I’ve been a loyal American Airlines flyer for some time. And to be fair, it isn’t necessarily that I love the airline, although I don’t have a ton of major complaints. The real reason is that I live near a very small airport that is only served by three airlines (American, Delta, and United), and of the three, American’s routes are generally more convenient for me. Plus, American maintains a hub in Charlotte, which is the closest major airport to my home.
Because I typically fly American, I have held elite status with the AAdvantage frequent flyer program for several years, although I never flew quite often enough to make it to the higher tiers. That is, until a rather recent change allowed for spending on a cobranded American Airlines credit card to be considered for status qualification.
In 2023, I (just barely) reached the highest tier in the AAdvantage program — Executive Platinum. While many of the benefits are the same as I received as a Gold or Platinum member in previous years, such as free checked bags, there are some of the higher-tier perks that I’ve found particularly valuable for my travel experience and personal finances.
Complimentary upgrades (that I actually get)
As a Gold elite previously, complimentary upgrades to business or first class were technically a perk. But except when I was flying during the pandemic (and planes were regularly half-full), it was rare to actually get an upgrade.
As an Executive Platinum member, I don’t get an upgrade on every flight, but it’s a noticeable difference. Unless I’m traveling on a very business-heavy route, I have a great chance of scoring an upgrade. Plus, Executive Platinum travelers have a 100-hour upgrade window, meaning that I can (and have) receive an email confirming my upgrade more than four days before I depart.
Another big perk is that Executive Platinum members are the only customers who are eligible for complimentary upgrades on award tickets (tickets purchased with miles). In other words, I can book a main cabin ticket with as few miles as possible and go to the top of the upgrade list to sit in business or first class.
Plus, I can choose a Main Cabin Extra seat at the time of booking (American’s premium economy product) at no extra charge, so even if I don’t get upgraded, I have more legroom and a better location than the typical main cabin seat.
Easier to re-earn status
This isn’t unique to American, but the easiest way to re-earn status for future years is to already have status with the airline.
This might sound confusing, so let me explain. American Airlines gives miles and loyalty points — the elite-earning ones — based on spending for flights. Base members earn 5 miles (and loyalty points) per $1 spent on eligible flights. But members with AAdvantage elite status earn more. As an Executive Platinum member, I earn 11 miles per $1 spent, or 120% more than base members. This makes it far easier to maintain my status level next year.
Think of it this way. It takes 200,000 loyalty points to earn Executive Platinum status. If a base member wanted to earn it from flying alone, they would need to spend $40,000 on flights. If an Executive Platinum member wanted to re-earn the status solely from flying, they would need to spend $18,182 for the same outcome.
To be sure, most people (myself included) earn elite status through a combination of moves, such as credit card spending and shopping through the AAdvantage eShopping portal, in addition to flying. But this bonus certainly makes it easier.
Dedicated service desk
Last but certainly not least, Executive Platinum members have a dedicated customer service desk. In my experience so far, it has much shorter wait times and is staffed by much more knowledgeable representatives than the standard customer service desk. This saves me time if I need help.
Some benefits aren’t as big of a deal to me
There are some perks of Executive Platinum status that I don’t find particularly valuable. For example, I can bring as many as three free checked bags — but I almost never bring more than one (and if I can help it, I just bring a carry-on). There are also free beverages and food items when traveling in the main cabin, but I don’t take advantage of this perk most of the time. Plus, there is complimentary oneworld Emerald status, but the benefits are mainly for international flights, which I rarely take.
Having said that, I completely understand that AAdvantage elite status (and the programs of other major airlines) are designed to have benefits that appeal to a variety of travelers. But for me, these three benefits are the biggest difference-makers versus American’s three other status tiers, and they make me want to continue flying and spending with the airline.
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