I finally once again earned oneworld Emerald status, and I’m really happy about that. Let me provide some background, and then I’ll share how I’m thinking about status with American going forward.
In this post:
My fall from AAdvantage Executive Platinum grace
For 14 years, I had AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, which is American’s top (published) tier status. At the beginning of the current elite status year I lost that, and dropped all the way to AAdvantage Gold status, which I receive on account of my million miler status with American.
Why did I give up on Executive Platinum status? It actually wasn’t due to anything American did wrong, and not due to any desire to not fly with the airline. Instead, I just don’t think airline elite status is worth as much as it used to be. Going back a decade, Executive Platinums cleared upgrades on a vast majority of flights, while nowadays, clearing upgrades is extremely difficult, as airlines do a much better job monetizing premium cabin seats. This is true across the “big three” carriers. So I always do what I can to secure first class in advance, and that often means I’m redeeming miles for my flights (which don’t count toward status with AAdvantage).
The other thing to keep in mind is that I make a point of flying as many airlines as possible, mainly because I like to review as many experiences as I can. So while American is the most convenient airline when living in Miami, I’m not one of these brand loyal people who insists on flying “their” airline all across the world.
Nowadays you can qualify for American elite status using the AAdvantage Loyalty Points system, and even credit card spending can count toward that. So while I could’ve put enough spending on an American card to retain Executive Platinum status, I found the opportunity cost to just be too high, so I ultimately decided against it.
My journey back up to AAdvantage Platinum Pro
There was one thing I really missed about status with American, which isn’t even specific to the airline as such. Specifically, I love oneworld Emerald status, and consider it to be the best alliance-wide status tier. This offers access to some incredible first class lounges, and it’s a treat to be able to visit those when not flying first class. This includes the Cathay Pacific First Lounge, Qantas First Lounge, etc.
So even though I gave up Executive Platinum status, I knew I wanted to still maintain oneworld Emerald status somehow. As I explained earlier this year, my strategy was as follows:
- I’m fine “settling” for AAdvantage Platinum Pro instead of Executive Platinum, since both tiers offer oneworld Emerald status, and the difference in qualification requirements is huge (125,000 Loyalty Points vs. 200,000 Loyalty Points)
- Rather than spending my way to AAdvantage Platinum Pro at the very end of the last elite status year, I figured I was better off front loading my spending at the beginning of this status year, so that the status would be valid for an additional year (qualifying through March 2027, rather than through March 2026)
So while I started the current elite year with AAdvantage Gold status, I’ve slowly been working my way through the ranks, and just had AAdvantage Platinum Pro status post to my account today.
In my opinion, I’ve been able to make the math on this work very nicely. Specifically, most of the spending has been on the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (review). The card has a quirk when it comes to authorized user rewards. On this card, the authorized user ordinarily earns the Loyalty Points for their spending, and not the primary cardmember.
The catch is that there’s a limited time (currently through the end of 2025, but it might be extended), targeted promotion, that offers the ability to double dip. For those who are targeted (and it seems to be widely targeted), both the primary cardmember and authorized user earn Loyalty Points for spending. It basically means you earn two Loyalty Points per dollar spent, just in different accounts.
Ford and I have been “double dipping” Loyalty Points, so we’ve both been working our way up the elite ranks with the same spending.
On top of that, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (review) offers 20,000 bonus Loyalty Points if you earn 90,000 Loyalty Points in a year. So since I earned over 90,000 Loyalty Points, that’s what just put me over the edge to earn AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.
I’m happy these Loyalty Points posted, because I’ve been meaning to take some review trips where oneworld Emerald status is valuable, in terms of the lounges that I can visit.
How my AAdvantage elite status strategy may evolve
Now, I did want to address a couple of additional points about how my elite status strategy may evolve, since there are still several months left in the AAdvantage elite status year.
First, I may still keep spending on American cards, because the math potentially gets even better. For example, keep in mind that with the AAdvantage Loyalty Point Rewards program, you can pick rewards at various tiers. For passing 175,000 Loyalty Points in a year, you can select 25,000 AAdvantage miles as an option.
Keep in mind that Ford and I are both earning Loyalty Points for the same spending, so that means spending an incremental $50,000 would let us earn that reward twice, for a total of 50,000 AAdvantage miles, in addition to the ones ordinarily earned for spending.
For that matter (this might be more than I can spend, but…), if passing 250,000 Loyalty Points, we could each select 60,000 AAdvantage miles. That means an incremental $75,000 would let us earn 120,000 AAdvantage miles, in addition to the ones ordinarily earned for spending. So elite status aside, this is actually a pretty compelling return on spending, if you ask me. Of course that would also help us earn Executive Platinum status, but that’s not really a primary motivation here.
