Originally Posted by
diver858
1. Even with the increased requirements to earn elite status, upgrades are as elusive as ever; as a LT PLT, I typically find myself at 15 - 35 on upgrade request lists.
I sat next to a corporate flyer on a domestic segment (on the way to Asia), and he indicated that everyone in their company (which has a corporate contract) gets AA Platinum at a minimum, regardless of how many miles they fly. Could just be a couple of trips. And there is an allotment of EXP and CKs, and I am guessing many get EXP. The company decides who gets what.
AA seems to be focused on corporate contracts and giving way status as part of those contract - and that includes more higher levels of status. Hence Elite status is becoming more of a corporate benefit and less of a benefit to those that meet the requirements. I think this is why I am seeing 20 EXPs on a flight out of DCA. Upgrades as EXP are zero for midweek flights. Saturday seems to be the best time for upgrades.