Nowadays American AAdvantage has the Loyalty Points system for status qualification. Your elite status is exclusively based on how many Loyalty Points you rack up. Not only can you earn Loyalty Points through flying, but you can also earn them through all kinds of other activities, from using shopping portals to credit card spending.
Continue reading: American AAdvantage Loyalty Point Rewards: Which Perks To Pick
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
A few years back, got burned by System Wide Upgrades, so I cannot recommend SWUs, and instead have gone with the points offerings (plus the AA credit card bonuses).
I wish SWUs were as good as Delta Global Upgrade Certificates (usually confirmable in-advance, even for long-haul J), but unfortunately, they're more like United PlusPoints (rarely confirmed in-advance, often dying on the Waitlist.)
For the past several years, SWUs have always seemed to be a bad bet. Choosing points is a smart move.
I go for the trip credit or maybe miles. The SWU are becoming harder to use. I was actually able to use one at booking on a JFK/SFO flight on the 321T but that's a rarity to be able to use at booking.
I picked the SWUs and I regret it. They're completely useless. Ben, maybe you need to do a post about how to use them properly? Because if there is a way to make them useful I'm missing it.
Hi Ben, Could you please clarify what reward you value? In the main article (ie, 175k points) you say that you find the Systemwide Upgrades to have the most value, but at the end you state your preference would be for miles. Thanks
This is a timely post! Have two awards (175k and 250k) to pick by the end of the month. I have picked systemwide upgrades in the past but have not used successfully. Looked for international flights later this year- saw one flight from Germany to the US right before Christmas, that's it. Even for transcontinental travel (East coast to West) there is nothing available. I think miles are the way to go, now. It's a shame that this reward for AA's best customers is so hard to use.
As an Executive Platinum with AA for the last several years, that was earned by flying and credit card spend, I am switching back to my Amex Platinum for credit card spend. While I have been upgraded on most of my domestic flights, I am tired of waiting to get to the gate to find out. They are not loyal with their new policies, and I am no longer going to be loyal. I have a flight scheduled in 48 hours, there are 7 of the 12 first class seats available, and I once again have not gotten upgraded yet. Because I do most of my domestic travel from a smaller airport, I can probably get upgraded until next March 1, even if I do not spend on my card. At least with Amex, I can transfer to other airlines programs for more flexibility. I made the same decision with United being Premium Platinum this year after cashing in my miles for an international trip this summer. There really is no loyalty anymore with the airlines.
Avis President’s Club status
World of Hyatt Discoverist status
Avis President's Club status is of value, but World of Hyatt Discoverist status isn't of value. Odd one is the highest status and one is the lowest status.
250,000, choose two...
"20,000 bonus miles, or 30,000 bonus miles for AAdvantage credit card members"
60,000 bonus miles is conservatively valued at over $1,000.
Certainly will be interesting to see how the progream progresses in the next few years. The sweet spots cannot last forever.