One last point to address is that I’ve also covered the concept of switching from AAdvantage to Atmos Rewards. That’s still something I’m seriously considering for next year. However, when the Atmos Rewards program was launched, I was already so close to earning oneworld Emerald with American, so I didn’t want to completely ditch that and start over. Now that I have oneworld Emerald, I have some time to still decide on a strategy.
Bottom line
I just qualified for AAdvantage Platinum Pro status, which I’m very happy about, as it means I once again have oneworld Emerald status. While I had Executive Platinum status for 14 years, I just didn’t find it to be worthwhile requalifying last year, given the opportunity cost of credit card spending.
Instead, my long term goal is to just maintain the lowest tier that earns oneworld Emerald status, since that’s my main draw to this status nowadays. Fortunately thanks to a double dip Loyalty Points opportunity, I’ve actually had a reasonably easy path to qualify for status.
I can finally get back to taking those trips that I was putting off until I had oneworld Emerald again…
This is reassuring. I'm EP now for the first time ever (qualified toward the end of last year) and I can't say that it's all that different than PP was (which I enjoyed for two years prior). In fact, I think it's been "acknowledged" by FA's all of twice—albeit spectacularly so on a recent flight (pre-departure drink AND A MEAL from up front while I sat in Main Cabin!) As most have commented, upgrades are...
This is reassuring. I'm EP now for the first time ever (qualified toward the end of last year) and I can't say that it's all that different than PP was (which I enjoyed for two years prior). In fact, I think it's been "acknowledged" by FA's all of twice—albeit spectacularly so on a recent flight (pre-departure drink AND A MEAL from up front while I sat in Main Cabin!) As most have commented, upgrades are a rarity and suppose I'll live with boarding with group 2. My primary benefit is basic lounge access for international trips (my status is earned mostly by business travel), but the premium lounge access on long haul flights is nice. Slower year this year, so I'm just at Platinum now, but should hit PP by the end of the qualifying year. Either way, it's a long way from back when young, naive me thought he was a high-roller with occasional Gold just from leisure travel.
Interesting that you choose the miles instead of SWUs. With the removal of miles + copay ($375 + 25,000 = ~$750) on long haul, SWUs became even more valuable. I realize the instant upgrade prices vary, and you can sometimes moves to J for $400, but typically its going to be more in the $700+ range or even higher ($1,500+).
6 SWUs even valued at $400 are worth $2400 vs 85,000 miles worth $1,275, and...
Interesting that you choose the miles instead of SWUs. With the removal of miles + copay ($375 + 25,000 = ~$750) on long haul, SWUs became even more valuable. I realize the instant upgrade prices vary, and you can sometimes moves to J for $400, but typically its going to be more in the $700+ range or even higher ($1,500+).
6 SWUs even valued at $400 are worth $2400 vs 85,000 miles worth $1,275, and this increases dramatically when you value them at $700+ ($4200+)
Depends on your flexibly to use the SWUs when space is open vs traveling when you want to, but for those that can, its a simple choice that can make going for 250K worth it. I find using SWUs significantly easier than trying to use award space on partner airlines where you are more limited to last minute bookings or buying them ~1 year out.
I agree with the opportunity cost to put that much money on an AA credit card and I agree with the fact that the benefits make it just worth it to maintain a certain level of status that gets you the benefits that you need. This said, I think you should consider why many people are brand loyal or alliance loyal when it comes to their flights. Unless there is a stellar deal, I think...
I agree with the opportunity cost to put that much money on an AA credit card and I agree with the fact that the benefits make it just worth it to maintain a certain level of status that gets you the benefits that you need. This said, I think you should consider why many people are brand loyal or alliance loyal when it comes to their flights. Unless there is a stellar deal, I think the primary reason is because they would rather maintain some sort of status with one group as compared to flying all different airlines and having no status. I must admit even you are like this in some way because I guess you often fly AA when need to get to a starting point for a trip.
The real benefit of status is getting the baggage allowance and business class ground perks when flying in Y. An upgrade once in a blue moon or access to a slightly better lounge in a minority of airports don't really move the proverbial needle.
As an EP I don’t think status has done much for me in recent history. I only book business/first now because I rarely get upgraded. Same day flight change use to be a great benefit via the EP line but now you can only use the app which is incredibly frustrating. Often there are seats and the flight just doesn’t show up. However, I was late for a flight yesterday and the flagship first team...
