Too many Executive Platinum/ EXPs in 2021?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 124
Too many Executive Platinum/ EXPs in 2021?
With so many people being extended through 2021 and more and more attaining EXP this year through the reduced requirements, is there going to be a surge of EXPs that has the effect of devaluing status?
Case in point: I was going to easily make Platinum this year. Platinum Pro was a distinct possibility. But now I'm just 2 trips away from EXP. I will, without a doubt, make it. My travel is essential and I have been traveling again since May. What kind of effect will this have on the program? I'm sure there have to be a lot of people like me.
Case in point: I was going to easily make Platinum this year. Platinum Pro was a distinct possibility. But now I'm just 2 trips away from EXP. I will, without a doubt, make it. My travel is essential and I have been traveling again since May. What kind of effect will this have on the program? I'm sure there have to be a lot of people like me.
#3
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Roswell, GA
Programs: AA EXP 2.8m,Lifetime PLT, Hilton Diamond, IHG PlLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 3,029
myself..already qualified back in March (yes that was a first for me), my wife who is also EXP will qualify with the reduced levels required.
Honestly at this point... 1 paid ticket booked... and 3 international trips booked with miles...
next year. who knows....
So I think that the even growing numbers of EXP, I am sure there are a lot of us out there, that have curtailed their travel plans for now.. so in terms of getting upgrades etc.. I think it will be fine.
After all, being EXP is all about the free upgrades... right
Honestly at this point... 1 paid ticket booked... and 3 international trips booked with miles...
next year. who knows....
So I think that the even growing numbers of EXP, I am sure there are a lot of us out there, that have curtailed their travel plans for now.. so in terms of getting upgrades etc.. I think it will be fine.
After all, being EXP is all about the free upgrades... right
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 25,640
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Maybe more EXPs but 12 month rolling dollar spent will determine upgrades. I would imagine there will be a fair number of EXPs (and maybe CKs) that had their status extended but would not have set foot on a plane in many months.
#6
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 8,769
The amount of first time qualifying EXPs in 2020 will be so small in the grand scheme of things that it's borderline laughable to suggest any kind of potential devaluation or surging of the EXP population in 2021.
#7
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Stilllwater OK (SWO)
Programs: AAdvantage ExecPlat, World of Hyatt Globalist, plain "member" of Marriott, IHG, enterprise, etc.
Posts: 1,467
With so many people being extended through 2021 and more and more attaining EXP this year through the reduced requirements, is there going to be a surge of EXPs that has the effect of devaluing status?
Case in point: I was going to easily make Platinum this year. Platinum Pro was a distinct possibility. But now I'm just 2 trips away from EXP. I will, without a doubt, make it. My travel is essential and I have been traveling again since May. What kind of effect will this have on the program? I'm sure there have to be a lot of people like me.
Case in point: I was going to easily make Platinum this year. Platinum Pro was a distinct possibility. But now I'm just 2 trips away from EXP. I will, without a doubt, make it. My travel is essential and I have been traveling again since May. What kind of effect will this have on the program? I'm sure there have to be a lot of people like me.
As for the first thing, I think the value of ExPlat status is probably higher by no other reason than business travel is sluggish. 10 ExPs traveling 6 flight segments a week has more of an effect on taking upgrade space than 50 ExPs traveling on average 1 segment a week. And overall, the overriding factor in that is what routes you are flying and when. DFW Monday/Thursday travel based ExPs never have and never will have it all that good (though, for the only 2 flights I have taken this summer, I did upgrade).
As for the values of SWUs, that is a whole 'nother bucket of worms and # ExPs is only a minor ingredient in that soup.
#8
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: Aegean (Gold) American (EP)
Posts: 138
As long as international borders are closed and medical conferences are called off, I won't be heading anywhere.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 124
I'm not sure how many people are like me. My travel is only slightly reduced. And though my spend will be down, it's only down a bit on account of not living in a hub city. So I feel like I'm probably an aberration.
#10
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Los Angeles& Telluride
Programs: UA1K, 1MM,AA Exec. Platinum, Global Entry, Nexus
Posts: 695
Well, we all have different reasons for status. Then once we attain status, we have different expectations from AA. Having flown twice since March, I've been upgraded each time. A321's and 789's. Lot has changed. FA's for the most part avoid any contact and conversation. Most people sit on the plane and don't venture out of their seats. I think twice about getting out of my seat, even to pee. Planes are much cleaner and we leave on time for the most part. Those are good things. by lowering my expectations I am ok with travel these days. I believe once I start TATL travel I will want more. Not sure I'll get it as far as service is concerned. In addition, I think I'll bring along the food I want to consume. Fruit plates on 11 hour flights just wont cut it for me. Sadly, the world has changed and is still evolving. How sad that once we experience todays travel we will pine away for yesterdays travel---and that wasn't anything to write home to mom about. Welcome to the new world.
#13
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,134
Just a quick though...
I have been EXP since 2005and just requalified again. MRS Dallas49er, EXP 2006-2018 (Gigantic FA J Service Issue 2018-She will now swim home rather than flyAA. We used to commute monthly DFW-CDG-DFW on AA) No longer.
The landscape has changed. We just buy F/J now. And as a result of my wife's experience, in flight and afterwards, AA is no longer 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ..675th choice when booking. Luckily, we worked hard, and can afford it .
If OP wants to "jump ahead" and be "more special", on the cheap, in these special times, may I humbly suggest: If you want AA f, buy f, and get those EQDs. $$$$ are the only thing that counts with Raj and Doug.
Because, if you don't, ANY CK, will trump your sorry posterior, 150% of the time.
Enjoy C...C...C... not Phirst Class!
The landscape has changed. We just buy F/J now. And as a result of my wife's experience, in flight and afterwards, AA is no longer 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ..675th choice when booking. Luckily, we worked hard, and can afford it .
If OP wants to "jump ahead" and be "more special", on the cheap, in these special times, may I humbly suggest: If you want AA f, buy f, and get those EQDs. $$$$ are the only thing that counts with Raj and Doug.
Because, if you don't, ANY CK, will trump your sorry posterior, 150% of the time.
Enjoy C...C...C... not Phirst Class!
Last edited by Dallas49er; Aug 17, 20 at 7:44 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Programs: AA CK
Posts: 2,166
3 unknowns will determine if there are 'too many EXP'.
1) How many new people will qualify in 2020?
2) What will the EXP travel patterns be like in 2021?
3) What sort of network will AA operate in 2021?
Much of 2 and 3 will be dictated by if/when there's a vaccine which restores leisure and business confidence.
Have to throw out the history books when AA builds a schedule and only time will tell if 1) AA will have too much capacity, which would mean good upgrade inventory and perks for EXP's, or 2) AA will underestimate travel patterns and have limited inventory, thus reducing some EXP opportunities (namely for upgrades)
1) How many new people will qualify in 2020?
2) What will the EXP travel patterns be like in 2021?
3) What sort of network will AA operate in 2021?
Much of 2 and 3 will be dictated by if/when there's a vaccine which restores leisure and business confidence.
Have to throw out the history books when AA builds a schedule and only time will tell if 1) AA will have too much capacity, which would mean good upgrade inventory and perks for EXP's, or 2) AA will underestimate travel patterns and have limited inventory, thus reducing some EXP opportunities (namely for upgrades)
#15
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EP, AA AC
Posts: 4,267