I wouldn't read too much into info given out by someone at an AC. After the loss of CO, I'm sure AMEX will do everything they can to renew the contract with AA, if it is in fact up this year. Plus, Chase has been far more aggressive in their marketing (i.e. poaching Amex cardholders) as of late than Citi, which is presumably why AMEX lost CO and why there was the creation of the Select level of Priority Pass. Citi has no competing premium card for AA.