Guide To American AAdvantage Executive Platinum Status

FWIW as a data point, I earned ~450k loyalty points last year and am DFW based, and I probably get upgraded 60% of the time. I regularly find myself #1 or 2 on the waitlist without getting upgraded, because they have gotten so good at selling premium seats (and/or I’m on premium-heavy routes like NYC or ORD).

A few weeks ago I got upgraded at 100 hours for the first time ever- early morning flight to a non-hub lol

The days of being someone special as an EXP are well over. What I find the EXP desk is great when you have a viable alternative lined up. Never any hesitation about honoring my request. The ACs are a different story. But the day of an agent exhausting themselves to find you the most optimal alternative are as gone as the "princess phone."

MCE is great particularly for domestic PE sold as MCE and exit rows on the A321. International lounge admittance ditto.

Complimentary upgrades you on average can expect 40% to 60% if you're not willing to pay for them. Large hubs are tough, particularly now that deadheading pilots jump to the front of the que.

I do find that AA FA's do recognize and thank EXPs when they take your drink order - whether if in F or Y. UA does too for 1K - the FA's go through a rehearsed speech (almost too long) when they approach your seat for drink order.

Putting upgrades to the side, Platinum Pro is just fine for all of the One World Emerald benefits.

Not that it matters, but I haven't been "recognized" as an EP by a FA in at least a year of pretty heavy flying. It used to happen all the time, especially in Y. These days, it's about 50/50 whether they proactively offer a comp snack in Y.

Ben, what about the ability to book backup itineraries?

this is probably one of the most unsung benefits of EP. also think that only EP can get easily rebooked on UA in IRROPS

I've been told that's no longer allowed even for EXP. Some of the older AC staff members will still back you up but that number is limited.

I'm based our of Seattle, so fly on Alaska fairly regularly and tend to get upgraded more on Alaska than on American. Which is kinda funny. I enjoy having the reciprocal benefits.

The only guidance you need is to avoid flying AA unless they are the only viable option to get from point A to B. Let’s breakdown how watered down being an EXP really is:

- Fighting for nonexistent upgrades when AA pilots will be the first to enjoy them

- Continue to fight for upgrades with poser EXP’s who gain status by buying eggs and milk

- Continue to be treated as an annoyance by a large percentage of AA frontline staff who treat everyone from CK’s to the passenger in 35B on a basic economy fare the EXACT same way.

So, you have to ask yourself why would one want to commit the time & energy to gain status with an airline: whose product offering is at the bottom of US full service carriers, a meager route map and sour frontline staff when there are far better choices out there.

but with the minimum 1300 mile for snacks available on board, more often than not, this benefit is useless and one way for AA to cut costs.

Long Time Exec Platinum.

American can learn a great deal from Alaska in several areas. I just flew on Alaska yesterday. What great airline to fly easy upgrade compared to American.

The other terrible thing that American does they don't lock in the upgrades at a certain point of time like America West & USAir did. The upgrade list should be locked at when they post at 4 hours before. I cannot tell you how many times I have gone from 1 or 2- 3 hours before the flight and in the last hour move down the list and not get the upgrade. Once I went from #1 to #6 within an hour.

Lastly Admirals Club could learn a great deal from Alaska Club what a difference. The quality and selection of food, snacks and drinks puts Admirals club to shame.

As an EP with over 400K loyalty points in 2024, I am also annoyed that I receive offers to pay for an upgrade within 24 hours of the flight. Clearly, the seats area available. What happened to 100 hours? American has run the numbers and concluded that they can afford to lose EP's. On the other hand, last year I was able to book one way mileage flights with Oneworld around the world in first and business for 2 people. It was tricky but I think that's harder to do with other carriers.

As an exec Platinum I am not used to having to wait an hour on hold. Getting to be kind of silly to work hard for status and remain loyal to one airline when they aren't really loyal to us!