Originally Posted by flyastrojets
From my days working at the airport, AAirpass was widely known as a money maker. Obviously, I can't speak for everyone, but an AAirpass user got as much attention from me as they could get. Highly valuable customers to AA.
I have had an Airpass for 10 years. I use it most flights as you can change anytime for no penalty. Before recent fare changes, it saved me $1000 round trip DFW-LGA which I fly 30-40 times a year. Now Y Up fares are about the same price as Airpass. Unless you have a large company, you are going to pay the going rate. I use it for F also which deducts 1.5 miles instead of the 1.0 for Y/1.25 for J on international. Airpass also gets free AC membership and auto GLD membership for new members.
I would say it does garner premium service. I recently went to Glasgow and used miles booking a few days ahead. AA.com said no J seats but I called and they put it through.