American Airlines Changes Executive Platinum Boarding Priority

My husband and I are currently having heated email discussions with AA Customer Support over their advertised "privileges" that are supposed to come with the AADVANTAGE Platinum Select Card, versus the reality of trying to use those benefits. The card (which AA is hawking relentlessly on its flights and airport areas) clearly states that having the card entitles the cardholder to "Group 1 Boarding Privileges" and "First Bag Checked Free". During a recent trip east for Christmas 2015, we were not able to board with Group 1 on any flight, nor were we able to get our first bag checked for free. We tried checking in first using a kiosk, and then going through a human rep at the check in counter. Neither method got us the supposed privileges. Both times we were told that the gate agent would let us in with Group 1 (our boarding passes were issued with Group 3 on our first attempt, Group 4 on the second). And even though, on our second attempt to invoke the boarding and bag check privilege, I had the name of an AA desk manager (with phone extension) to offer in case we were denied Group 1 boarding, the gate agents still told us we weren't able to board with Group 1. (The gate agents told us we'd have to board with Group 2). Normally we fly Business or First Class, but on this trip (over Christmas) those sections were full, so it was our first time using the card to invoke the so-called privileges. Not only were those privileges not forthcoming, but the experience of arguing and being turned away by the gate agents was unpleasant in the extreme. I can't fathom how AA continues selling its AAdvantagePlatinum Select Cards on the basis of promises that are not kept in practice. Going forward, not only will we not be eager to fly AA using its credit card, but we will now also avoid it whenever possible for future Business and First Class travel. I realize it seems somewhat petty to complain about group boarding matters, but these particular flights were so crowded that boarding with an earlier group meant a difference in terms of whether or not one ended up struggling to find space overhead for carry Ons. I was told that the Group 1 boarding privilege and free bag check was supposed to be invoked automatically when we used the card at checkin. In our case, it did not work, and AA Customer Service couldn't seem to care less. Evidently they're too busy hawking AAdvantage Platinum Select cards to notice that the benefits aren't working as advertised.

Wow, laughing out loud at some of these pretentious comments filled with entitlement. I don't travel for work anymore except a few times a year and then vacation 4 or so times, so am not elite at all. I always fly first though whether for business or pleasure and just choose whoever the cheapest airline is, the cost is worth it to me. Anyway, I've noticed the chaos the past few years though increasing. FIRST is always FIRST, but you have 10-20 guys in power suits crowding the boarding line, anxiously pacing, grunting, and blocking the first class and other passengers from the jet way. Jabbing away on cellphones, running other people over. I'm incredibly glad I don't have to deal with this anymore on a weekly basis. Get over yourselves. Even when I was one of you, I didn't act like one.

The issue is NOT that an execplat doesn't get to board 2 mins earlier withe 1st class, it's that boarding with ALL the platinum a means there is a huge crowd AND bag space starts to get tight. As an execplat I shouldn't have to fight to get on and get bag space

Well it matters to me. As an EXP, my upgrade % has not been that high this year, so it makes a difference. I am on typical business flights (Monday morning, Thursday early evening) where there are dozens of EXPs and Plats in coach, all sitting in the front Main Cabin Extra area. When EXPs board with Plats, there have been times when the Main Cabin Extra area runs out of luggage room, meaning you have to store your carry-on 5 rows back. It's a seemingly minor inconvenience but actually a big annoyance to have to wait after you land to swim upstream to get your luggage. Come on AA, throw us a bone - what's the cost to you to just announce Platinums AFTER EXPs? It's no cost to AA but a major annoyance to their most loyal customers. We already missed the upgrade by a lot, now you want to rub salt in the wound? I'm puzzled just like Ben. AA, why not take the opportunity to differentiate the flying experience for your best customers? Now the only in-person airport/flying difference for an EXP from a Plat is that we get an extra snack (which can be a measly brownie or nut mix on flights shorter than 3 hours).

I am happy with either program as an EXP if they would follow it. About 75% of my flights so far this year, they have not "policed" the boarding and only had one boarding lane open. I have had Group 1 and 2's board in front of me even thought I started heading to the line in advance of calling EXPs. When they are only one line open, it is hard to get to the front and people just glare at you...very annoying. My upgrade percentage is only 60% this year...it was 80% last year, so early boarding is more important to me this year.