Jul 10, 2013, 9:53 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
What are AAdvantage Platinum / PLT Benefits? Are they worth it?
Platinum status requirements*: in one calendar year, earn 50,000 EQ Miles or fly 60 EQ Segments (in 2017, AND earn $6,000 EQDs)
C/Y Platinum status requirements: $6,000 EQD*, PLUS 60 segments or 50,000 EQ Miles
*See FT: Earning EQD / Elite Qualifying Dollars on AA and partner airlines (2017 on)
Members no longer must fly at least 4 segments on American during the qualifying year to receive elite status; this requirement was eliminated in 2017.
Status will last that status year and the following status year - status earned in 2018 will last through 31 Jan 2020.
Preferred benefits:
- Complimentary Main Cabin Extra and Preferred Seats (extends to up to 8 traveling companions)
- Two (2) free checked bags (extends to all traveling companions same PNR)
- Minimum mileage guarantee (as of 1 August 2016, only applies to EQM)
- 60% elite mileage bonus NOTE: (8 miles per "fare dollar" (base fare + carrier imposed fees, not taxes) as of 1 Aug 2016)
- Business class lounge access longhaul international and MEX** (see below)
- oneworld benefits (see below)
- Alaska Airlines benefits (see below)
- Priority through the airport at check-in, security and boarding
- Checked bag fee waived for two (2) bags
- Priority baggage delivery
- Complimentary same-day standby
- NOTE: Complimentary same-day flight change on American Airlines NOT available
- Discounted Admirals Club® membership
- 48-hour upgrade window (changed from 72 hours in 2017)
- Flights 500 miles or less: Unlimited, auto-requested complimentary upgrades*
- Flights over 500 miles: Use earned or purchased 500-mile upgrades*
- Upgrade one companion traveling with you on the same flight with 500-mile upgrades*
- Upgrades confirmed before departure (as early as) 72 hours (48 in 2017)
- *Upgrades are valid on American marketed and operated flights, within and between the U.S. (including Hawaii) and between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central America (based on availability). Upgrades are valid from the Main Cabin to the next class of service.
- Gold and Platinum members will get four 500-mile upgrades for every 12,500 elite-qualifying miles you earn during the membership year after you achieve status.
- "Exclusive service desk" (actual prioritized number to Reservations lines)
- Complimentary preferred seats (extends to up to 8 traveling companions)
- Complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats (extends to up to 8 traveling companions)
- Exclusive partner offers
- Award processing charge waived (awards within 21 days of travel)
- Special discounts on hotel and car awards
- NOTE: Extended award availability is only an Executive Platinum benefit
- oneworld priority check-in and standby
- oneworld priority boarding
- oneworld partner lounge access** Business Class and frequent flyer lounges
**Access to Qantas Domestic Business Lounges excluded. AAdvantage member access to American Airlines lounges excluded (regardless of status or class of service) if traveling within North America or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
Alaska Airlines Benefits ended 1/1/2018
Can only earn EQ on AA codeshares and AS International flights
Link to aa.com guide to AAdvantage Elite benefits (all levels)
Link to AA Platinum Member's Guide in PDF form (2013).
Link to Archive of older posts from this thread.
Updated 16 Jan 2018 - JDiver
What are AA 🔹Platinum / PLT Benefits? Are they worth it? (master thd)
Jan 15, 2013, 11:39 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: STL
Programs: AA 2MM, AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,966
If he doesn't get an upgrade, will the OP be hopping mad?
Jan 16, 2013, 1:19 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,234
The other benefit of Platinum is the ability to opt-in to the TSA pre-check program for AA flights (not a Gold benefit last I checked). Of course this also works if you have Global Entry, but IME it's smoother (when flying AA) if you're qualified by status.
But if you're not going to fly AA enough to use the perks and to earn any 500-mile upgrades (which don't start accruing until after you have status), then it's probably not worth it. AFAIK, Gold still can pre-assign exit rows (but not Main Cabin Extra).
But if you're not going to fly AA enough to use the perks and to earn any 500-mile upgrades (which don't start accruing until after you have status), then it's probably not worth it. AFAIK, Gold still can pre-assign exit rows (but not Main Cabin Extra).
Jan 16, 2013, 1:22 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: SFO
Posts: 1,746
But if you're not going to fly AA enough to use the perks and to earn any 500-mile upgrades (which don't start accruing until after you have status), then it's probably not worth it. AFAIK, Gold still can pre-assign exit rows (but not Main Cabin Extra).
