How much is EXP really worth
Jul 31, 2021, 9:14 am
#1
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Join Date: May 2019
Location: Chicago
Programs: ,united 1k, AA EXP, HH Diamond,BA gold, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 974
How much is EXP really worth
I am in a situation where I can get EXP or have platinum pro and BA silver. Since these are via challenges it looks like I won’t get elite choice rewards. However if anyone who has done a EXP challenge could comment on this that would be great. The whole EXP challenge is very unpublished. If I can’t get elite choice rewards it then goes down to how much more valuable is EXP benefits than platinum pro, and is it worth giving up flagship lounge access. How much better would my upgrades be as a EXP out of Ord vs PP. thanks!
Jul 31, 2021, 9:18 am
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,033
Flagship lounge, or when it ever returns, is a minimal benefit IMO opinion at least. A free, average meal, and some drinks. System wide upgrades are the biggest selling point as one can upgrade from any coach fare however redeemability at booking is about as elusive a pre-covid PDB.
If you're Dallas based comp upgrades are few and far between. I'm at about 28% YTD upgrade rate ($15K EQD YTD)
If you're Dallas based comp upgrades are few and far between. I'm at about 28% YTD upgrade rate ($15K EQD YTD)
Jul 31, 2021, 9:36 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: $9 Fare Club
Posts: 1,485
Flagship lounge, or when it ever returns, is a minimal benefit IMO opinion at least. A free, average meal, and some drinks. System wide upgrades are the biggest selling point as one can upgrade from any coach fare however redeemability at booking is about as elusive a pre-covid PDB.
If you're Dallas based comp upgrades are few and far between. I'm at about 28% YTD upgrade rate ($15K EQD YTD)
If you're Dallas based comp upgrades are few and far between. I'm at about 28% YTD upgrade rate ($15K EQD YTD)
Jul 31, 2021, 9:37 am
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,468
EXP phone service is excellent, which is important because the IT sucks. You will really notice the difference in both (phone agent quality (good) and IT quality (terrible)) coming from UA.
EXP upgrades were really easy until about May 2021. Now they are very difficult. AA has far fewer MCE seats than UA's E+, which means the risk is much higher you'll wind up in a very uncomfortable Y seat if you're not willing to pay for F. And on my routes, AA is now charging more for F than UA.
You will encounter an even higher number of truly unpleasant GAs and FAs on AA (especially if you fly through MIA). I know this sounds impossible, but it's true.
The one incomparable OWE benefit is F lounge access international. That's not worth much right now.
EXP upgrades were really easy until about May 2021. Now they are very difficult. AA has far fewer MCE seats than UA's E+, which means the risk is much higher you'll wind up in a very uncomfortable Y seat if you're not willing to pay for F. And on my routes, AA is now charging more for F than UA.
You will encounter an even higher number of truly unpleasant GAs and FAs on AA (especially if you fly through MIA). I know this sounds impossible, but it's true.
The one incomparable OWE benefit is F lounge access international. That's not worth much right now.
Jul 31, 2021, 9:43 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: $9 Fare Club
Posts: 1,485
EXP phone service is excellent, which is important because the IT sucks. You will really notice the difference in both (phone agent quality (good) and IT quality (terrible)) coming from UA.
EXP upgrades were really easy until about May 2021. Now they are very difficult. AA has far fewer MCE seats than UA's E+, which means the risk is much higher you'll wind up in a very uncomfortable Y seat if you're not willing to pay for F. And on my routes, AA is now charging more for F than UA.
You will encounter an even higher number of truly unpleasant GAs and FAs on AA (especially if you fly through MIA). I know this sounds impossible, but it's true.
The one incomparable OWE benefit is F lounge access international. That's not worth much right now.
EXP upgrades were really easy until about May 2021. Now they are very difficult. AA has far fewer MCE seats than UA's E+, which means the risk is much higher you'll wind up in a very uncomfortable Y seat if you're not willing to pay for F. And on my routes, AA is now charging more for F than UA.
You will encounter an even higher number of truly unpleasant GAs and FAs on AA (especially if you fly through MIA). I know this sounds impossible, but it's true.
The one incomparable OWE benefit is F lounge access international. That's not worth much right now.
MCE is one of the few decent AA elite perks, it'll be a sad day when they start treating it as an 'upgrade' as AS and DL do with their products.
Jul 31, 2021, 11:10 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA LT Gold
Posts: 3,646
I am in a situation where I can get EXP or have platinum pro and BA silver. Since these are via challenges it looks like I won’t get elite choice rewards. However if anyone who has done a EXP challenge could comment on this that would be great. The whole EXP challenge is very unpublished. If I can’t get elite choice rewards it then goes down to how much more valuable is EXP benefits than platinum pro, and is it worth giving up flagship lounge access. How much better would my upgrades be as a EXP out of Ord vs PP. thanks!
Jul 31, 2021, 11:13 am
#7
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Join Date: May 2019
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Programs: ,united 1k, AA EXP, HH Diamond,BA gold, Hyatt globalist
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Jul 31, 2021, 11:15 am
#8
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It sounds like the consensus is that if I can get elite choice rewards it would be worth it. It would be super helpful if someone who has done a challenge recently can report if I get elite choice rewards. Thanks! The upgrade percentage between executive platinum and platinum pro also can’t be too different I imagine.
Jul 31, 2021, 12:05 pm
#9
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Jul 31, 2021, 2:52 pm
#11
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Jul 31, 2021, 3:10 pm
#12
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Jul 31, 2021, 3:53 pm
#13
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You'll be competing against EXPs who are flying, and they've all been given $3k EQD.
Jul 31, 2021, 4:20 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Chicagoland
Programs: AA exp 3mm Hertz 5*
Posts: 334
It sounds like the consensus is that if I can get elite choice rewards it would be worth it. It would be super helpful if someone who has done a challenge recently can report if I get elite choice rewards. Thanks! The upgrade percentage between executive platinum and platinum pro also can’t be too different I imagine.
Imho, About the only thing good about PPro is the OW status for lounge access. Though you’ve already heard opinions on that subject.
My wife (ten yr LPLT) is looking forward to making PPro, for the OW status, as we high high expectations of putting a lot of miles under us next year, and don’t always fly together.