Lost Status Between checking in and flying - interesting!
Jan 3, 2025 | 11:14 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 757
Lost Status Between checking in and flying - interesting!
I had an interesting experience today I thought I'd share. I was on a Platinum Pro status challenge thingy from Hyatt.
- I booked a domestic mileage ticket via AA about a week ago to fly today
- About 3 days ago, an upgrade for my second of two legs cleared
- I checked in on the app last night and it indicated 2 free bags, Plat Pro, and that I was on the F upgrade list for the first leg that hadn't cleared.
- I got to the airport and attempted to check 2 bags at the kiosk. It indicated they were both free, but when it wen to print, it said there was a printing error and to see agent
- I went to the priority desk and the lady told me I didn't have status. I said, "no, you're mistaken" but then when I pulled out my app, sure enough it just said, "member" at the top by my name.
- She told me she would give me free bags on the account of my second leg being in F, though she didn't believe it was a status upgrade and said I must have paid miles for it (I didn't).
- I refreshed the mobile boarding pass and it still says "PlatPro' next to my name on both BPs, and I'm still on the F waitlist for the first leg.
- But on the boarding passes she printed, they both say "member." I retained the premium economy seat on the first leg, but boarding group moved from 2 to 8. F ticket remained group 1 for the second leg.
Jan 3, 2025 | 11:19 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 8,959
Interesting data point - thank you for sharing. Yes, if you are confirmed in F on any segment an AA set of legs, you should get free baggage. I did this for my son coming home from college - upgraded the first segment (very cheap F class buy up) to allow for the free bags (the cost of the upgrade was less than the cost to check two bags)...
Jan 3, 2025 | 12:27 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Everywhere
Programs: AA EXP - 4MM, Bonv LIFETIME Titan, HH Dmd, Hyatt Glob., Priority Clb Dmd, Ntnl Exec El., Sixt PLT
Posts: 1,771
- I think it works both ways. In older days when you get EXP status in the middle of your flight, your entire flight would post with EXP bonus.
Jan 3, 2025 | 2:31 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 8,959
Jan 3, 2025 | 3:46 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 4,251
If your status is higher at the time of ticketing, then it is at check-in. You can show your ticket confirmation and get complementary checked bags even if youre seated in economy and dont have status anymore. Its written somewhere on the American Airlines website.
Jan 3, 2025 | 4:37 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: AA LT EXP/5 MM, BA Blue Bayou, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 6,445
My best hack was back in the day if you booked BA award tix with AA miles and put your BA number on the booking you would get credit for paid travel. Rang that register a few times, long haul in J to India and to South Africa,
Jan 3, 2025 | 4:44 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott LT Plat | Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 13,295
It is here: https://www.aa.com/web/i18n/aadvanta...es.html?tab1=2
The number of free checked bags depends on your highest status level at time of ticketing or check-in. If your status level is:
- Higher at ticketing than at check-in, show your ticket receipt to the airport agent
- Lower at ticketing than at check-in, current benefits will automatically apply