I'm a long-time Southwest traveler, mostly for work with probably 100 flights a year for the past 20 years + the Southwest RR Visa, which basically means I never pay for flights for my family of 6 (domestic). I recently started the AA DCA-DAY route in October 2024 and thanks to a status match I reached EP this January. I also have been flying the DCA or BWI to RNO route so did a status match with Alaska which gave me 75K for the entire 2025 year. Although I really liked Alaska and upgrades to first were exactly 19 of 20 legs flown, I'm reading about 100K becoming the new 75K and with the Hawaiian merger my guess is the upgrade percentage I had won't be the norm going forward, so I'm going to focus 2025 on Southwest and AA. So my thoughts as a new EP........I've flown 8 legs as an EP, 4 on CRJ or ER-175 to Dayton and Key West, and 4 on A-321 Neo from DCA to PHX/DFW to RNO. I'm 4 for 4 on the regional jets, 0 for 4 on the 321 for first class upgrade (I've noticed I'm usually number 8-15 or so on the upgrade list on the 321 to DFW or PHX). So I'm guessing I won't get the first upgrade on the bigger jets or more common routes at hubs (DCA, PHX, DFW). Which is fine, when it's cheap I'll just pay for it. I sat next to a retired USAF general who is now a current AA 321 pilot on my last flight, he was non-reving and was fine with the middle seat in the exit row - he was just happy with the leg room. I figured if he can go with the flow and make it work, I can do the same LOL. As a side and unrelated note, the flight crew absolutely adored him, it was clear to see he treated the crew(s) with respect and that says a lot to the character of pilots that AA hires.

On every flight but one, I've never been thanked for being EP which is also fine, not something I care about however the last flight I did from PHX to DCA I did get a nice hand-written note from the crew, which was very nice. I guess as EP we get the free cheese platter if they are available? I've missed them each time, although I typically sit in the forward exit rows. Again not a big deal, I typically eat in the Centurion or Admiral's Club prior to flight.

The big things for me at EP are 1) the 11 points per dollar spent - it allows me to 1) bank more points for family travel 2) boarding group 1 to get bin space for my carry on 3) choice of upgraded seats at time of booking on domestic routes 4) it seems easier to get in touch with someone via phone or chat - although if I have issues I try and use the Admiral's Club.

And a on separate note, I don't enjoy the aft exit seats on the 321 Neo (I've never flown a 321 until a few weeks ago). I sat directly aft of the bathroom and the constant in and out of people, or people lining up and standing directly in front of my seat was annoying. As was the lack of windows on the exit doors (felt like a military cargo plane). And the seats were a little slimmer due to arm-rest trays. So I'll not be choosing those again for my upgraded seat (if I have that option).

Am I missing anything else for EP benefits that I am not taking advantage of?