Well, 2nd day as DM and better results at 3888. Fell off waitlist yesterday, called in today ~72 hours before departure, finally got an R->U seat for my companion at J3 C3 D0 I0.

Did not have to pull a DYKWIA as agent said 'let me check if there is any seat available *to release for DM*'. So far so good :P :P :P

Checked availability for full redemption online prior to calling, it wasn't available for standard/Priority 1/2 either.

I have seen R->U seat available within 72 hours of departure with J3 C3 D0 I0 too ad a lowly SL. And whenever I call their standard response is always "let me heck whether there are any seats available".

So unless they mentioned specifically about "releasing seat for DM", it might just have been a coincidence.

(I don't mean to disappoint)

Are you able to call up CX and ask for seats to be released, even as a SL member?

Yes, my point being DM was specifically mentioned. Oh well, of course there's still a long way to go for CX to redeem themselves.

congratulations! Welcome!

......and given what a frequent contributor you are, and your familiarity with CX and the AA EXP program while mainly flying on CX metal, I hope you'll start a thread in a few months. One that breaks down the differences (if any) flying CX as a partner OWE vs CX DM, and perhaps why someone should (or shouldn't) consider being DM vs partner OWE when flying mostly on CX. Can't think of someone who would be able to do it better than yourself.

Hopefully Diamond is what you were hoping it would be.

For OWE on cx

i was not a believer of OWE when i was OwS... but once experienced it i definitely feel there is large difference between second in the pack vs top of food chain... in an essense the perception i have is as OWE each OW airlines will treat you like their own top tier member but as OWS you just become just another frequent flyer without much kudos.

so if you travel also on non CX flight i think OWE goes quite far, besides tangible benefits like F lounge or baggage allowance. if you are always on CX, they know they have to look after their Gold well too so you might not see difference.

I had DM for a couple of years then fell to GO when I put most of my miles to AA to get EXP, and now back to DM and no elite for AA. So it's DM - EXP (GO) - DM. Fly J TPAC for both business and leisure during this time on CX, JL, and US domestic on AA. On JL, I don't see any difference being an OWE or a nobody J flyer. On CX, I don't really see the difference between EXP and GO, but as a DM, I can really feel the difference :)

Thanks QRC3288. Already quite blown away by my first couple flights so far!

Second that!

Do tell more - is it more than just someone saying hi onboard?

I have BA Silver, hopefully soon to be gold. Will CX know/care about the difference? Is BA gold treated the same as DM on CX?

To CX you're just going to be OWE as BA Gold. Essentially you'll be treated the same as an AA EXP... i.e. no different than a GO.

No I disagree. The ISM will bow towards you and tell you to ask if you need anything. Then, the crew in charge of your row will somehow remember you by name and offer you food ahead of many other people. Even special meals.

You will then be proud and know you are top of the food chain than anyone else around you.