As an EP I don’t think status has done much for me in recent history. I only book business/first now because I rarely get upgraded. Same day flight change use to be a great benefit via the EP line but now you can only use the app which is incredibly frustrating. Often there are seats and the flight just doesn’t show up. However, I was late for a flight yesterday and the flagship first team walked us to the front of the security line when me and P2 showed we were both EPs. Shout out to the ORD flagship staff!
Friend @Gene has a saying, want first, but first. WFBF. Status is overrated. Glad ORD took good care of you!
I earned gold, but will earn platinum after my next business trip in a few weeks.
After five months as an Executive Platinum, I realized it wasn't nearly the same status it was when I had it from 2006 - 2015. My upgrade percentage as an Executive Platinum this year was 33.3% (five out of fifteen eligible segments), I had been downgraded twice on purchased first class seats and offered insultingly low fare differences, and I received the same indifferent treatment from AAgents I would have gotten without status.
At that...
After five months as an Executive Platinum, I realized it wasn't nearly the same status it was when I had it from 2006 - 2015. My upgrade percentage as an Executive Platinum this year was 33.3% (five out of fifteen eligible segments), I had been downgraded twice on purchased first class seats and offered insultingly low fare differences, and I received the same indifferent treatment from AAgents I would have gotten without status.
At that time, I had was on the cusp of earning Platinum Pro status for 2026 and decided it wasn't worth chasing Executive Platinum again. I have flown one round trip on AA since then (and my upgrade percentage dropped to 31.6% after that), and I have purchased tickets on DL, WN, UA, and VS for the rest of the year. I am sitting at 150K LPs for this year. My only regret is giving AA as much business as I did earlier in the year.
Congrats on the Bucs win tonight against the Lions!
Horrible game
Any thoughts on United status? I have been Star Gold for 20+ years and am currently UA Platinum, coming off of UA 1k, and several years at UA GS. GS was sweet, alas the business travel slowed down. I value Star Gold and global lounge access, and can't even remember a time when I didn't have it. I had to postpone a few trips this year and will be dropping all the way to Silver. What's the best way to maintain Star Gold? And is it worth it?
wish we could have seen how many american miles you have stockpiled! alas...
@blake k
Not really our business but surprisingly low. Ben is probably sitting on 1.1 million miles along with speculative bookings that can always be cancelled.
Not sure just how much you should bank on OWE lounge access, at least for Qantas as I was just turned away from their Singapore first class faculty a few days back.
It seemed staff had a very clear directive, in writing and printed on very broad terms not to allow admittance into the lounge as I queued at opening time, 3:15pm and was denied. There was just one other person and I was...
Not sure just how much you should bank on OWE lounge access, at least for Qantas as I was just turned away from their Singapore first class faculty a few days back.
It seemed staff had a very clear directive, in writing and printed on very broad terms not to allow admittance into the lounge as I queued at opening time, 3:15pm and was denied. There was just one other person and I was informed I could only be admitted after 8pm. Didn’t check other flight times, but this timing seems to affect all ba/ cx, and most Qantas flights, as wells as the 6:45 pm Qatar flight.
I was making time until QRs lounge opened at 3:45pm and despite the lounge being empty I wasn’t allowed in.
QR lounge was very solid by the way.
Same here, Ben. Oneworld Emerald is the real prize. I was disappointed when American changed the Loyalty Point thresholds, increasing the first choice to 175K (as opposed to 125K, or when earning Platinum Pro), but I pretty much gave up on Systemwide Upgrades, after finding little confirmed availability (not fun to get stuck on a Waitlist); I feel similarly about United's PlusPoints (rarely confirmed; which, at least they are starting to allow for exchanging those...
Same here, Ben. Oneworld Emerald is the real prize. I was disappointed when American changed the Loyalty Point thresholds, increasing the first choice to 175K (as opposed to 125K, or when earning Platinum Pro), but I pretty much gave up on Systemwide Upgrades, after finding little confirmed availability (not fun to get stuck on a Waitlist); I feel similarly about United's PlusPoints (rarely confirmed; which, at least they are starting to allow for exchanging those for points). Delta's RUCs and GUCs still are confirmable for the most part well-in-advance; likewise, jetBlue's Mosaic 3 and 4, 'Move to Mint' are also legit. Basically, nice to get OW Emerald for better lounges, and with the help of the Citi Executive card's 20K bonus LPs at 50K and 90K, you can nearly get to 125K with ease (and a few business class flights a year on QR or JL.)
Very telling that the article didn’t even suggest SWUs.
