Originally Posted by
jkuok
I am not promoting AA over any other FFP, I just chose AA because of the challenge and the 8 SWU, which I hope I could use, if not upgrade my family.
Back to my original question USD 1,300 is alot, and I am still thinking about it. If I cant use the SWU then there is no point in doing the challenge in the first place.
It sounds to me that you will likely only hold AA EXP for one year unless your flying patterns change.
That being said, I think the value of 8 SWUs alone > USD 1,300 especially if used for long-haul/transpacific travel from Y to J. The price difference between Y and J on AA HKG/DFW RT in Oct/Nov return is approximately USD 5,000. Say you would never pay that difference out of your own pocket and perhaps might value a RT upgrade at a more conservative USD 1,000, then that would value each one-way SWU at USD 500. For some, 8 SWU would be worth USD 4,000.
Even in the scenario where you can't use them on HKG/DFW, it is quite possible IME to use from the other AA metal serviced cities in Asia. However, that may require repositioning flights and of course date flexibility with any upgrade instruments. Also, AA has been slow to roll-out the newer long-haul J seats.
The math suggests to me that AA EXP status is worth that price. YMMV.