Admirals Club - Domestic Flt, Got 2 Drink Tickets at MIA D15 "Because you're EXP"
Mar 13, 2013, 9:36 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AUS, LAX
Programs: AA EXP - 2.2 MM, Admirals Club, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Avis Presidents, National Exec
Posts: 1,581
Admirals Club - Domestic Flt, Got 2 Drink Tickets at MIA D15 "Because you're EXP"
I searched for policy changes and didn't see any update. This may be better in another thread, but there are so many and I'm nearly positive this was an "error in my favor."
I just flew MCO-MIA and I'm waiting for MIA-LAX. I pop into D15's AC, business as usual. The lady scans my BP which is a discounted economy fare, asks for my ID and then issues me 2 drink tickets. I had that moment of fight or flight, but curiosity killed the cat, and the following dialog ensued:
ME: "Thanks, but I'm on a domestic trip, are you sure I'm supposed to get these?"
Agent: "Yes, you're Executive Platinum"
ME: "Are you sure? I've only received these when traveling Internationally" (yes I know Canada, Mexico, Caribbean don't count, but I didn't get into that detail with her).
Agent: Typing away, pulling up something on the computer, "Yup, it says to give you the drink tickets"
ME: "OK, thanks !"
Obviously this has never happened before, and I doubt there's a new policy, but the fact that she verified something on the computer (which I didn't even know it showed them whether to issue tickets or not) makes me wonder what's going on. While this is a pretty lengthy itinerary, there is no paid first, not International, nothing unusual.
Over 6 days:
First Leg: AUS-DFW-MIA
Second Leg: MIA-MCO
Third Leg (TODAY): MCO-MIA-LA
Fourth Leg: SNA-DFW-AUS
Anyways, got an extra drink coupon in D15 for the next hour if anyone wants.
I just flew MCO-MIA and I'm waiting for MIA-LAX. I pop into D15's AC, business as usual. The lady scans my BP which is a discounted economy fare, asks for my ID and then issues me 2 drink tickets. I had that moment of fight or flight, but curiosity killed the cat, and the following dialog ensued:
ME: "Thanks, but I'm on a domestic trip, are you sure I'm supposed to get these?"
Agent: "Yes, you're Executive Platinum"
ME: "Are you sure? I've only received these when traveling Internationally" (yes I know Canada, Mexico, Caribbean don't count, but I didn't get into that detail with her).
Agent: Typing away, pulling up something on the computer, "Yup, it says to give you the drink tickets"
ME: "OK, thanks !"
Obviously this has never happened before, and I doubt there's a new policy, but the fact that she verified something on the computer (which I didn't even know it showed them whether to issue tickets or not) makes me wonder what's going on. While this is a pretty lengthy itinerary, there is no paid first, not International, nothing unusual.
Over 6 days:
First Leg: AUS-DFW-MIA
Second Leg: MIA-MCO
Third Leg (TODAY): MCO-MIA-LA
Fourth Leg: SNA-DFW-AUS
Anyways, got an extra drink coupon in D15 for the next hour if anyone wants.
Mar 13, 2013, 9:42 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
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Posts: 33,533
Must be the high Eagle rating 
Cheers.
Cheers.
Mar 13, 2013, 9:49 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AUS, LAX
Programs: AA EXP - 2.2 MM, Admirals Club, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Avis Presidents, National Exec
Posts: 1,581
It's ironic you say that. Last month I had a trip with my wife, using miles for AUS-SLC for a ski trip. We had an early evening flight out of AUS, and at 9am day of, I get a call that my flight has been canceled and I've been rescheduled for the following morning. Well that was unacceptable, and they had no other options for me. So I called the EXP desk later and after a bit of persistence, I was able to get us on a Delta non-stop that actually ended up improving our schedule, we were able to get in and enjoy a nice dinner rather than get in at midnight.
Regrettably, I went from free checked bags to $80 in Delta bag expenses. My wife was persisting that I claim it with AA for refund. I even inquired on their Facebook page, and it seemed like they were willing to help, but I ultimately told my wife, I wasn't going to do it because:
1. They got me on another flight, the last 2 seats and basically saved our vacation.
2. It was a non cash ticket (miles), so having AA incur more felt dirty
3. Hassle factor
4. I told her of this mythical-to-me Eagles rating system in that I didn't want to cry and complain over a relatively trivial thing to which AA didn't really screw up (except canceling AUS flights due to weather in unrelated areas), but the baggage expense wasn't directly related to their screw-up.
