Are BA Golds Treated Equally/Better Than AA EXPs on AA Flights?
Nov 25, 19, 3:01 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF Bay Area
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Are BA Golds Treated Equally/Better Than AA EXPs on AA Flights?
They get access to Flagship Lounges when traveling domestic U.S. flights, unlike EXPs. How about preferred seating and free Economy Class snack/drink? Complimentary space-available upgrades? There must be some downsides....if they're not significant I may switch.
Nov 25, 19, 3:03 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
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No space available upgrades
Nov 25, 19, 3:04 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2007
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I am a US based GGL and I have to admit the exclusive treatment I get when I travel on AA domestically or international.
Frankly speaking, I didn't give a thought to chase status with AA since I received my GGL status with BA.
Frankly speaking, I didn't give a thought to chase status with AA since I received my GGL status with BA.
Nov 25, 19, 3:09 pm
#4
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Don't forget if you do switch from Advantage to BAEC you would have to meet the BAEC requiment for 4 qualifying flights plus the TPs - see the guide to exec club in the stickies - to earn and retain status.
I
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Nov 25, 19, 3:28 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2012
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Nov 25, 19, 3:44 pm
#7
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
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Nov 25, 19, 3:45 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2010
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EXPs also get the complimentary snack and drink when in coach. Anyone in MCE will be offered a complimentary alcoholic beverage, irrespective of status. The other major difference would be free confirmed same-day flight changes for EXPs whereas BA Gold would need to pay $75 for confirmed.
The major differences are lounge access when flying on purely domestic US itineraries (BA Silver & Gold get them, AA OW equivalents don't - with some small exceptions relating to TATL travel on A321T aircraft) as well as complimentary upgrades. I have had a small number of upgrades to First when flying AA within the US but these are the exception rather than the norm, and are usually due to operational reasons. There is no way (that I am aware of anyway) for non-AA status holders to get on the upgrade list.
The major differences are lounge access when flying on purely domestic US itineraries (BA Silver & Gold get them, AA OW equivalents don't - with some small exceptions relating to TATL travel on A321T aircraft) as well as complimentary upgrades. I have had a small number of upgrades to First when flying AA within the US but these are the exception rather than the norm, and are usually due to operational reasons. There is no way (that I am aware of anyway) for non-AA status holders to get on the upgrade list.
Nov 25, 19, 3:45 pm
#9
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Nov 25, 19, 3:55 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2009
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EPs get treated... well. The lack of lounge access is noticeable, but everything else goes well. Rebooking of flights when delayed is nice. Upgrades happen, especially outside very premium heavy routes. Travelling to less well-off cities, upgrades happen a lot.
The EP phone line is very good. Most things are sorted out immediately. Ticketing issues can be sorted out quickly most of the time. Complex fare inquiries are handled well.
MCE seating on long haul. The systemwide upgrades (even if you only get 4 to start with these days, instead of the previous 8).
The main cabin snacks are nice.
Overall, AA treats EPs very well. In flight and in customer service, better than BA treats BA gold in my opinion. Only the lounges are a better situation with BA.
AA EP is harder to get than BA Gold, and AA do treat them well.
The EP phone line is very good. Most things are sorted out immediately. Ticketing issues can be sorted out quickly most of the time. Complex fare inquiries are handled well.
MCE seating on long haul. The systemwide upgrades (even if you only get 4 to start with these days, instead of the previous 8).
The main cabin snacks are nice.
Overall, AA treats EPs very well. In flight and in customer service, better than BA treats BA gold in my opinion. Only the lounges are a better situation with BA.
AA EP is harder to get than BA Gold, and AA do treat them well.
Nov 25, 19, 3:57 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2008
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Nov 25, 19, 4:41 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Objectives from a ffp?
Good BA vs AA summary in post 3 of this thread:--> Just moved to London: AA versus BA versus United
Others
AA and BA Account
Moving from Star Alliance to One World - AA vs BA?
Nov 25, 19, 4:51 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NCL
Programs: UA 1MM/*G. AA EXP for 1 more year, gravitating towards maintaining DL Gold
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So can UK-based AA members (that is, if we can overcome the resentment of them first unceremoniously dropping the MBNA AAdvantage credit card and then waving flyers for another card that we are not eligible for in our faces).
Nov 25, 19, 9:13 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2005
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It's another 'swings and roundabouts" situation. In the years when I was EXP I frequently felt that I was better treated on BA flights than I am now as BAEC Gold.
Nov 25, 19, 11:01 pm
#15
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Hertz pres circle, Marriott Platinum, hilton diamond
Posts: 2,536
Cant say it looks that compelling, of the big things I'd say it comes down to lounge access vs upgrades.
Given that you can get admirals club access for $450, I'd probably stay exp if you were mainly flying domestically.
If you were doing a lot of international premium class travel with a few domestic trips I'd find BA more compelling
Given that you can get admirals club access for $450, I'd probably stay exp if you were mainly flying domestically.
If you were doing a lot of international premium class travel with a few domestic trips I'd find BA more compelling
