Jun 8, 2016, 12:18 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
What are AAdvantage Platinum Pro Benefits? Are they worth it?
NOTE: AAdvantage Platinum Pro elite status became available 1/1/2017.Platinum Pro status requirements: in one calendar year, earn $9,000 EQD*, AND earn 75,000 EQ Miles or fly 90 EQ Segments.
*See FT: Earning EQD / Elite Qualifying Dollars on AA and partner airlines (2017 on)
Status will last the status year earned and the following status year. (Platinum Pro status earned in 2017 will last through 31 Jan 2019.)
Preferred benefits:
- Complimentary Main Cabin Extra and Preferred Seats (extends to up to 8 traveling companions)
- Two (2) free checked bags (extends to all traveling companions same PNR)
- Free Same Day Flight Change (SDFC)
- Minimum mileage guarantee (EQM only)
- Earn 9 Award Miles per "fare dollar" spent (fare & carrier imposed fees, not taxes, etc.)
- Business class lounge access longhaul international and MEX** (see below)
- oneworld Sapphire benefits (see below)
Airport benefits
- Priority through the airport at check-in, security and boarding
- Checked bag fee waived for two (2) bags
- Priority baggage delivery
- Complimentary same-day standby
- Complimentary same-day flight change
- Discounted Admirals Club® membership
Upgrade benefits (on AA)
- Flights 500 miles or less: Unlimited, auto-requested complimentary upgrades*
- Flights over 500 miles: Complimentary "domestic" (North & Central America, Caribbean) upgrades
- Upgrade one companion traveling with you on the same flight with 500-mile upgrades*
- Upgrades confirmed before departure (as early as) 72 hours
- *Upgrades are valid on American marketed and operated flights, within and between the U.S. (including Hawaii) and between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central America (based on availability). Upgrades are valid from the Main Cabin to the next class of service.
- Platinum Pro members will not earn four 500-mile upgrades as you get unlimited domestic upgrades (UDU).
Other benefits
- "Exclusive service desk" (actual prioritized number to Reservations lines)
- Complimentary preferred seats (extends to up to 8 traveling companions)
- Complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats (extends to up to 8 traveling companions)
- Exclusive partner offers
Award benefits
- Award processing charge waived (awards within 21 days of travel)
- Special discounts on hotel and car awards
- N.B. Extended award availability is only an Executive Platinum benefit
oneworld benefits*
- oneworld priority check-in and standby
- oneworld priority boarding
- oneworld partner lounge access** Business Class and frequent flyer lounges
*oneworld benefits are available only to passengers on scheduled flights that are both marketed and operated by a oneworld member airline (marketed means that there must be a oneworld member airline flight number on your ticket).
**Access to Qantas Domestic Business Lounges excluded. AAdvantage member access to American Airlines lounges excluded (regardless of status or class of service) if traveling within North America or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
Alaska Airlines Benefits ended 1/1/2018
Can only earn EQ on AA codeshares and AS International flights
Link to aa.com guide to AAdvantage Elite benefits (all levels)
Updated 16 Jan 2018 - JDiver
What are AA Platinum Pro Benefits? Are they worth it? (master thread)
Jan 10, 2017, 2:41 pm
#91
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Raleigh, NC
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, HHonors Gold
Posts: 2
Mathnlaw - can you please report back and let us know what happens if you call AA to discuss the offer? I completely understand charging for a boost to PPro for the folks under 75k, but I can't possibly begin to understand why they are charging $900 to fliers who were OVER the 75k threshold. This isn't a boost...we already hit the minimum requirement. They really need to fix this!
Spoke to customer service on the phone for about an hour or so bouncing to as high of a manager as they would send me to before they told me to email customer satisfaction.
Basically they said that the promotion was because people expressed interest in having Plat Pro starting this year. I explained our situation having earned the minimum requirements last year and was told that doesn't matter, and that this is the offer that corporate gave them.
Since it's only day one the manager said there is nothing they could do. I would assume if enough of us complain about the devaluation of our status and the actual earned miles flown last year, we may get the cost down some, but its going to require more than just a few calls.
Regards,
Karl
Jan 10, 2017, 3:39 pm
#92
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: AA Exec PLT
Posts: 8
Current Plat, did 103 EQS and 63K EQM last year and got the $900 offer to Platinum Pro.
Spoke to customer service on the phone for about an hour or so bouncing to as high of a manager as they would send me to before they told me to email customer satisfaction.
Basically they said that the promotion was because people expressed interest in having Plat Pro starting this year. I explained our situation having earned the minimum requirements last year and was told that doesn't matter, and that this is the offer that corporate gave them.