I've got 1.6 MM miles (BIS), and I've never filed a complaint against AA/requested anything. I've only contacted CS to get EQM on flights where I was put on another carrier (aka Original Routing Credit). For this flight, I didn't need ORC since it was miles anyways.
Is this Eagle theory even a possibility?
Regrettably, I went from free checked bags to $80 in Delta bag expenses. My wife was persisting that I claim it with AA for refund. I even inquired on their Facebook page, and it seemed like they were willing to help, but I ultimately told my wife, I wasn't going to do it because:
1. They got me on another flight, the last 2 seats and basically saved our vacation.
2. It was a non cash ticket (miles), so having AA incur more felt dirty
3. Hassle factor
4. I told her of this mythical-to-me Eagles rating system in that I didn't want to cry and complain over a relatively trivial thing to which AA didn't really screw up (except canceling AUS flights due to weather in unrelated areas), but the baggage expense wasn't directly related to their screw-up.
I've got 1.6 MM miles (BIS), and I've never filed a complaint against AA/requested anything. I've only contacted CS to get EQM on flights where I was put on another carrier (aka Original Routing Credit). For this flight, I didn't need ORC since it was miles anyways.
Is this Eagle theory even a possibility?
Mar 13, 2013, 9:54 am
#4
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Bryan, there's nothing mythical about the Eagles rating system; it exists. (So does Rule 240 and you got it.) We can do things right, and we can do the right thing; IMO, you did the right thing. In the end, you could probably spend some time and get $80, but the service of the EXP desk was "priceless".
Maybe the drink chits were your karma for that, making the AC agent read the wrong page.
Because you aren't DYKWIA.
Maybe the drink chits were your karma for that, making the AC agent read the wrong page.
Because you aren't DYKWIA.
Mar 13, 2013, 9:57 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Perhaps we should just be calling it Suggestion 240
Cheers.
Mar 13, 2013, 9:59 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AUS, LAX
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Posts: 1,581
Bryan, there's nothing mythical about the Eagles rating system; it exists. (So does Rule 240 and you got it.) We can do things right, and we can do the right thing; IMO, you did the right thing. In the end, you could probably spend some time and get $80, but the service of the EXP desk was "priceless".
Maybe the drink chits were your karma for that, making the AC agent read the wrong page.
Because you aren't DYKWIA.
Maybe the drink chits were your karma for that, making the AC agent read the wrong page.
Because you aren't DYKWIA.
As far as DYKWIA, I might be posting another thread about a recent EXP I was sitting near who had a great exchange with the FA about why he should be in first (when he was #3 on the list, and I was #2). He made me sad to be an EXP. Apparently, he should get F over non-status people who paid for it. It was great logic, but the AA FA was pretty good about handling it, "Look, we appreciate your business, but if you want to be guaranteed to fly in first, you gotta pay for it buddy."
Mar 13, 2013, 10:01 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AUS, LAX
Programs: AA EXP - 2.2 MM, Admirals Club, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Avis Presidents, National Exec
Posts: 1,581
It might be worth noting that my MIA-DFW first leg was delayed by 90 minute, but that was due to storm related DFW closure. I also visited D15 AC the next morning and got no tickets.
Mar 13, 2013, 10:10 am
#8
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
We plebes / hoi polloi are not meant to understand it 
.
Fly well, travel safely and may many upgrades come your way.
. Fly well, travel safely and may many upgrades come your way.
That's why I wrote "mythical-to-me". I've read about it and known it's true, but I don't understand it, nor realize what it's used for. So when I explained it to my wife, it was more of a "I think there's this rating system that does this, but I'm not really sure if this classifies as that."
As far as DYKWIA, I might be posting another thread about a recent EXP I was sitting near who had a great exchange with the FA about why he should be in first (when he was #3 on the list, and I was #2). He made me sad to be an EXP. Apparently, he should get F over non-status people who paid for it. It was great logic, but the AA FA was pretty good about handling it, "Look, we appreciate your business, but if you want to be guaranteed to fly in first, you gotta pay for it buddy."
