 1029 to 152 in a matter of days. Generally I will bite at 250 or less.
I am...
I fly about 25 segments a year between PHL and either FLL or PBI
Upgrades to or from PBI are virtually nonexistent. I am about 1 in 4 to FLL.
I do get offers to buy the upgrade at very widely varying prices. On a flight to PBI in October the upgrade price dropped from 1029 to 152 in a matter of days. Generally I will bite at 250 or less.
I am low grade EXP. The main reason for maintaining EXP is the separate line during IRROPS which is important to me as I fly a lot for business during the bad weather months.
I’ve been an AA loyalist for much of my life and an EXP for 15+ years…but since they’ve moved to Loyalty Points and given away status to a lot of their partners, I also feel upgrades are harder to get as well as applying SWU. This to me was the main differentiator for AA status in OneWorld. Now I’ve decided to shift to BA to get lounge status on domestic flights and then AS because...
I’ve been an AA loyalist for much of my life and an EXP for 15+ years…but since they’ve moved to Loyalty Points and given away status to a lot of their partners, I also feel upgrades are harder to get as well as applying SWU. This to me was the main differentiator for AA status in OneWorld. Now I’ve decided to shift to BA to get lounge status on domestic flights and then AS because of the additional perks it offers with top tier (better free economy snacks/meals, additional bonus points crossing 75k, and earnings based on miles instead of revenue etc.). So far this new strategy has been better for me than sticking with AA.
Rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat..................... Lucky - you mention that you've been EP for 15 years now. For 15 years, it's the same story over and over again, year after year - "I'm thinking about not throwing my loyalty to AA and maybe going free agent, yada, yada...." For 15 years now, you ALWAYS qualify for EP with AA. This annual story is getting OLD!!! Can't you come up with some...
Rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat..................... Lucky - you mention that you've been EP for 15 years now. For 15 years, it's the same story over and over again, year after year - "I'm thinking about not throwing my loyalty to AA and maybe going free agent, yada, yada...." For 15 years now, you ALWAYS qualify for EP with AA. This annual story is getting OLD!!! Can't you come up with some new material?? Fast forward to March 2025. Guess what readers, I decided to once again throw my money to AA and I'm EP once again, at least for 1 more year................. Rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat,...................I live in an AA hub city and am hostage, yada, yada.........Rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat.....................
Agreed, just admit you live in Miami and you are held captive by AA due to schedule and convenience.
End of story.
Nailed it. Ben's histrionics over whether to qualify every year is an eye roller. "I can't quit you, American Airlines".
By the way, one can look at it another way. It is like being in a bad relationship. You say you will walk away but you can’t because of all of the history that was there. It won’t be easy for him to just quit his love for AA and that is the reality check he needs. He needs to know when to give it up and move on.
I really thought Ben would give up AA elite status at this moment and just continue maintaining Gold with BA.
I’ve been an EXP member for about five years now, but have given up on the program. I still fly AA, but I credit everything to BA where I am a gold member. BA Gold gets me into Admirals Clubs without paying for a membership, I can use Flagship First check-in desks at MIA, JFK, and other airports which saves a lot of time versus waiting in line in the normal “priority” check-in lanes. Plus...
I’ve been an EXP member for about five years now, but have given up on the program. I still fly AA, but I credit everything to BA where I am a gold member. BA Gold gets me into Admirals Clubs without paying for a membership, I can use Flagship First check-in desks at MIA, JFK, and other airports which saves a lot of time versus waiting in line in the normal “priority” check-in lanes. Plus I get access to the Flagship Lounge and I can still reserve MCE seats. The only thing I don’t get is AA miles which have become increasingly useless, and free upgrades but those are very few and far between these days anyway so it’s no big loss to me. AA may be winning on further monetizing the program, but it has done nothing but swell the number of elite members to the point where no one is “special” anymore. And like they say, “When everyone is special, then no one is special.” So, let the credit card spenders earn status that is becoming less and less rewarding. I’ll take the better soft treatment I get as a BA Gold member over what AA now offers any day.
I predict in 5 years AA will have to make some major changes as everyone catches up to what the loyal business travelers already figured out. As Ben points out, the new Loyalty Points system is fantastic for AA.... now. It's short term gains for AA until everyone realizes there's no point in having status in the current environment and stops spending their way to the top.
I mostly now buy first outright or pay for an upgrade on AA. I'll play the upgrade lottery if I'm in a PE seat sold as coach or row 11 on the 321ceo. If was relying on upgrades out of MIA I might be 25%. More out of some other hubs. The game has changed.
I feel there is some "hanky panky" going on at AA with regard to upgrades. I'm an EP with 256,000 Loyalty Points to date. I fly a mix of domestic and international. Since JAN 2024, I am at 70% for upgrades. But there have been a handful of times where I do not clear ahead of the flight date, and work colleagues on the same flight, with the same status but lower LP point balances,...
I feel there is some "hanky panky" going on at AA with regard to upgrades. I'm an EP with 256,000 Loyalty Points to date. I fly a mix of domestic and international. Since JAN 2024, I am at 70% for upgrades. But there have been a handful of times where I do not clear ahead of the flight date, and work colleagues on the same flight, with the same status but lower LP point balances, do clear. This happened in my favor last OCT, when a co-worker with double the LP and same EP status as me didn't get the upgrade and I did. I reached out to AA customer service to ask why, and I got the most condescending, rote reply. I pushed further, and they eventually said "we are not at liberty to discuss other member's accounts". Are they playing favoritism behind the scenes? Is there a glitch in their IT related to upgrades? (We all know how crappy their IT is!)
It's not your current loyalty point count that matters... It's a rolling 12 months, which includes some LPs earned during the previous qualifying year. There is no public display that shows that, so it's much harder to say exactly how many either you or your colleague had at the time.
I earned PP last year and did get the occasional upgrade, but found the AA operation to be so unreliable (30-50% of the time I flew or relatives flew there was a lengthy or cancellation) that I have to dump them despite getting value from their status (at least through mce seats for myself and family). But my assumption is that first class upgrades are a thing of the past and aren't to be expected anymore.
Theyve now conditioned their most loyal customers to pay for something they used to get for free. SMH and the suckers have fallen for it and continue to chase status. AIRLINES WIN.
I am AAdvantage Gold, so there was never much hope for me anyway. The credit card spending seems to be the culprit. I don’t travel enough for business to consistently get Platinum at this point. I may get 2 or 3 upgrades a year on empty, shortl flights and I just pay when the price is attractive enough.
Another factor - right now AA seems to be randomly choosing people (me) for complimentary Platinum Pro for 4 months - and all I need to do to keep it for another 4 months is to earn 13K loyalty points within the first 4 months. I'm the last one that deserves this, as almost all of my AA travel is awards using AS miles for 4,500 and 7,500 nonstop redemptions out of DFW.
I'm in same boat, lower level Exec Plat, not much upgrade success. Also thinking along your lines--Exec Plat doesn't have much benefit without the upgrades. I can get more value in other ways (i.e., not through my AA flying/card usage) and ditch the status treadmill. If the golden goose for AA is credit card miles, what happens? I keep thinking the model will break, but people keep racking up near worthless miles and near worthless status.
I am Exec Platinum and pretty much have the exact same experience. CLT is my closest hub and i am pretty sure you know all the fun stories about that airport and the chaos that is that airport moat if the time although i do clear upgrades maybe 50% of the time. I am going for the One World Emerald status as well
Seems like British Airways Gold would be good as the Flagship Lounge is guaranteed whenever you fly Oneworld.