Since it's only day one the manager said there is nothing they could do. I would assume if enough of us complain about the devaluation of our status and the actual earned miles flown last year, we may get the cost down some, but its going to require more than just a few calls.
Regards,
Karl
Spoke to customer service on the phone for about an hour or so bouncing to as high of a manager as they would send me to before they told me to email customer satisfaction.
Basically they said that the promotion was because people expressed interest in having Plat Pro starting this year. I explained our situation having earned the minimum requirements last year and was told that doesn't matter, and that this is the offer that corporate gave them.
Since it's only day one the manager said there is nothing they could do. I would assume if enough of us complain about the devaluation of our status and the actual earned miles flown last year, we may get the cost down some, but its going to require more than just a few calls.
Regards,
Karl
Jan 10, 2017, 6:11 pm
#93
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 1
New AAdvantage Platinum Pro
I am close to a million miler with American - was a 85K / 100 segment flyer LY.
American created a new elite level - Platinum Pro. It requires 75K miles / or 90 Segments to qualify... American "invited me" to join for $899. Seems odd, don't you think? I qualify, based on last year's miles (how I would earn any other 2017 status...), however, since it is a new program/level - you can only "buy your way in".
Doesn't do much to enhance my loyalty. Am I expecting too much?
American created a new elite level - Platinum Pro. It requires 75K miles / or 90 Segments to qualify... American "invited me" to join for $899. Seems odd, don't you think? I qualify, based on last year's miles (how I would earn any other 2017 status...), however, since it is a new program/level - you can only "buy your way in".
Doesn't do much to enhance my loyalty. Am I expecting too much?
Jan 10, 2017, 7:52 pm
#94
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,491
I can see certain situations like "shuttle" type flying where there is enough direct frequency to use the low fare of the day game, but for most travels involving a connection point, I don't think this will be very useful. In the West, we have so many PHX/DFW/LAX connection-like options where SDFC will give very few options. In the east, you have this PHL/MIA/CLT situation I think.
I am glad someone has figured out opportunities where PlatPro can offer some value, that is good news.
Rasheed
(SDFC new reference: https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...s-benefits.jsp)
Jan 11, 2017, 3:19 am
#95
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: AA PLT PRO, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plt. Premier
Posts: 587
I am close to a million miler with American - was a 85K / 100 segment flyer LY.
American created a new elite level - Platinum Pro. It requires 75K miles / or 90 Segments to qualify... American "invited me" to join for $899. Seems odd, don't you think? I qualify, based on last year's miles (how I would earn any other 2017 status...), however, since it is a new program/level - you can only "buy your way in".
Doesn't do much to enhance my loyalty. Am I expecting too much?
American created a new elite level - Platinum Pro. It requires 75K miles / or 90 Segments to qualify... American "invited me" to join for $899. Seems odd, don't you think? I qualify, based on last year's miles (how I would earn any other 2017 status...), however, since it is a new program/level - you can only "buy your way in".
Doesn't do much to enhance my loyalty. Am I expecting too much?
Jan 11, 2017, 4:38 am
#96
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: ATL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 55
I took the deal for $1749.
Platinum just doesn't get you upgraded that much anymore. Now I can book the lowest fare for the day, 9 out of 10 times get the same day change (as opposed to 50% success rate on standby and a middle seat in row 26) , and get complimentary upgrades from the date of booking. The fare differences between a day fare and night fare can be easily $200. Between the savings on fares, and not having to buy upgrades because I don't earn them fast enough, make my $1750 back easy. Seems to me a no-brainer for my situation, IMHO.
Platinum just doesn't get you upgraded that much anymore. Now I can book the lowest fare for the day, 9 out of 10 times get the same day change (as opposed to 50% success rate on standby and a middle seat in row 26) , and get complimentary upgrades from the date of booking. The fare differences between a day fare and night fare can be easily $200. Between the savings on fares, and not having to buy upgrades because I don't earn them fast enough, make my $1750 back easy. Seems to me a no-brainer for my situation, IMHO.
"Upgrade" comment is a little confusing; assume you're referring tp upgrade priority. Actual upgrade occurs at defined window. Of course, you're a day earlier than Plat.
Jan 11, 2017, 5:42 am
#97
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Dallas/Orlando
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 2,716
Does anyone know whether PPro is in effect in terms of upgrade priority? Meaning, for those who buy "up" to the level, will they truly be ahead of Platinum now or is AA still in the process of rolling that change out in their systems?
I have yet to hear reference to PPro when boarding.
I have yet to hear reference to PPro when boarding.
