Originally Posted by
jss381
Hi everyone,
I just started traveling from EWR to CLT, and will be for the next 6 months. Unfortunately, it looks like my only option to fly is with US airways. (The United flight from EWR is not in policy with my employer for whatever reason)
I am extremely upset about this because the only lounge in the A1 terminal at Newark is the American lounge. Neither my American Platinum status or my Amex Platinum status will get me in this lounge afaik. Am I correct with this assumption?
The other issue I am having is that because US does not have a status match, I am the lowest tier for a while. I was forced to check my bag on my flight yesterday from Charlotte. My question is, if I enrolled in another *a member's status match, and sent my US points to that airline, would I get the benefits of priority boarding? I am most concerned with the priority boarding, as these flights are very full and space for carry on's is limited.
Thanks for the help!
AA lounge membership is $450 for AA Plats. Same as your Amex Platinum AF. Consider that instead if you need a net $0 option. Otherwise, to confirm, your AA status and Amex Plat won't get you into the AA lounge (w/o an AA boarding pass).
What kind of mileage do you think you'll log in the next 90 days? US Trial Silver is $200, but you'll keep whatever tier you hit in 90 days (7500 silver, 15000 gold, 22500 plat, etc). Amex Plat will often reimburse if you secure message and ask them to do it, under the $200 airline fee reimbursement benefit. I mention Silver because US Silvers get the benefit of priority check-in, security, boarding and seating. I strongly suggest doing at least the silver tier if you plan to fly US for a while.
Otherwise, can you fly out of LGA? US operates LGA-CLT and also has a club in both places.
EDIT: AA lounge membership is $400 or 55k miles if you do it before the end of this month when current rates expire.
EDIT2: I believe you need *G to get priority boarding with US. I can't comment on other *A carriers who would status match you, but AA Platinum is 50k miles IIRC - so it would be a straight match to someone's *G tier if you can find someone to do it. I think my paid options mentioned above are better if convenience is your goal.