Jan 16, 2013, 3:59 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
Everybody is bringing up better upgrade chances, but is forgetting to mention that you need stickers for this. Somebody who makes PLT the hard way (50K EQM 50EQS) will most likely have a bunch (between 0-20 depending on how many he/she used as a gld along the way). But somebody who does a challenge won't have any stickers. At $30/sticker to buy, it would be just another cost to even get the CHANCE to upgrade.
To me the only deciding factor here would be lounge access internationally (because the bonus miles won't make a difference either, unless flying a lot). And as other have mentioned, unless flying internationally a lot, probably cheaper to pay for the pass then the $500 for the challenge+fare.
To me the only deciding factor here would be lounge access internationally (because the bonus miles won't make a difference either, unless flying a lot). And as other have mentioned, unless flying internationally a lot, probably cheaper to pay for the pass then the $500 for the challenge+fare.
Jan 16, 2013, 10:13 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,234
Everybody is bringing up better upgrade chances, but is forgetting to mention that you need stickers for this. Somebody who makes PLT the hard way (50K EQM 50EQS) will most likely have a bunch (between 0-20 depending on how many he/she used as a gld along the way). But somebody who does a challenge won't have any stickers. At $30/sticker to buy, it would be just another cost to even get the CHANCE to upgrade.
Gold has access to MCE until the end of 2013: http://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/mainCabinExtra.jsp
Jan 16, 2013, 10:54 pm
#21
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Exploralist, Marriot Silver
Posts: 2,065
OK, just to hijack the thread slightly, can anyone explain what the point of a status challenge is?! As in, why would I pay money to do one? 
If I'm going to be flying to China in April, Australia in May, and New Zealand (via Oz in August & Fiji in Dec) plus half a dozen US flights then I'll rack up the miles for PLT after the first Oz trip in May: wouldn't I get PLT status at that point anyway? Surely I'm missing something here, but I've read through the various stickies and nowhere does it say why anyone would pay money to do this challenge.
If I'm going to be flying to China in April, Australia in May, and New Zealand (via Oz in August & Fiji in Dec) plus half a dozen US flights then I'll rack up the miles for PLT after the first Oz trip in May: wouldn't I get PLT status at that point anyway? Surely I'm missing something here, but I've read through the various stickies and nowhere does it say why anyone would pay money to do this challenge.
Jun 7, 2013, 4:23 pm
#22
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Delta Silver Medallion, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 14,105
Advice needed: Should I do a MR?
Halfway into the year, and I am halfway to Aadvantage Gold.
Here's the thing: we have the Citi Aadvantage Executive card, the one where you get access to the Admiral's Club, priority check-in, free checked bags, etc.
Here's the other thing: I rarely fly Y anyway, and on longer flights (TATL, LatAm), neither does DH. When I'm flying domestic short haul, I usually fly F; for international, we fly J.
I will be flying to SJU in July, then a quick hop to Pittsburgh, then ending the summer going to EZE. I can probably fit in a MR or two to get myself to Plat between July and September, but I am not sure if it would be worth it to do so. I have only been back to American for about a year and a half now, and my TATLs have been on SQ during that time, but I got a little taste of the new F on a short haul recently, and if that is what is to come in the future . . . well, American may be getting more of my attention on TATL, too. I just don't know if going for Platinum is worth it. Basically, I am confused.
Advice would be appreciated.
Here's the thing: we have the Citi Aadvantage Executive card, the one where you get access to the Admiral's Club, priority check-in, free checked bags, etc.
Here's the other thing: I rarely fly Y anyway, and on longer flights (TATL, LatAm), neither does DH. When I'm flying domestic short haul, I usually fly F; for international, we fly J.
I will be flying to SJU in July, then a quick hop to Pittsburgh, then ending the summer going to EZE. I can probably fit in a MR or two to get myself to Plat between July and September, but I am not sure if it would be worth it to do so. I have only been back to American for about a year and a half now, and my TATLs have been on SQ during that time, but I got a little taste of the new F on a short haul recently, and if that is what is to come in the future . . . well, American may be getting more of my attention on TATL, too. I just don't know if going for Platinum is worth it. Basically, I am confused.
Advice would be appreciated.
Jun 7, 2013, 4:43 pm
#23
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
I will offer my suggestion, such as it is. I represent a minority opinion. I'd like to bet that most will disagree with me.
In my opinion, every minute spent in Airport World is a minute of tedium. Hurry. Wait. Hurry. Wait. Hurry. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. etc.
Getting elite status relieves some of that tedium. You wait in shorter lines. You sit in cushier chairs. However, it's still Hurry. Wait. Hurry. Wait. Hurry. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. etc.
