Questions and Answers

Hi Lucky and all,

I’m currently Plat with AA with about 75k EQMs. I was wondering if i should continue pursuing EXP, once the changes come into effect, in august 1st.

I know RQMs will be changing so i wont be able to earn as many, but that’s not what i’m aiming for necessarily. I’m aiming to get EXP for the 4 SWU’s as well as OW emerald. I can plan out 2 more LAX-PTY RTs by the end of 2016 to get the remaining 40k EQM’s for about $1,800.

Am I understanding the new AA changes correctly? EQM’s will not change and EQD’d will not go into effect until 2017?

Yes. So the membership from this years activity( 2016 for membership year 2017) is earned under the current system. I was in the same boat as you and only needed one of the LAX-PTY mileage runs. (It seems that most of the premium traffic on that route is mileage runners). For me it was worth the 800. Next year I have a trip to Hong Kong planned as well as a trip with the wife to Europe and possibly more. I don’t intend on getting Exec Plat for 2018 but that’s okay. The 4 system wide upgrades and the access to the first class lounges in Hong Kong were totally worth it to me. So if you plan on traveling internationally in 2017 could be worth it.

[QUOTE=”Charles S., post: 18156, member: 1993″]Yes. So the membership from this years activity( 2016 for membership year 2017) is earned under the current system. I was in the same boat as you and only needed one of the LAX-PTY mileage runs. (It seems that most of the premium traffic on that route is mileage runners). For me it was worth the 800. Next year I have a trip to Hong Kong planned as well as a trip with the wife to Europe and possibly more. I don’t intend on getting Exec Plat for 2018 but that’s okay. The 4 system wide upgrades and the access to the first class lounges in Hong Kong were totally worth it to me. So if you plan on traveling internationally in 2017 could be worth it.[/QUOTE]

Thank Charles, I suspect ill be traveling LAX- PVG/HKG/PEK at least once with a companion so I was hoping to upgrade those 10-13hr legs of the flights. to me i’d say mostly worth it, along with the oneworld Emerald lounge access. I mean come on, Cathay lounges in HKG are pretty ridiculous.