What are Executive Platinum / EP / EXP benefits? Are they worth it? (master thd)
 

I've been of the opinion that EXP status isn't that important if you have money - meaning you can get those benefits by just buying your way into the premium cabin. But now I'm not so sure.

For example, last Thursday, with the poor weather in DFW, my flight from STL to DFW, and the next one was canceled. I had been upgraded. The earlier flight was delayed. They had deplaned everyone. They issued me a BP for that flight when they reboarded, and they gave me someone else's window seat. That person was now in an aisle (he told me - and he wasn't too happy).

Now isn't that an EXP benefit that money couldn't buy? Putting you on the earliest possible flight.

In addition, I'm also thinking the EXP hotline number. What else is there? I have to say, it's nice being EXP.

Yep.

My initial flight to DFW to catch the LHR flight was cancelled, and they called with automated calls, plus protected me on the next flight.

Well, they use the old TW MD83s on this route and the frequently go mech, etc. so I did not want the remaining flight that would alow me to make my London flight (plus on a P fare I was bumped down to Coach), so I called after ascertaining the earlier flight was sold out in Coach but had two F seats remaining. They had to put in a request to Revenue Management, and the $346 charge was neutralized with a $346 credit, so I am flying on the earlier flight in F.

I believe EXP had a lot to do with that.

+1 The EXP desk has saved my bacon a bunch of times, esp. during irrops, and esp. when I was in a foreign country and BA or SN(a while ago) customer service was absent or abysmal.

Well the drum roll will be that i will be able to experience the
EXP benefits. I have 96 segments through today; 100 on he next filght next week.

Very much looking forward to dealing with complementary EXP upgrades for a change instead of stickers.

Any generic advice on the most appropriate advice on how to deal with friends needing upgraded with my numerous stickers still in my and my spouses accounts?

How long after you pass the 100 segments that you MAKE EXP does it take before the EXP desk can make it happen?

I have other flights booked as we speak. Do I need to call CS to get them to reflect Exec Plat on my upcoming flights for the complementary upgrades?

Maui Time: Yes once your status changes to EXP give them a call and ask that they refresh your future reservations. Won't hurt to give the computers a nudge.

See my comments in BLUE.

Is it worth trying to reach Executive Platinum?
 

Hi guys. My home airport is EZE and on an annual basis I usually fly just above 50,000 in OW flights, which allows me to keep my AAdvantage Platinum status. This year however, I will be flying to HAN during October and my balance will reach 78,000 EQM. My question is twofold, is it worth trying to hit 100,000 EQM in order to reach Executive Platinum? If so, which would the the cheapest way to obtain 22,000 EQM?
Thank you in advance and best regards,

Alex

Alex, my answer would hinge on what your flying plans are in 2014. The key benefits to EXP (for me) are nearly unlimited upgrades when flying on AA within the US and the 8 SWU's for international travel. (There are many others, of course). If you have minimal travel plans next year within the US and internationally on AA metal then it's probably not worth it, but if so then by all means...

Best of luck!

Thanks for the quick turnaround!

So far during 2014 I will be flying EZE-JFK-EZE and EZE-JFK-YYZ-JFK-EZE on AA, some flights within Argentina on LAN, and EZE-FCO-EZE in BA or IB...

Recommend to read below thread from beginning to end.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html

After reading all above, if you still have questions, let us know.

Look at it this way. The 8 SWU (subject to capacity controls) are potentially worth 200,000 miles and $2800, which is the cost to upgrade 8 segments from EZE to North America. But since they could also be used to fly to say EZE - LHR, they are actually worth more.

This alone makes EXP worth it.

No ;)

MO

No cheap way, not many long distance deals from EZE.

A trip to LHR via US plus two trips to LIM or one to MIA will cost you around $3000 to get your 22k needed miles.

Say you get some deals and you can lower it to $2600...

Personally, I enjoy a lot the EXP program and I almost don't fly domestic US. I can see you getting great benefit from the SWUs themselves for your 2014 international trips. Is $2600-$3000 plus your time away worth it? Up to you...

P.S. And 2014 will probably be the last year of existence of the EXP program as we know it now, since after the US/AA FF programs merge the new program might be a seriously devalued version of the current EXP program

Thanks aktchi. The friends I referred to are companions on upcoming flights. On one flight they are on the same PNR, the others are on separate PNR's. I will call CS on your advice.