<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Efrem:
However, if you're in AA's program with an address outside the U.S. (I'm not sure how Canadians are treated in this regard) I believe you get AC/FL access within North America as well, even on purely North American itineraries. The reasoning seems to be that, if you're in North America, you are by definition on an international trip.
Whether or not this is still correct, and if it is whether or not all the lounge staff know it, and if they don't whether or not it's worth the hassle of convincing them, are still valid questions.</font>
I think Plat/Exective Plat cards are the same for both U.S. and non-U.S. members. Accordingly, even if you are a non-U.S. member, you would not get access to AC if you are on a U.S. 'domestic' segment, not linked whatsoever to an international flight. At least, that has been my experiences. I was Plat with a Japanese address and have been for a few years Executive Plat with a Canadian address.
About the upgradability of D fare, I thought the point is whether it's endorsable to AA. If it's RTW, it should be endorsable. So it's OK. But I personally haven't tried it myself.
AA's award ticket offers are probably the best for Executive Platinum members, except last year's change about Y award tickets, whcih now require a 100$ fee for date changes even. But premium cabin awards are still data changeable without any fees. On CX, JFK-o/HKG-o/AKL-o/HKG-JFK is possible! Stopping over at each of these locations! I don't think MPC would allow this. Executive Platinums also do not need to pay any expedite fees. I find this very handy.
Yet, awards are awards. With AA, you cannot be waitlisted for partner airlines' awards.
I think MPC Diamond (and to a lessor extent Gold) is great because of that guaranteed seat availability. With Gold, you need 72 hours, though. Isn't this a benefit unparalleled? (I know LH Senators get a guaranteed seat but it's limited to J. SQ's PPS is out of question. A Y seat guarantee for a J ticket?)