Originally Posted by
lin821
However, can the non-status OP compete with one too many elites who fly SFO-HKG regularly? My understanding is there are many many top-tier elites (UA, AA...) based in SFO. And sometimes award inventory is different for elites.
No difference. All AA partner award seats are opened to all members. They are strictly first come first service.
Status has no role here. Status only makes difference on AA's own metals when AA yield management could open up award seats for elites and EXPs have better inventory available to them, ONLY on AA's own metals.