Originally Posted by
TheHistorian
I tried this in the newbie thread, but didn't get any response. I'll give it a shot here and hope you'll all be nice. Thanks!
I have a small number of AA Business Extra miles about to expire (about 900 out of 4900). I'm trying to figure out what to do with them. My travel has greatly decreased since earning them, so I have no particular plans for next year. In theory, it seems like domestic upgrades would be nice, but I'm reading they are challenging to actually use. Are PlanAhead flights somewhat easily used?
Other ideas? I still have status from BA so getting that doesn't seem highly useful. And I have PriorityPass so lounge access may add options but doesn't seem as important either.
If you have an ExpertFlyer subscription, then the BXP1 domestic upgrades are somewhat usable, but they still require planning -- you have to search for "C" availability, which is scarce but not impossible to find. If you fly JFK-LAX/SFO, the BXP1 upgrades are very easily usable to upgrade from business to first (an upgrade that I personally find very valuable because it provides flagship first dining on both ends).
If nothing else, redeem the expiring points for 3 Admirals Club passes and give them as gifts.