As far as DYKWIA, I might be posting another thread about a recent EXP I was sitting near who had a great exchange with the FA about why he should be in first (when he was #3 on the list, and I was #2). He made me sad to be an EXP. Apparently, he should get F over non-status people who paid for it. It was great logic, but the AA FA was pretty good about handling it, "Look, we appreciate your business, but if you want to be guaranteed to fly in first, you gotta pay for it buddy."
Mar 13, 2013, 10:33 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AUS, LAX
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Posts: 1,581
Thanks JDiver. My AA karma is on a role today. I had given up all hope for an upgrade on this MIA-LAX transcon, F has been sold out for over a week. Just moments ago, I got to the gate, #1 on the list, but they announce F is full.
I get halfway down the jet bridge, destined for my 9C exit row economy duties when I hear a loud, "Passenger MY_LASTNAME". I turn around and she says, "I'm so sorry we just cleared you". Of course I said, "No apologies necessary!"
To add additional karma, Gogo is on this 752, which in my experience is rare.
Now all I need to keep the karma coming is a Supermodel to come sit in 6B.
UPDATE: 6B is an older Japanese business man. I'll still take what I can get. I can practice my weak Japanese conversation.
I get halfway down the jet bridge, destined for my 9C exit row economy duties when I hear a loud, "Passenger MY_LASTNAME". I turn around and she says, "I'm so sorry we just cleared you". Of course I said, "No apologies necessary!"
To add additional karma, Gogo is on this 752, which in my experience is rare.
Now all I need to keep the karma coming is a Supermodel to come sit in 6B.
UPDATE: 6B is an older Japanese business man. I'll still take what I can get. I can practice my weak Japanese conversation.
Last edited by BrianV; Mar 13, 2013 at 10:40 am
Mar 13, 2013, 10:41 am
#10
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Man, you know how to push the envelope...
(And sometime, a wish come true doesn't work out so well - we would have been left at sea in rapidly deteriorating conditions after dusk in serious tiger shark country because the supermodel (I will let everyone guess and not confirm) we were diving with became petulant after surfacing before us and demanded to be taken back to the liveaboard dive boat we shared for two weeks so she could warm up with some hot tea - the boatman, much to his credit, refused and waited for us to surface safely.)
(And sometime, a wish come true doesn't work out so well - we would have been left at sea in rapidly deteriorating conditions after dusk in serious tiger shark country because the supermodel (I will let everyone guess and not confirm) we were diving with became petulant after surfacing before us and demanded to be taken back to the liveaboard dive boat we shared for two weeks so she could warm up with some hot tea - the boatman, much to his credit, refused and waited for us to surface safely.)
Thanks JDiver. My AA karma is on a role today. I had given up all hope for an upgrade on this MIA-LAX transcon, F has been sold out for over a week. Just moments ago, I got to the gate, #1 on the list, but they announce F is full.
I get halfway down the jet bridge, destined for my 9C exit row economy duties when I hear a loud, "Passenger MY_LASTNAME". I turn around and she says, "I'm so sorry we just cleared you". Of course I said, "No apologies necessary!"
To add additional karma, Gogo is on this 752, which in my experience is rare.
Now all I need to keep the karma coming is a Supermodel to come sit in 6B.
I get halfway down the jet bridge, destined for my 9C exit row economy duties when I hear a loud, "Passenger MY_LASTNAME". I turn around and she says, "I'm so sorry we just cleared you". Of course I said, "No apologies necessary!"
To add additional karma, Gogo is on this 752, which in my experience is rare.
Now all I need to keep the karma coming is a Supermodel to come sit in 6B.
Mar 13, 2013, 10:50 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
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Posts: 33,533
Mar 13, 2013, 11:08 am
#12
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Mar 13, 2013, 11:15 am
#13
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Ex Platinum & 1MM, DL PLT, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,490
FA gave me an extra biscoff on Sunday to thank me for being an EXP...
Mar 13, 2013, 11:58 am
#14
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
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Posts: 62,948
Mar 13, 2013, 12:09 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: MEX
Posts: 1,014
I'm EXP and got one drink ticket on an international itinerary last week. However, I remember a couple instances last year (as PLT) where I got two.
Unless this is a new rule, it's up to the AAgent...and how charming your are.
Unless this is a new rule, it's up to the AAgent...and how charming your are.