Can't Believe It Again: Ppl using Citi Plat Cards to Board as Plat
I can't believe how many times I've seen this happen. At least 3x last year.
Waiting to board a packed flight at major hub as AA Plt.
Stand by Priority Access area as First Class boards. GA calls for Plat members and (usually older) gentleman pushes through to the front. GA looks at BP and asks man to go back as he is Group 4. He protests and states he is most definitely platinum and proudly shows Citi AA Plat card to prove it. GA tries to explain that card means nothing. 1-2 minutes wasted as man tries to convince GA and realt PLT line up behind him.
I can't believe how many times I've seen this happen. At least 3x last year.
Waiting to board a packed flight at major hub as AA Plt.
Stand by Priority Access area as First Class boards. GA calls for Plat members and (usually older) gentleman pushes through to the front. GA looks at BP and asks man to go back as he is Group 4. He protests and states he is most definitely platinum and proudly shows Citi AA Plat card to prove it. GA tries to explain that card means nothing. 1-2 minutes wasted as man tries to convince GA and realt PLT line up behind him.
AA has so many marketing terms that for the non-FlyerTalk passenger it becomes confusing. AA isn't Apple. AA is a company that offers a standardized product.
I guess we need to start holding hands when we board the plane, because looking at your boarding pass is just waaaaaaaay too complicated.
And I lol'd reading your little story. I think we all have had some experience or another where someone insisted on boarding when they were not supposed to and it ending in a very publicly humiliating way.
I will even admit I made the mistake when flying some super-cheap airline that shall remain nameless (it rhymes with Shmallegiant Shmairlines) since their boarding process/pecking order is about as logical as *insert your favorite metaphor*.
Every airline's boarding procedure can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with it.
If a guy has an 'AA platinum (credit) card' and the GA calls for 'platinum members' to board, it seems like an understandable error for him to try and board.
I pull that stunt all the time. My card is now expired but still use it. I once got into the lounge with it. I am AAgold but I'll usually whip out the Ciricard first
When I was in Denver I had a lady run up to the precheck line without a boarding pass and try to get through. Apparently she thought it meant you could go through this line before you checked in (ie precheck).
I have to say that this was the most patient TSA lady I have ever seen. Actual quote:
"Maam, I can't let you through here without a boarding pass"
"But you are going to make me laaaaaaatttteeeeeee"
AA has so many marketing terms that for the non-FlyerTalk passenger it becomes confusing. AA isn't Apple. AA is a company that offers a standardized product.
I agree here. I think the problem lies with AA. Really doesn't sound like a scammer. Just someone who has fallen prey to a confusing marketing scheme. Gee, let's label the card level the same as our elite level. That won't confuse anyone
I still don't see how people can get the Platinum elite status and Platinum credit card confused.
If anyone has a Citi AA credit card, then that must mean they are interested or fly enough on AA to the point they should be familiar with the elite status levels and the boarding process, because why would you ever get an airline co-branded card if you are completely unfamiliar with the airline?
I still don't see how people can get the Platinum elite status and Platinum credit card confused.
If anyone has a Citi AA credit card, then that must mean they are interested or fly enough on AA to the point they should be familiar with the elite status levels and the boarding process, because why would you ever get an airline co-branded card if you are completely unfamiliar with the airline?
Why? Because people want to accumulate miles from their credit card to use for awards. As such, I would guess that most people with AA credit cards know very little about the status program. And I would also guess that that even includes people who have some status with AA.
Why? Because people want to accumulate miles from their credit card to use for awards. As such, I would guess that most people with AA credit cards know very little about the status program. And I would also guess that that even includes people who have some status with AA.
Cheers.
truth,
I know people who think they have AA gold status due to their possession of the AA Citi Gold credit card.
I still don't see how people can get the Platinum elite status and Platinum credit card confused.
If anyone has a Citi AA credit card, then that must mean they are interested or fly enough on AA to the point they should be familiar with the elite status levels and the boarding process, because why would you ever get an airline co-branded card if you are completely unfamiliar with the airline?
The real world is full of people who don't pay attention, and things that don't make sense (such as similes, which are like metaphors, which are something else entirely).
I still don't see how people can get the Platinum elite status and Platinum credit card confused.
If anyone has a Citi AA credit card, then that must mean they are interested or fly enough on AA to the point they should be familiar with the elite status levels and the boarding process, because why would you ever get an airline co-branded card if you are completely unfamiliar with the airline?
I don't know, I would argue that these cards are actually most attractive to kettles. If you look at the benefits, they offer little for those with status, but are a big step up for those with no status who fly 2-3 flights per year.
