That is a very good point! If the OP booked and the PNR / trip record hasn't updated to EXP status it would be treated with the same restrictions as Platinum or whatever the OP's previous status was. Some flyers have had to call AA and have the record updated.
Originally Posted by
weinskkb
Have you made sure your EXP was recognized since you bought the flight a few days before you obtained your new status. It is not automatically recognized by AA.