Last edit by: akcae
Just made EXP / Executive Platinum! Resources, ask questions, brag (master thread)
First, a hearty welcome to Executive Platinum status!
New Executive Platinum members, whether "self-made", via your Concierge Key nomination or made by AA offers, including challenges, to similar status holders from competing airlines, often have questions about how the program works.
Feel free to post your questions here, but also be aware many of your questions about American Airlines, AAdvantage and Executive Platinum status can be answered in these resources:
● Link to What are Executive Platinum / EP / EXP benefits? Are they worth it? (consolidated) thread on FT
● Link to AAdvantage Elite Status guide and charts on aa.com
● Link to "FAQ: American Airlines and AAdvantage - Please check here first!" thread.
● Link to the FlyerGuide American Airlines Wiki
For older posts, please see ARCHIVE: Just made EXP / Executive Platinum! Resources, ask etc. brag (master thread)● Link to AAdvantage Elite Status guide and charts on aa.com
● Link to "FAQ: American Airlines and AAdvantage - Please check here first!" thread.
● Link to the FlyerGuide American Airlines Wiki
Just made EXP / Executive Platinum! Resources, ask questions, brag (pre-2017)
#1
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Just made EXP / Executive Platinum! Resources, ask questions, brag (pre-2017)
I usually don't check the 500 mile upgrade box if I have a systemwide in play. I've had agents tell me in the past it's better to handle it that way, but I've seen others here do just the opposite, so don't know if there is a single answer to that.
#2
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin
Programs: AA Platinum 4MM; Marriott Titanium; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 323
My guess, though, is that once you have had a few monfhs of flying as an EXP, you'll be hooked and do what you need to to requal every year, LT PLT or not.
--woodstock
#3
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AA Exec Plat, BA EC Blue, UA Premier, HH Diamond VIP, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 57
I cut it close in 2013
Flew LAX-SFO turnaround on Dec 31 to obtain the last 326 miles needed for EXP. Totally worth it! Now onto 2014only 62K to go till I hit 3 million lifetime miles! Gotta have goals to keep the business travel fun...
#4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: AA EXP, PriorityClub Gold, SPG Gold, Hertz Gold fivestar
Posts: 486
I reached EXP for the first time in December:
YTD Elite Qualifying Points 96,936
YTD Elite Qualifying Miles 100,512
YTD Elite Qualifying Segments 62
Last weekend I had my first experience flying as an EXP. Some of it was awesome, some disappointing.
* Flagship lounge in LHR doesn't seem to have a dedicated staff (there is a desk but it was unmanned). The normal staff in the AC next door are friendly but have messed up upgrades for me in the past so I was disappointed that the FL didn't have its own staff.
* My connecting flight from DFW was delayed. I called the EXP desk and pressed the option for a callback. I went to the bag recheck area and asked whether I could go on a different flight. The bag recheck staff at DFW said it was full, but put me on the standby list. The AC staff in terminal D also said it was full and I may not be able to travel in F (was traveling on a miles+copay upgrade). The EXP desk called back just after I finished my shower in the D AC said they could confirm me on that flight right away and offered me any one of 6 available seats in F ... Awesome.
YTD Elite Qualifying Points 96,936
YTD Elite Qualifying Miles 100,512
YTD Elite Qualifying Segments 62
Last weekend I had my first experience flying as an EXP. Some of it was awesome, some disappointing.
* Flagship lounge in LHR doesn't seem to have a dedicated staff (there is a desk but it was unmanned). The normal staff in the AC next door are friendly but have messed up upgrades for me in the past so I was disappointed that the FL didn't have its own staff.
* My connecting flight from DFW was delayed. I called the EXP desk and pressed the option for a callback. I went to the bag recheck area and asked whether I could go on a different flight. The bag recheck staff at DFW said it was full, but put me on the standby list. The AC staff in terminal D also said it was full and I may not be able to travel in F (was traveling on a miles+copay upgrade). The EXP desk called back just after I finished my shower in the D AC said they could confirm me on that flight right away and offered me any one of 6 available seats in F ... Awesome.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 14
First time EXP, qualified on 12/31 with HKG-JFK.
YTD Elite Qualifying Points 62,756
YTD Elite Qualifying Miles 104,818
YTD Elite Qualifying Segments 54
MR to PEK this weekend, already T-100, no upgrades cleared and waitlisted for SWU...
YTD Elite Qualifying Points 62,756
YTD Elite Qualifying Miles 104,818
YTD Elite Qualifying Segments 54
MR to PEK this weekend, already T-100, no upgrades cleared and waitlisted for SWU...
#6
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 544
Requalified again for EXP in early December. Still no email or anything from AA with congratulations. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?
#7
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: TUS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 487
I made EXP for the first time in mid December. So far no email congratulating me. More importantly my boarding passes correctly show EXP and I have 8 SWUs to show for the accomplishment!
#8
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: DCA | DEN
Programs: AA EXP/2.9mm | Marriott LT Titanium 1.6k nights | NEXUS
Posts: 981
I requalified mid-December. Got the 8 new SWUs but that's it so far. I'm interested in how the new EXP tags look. Have seen a few pics posted here but have yet to see one on a bag.