Not sure I get the math though. $75k in unbonused domestic spend on a DoubleCash gets you 2x points or 150k TY points (or 1:1 AA miles if you prefer assuming you have an Elite, Premier or Prestige). So unless you value EP (enjoy that free snack box when flying domestic…) you wouldn’t think about only getting 120k AA miles (and of course that only...
Very telling that the article didn’t even suggest SWUs.
Not sure I get the math though. $75k in unbonused domestic spend on a DoubleCash gets you 2x points or 150k TY points (or 1:1 AA miles if you prefer assuming you have an Elite, Premier or Prestige). So unless you value EP (enjoy that free snack box when flying domestic…) you wouldn’t think about only getting 120k AA miles (and of course that only works for this year because of the double dip Ben described, otherwise would be 60k). And if it was bonused spend you could obviously do better than that.
This is where simplymiles, AA eshopping and AA hotels comes in of course. Makes all of these things much more achievable.
And there is that dichotomy… some who primarily spend to earn status, and others who still fly to earn status. Obviously, each program has shifted to prioritize spending, but some of us still do ‘get out there.’ I mean, to have these benefits but never use them would be kinda sad. And, outside of this hyper-engaged community, few people ever even think about status, miles, cards, etc. I know… wild stuff.
Since your review trips are 99% business class or first class flights, how does having one world emerald status get you into lounges that you wouldn’t otherwise get into already while flying business/1st?
@ Just Curious -- It gets me into first class lounges when I'm flying in a lower cabin. There are other perks to oneworld Emerald that benefit me, like priority boarding on carriers like BA/CX (which make it easier to get cabin pics), waived seat fees on BA/QR, etc.
It's nuanced. Let's say you were on an American Airlines flight departing London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 3; you're in Business Class on a 772, which doesn't have a First Class. You really want to check out the Cathay Pacific First Class lounge, which usually only allows First Class passengers on eligible oneworld itineraries. With Platinum Pro (Emerald) you can get in (if there's space).
Lucky,
If you are not AA EXP or UA GS
Are you still allowed to call yourself a “travel blogger”?
Love,
Me.
3 Star Golds (maybe 4 if you count TK but they are blacklisted by me)
1 Skyteam Elite Plus
1 OWE (QRPC Platinum)
All active
EXP isn't all that anymore. The prime benefit of PP in the past is that they did not require stickers (domestic). That's gone now.
Agreed. EXP is nothing special.
Especially not at MIA… you’d need to be a Key for them to drive you around in their buggy…
Welcome to the sweet spot in AA's loyalty program. Will be very curious to see if you actually make the move over to Atmos. Given how much I value AA Hotels (it remains completely underrated as a mileage and LP earning machine, IMO), just doesn't seem like the most feasible option for me, but I could understand how it might appeal to others. Enjoy the lounges!
Totally agree. Platinum Pro is where it's at. Also, you've inspired me to give AA Hotels a closer look (outsized value and status earning potentials there). Thank you, again, sir.
I mean, I’m not married to a travel advisor, and I appreciate the excellent benefits that one can get by using Virtuoso (likewise with FHR etc), but AA Hotels definitely has a place in the portfolio of strategies to employ.
Lucky, why not go the US jalcard route and get lifetime Emerald on oneworld after $450K spending ? https://viewfromthewing.com/the-little-known-credit-card-strategy-that-gets-you-lifetime-flagship-lounge-access-and-oneworld-elite-no-flying-required/
Thats sapphire after $450k not emerald.
Oof. That’s so much spend for relatively little return, but I guess it depends on your time horizon, and if you trust JAL not to change terms, like United did, to lifetime status… cute that David linked to Gary’s post at VFTW. Aww.
Lucky-
Thanks for this - and good strategy.
To be clear, as oneworld emerald/ AA platinum pro, can I enter the Qantas LAX F Lounge on a domestic AA ticket, or does it have to be an AA international ticket (I'm flying LAX-DCA). Please advise.
Thanks and congrats.
@ Jason -- It needs to be international, and only in select regions. If you earned oneworld Emerald status through a non-US program, you could access it domestically. You can read more about oneworld lounge access policies here:
https://onemileatatime.com/guides/oneworld-lounge-access/
@ Ben --> That being the case, wouldn't you be better off going for OWE status with a foreign carrier than AA or AS?
Presented in the FWIW category: From January through mid-September, I was MVP Gold/ATMOS Gold on AS (oneworld Sapphire); mid-September, I qualified as MVP Gold 74k/ATMOS Platinum (oneworld Emerald). So far this year, I have been upgraded to F on AS on 10 out of 25 flights, or 40% of the time. Clearly, this is a matter of YMMV but...