A reader wrote in to ask:
"Do you have to use 500 mile coupons for every upgrade?"
As an American Airlines Aadvantage Gold (GLD) or Platinum (PLT) member you need 500 mile upgrade coupons (more affectionately known as "stickers" from the days when they were actually stickers applied to your paper ticket) for most domestic upgrades. The exception being full fare tickets booked into Y or B class. International upgrades require miles and are subject of ...
In a previous post, I shared my thoughts on whether or not I should get myself a membership to AA's Admirals Club lounges. So now for part two: How shall I pay for this AC membership?
As I see it, I have three options:
1. Business Extraa points. When I was last on the UPGRD podcast (episode no. 18), I discussed AA's Business Extraa program. Basically, the program allows businesses to earn points above and beyond the miles earned by their traveling employees. You get a ...
On the occasion that my upgrade does not clear (gasp!) I have the treat of purchasing some in flight deliciousness including the current Boston Market (BM) sandwiches and salads. A few months ago I bought the pre-BM turkey sandwiches for $6 which were dry and bready, but I didn't realize how good it was until I had the option of purchasing a $10 salad with slivers of meat or a $10 (mostly bread) BM sandwich.
I know American famously saved tens of thousands of dollars by removing ...
...That is the question.
Right now I'm an AAdvantage Platinum (PLT) member. In a few weeks, I'll be EXP (Executive Platinum, the highest level in American's program).
I am not currently a member of the Admirals Club, American's lounges. But I'm thinking about it. There are two issues here. First, is membership even worth it? Second, if membership is in fact worth it, how should I acquire said membership? I'm going to deal with the first question below, and the ...
In the last post we mentioned the American Airlines challenge. This challenge allows someone without elite status to fly a reduced number of miles to reach status more quickly. Normally one must fly 25,000, 50,000, or 100,000 miles per year to attain Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum status on American Airlines. However, with the Challenge, you can fly 5,000 or 10,000 miles in 90 days and qualify for Gold or Platinum instead. There is no challenge for Executive Platinum.
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In the next few posts I will be explaining some technical differences in the way American Airlines counts miles towards status and rewards.
The American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flyer program uses two different counting systems to reach elite status. First, there is the traditional miles flown (or butt in seat miles) the mileage accrued while flying in any class of service. Second is the less common mileage points based on the fare class paid. Points have class of service ...
