Given all these benefits, how in the world does Marco Polo hang onto members? I've been in SE Asia for 8 years, so didn't know much about this. What do I get, one mile earned for one flown, no matter what my status! It sounds like I can do quite a bit better, and maybe keep AA platinum AND get Aeroplan Elite (or better?) with a bit of creative planning. Thanks very much for the tips. I'll contact AA first and see if they'll comp me at the same level of status, then we'll see how things go. Should just take 2 flights or so to get to renew Platinum, the way I figure it. With all these miles, I guess I should say, "goodbye cattle class, was nice knowing you!"