AA EXP benefits vs. AC SE benefits
4. AA EXP benefits vs. AC SE benefits
I havenīt really had AA EXP status for a long time, so I can only comment on published benefits:
lounge access:
AA is quite stingy when it comes to lounge access. They donīt only disallow lounge access on domestic flights (like UA), but donīt grant lounge access on any NA itinerary (except flights to MEX) - which excludes US-Canada itineraries as well.
The Admirals Clubs Iīve visited were quite unimpressive: Theyīre marginally better than United Clubs IMO, but the booze offered is worse than anything Iīve drunk at university, comp. snacks are pretty non-existent, one needs to stand in a line to get a soft drink and other amenities are limited (i.e. no showers, no printers etc.).
The nice thing about AA EXP status is that it grants access to OW F lounges (assuming one is travelling on an intīl itinerary) which generally are much better than *A business class lounges. Iīm certainly looking forward to visiting the BA/CX/QF F lounges during my future trips.
additional award availability:
AA apparently offers some additional award inventory to AA EXP members, however one needs to call the EXP line and specifically ask about it; itīs not searchable online.
Even though the AC IKK benefit isnīt what it used to be, it still seems much better than what AA offers.
other benefits:
- no fees for AA EXP members whatsoever when redeeming miles is a big advantage over AC
- AA waives some other fees (such as phone service fees for revenue tickets) for EXP members
- AA offers a snack and drink to EXP members when stuck in Y which is a nice gesture
- AC has an excellent concierge program for SEs (incl. being able to call the concierge team directly at any major airport - which is a huge benefit IMO) while AA agents seem to be more empowered than regular AC agents to fix things during IRROPs