Is AA being nice re SWUs?
Oct 10, 2018, 11:04 am
#1
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Original Poster
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Is AA being nice re SWUs?
I now have 169,000 EQMS, I requalified for EXP until 2/20 and got an extra 2 SWUs (at 150K). From posts on FT, when you reach 200,000 EQMs you get 25,000 RDMs; I got an email two days ago offering me an additional 2 SWUs...seems nice--BUT, to use them I have to fly in PAID classes (more revenue for AA), most European trips from/to JFK require connections in LHR or PHL...assuming "C" class is available. I have 1 SWU left and am waitlisted on a flt from LHR to JFK with J7 (per EF) and a 1/4 filled BC cabin, yet for my flt on 11/24 I have not (yet) gotten upgraded.
Since AA controls the "C" class output, I don't think they are being "nice".
Since AA controls the "C" class output, I don't think they are being "nice".
Oct 10, 2018, 11:31 am
#2
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
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There are many complaints saying AA has become much more restrictive about releasing C and allowing use of SWU, even at times they used to do so. Of course the new priority for using them puts CK in a class above EP, and prioritizes within tiers by rolling 12 month EQD spend, so that has dropped you to a lower position in the upgrade queue. (You’re still ahead of me, though.)
Oct 10, 2018, 12:15 pm
#3
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Oct 10, 2018, 12:37 pm
#4
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Location: Fort Worth, TX
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Oct 10, 2018, 12:38 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Huh? 
No, AA is not being "nice". 2 additional SWU at 150K and at 200K EQM is a published benefit of the program.
the RDM OP refers to is a complete mystery. Never heard of that.
No, AA is not being "nice". 2 additional SWU at 150K and at 200K EQM is a published benefit of the program.
the RDM OP refers to is a complete mystery. Never heard of that.
Oct 10, 2018, 2:38 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
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Posts: 1,664
SWUs are of limited value for me personally. I've only been able to use three of mine this year and the fourth will probably expire unused. I'll end the year with around 145k EQM (assuming QR ever credits flights to my account). While it wouldn't be hard to snag an extra 5k for the extra SWUs, I just don't see the point.
Oct 10, 2018, 3:16 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2015
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Oct 10, 2018, 3:29 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2009
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I have been consistently able to use all of my SWU each and every year (Y to J), to the point that I have to pick and choose which routes I actually want to use them on vs not because I always run out. Granted I have a lot of overseas trips.
Now that I will be at 300,000 EQM for the year and my company has started to allow J bookings, I expect that they might become a bit less valuable to me, but to say there is no C inventory and that SWU have little value isn’t accurate IMO.
Now that I will be at 300,000 EQM for the year and my company has started to allow J bookings, I expect that they might become a bit less valuable to me, but to say there is no C inventory and that SWU have little value isn’t accurate IMO.
Oct 10, 2018, 3:52 pm
#11
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I have been consistently able to use all of my SWU each and every year (Y to J), to the point that I have to pick and choose which routes I actually want to use them on vs not because I always run out. Granted I have a lot of overseas trips.
Now that I will be at 300,000 EQM for the year and my company has started to allow J bookings, I expect that they might become a bit less valuable to me, but to say there is no C inventory and that SWU have little value isn’t accurate IMO.
Now that I will be at 300,000 EQM for the year and my company has started to allow J bookings, I expect that they might become a bit less valuable to me, but to say there is no C inventory and that SWU have little value isn’t accurate IMO.
What did you find?
Oct 10, 2018, 7:19 pm
#13
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Oct 10, 2018, 8:46 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2009
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It was a very good call for me not to push to 200K EQM last year because otherwise I would end up with even more unused SWUs.