Should I Buy Up to US Chairman's or Platinum?
Dec 11, 2013, 9:22 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DCA
Programs: AA PPro, Mariott Ambassador, B6 Mosaic, SBUX Gold, Best Buy Elite
Posts: 1,838
Dec 11, 2013, 11:04 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: WFBF
Posts: 963
The main factors, as I see them, are
(right now I'm leaning toward buy up, but haven't yet done so -- will likely do it around Christmas)
- Uncertainty around whether the merged program will be 3-tier or 4-tier, and if 3-tier what happens to the US Platinums (i.e., do we merge up to EXP equivalent, or down). I'm considering buying up to CP from Platinum just to guarantee I don't get merged down.
- Do you have a use for the CP upgrade certs? The domestic-upgrade situation for Platinum vs. CP isn't hugely different except on the most elite-heavy routes, so the CP upgrade certs are the main differentiator.
- Uncertain whether the new program follow AA's or US' lead on domestic upgrades. AA's program only gives complimentary upgrades to EXP, and everyone else needs to buy/earn and use upgrade stickers. Suddenly losing complimentary upgrades would really suck, and buying up to CP seems the safest way to guarantee they continue.
(right now I'm leaning toward buy up, but haven't yet done so -- will likely do it around Christmas)
Dec 11, 2013, 12:55 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
I'd consider it due to the merger. It's better to be at the top of the heap in a crazy environment rather than somewhere in the middle. AA has a lot more elites, so I prefer having as much priority as possible.
PP may be the red headed stepchild - no one knows if there will be a 75k-ish tier in the new program, and if there isn't, how it will translate to perks on AA.
PP may be the red headed stepchild - no one knows if there will be a 75k-ish tier in the new program, and if there isn't, how it will translate to perks on AA.
Dec 11, 2013, 1:15 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New Jersey
Programs: UA Plat 1MM, Hyatt Plat, SPG Gold/SVN 3 Star Elite, ICG Plat Ambassador
Posts: 242
Should I Buy Up to US Chairman's or Platinum?
How about buying from US in early January to enjoy status for 2 years? I could be tempted for top status at current prices.
Dec 11, 2013, 1:27 pm
#20
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DCA
Programs: AA PPro, Mariott Ambassador, B6 Mosaic, SBUX Gold, Best Buy Elite
Posts: 1,838
Dec 11, 2013, 1:35 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New Jersey
Programs: UA Plat 1MM, Hyatt Plat, SPG Gold/SVN 3 Star Elite, ICG Plat Ambassador
Posts: 242
Should I Buy Up to US Chairman's or Platinum?
Ah...unlike UA where you used to be able to do that.
Dec 15, 2013, 12:22 am
#22
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: AA Plat + SPG Plat
Posts: 235
If things remain relatively the same in the "new" airline, purchased CP status (converted to EXP) would put you pretty close to the bottom of that list until you had enough BIS miles to compete with the earned CPs/EXPs.
Dec 15, 2013, 5:26 am
#23
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Executive Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,663
That is why I think the whole buy-up to CP thing is fair. I generally buy-up from gold so even though I am CP, I am near the bottom of the herd with 60K BIS miles. It seems like this is fair to true BIS CPs (who trump me) as well as fair to me (since I beat out all PPs by shelling out some cash).
Dec 15, 2013, 10:52 am
#24
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,472
If you buy up to Chairman, do you get the two upgrade certificates?
Dec 15, 2013, 11:08 am
#25
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Lifetime Plat, SPG Plat, AMEX Plat, Hertz PC, Travels too Much Platinum
Posts: 3,290
Dec 15, 2013, 4:28 pm
#26
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Charlotte
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite, AA Platinum Pro, Hertz Presidents
Posts: 1,214
I have a similar question. At end of this week I'll hit US Plat but am wondering if paying the $1000 to buy up to Chairman's is worth it to match to AA ExPlat.
I started a new position this May and fly once or twice a month domestically and flew Envoy to LHR once. I'm not sure what next year will bring but hoping to make a few more 1st class upgrades PHX-CLT.
$1000 is a bit to pay but if I can get some upgrades out of it then it might be worth it. Hard decision...
I started a new position this May and fly once or twice a month domestically and flew Envoy to LHR once. I'm not sure what next year will bring but hoping to make a few more 1st class upgrades PHX-CLT.
$1000 is a bit to pay but if I can get some upgrades out of it then it might be worth it. Hard decision...
Dec 15, 2013, 4:30 pm
#27
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Charlotte
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite, AA Platinum Pro, Hertz Presidents
Posts: 1,214
Dec 15, 2013, 9:37 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Dec 16, 2013, 7:39 am
#29
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,528
As an aside, it is not well known but it IS possible to buy status on AA.
Top tier will set you back about $30k
Top tier will set you back about $30k
Dec 16, 2013, 7:47 am
#30
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Northern Virginia
Programs: US Airways Silver Preferred, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 44