Originally Posted by
pma.tang
I am in almost exactly the same scenario as you.
First of all, hello to everyone on the forum. I've been following this forum for some time but have only recently joined. I have a very similar case to the poster above.
Currently, I have about 300,000 Avios on my BAEC and I currently have Silver Status (OneWorld Sapphire).
I recently moved to Philly working as a consultant meaning I will take between 8-16 domestic US flights per month with AA out of the Philly hub in regular main cabin Economy.
Once per year, I fly to the Far East (Kor, HK, Sing, Jap, VN etc) with QR in full-fare business class (because it's the best biz class in OneWorld?). And once per year I will fly to Europe in Premium Economy.
Now, the benefit of having BAEC status is that I can access the AA lounges whenever I fly.
The disadvantage, however is that I am missing out on all the potential OpUps for AA members?
But if I switch over to AA, I may lose my BAEC status ergo losing access to the lounges?
If there are any similar posts already which I may have missed, I apologise.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Welcome!
There's no rule against multiple FF plan memberships; you won't lose your lounge access as long as your Silver status lasts with BA. When it expires, so will your lounge privileges. You could, however, just buy a membership in the Admirals Club - I'd look at the math.
Op-ups are quite uncommon on AA as there are so many elite members of AAdvantage that most flights depart with full first class sections. Once you achieve AA Gold or Platinum (Ruby or Sapphire) status you can use 500-mile electronic "stickers" to request upgrades on domestic flights, subject to availability and limited time "windows." The math to achieve AA elite status has changed, so much depends on your level of spending and fare classes used.
I'd educate myself on the AA program to see if switching to AA makes the most sense in your case.