As a LT Gold, I ask myself this: Why put myself through hours of Airport World Hurry/Wait tedium for no reason other than just to make things a little bit easier for me next time?
With Plat, I'd get to board a few minutes before the Golds, which I already am anyway. Are those few minutes worth hours of tedium?
With Plat, I'd be able to enter lounges even when flying Coach internationally. Are those few hours in a lounge worth hours of tedium?
Personally, I never do mileage runs. I fly when I need to fly for business, pleasure, family visits, whatever. I don't fly just to put myself through Airport World for no reason other than miles or status.
In my opinion, every minute spent in Airport World is a minute of tedium. Hurry. Wait. Hurry. Wait. Hurry. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. etc.
Getting elite status relieves some of that tedium. You wait in shorter lines. You sit in cushier chairs. However, it's still Hurry. Wait. Hurry. Wait. Hurry. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. etc.
As a LT Gold, I ask myself this: Why put myself through hours of Airport World Hurry/Wait tedium for no reason other than just to make things a little bit easier for me next time?
With Plat, I'd get to board a few minutes before the Golds, which I already am anyway. Are those few minutes worth hours of tedium?
With Plat, I'd be able to enter lounges even when flying Coach internationally. Are those few hours in a lounge worth hours of tedium?
Personally, I never do mileage runs. I fly when I need to fly for business, pleasure, family visits, whatever. I don't fly just to put myself through Airport World for no reason other than miles or status.
Jun 7, 2013, 5:00 pm
#24
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
what is your home airport?
there is a platinum challenge.....get 10k eqp in a 3 month period does it....if you start after 15 june, the status goes thru feb 2015....
check the mi to eze....might get it on that trip flying in front.....
info in the threads at the top....under $300 iirc....
check w/aadv cs....phone # in the stickies....
edit....daughter said the cost was $240 for challenge.....probably cheaper than a mr & eze from anywhere in the 48 states will do it on aa metal i think...
there is a platinum challenge.....get 10k eqp in a 3 month period does it....if you start after 15 june, the status goes thru feb 2015....
check the mi to eze....might get it on that trip flying in front.....
info in the threads at the top....under $300 iirc....
check w/aadv cs....phone # in the stickies....
edit....daughter said the cost was $240 for challenge.....probably cheaper than a mr & eze from anywhere in the 48 states will do it on aa metal i think...
Last edited by clacko; Jun 7, 2013 at 5:17 pm
Jun 7, 2013, 5:43 pm
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Delta Silver Medallion, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 14,105
My home airport is JFK, and I think EZE will do it, since we are flying in J. Hmmm . . .
Might as well, I guess.
Looks like it's over 13,000 miles R/T with the 25% J bonus. That should do it.
Might as well, I guess.
Looks like it's over 13,000 miles R/T with the 25% J bonus. That should do it.
Last edited by ysolde; Jun 7, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Jun 7, 2013, 6:01 pm
#26
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Platinum Medallion, AA Lifetime Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold, Amtrak Select
Posts: 303
Advice needed: Should I do a MR?
plat challenge JFK-EZE in J is a no-brainer...that over a mile-run all day long in my book. Since it is EQP not EQM your J ticket will take care of any concerns there...
Jun 7, 2013, 6:02 pm
#27
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: San Diego, Ca
Programs: AA 2MM LT PLT; AS MVP Gold75k; HHonors Diamond; IHG PLT
Posts: 3,502
Starting in 2014, Golds no longer get free MCE, so if you fly enough domestically, PLT is well worth a challenge or MR. I fly Alaska periodically, PLT allows me to book an exit row.
Jun 7, 2013, 6:29 pm
#29
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,714
A thing to bear in mind is that most of the benefits that come with status also come with premium tickets (priority access, international lounge access, baggage allowance etc....) so you should probably consider that when evaluating the merits of paying a little extra to get to PLT.
One thing that PLT will get you that you can't get with a premium ticket is a 100% mileage bonus (on top of the class of service bonus you'll get for booking premium tickets). If you have a use for more AAdvantage miles then this may be worth the extra $$ that you'll be paying to do a PLT challenge. Other than that you should already have everything you need if you're paying for F & J.
Last edited by Stripy; Jun 7, 2013 at 9:44 pm
Jun 7, 2013, 7:22 pm
#30
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DCA/IAD/SFO/SJC/JFK/NRT/LHR/BOS/etc
Programs: AA (EXP, 3 MM), Hyatt Globalist, Taj InnerCircle Silver, MLife Noir, former LHW-Aurelian
Posts: 365
(...and if you're trying for PLT, why not go whole-hog for EXP?
)