Another blog post from Mr. Deals…
Yes folks, this is Mr. Deals here and yes, I have a chance to get Platinum Status on American. I know you all thought it was probably Mrs. Deals filling in for me because of the title, but let me explain what is going on here. First, I should mention that I recently acquired Gold Status. I know I know, very impressive (I’ve spent the past few days patting myself on the back).
Anyway, a few weeks back I received a targeted email saying that I could reach Platinum Status by flying 10,000 EQM’s (that’s elite qualifying miles for those of you not in the know which by my estimate is probably no one reading this) by the end of 2012. I was just about to board a flight to LA so I was already well on my way. In fact, at this point I think I’ve only got about 5,000 miles to go.
So here’s my thinking, I may have a few work trips coming up, possibly west coast, Atlanta and/or Austin. I’m thinking I can pull it off assuming the AA fares are not out of control. This would be a huge milestone in Mr. Deals life. First, it would make Mrs. Deals incredibly happy. Second, given that Mrs. Deals is already jealous that I got targeted for this promotion, it would make her even more jealous. Lastly, I wouldn’t even know what to do with myself, I mean this kind of status was something I only dreamed about. Maybe if I’m lucky enough it could get me upgraded on a flight where some of you Executive Platinum types are not flying to steal my seat.
So I think I may go for it. I may have to pull off a mileage run (something I never thought I would ever do in my life), which makes me nervous, but it could be worth it right. I mean Mrs. Deals just told me she may be losing her Platinum Status soon. I guess that means I would be more powerful than her right?!
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Yep. He’s hooked. 😉
Go for it!
You need to do it. For only 5k you could take some detours for your work travel.
First, double check the details and small print on that email. Many of these “fast track” to status invites are based on elite qualifying points, not miles. Mrs. D can hopefully explain the difference, but basically, points are based on the fare code, and may earn more or less than 1 point for each mile flown.
That said, I’ve been both GLD and PLT, and PLT is better but not by all that much. For someone in your situation, you may find the biggest benefit of PLT is that you won’t drop below GLD the next year. So if you get PLT for 2013, you’ll automatically be GLD for 2014. If PLT is really within reach, go for it!
@Swag – Mrs. D here. I double checked the promo terms and it is in fact miles, not points, waahhooo! I also agree that not a big different in PLT vs. GLD, but you make a great point that if PLT then guaranteed GLD the following year!
Go for it. Difference between GLD and PLT at AA is major. You get access to OW lounges all over the world. Just went to Madrid and I would have hated being GLD.
Nope.Status is a drug that you will want each year !
Mr. Deals, I don’t want to burst your upgrade dreams, but I am Lifetime Platinum and I have NEVER gotten upgraded! Those EXP’s snarf up the free seats every time!
100% bonus RDM vs 25% bonus RDM is a big difference, as is priority boarding and preferred seat selection on OW partners (not all OW carriers offer tangible benefits to AA Golds).
Moreover, upgrades as a PLT are difficult but not impossible! Especially on flights to leisure markets and on midweek transcons. Think short-hauls from JFK/LGA, midweek flights to SEA and SFO, weekend flights to MIA, LAS etc…all have these have cleared for me (PLT) this year.
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