Jan 11, 2017, 8:03 am
#98
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: american
Posts: 13
I hope you're not disappointed. Speaking as EXP, I find my "same day" requests are honored about 50%, with available seats often not being released. (Put on standby instead, which typically meets with success, provided seats are available, since I tend to shoot to top of waitlist ... Plat Pro likely will similarly benefit.)
"Upgrade" comment is a little confusing; assume you're referring tp upgrade priority. Actual upgrade occurs at defined window. Of course, you're a day earlier than Plat.
"Upgrade" comment is a little confusing; assume you're referring tp upgrade priority. Actual upgrade occurs at defined window. Of course, you're a day earlier than Plat.
And as for buying upgrades, I was referring to the 500 mile upgrades, which are now harder to earn because of the earned mileage change based on fare, and still cost $40 per piece.
Jan 11, 2017, 8:53 am
#99
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BWI
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 82
I was saying that being platinum does not get me upgraded that often anymore, I usually fall 4 or lower on the list, and seats just aren't available.
And as for buying upgrades, I was referring to the 500 mile upgrades, which are now harder to earn because of the earned mileage change based on fare, and still cost $40 per piece.
And as for buying upgrades, I was referring to the 500 mile upgrades, which are now harder to earn because of the earned mileage change based on fare, and still cost $40 per piece.
Jan 11, 2017, 11:49 am
#101
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New home in BOS
Programs: AA EXP, UA Silver, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 21
Current PLT, flew 73K EQM last year and my offer was $1099. I'm sitting here scratching my head whether I should take it or not.
I should be able to hit 75K by Oct or Nov year, why not get the benefits 10-11 months earlier... The same day change is probably the biggest game changer for me by far, I'm like eh about the upgrades. Can't remember the last time I got an upgrade. I've got a pile of 500 mile stickers laying around.
I agree with everyone about hitting 75K and being asked to pay $899. If I knew I could hit 75K and get a good deal (really good deal) on boosting to PPRO, then I would have flown those last 2K last year...
I should be able to hit 75K by Oct or Nov year, why not get the benefits 10-11 months earlier... The same day change is probably the biggest game changer for me by far, I'm like eh about the upgrades. Can't remember the last time I got an upgrade. I've got a pile of 500 mile stickers laying around.
I agree with everyone about hitting 75K and being asked to pay $899. If I knew I could hit 75K and get a good deal (really good deal) on boosting to PPRO, then I would have flown those last 2K last year...
Jan 11, 2017, 11:50 am
#102
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,313
I don't see why people are "offended" or whatever that were offered to buy PPro status early based on 2016 flying.
I mean for the $899 price (or whatever you get offered) that AA sells it to you for, you get immediate access to free upgrades, not that you'll automatically clear all of them, but still. If you fly enough you don't want to wait to earn it later in 2017, you're merely prepaying for upgrades you'd have to use 500 mi upgrades for until you become PPro the long way later in 2017.
One question I have is that EP's don't earn 500 mi upgrades, so is that the case for PPro people also? Seems unfair for PPro to earn them and use for companions while EP's do not. Maybe I missed that discussion.
I mean for the $899 price (or whatever you get offered) that AA sells it to you for, you get immediate access to free upgrades, not that you'll automatically clear all of them, but still. If you fly enough you don't want to wait to earn it later in 2017, you're merely prepaying for upgrades you'd have to use 500 mi upgrades for until you become PPro the long way later in 2017.
One question I have is that EP's don't earn 500 mi upgrades, so is that the case for PPro people also? Seems unfair for PPro to earn them and use for companions while EP's do not. Maybe I missed that discussion.
Jan 11, 2017, 2:13 pm
#103
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: CLT - daily decks
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 191
SDFC gone?
I was struggling to decide if the same-day flight change was actually available, as it was "checked" on the elite status benefits page, but the written description only indicated that EXPs received complimentary changes (based on status).
Now it appears that the table has changed. Does anyone have information to the contrary, or is this definitely not a PlatPro benefit?
Now it appears that the table has changed. Does anyone have information to the contrary, or is this definitely not a PlatPro benefit?
Jan 11, 2017, 2:56 pm
#104
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: AA PLT PRO, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plt. Premier
Posts: 587
I was struggling to decide if the same-day flight change was actually available, as it was "checked" on the elite status benefits page, but the written description only indicated that EXPs received complimentary changes (based on status).
Now it appears that the table has changed. Does anyone have information to the contrary, or is this definitely not a PlatPro benefit?
Now it appears that the table has changed. Does anyone have information to the contrary, or is this definitely not a PlatPro benefit?
Jan 11, 2017, 2:58 pm
#105
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
I'm a little puzzled by that as well.