American Airlines has just launched AAdvantage Pass, which offers perks in exchange for a fee. I think it’s perfectly fine for the airline to offer this, though I also can’t make the math work, so I question how much interest there will be…
In this post:
American’s new AAdvantage Pass membership details
American is launching AAdvantage Pass, which can be purchased for $5,000. Those who take advantage of this receive the following perks:
- Instant entry-level AAdvantage Gold status
- 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles
- 15,000 bonus Loyalty Points
People can purchase AAdvantage Pass for themselves or others, and it’s described as “a great way to elevate travel for yourself or someone else ahead of the busy holiday season.” This new feature is expected to be live on American’s website in the coming hours, though it’s not yet published as of the time of this post (though American has shared these details with me).
I can’t imagine there will be much interest for this
I don’t have any issues with American selling the AAdvantage Pass, though this also seems to fit into the “why bother” category, as I see it:
- I value AAdvantage miles at 1.5 cents each, so to me, the 100K bonus miles are worth around $1,500
- That means you’re paying around $3,500 for the AAdvantage Gold status plus 15,000 Loyalty Points
$3,500 is a lot to spend on AAdvantage Gold status and some bonus Loyalty Points. So without additional perks being bundled, I just don’t see this being very popular. It’s really hard to make the math on this work, and you’d be better off spending those thousands of dollars on the perks that AAdvantage Gold might otherwise get you, like just outright booking first class, buying a lounge membership, etc.
Ultimately the perks of AAdvantage Gold status over just having a basic co-branded credit card are fairly limited for most travelers, if you ask me.
Bottom line
American has launched the new AAdvantage Pass program, whereby you can spend $5,000 to receive AAdvantage Gold status, 100,000 bonus miles, and 15,000 bonus Loyalty Points. I can’t imagine this will generate much interest, and I tend to think this fits into the “why bother” category. But hey, maybe others feel differently?
What do you make of AAdvantage Pass?
You must consider the *value* of the benefits of Gold status. Such as tier status based upgrades you will receive. Priority check-in. Checked bags. Priority security. Priority boarding. What's the matter with you people?
Would it help people get closer to platinum, because then the multiplier kicks in from the start rather than only once you reach gold? I wonder if the math works for a one time push to reach platinum from nothing. But that's the only scenario I can think of.
Not to mention, Platinum hardly does much anyway. If anything, Platinum Pro is where things get a little interesting with OW Emerald, access to better lounges, etc. Otherwise, what’s even the point of Gold or Platinum, than, free checked bag, because there’s little hope of complimentary upgrades, unless you’re flying LGA-AVL E170 on a Thursday evening, and at that rate, sheesh, isn’t 2-2 in Economy enough already? You’re not even getting a meal on that...
Not to mention, Platinum hardly does much anyway. If anything, Platinum Pro is where things get a little interesting with OW Emerald, access to better lounges, etc. Otherwise, what’s even the point of Gold or Platinum, than, free checked bag, because there’s little hope of complimentary upgrades, unless you’re flying LGA-AVL E170 on a Thursday evening, and at that rate, sheesh, isn’t 2-2 in Economy enough already? You’re not even getting a meal on that 1.5-2 hour flight.
some people enjoy wasting money
For real, dawg.
So many better ways to blow $5,000… and AA’s offer ‘likely’ doesn’t ensure a climax.
Like, at that rate, at least make sure the people you’re screwing can ‘finish.’ Sheesh.
Total garbage for suckers.
Total suck for garbagers, too.
Competitive price is $2K = $1500 for 100K miles and $500 for Gold status.
Gold? Psh.
Wait. Does this mean AA is going bankrupt?
Feels like something a struggling company would do. (‘Please, if you’re dumb, pay us a lot for nothing, quick!’)
They are losing money
I'm with you. I wouldn't even go $3500, as I expect devaluation (as with all carriers) by the time I could use it.