GoPhils

Was only within 6 hrs, but even US had it for Silvers...

dickinson

When I called AA today, the representative answered "Platinum Pro Desk". I asked if there was really a desk for Platinum Pros and she said that she is with a staff that only serves elites, and, for example, says "Executive Platinum" when people with that status call. Thought I would post this since it seems to be a bit of a change from having a EXP desk and everyone else going to the same staff with elites (other than EXP) only being prioritized in the line.

Adelphos

Anyone purchase Platinum Pro and use it over the past month or so? I will end 1Q with about 21,000 EQM - I am trying to see if I should push for 75,000+ for the year or be content with my Platinum status

matrixwalker2012

I'm going to make Platinum Pro as soon as my CX flight yesterday posts. Already have the EQDs, and just a bit short on the EQMs currently.

In looking at the benefits, it seems that the only benefits I would get over what I currently have are: Higher upgrade priority, no need to use e500s, and 80% Elite Bonus versus 60% with Platinum, and I suppose a priority phone line.

I think these are all the benefits of Platinum Pro over Platinum?

At least from Gold to Platinum, I can see these:
MCE at booking, 60% vs 40% Bonus Miles, OW Sapphire Lounge benefit vs none, preferred seating on AS vs none, 2 bags vs 1, Group 3 vs group 4 boarding, priority baggage, OW Priority security lanes.

I wish AA would provide something of more substance like some Regional Upgrades, an extra bag, etc.

From what I see, Platinum Pro is a tier I'd consider to be a "stopover" tier on my way to EXP. All the other tiers at least offer something. GLD still has some value if flying mostly on AA metal. PLT offers I think the best benefits for someone who flies long haul on AA/OW. PRO just does not seem to improve on that by much.

Dave Noble

Upgrades without the requirement to use 500 mile credits seems like a decent benefit - together with being ahead of Platinum members awaiting an upgrade

Surely this is a fairly decent benefit.

It may not have many additional benefits, but these more than were available for someone at 75,000 EQMs in 2016

JonNYC

Yeah well they don't.

also, maybe this could be part of this: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...tinum-pro.html

FlyerBeek

I would think many would find good value in the unlimited complimentary domestic (e500) upgrades. This has exclusively been an EXP benefit since 2004 (IIRC). Personally, that plus the higher waitlist priority would probably be enough for me to justify Platinum Pro over Platinum. YMMV.

-FlyeBeek

HofstraJet

Agreed, especially since now PP jumps all the lifetime PLTs in the upgrade queue.

bosman

I think you are underestimating the value of the "higher upgrade priority". While I do not have empirical evidence, I assume the probability of an upgrade goes from "don't hold your breath" for a PLT to a "reasonable chance" for a PLT Pro. Of course, route, day of week and EXP heavy markets influence that dramatically.

ashill

I mean, that's essentially what it is. They took the old AA 3-tier status system, cut the middle tier in two, and gave Platinum Pro higher priority than Platinum and a few additional benefits. (I agree with others that dropping the 500 mile upgrade requirement is potentially significant, although I earned 500 mile upgrades far faster than I could use them as a Platinum [few upgradable trips in my specific case; most flights on 50-seaters, long haul, or on AS], so it was a moot point for me.) It is true that pmUS had a 75k tier. 75k fliers now certainly get more than they did last year, when they were just Platinum (and, correspondingly, 50k fliers and lifetime Platinums get bumped down in upgrade priority). Personally, though I'm no longer an AA elite and thus can't judge from personal experience, it seems fair enough.

Although the new upgrade prioritization by last-12-month EQDs presumably does the same thing, giving "active" Platinums priority over those who don't annually requalify.

CMK10

I just requalified for Platinum. I currently have $6,140 EQD and 50,369 EQM. Right now I don't have much on AA booked, just a handful of short and cheap domestic flights. I don't have much planned on AA either save a couple one ways I need from SJU-RDU that should earn me about $700-800 EQD.

After looking at the Platinum Pro benefits, I don't think it's worth pushing to try and find the $1800 and 20,000 EQM I'll be short for Platinum Pro. The benefits as far as I'm concerned just aren't there. I currently have 25 stickers and I'm on the cusp of earning 4 more. Most of my flights are fairly short or are international so free upgrades doesn't mean much to me. The extra RDMs are infinitesimal. I either easily clear upgrades or miss them by a mile. As you don't get Group 2 boarding or One World Emerald I'll probably direct more travel towards United or Delta if they're cheaper and more convenient instead of pressing on for Plat Pro.

apeortdz

Your logic makes sense.

swingaling

You make some good points. I'm going to end the year in a similar position, based on everything I currently have planned with AA/CX. I've been debating if it's worth pushing for ExPlat (because Plat Pro really isn't worthwhile), but even ExPlat isn't all that compelling. The SWUs and OWE Emerald would be nice, but I really only fly AA domestically anyway (and others internationally).

I'm currently thinking of going for UA Gold. With a couple MRs, it should be possible to earn Gold for around $1k (assuming the EQD waiver for cc spend).

MSAmainman

I made Platinum Pro last month. My upgrades went up considerably. I've been upgraded six out of six times since including LAX-OGG round trip. I fly out of IAH predominantly so that would have some impact but so far it's a materially better status level than Platinum in my limited experience.

apeortdz

You were upgraded LAX-OGG...really?