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For most OneWorld flyers in the US, they’re selecting between Alaska’s Atmos Rewards and American AAdvantage. This year, I’ve been flying both Alaska and American a bunch, and having Malaysia Airlines Platinum (OneWorld Emerald) has made it super easy! In fact, for my travel plans, I’d argue that it’s far more worth it than either of the aforementioned statuses.
Firstly, earning status on MH is really easy.
They have a distance-based award chart, meaning that as long as you’re flying on a fare that earns miles, it doesn’t matter how much you spent on your ticket, you’re earning the same number of elite points.
For me, someone who doesn’t travel much in premium cabins, even long-haul economy flights over 5,500 miles earn 10 elite points, and you only need 70 for OneWorld Sapphire. Therefore, someone who flies even semi-regularly — four long-haul round-trips a year, or once a month between LA and New York — can reach a meaningful status tier without spending a fortune on fares.
Secondly, you get almost all the same OneWorld perks.
All the same ground perks you’d have with AA or AS status are also included with partner status: priority check-in, priority boarding, seat selection, etc. In fact, as a OneWorld Emerald, I was even able to select Main Cabin Extra seats 24 hours before departure at no charge.
Thirdly, you get lounge access at no additional cost.
Frankly, maybe I have a different mindset than most, but I can’t conceive how airline lounges are worth the crazy prices airlines are charging. $550 a year for access to one airline group’s lounges is nuts.
In addition, where available, you also get to access higher tier and international lounges. Having access to the AA Flagship Lounges where available is always a treat, and in LAX, Terminal 4 is a quick walk from the Qantas and OneWorld Business Lounges for international travelers.
As a cherry on top, American extends their lounge policy of being able to access lounges after arrival to OneWorld elites. Meaning, if I’m flying from SFO to LAX, I can access both the Alaska Lounge and Admirals Club at SFO, and then access the Flagship Lounge at LAX after landing, which is such a great deal.
Fourthly, the lack of upgrades — not a downgrade in my opinion.
The one downside of not having AS or AA status (as published) is the lack of space-available upgrades, which they don’t extend to OneWorld partners. However, it seems airlines are trying more and more to monetize their seats over giving them away, and from my experience, on the rare occasions where flights are oversold and someone has to be upgraded, OneWorld elites are still kept in mind.
I’ve received Premium Class upgrades several times on Alaska, and even a First upgrade a couple of times, when they needed the economy seat. Alaska assigns Saver Fare seats two hours before departure, so they’d rather move you up and keep saver fare passengers in the back.
Lastly, the Platinum Companion benefit.
This is the most underrated perk. If you fly enough to earn Enrich Platinum, you can nominate a spouse or child to receive OneWorld Emerald status too, which is more or less a two-for-one. I know no other airline that makes it this easy to earn, and if you pay for business or first, it is very doable to achieve.
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.