#9
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Roswell, GA
Programs: AA EXP 2.8m,Lifetime PLT, Hilton Diamond, IHG PlLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 3,191
I dont think they send out an sort of congratuations, either electronic or regular mail, it would be nice if they at least sent you an email, but what can you do...
#10
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Mexico
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT (2 MM); Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 107
Here's what they sent me in 2012:
"We are happy to welcome you to another year of American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum membership and benefits!
Your new card will arrive by mail in just a few weeks, but in the meantime I want to express my appreciation for your business. We are pleased that your status is now extended through the next elite membership year, and will work hard to ensure your loyalty is rewarded.
Along with your membership comes a range of benefits designed to make your travel more enjoyable. Whenever you wish to review your membership privileges, we invite you to access your Benefits Guide online at aa.com/aadvantageexecutiveplatinum.
As one of our valued elite members, you are especially important to us. Thank you for your support of American Airlines and the AAdvantage program."
Last edited by ord_is_home; Jan 9, 2014 at 7:44 am Reason: Added quote
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,072
Yes, they do. They send an email with the subject along the lines of "you have reached a major milestone in the AAdvantage Program," usually a few weeks after qualifying. In my last several years of being EXP, this is the first time I didn't receive this email after qualifying.
or
[tinfoil]
Doug Parker is evil and hates the EXP status and will rename it. This is why they aren't advertising it anymore
[/tinfoil]
#12
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: AA EXP | US PLT | Marriott PLT Premier | IHG PLT
Posts: 168
1st time EXP here...
i booked a flight phl-dfw last nov. This will be my fist EXP flight. the flight is next week. i just logged on to see that i am now in 6A (S-80 plane). my question is how does AA notify me that i have been upgraded?
i booked a flight phl-dfw last nov. This will be my fist EXP flight. the flight is next week. i just logged on to see that i am now in 6A (S-80 plane). my question is how does AA notify me that i have been upgraded?
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: in the vicinity of SFO
Programs: AA 2MM (LT-PLT, PPro for this year)
Posts: 19,781
It's somewhat inconsistent whether I get them, but they're supposed to email. Here's an example:
American Airlines (AA) <[email protected]>
11/2/13
to NATE
American Airlines AADVANTAGE Automated Upgrade
To:
NATHAN EDEL
Record Locator: <redacted>
As you requested, the following flight segments have been automatically upgraded.
Carrier Flight Date Origin Destination Departure Time
------- ------ ---- ------ ----------- --------------
AA 219 05Nov San Francisco Los Angeles 8:10 PM
Flight AA 219 05Nov Seat 6F NATHAN EDEL
The appropriate number of 500-mile upgrades will be deducted from your
Electronic Upgrade bank for each segment upgraded at departure time. Each
upgrade is valid for up to 500 miles of travel. If you need to purchase
upgrades, you may do so at the airport or by calling AAdvantage Reservations
at 1-800-882-8880. You may also check your upgrade balance and purchase
upgrades electronically at a discounted price at www.aa.com or at the
Self-Service machine (during check-in).
11/2/13
to NATE
American Airlines AADVANTAGE Automated Upgrade
To:
NATHAN EDEL
Record Locator: <redacted>
As you requested, the following flight segments have been automatically upgraded.
Carrier Flight Date Origin Destination Departure Time
------- ------ ---- ------ ----------- --------------
AA 219 05Nov San Francisco Los Angeles 8:10 PM
Flight AA 219 05Nov Seat 6F NATHAN EDEL
The appropriate number of 500-mile upgrades will be deducted from your
Electronic Upgrade bank for each segment upgraded at departure time. Each
upgrade is valid for up to 500 miles of travel. If you need to purchase
upgrades, you may do so at the airport or by calling AAdvantage Reservations
at 1-800-882-8880. You may also check your upgrade balance and purchase
upgrades electronically at a discounted price at www.aa.com or at the
Self-Service machine (during check-in).
#14
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,763
When Awaiting Upgrade, Check In at T-24 or Later?
Looks like any complimentary upgrade that comes thorough for my Saturday flights may do so after T-24. So to maximize chances, is it best to wait to check-in until the last minute, or conversely check in right at T-24? Is there still some unpublished opportunity at T-4 to jump the queue?
AND, when turning around in 4 hours, does AA check you in for the entire round trip at one time?
Thanks....
AND, when turning around in 4 hours, does AA check you in for the entire round trip at one time?
Thanks....
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: in the vicinity of SFO
Programs: AA 2MM (LT-PLT, PPro for this year)
Posts: 19,781
Looks like any complimentary upgrade that comes thorough for my Saturday flights may do so after T-24. So to maximize chances, is it best to wait to check-in until the last minute, or conversely check in right at T-24? Is there still some unpublished opportunity at T-4 to jump the queue?
AND, when turning around in 4 hours, does AA check you in for the entire round trip at one time?
Thanks....
AND, when turning around in 4 hours, does AA check you in for the entire round trip at one time?
Thanks....
On domestic flights, if your departure is within T-24 of the return, you can check in for both at once.