Weighing AS vs AA status, 2026 version
 

Hello all: I've had EP and most recently PlatPro on AA for a few years now. That choice was originally propelled by work travel that no longer exists. At the same time, AA remains one of the more convenient airlines for me out of DCA, and will likely continue to be my primary airline for domestic travel. I am happy with the mileage redemptions, but have also taken note of the fact that mileage redemptions for AA flights (at least for domestic fares) seem often as good, if not better using AS miles. So I'm now considering whether I might want to make a run at AS status this year in lieu of AA status.

The benefits that are most valuable to me when flying AA are free MCE at time of booking, free checked baggage, a higher boarding group and ability to use Priority check-in at the ticket counter when needed, all of which it seems I would get with AS Gold or Platinum, but for fewer "status miles" than the LPs required for AA Plat or PlatPro. I don't get many free upgrades out of DCA as a PlatPro, so I'm not worried about AS customers having a lower priority than their AA equivalents.

Another consideration is non-flight earnings, which account for a significant portion of my LP earnings. As far as I can tell, AS has no equivalent to AAdvantage Hotels, but I probably only use that once or twice a year anyway. I haven't figured out how earnings from the AS and AA shopping portals compare. I loathe dealing with Citi and its Exec card. The Atmos Summit card has a lower earnings rate (1 status mile per $2 spend), but a good SUB and an anniversary bonus, and again, I would need fewer total miles to reach the equivalent status thresholds than on AA (40k vs 75k, and 80k vs 125k).

As we're now almost one quarter into the AS status year I need to make a decision soon. I'd love to get feedback about people's experience with this strategy, as well as any pros or cons that I might be overlooking.

Atmos is a great program if you fly AS. I don’t know what earning rates look like when flying partners but that’s the most important part of the equation. You won’t be on AS metal much.

I have fun as a AA elite doing mileage runs on AS, as you can really get some great rates in premium cabins on long domestic flights; not sure if the inverse works as well.

AA is so strong out of DCA, I’d have a hard time making the jump. Especially in a geography where EP can be a game changer in the event of IRROPS.

If you want good domestic redemptions, do what I’ve done and put everything on a Chase or AmEx once you’ve qualified for OWE. Hard to beat DL redemptions using AF miles (though granted, DL is not strong in your area).

​​​​​​….and you’re missing out if not using AAhotels.