Originally Posted by
CMTinPHL
This year I made EXP again, for about the 11th or 12th year running (including being Chairman’s Preferred on LUS before the merger), but only because of a paid J trip to Asia on JL netting me ~50k LPs and a couple of paid J trips to Europe. I hit 250k LPs a few weeks ago because of CC spend. But as of tomorrow, a paid Y trip to LHR, I am crediting all flying to BAEC until March 1. Then my goal from March 2024 on is to simply hit Plat Pro to keep OWE and lounge access. (Unless I think BAEC Gold is possible, if which case I may credit all my flying to BAEC.)
Upgrades are harder to come by, so why not chase BAEC Gold? I can buy upgrades as needed. My Barclays Silver has a $25 credit for on board purchases so no longer need to rely on being EXP to get a snack and a drink in Y. FYI, besides upgrades, my primary reason for using AAdvantage was the availability of partner awards on JL and CX. Now I’m using my own AsiaMiles account for CX awards (transferring points from AMEX). I’m still getting some value out of AAdvantage in finding JL award travel. But it seems like a good time to try to diversify - drop down to Plat Pro perhaps and also chase some status with BAEC? Thoughts?
I think that’s a great strategy. I’m in a somewhat similar boat. At 115k LPs so far and will see where I end up with about 2 weeks to go in the cycle. If I’m somewhat close to 175k, I’ll book a hotel stay or two to hit this mark, but I don’t see much value in pursuing EXP and like you, plan on chasing BA status. I’ll be able to use the money I save not going for EXP to achieve BA Silver rather easily, which will not only grant me access to Flagship Lounges (huge, as LAX is a home airport and I pass through DFW quite frequently), but it will also allow me to drop the Exec Mastercard and save $595.