I recall seeing mention anywhere I've seen the 2 for 1 benefit advertised that one or neither tickets may earn mileage nor be eligible for upgrades etc. I didn't know they did 2 for 1 for coach, I thought it was just business! Invariably I find I can do better than 2 for 1 purchasing tix outright. I've ALWAYS been able to beat their price.
No you cant do better than these. The deal actually works out. You have to pay the tax on both tickets but you actually save some real $$$. The tickets are not inflated to compensate for the free ticket. I priced everything out in advance. For example a $300.00 fare may turn out as 400.00 or so for two tickets (savings of $200.00) or more. This is just one example. Some people have done much better even going to HI with the program.
I've seen the description of the Amex plat travel services, and I have to say that, as an AA elite who rarely purchases premium class tickets, it doesn't offer much. I think the real benefits of the program are for at your destination, including hotel rooms, shows, restaurant reservations, etc.
The 2-1 program is a seperate entity from the Plat travel services. I did nto want to confuse things. However I had some issues with them booking a Penthouse at Bellagio last year.
The Domestic program is next to useless......not only it MUST be purchased in Y, the 2-for-1 usually end up being about $50-$100 MAX cheaper than buying directly from AA.com. To Hawaii, the fares have to be a minimum of a ridiculous $600+ from CA......
However, the international program is OK....I got some really good deals on CI and CX (in the past)......
On the thread over at the AMEX board people have seen some good discounts. I ended up saving close to $275.00 this way. I would not have bothered if it was a small deal. If you fly alot and don't mind about mileage upgrades it can make a case for paying the $450.00 fee for the card. Considering the perks on other AMEX cards this is actually not a bad deal...My complaint is more with communication with AA.
Will my elite status still be honored by the airline (i.e., accelerated mileage, free upgrades, priority line, etc.)?
While we are not able to confirm or book upgrades or ensure frequent flier mile accrual, in most cases, the airlines will honor upgrades and provide mileage accruals just as if you had booked through any other provider. For example, if you have elite status on an airline and have upgrades available in your account, the airline will likely honor your upgrades. However, we cannot guarantee upgrades and frequent flyer miles accruals on any bookings made with this program. Please contact the airline with any specific questions or concerns.
Programs: AA Ex Plt, 1.6MM, BMI Diamond, HH Diamond, SPG Plt
Posts: 5,689
Quote:
Originally Posted by robertw477
Fare code was S class and you would never know under normal means that these could not be upgraded. And it never ceased to amaze me tha people on flyertalk know more than the airlines themselves when it comes to many of these questions or issues. I am sure somebody here was able to use miles to upgrade especially with the fare code showing S class.
You can upgrade an "S" fare with miles. Did the agent state "none available" or that a mileage upgrade w/this ticket was not an option with this fare bucket.
I used this fare last week and we upgraded with stickers. The other
interesting point is I asked to include my daughter's FF# and they told
me she would not get points, but she did so be sure to include it. The tickets
did reflect my plat. status and the sticker upgrade came through with out
a hitch. I haven't tried the mileage upgrade with this type of fare but for
us it saved about $200.00. Of course the Plat. card cost $400, I'll have
to use it again befor year end to break even.
20k bonus miles upfront and potential for 20k more over the next 2 years is the big deal. All our spending already goes into my account and I'm the only one with AA cards. So if she can open a couple and I can get a bunch of extra bonus miles that would be nice (working on 1MM).
I'll be the guinea pig and will report back what happens.
Well, I tried it and it worked for me. YMMV but it's worth a shot if you're looking to a hit a milestone. I'm working on 1MM lifetime so I'm trying to get all the bonus miles I can.
Also, FWIW, I got the 20k for opening a new card in my name, my AA account and a couple days later I got the bonus from my wife's card in her name with my AA account.
Has anyone upgraded from the Citi Gold MC to Citi Plat MC?
Here's an obscure scenario that I'm sure someone else may have attempted:
I'm about to book four tickets using Citi's reduced mileage awards. I currently us a Citi Gold MC which gives me a 5000K discount on flughts to YUL, however I see that Plat card holders get a 7500 mile discounts. If I upgrade to the Plat card, I'll save 10K over the next few weeks.
Has anyone ever upgraded from Citi MC Gold to Citi MC Plat? If so, how long does it take for the AA office to recognize it? I need to book soon...
Aside from the further reduced mileage awards (i.e. 5000 vs 7500) are there any other significant benefits?
I remember getting an offer in the mail to upgrade but discarded it a while ago...is there an online site that facilitates upgrades?
They keep trying to push me into an upgrade however I would be more inclined to go for the bonus miles by opening up a second credit card instead. If you really wanted to "upgrade" to Citi platinum then the annual fee also increases, the offers they gave me were along the lines of a companion ticket which I do not give any value to YMMV. Try calling to see if you accept their offer to upgrade how long would it take for you to obtain the card.
