eVIP Help needed for soon-to-be 2MM member

[REBushnell]

I will be passing the 2MM mark soon. From reading the info in the sticky, I think I will get 4 eVIPs. Is this the case even though I'm a Plat? Since I've never had eVIPs before, I'm trying to understand the best way to use them. I would appreciate any comments or tips from all the eVIP gurus.

I would most likely use them for International travel.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[alien]

Yes, you get the four. For information, start here:
http://flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Upgrades_%28AA%29
It includes a link to "SWU International Destinations".

Good luck in completing the 2MM.

[dayone]

Congratulations on passing 2MM.

[pauleeepaul]

If you pass 2MM in 2009 the VIPs will expire in Feb 2011, whereas if you pass 2MM in 2010 they will expire in Feb 2012. To the extent you don't need the upgrades immediately and can defer the crossing of the 2MM milestone to early next year they will have 12 months of additional useful life.

[onobond]

Originally Posted by pauleeepaul

If you pass 2MM in 2009 the VIPs will expire in Feb 2011, whereas if you pass 2MM in 2010 they will expire in Feb 2012. To the extent you don't need the upgrades immediately and can defer the crossing of the 2MM milestone to early next year they will have 12 months of additional useful life.

Never saw any reason to delay the receipt of SWUs (former eVIPs), and do not see the logic behind waiting from now - SWUs valid 18-19 months - and turning 2MM in Jan/Feb 2010, validity 24 months. Where do these extra 12 months appear?

[pauleeepaul]

Originally Posted by onobond

Never saw any reason to delay the receipt of SWUs (former eVIPs), and do not see the logic behind waiting from now - SWUs valid 18-19 months - and turning 2MM in Jan/Feb 2010, validity 24 months. Where do these extra 12 months appear?

If you pass >1 MM in Jan of the succeeding year vs Dec of the preceeding year there is a ~12 month differential in expiration. As stated if you know you will be using them soon- not to worry. With EXP, MM, and other various bestowment of eVIPs- and travel patterns- sometimes I have to worry about this sort of thing. YMMV.

[dayone]

If delayed, there is always the (very slight) event risk that the program might change.

[mvoight]

Originally Posted by REBushnell

I will be passing the 2MM mark soon. From reading the info in the sticky, I think I will get 4 eVIPs. Is this the case even though I'm a Plat? Since I've never had eVIPs before, I'm trying to understand the best way to use them. I would appreciate any comments or tips from all the eVIP gurus.

I would most likely use them for International travel.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

IMHO, the best way to use them is for international trips, especially when you book on ALL flights that have the availability when you book.

[onobond]

Originally Posted by REBushnell

I will be passing the 2MM mark soon. From reading the info in the sticky, I think I will get 4 eVIPs. Is this the case even though I'm a Plat? Since I've never had eVIPs before, I'm trying to understand the best way to use them. I would appreciate any comments or tips from all the eVIP gurus.

I would most likely use them for International travel.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Originally Posted by pauleeepaul

If you pass >1 MM in Jan of the succeeding year vs Dec of the preceeding year there is a ~12 month differential in expiration. As stated if you know you will be using them soon- not to worry. With EXP, MM, and other various bestowment of eVIPs- and travel patterns- sometimes I have to worry about this sort of thing. YMMV.

OP seems to pass 2MM soon - presumably in a month, i.e. mid-year. He does not imply having the choice to postpone flights taking him over 2MM level until Jan 2010, which would have meant 6 more months before expiration of SWUs, but also less upgrade chances for half a year.

Life is full of compromises.

[pauleeepaul]

Originally Posted by onobond

Life is full of compromises.

Agreed! But- every time I tell my wife this she backhands me with a frying pan...

[brp]

Originally Posted by pauleeepaul

Agreed! But- every time I tell my wife this she backhands me with a frying pan...

So, compromise: do what she tells you and no one gets hurt.

Cheers.

[REBushnell]

Thanks for all the info. My compromise is where we'll go with the 4 eVIPS. I'm pushing for Buenos Aires, one of my favorite places.

I'd hold off on passing the 2MM mark if I could, but I'll be at the 2MM mark by mid-July. Next time, though, I'l keep in mind the EOY timeframe.

[gemac]

Originally Posted by REBushnell

Thanks for all the info. My compromise is where we'll go with the 4 eVIPS. I'm pushing for Buenos Aires, one of my favorite places.

I'd hold off on passing the 2MM mark if I could, but I'll be at the 2MM mark by mid-July. Next time, though, I'l keep in mind the EOY timeframe.

You will still have until Feb. 28, 2011 to use them. Only enough for one round trip for the two of you. If you can't schedule one international trip in 19 1/2 months, you aren't trying very hard, so having them expire unused shouldn't be a problem.

Before we can comment on Buenos Aires, we have to know where she is pushing for.

[benzguy80]

Originally Posted by pauleeepaul

Agreed! But- every time I tell my wife this she backhands me with a frying pan...

if you can't get her to quit this behavior, compromise by learning to duck fast

[onobond]

Originally Posted by benzguy80

if you can't get her to quit this behavior, compromise by learning to duck fast

When you got that skill, test it outside your home first. Apply for hunting party of Ex-VP.