EXP on EQD Alone
Oct 20, 2018 | 7:48 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott LT Plat | Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 13,304
AA has no reason to comp anyone because that undercuts its buy up offers. While there is no guarantee of such an offer in this or any year, presuming that there is one, it not only makes no sense from a direct revenue perspective, but leaves others who are struggling to cross the finish line wondering why they did.
Oct 21, 2018 | 9:36 am
#18
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
Just keep in mind that the buy-ups can be very expensive relative to AANYC1981's well-advised suggestion of enjoying a trip at often much less the cost than the buy-up offer if you have the time!
Oct 21, 2018 | 11:25 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,887
Given how much easier they've made it to earn EQMs in the last year or two (2x on D/R/I/A fares, 3x on F/J on AA, vs. 1.5 for all previously), there's even less incentive now to overlook not meeting the stated EQM requirements. And as others have alluded to, only modestly going over the EQD hurdle is not going to matter, there are probably TONS of folks in that situation.
But as a bit of a consolation, your "high" EQD balance will better position you on the upgrade priority list vs. other platinum pros (or maybe not). At least it will be factored in.
But as a bit of a consolation, your "high" EQD balance will better position you on the upgrade priority list vs. other platinum pros (or maybe not). At least it will be factored in.
Oct 22, 2018 | 6:59 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hilton Silver, Marriott Titanium Elite, AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 130
I mentioned being AUS based, as in evaluating whether to "comp" a customer up, it might be a relational exercise based on their FF base. Obviously, AUS has a much greater FF base than say...Grand Rapids. Everything stated here makes perfect sense though, AA may let you buy up, but nothing for free. I might look into mileage runs, and see if there's anything in December that strikes my fancy and fits the budget. Or, I'll just be content to make that next step towards EXP and try harder next year.
Oct 22, 2018 | 7:25 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Bay Area
Programs: WN A-List, AA good-riddance, Safeway Club Card Extraordinaire
Posts: 3,851
Oct 22, 2018 | 8:59 pm
#22
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Based in Michigan, but I could be anywhere!
Programs: Hilton, American, Club Carlson, United, Marriott, Starwood
Posts: 409
Oct 22, 2018 | 9:09 pm
#23
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American PLT; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,944
A little background first. I'm an AA plat and have been for 4 years. I fly solely domestic for work, but roughly every other week (SUN-THU). This year, I will easily clear Platinum Pro and will have an EQD somewhere around $14-16k. I'm based in AUS, and I know that's going to hurt in this discussion. I will clear Pro with about 78-85K EQM depending on what I do at the end of the year. Is there any chance that AA would look at my EQD and comp me up to EXP? For the record, my 2nd half flying has featured me upfaring up to I class to guarantee a seat in first on some long domestic flights. I know it's a long shot, but I was just wondering if anyone had any similar experiences. For the record, I'd love to do a MR to get to EXP, since all I would need is BIS, but I just don't see that happening...as much as I would love to go to HKG. Thanks!
Oct 22, 2018 | 11:41 pm
#24
Join Date: May 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1MM
Posts: 185
I have EQD $14,155, EQM 65,722 and EQD of 15 EQS to date.
This year I had seats up front, but don't remember the fare bucket, for SAT-KOA, DFW-VVI, DFW-ANC and those added up nicely. Add that on to + or- 6 domestic trips, I should make EXP by the end of the year with whats left scheduled. I did decide to book a LAX-SJU rt mileage run next month for some EQMS.
Next year I'll be going to OZ and NZ and hoping those SWU will come thru and the MR becomes worth the time and effort.
A lot of my tickets this year were September and later, that should help me keep a high revolving EQD for the first three quarters of 2019.
Also, I believe the OP is Austin based. Refers to flying domestically for work.
This year I had seats up front, but don't remember the fare bucket, for SAT-KOA, DFW-VVI, DFW-ANC and those added up nicely. Add that on to + or- 6 domestic trips, I should make EXP by the end of the year with whats left scheduled. I did decide to book a LAX-SJU rt mileage run next month for some EQMS.
Next year I'll be going to OZ and NZ and hoping those SWU will come thru and the MR becomes worth the time and effort.
A lot of my tickets this year were September and later, that should help me keep a high revolving EQD for the first three quarters of 2019.
Also, I believe the OP is Austin based. Refers to flying domestically for work.