Should I Credit To American If I'm Already Executive Platinum?
TPG reader Brendan tweeted me to ask:
@thepointsguy-- "I’ve already re-qualified for American Executive Platinum for 2015, but still have a few trips this year, should I credit elsewhere?"
December is crunch time for those of us who value airline elite status. You've got until December 31, 2014 to embark on a flight that will count for 2015 elite status. Unsurprisingly, I've been getting a lot of reader questions lately about elite status, and TPG reader Brendan is one of the lucky ones who's already set with his AAdvantage Executive Platinum status for 2015 (even I'm still hustling to get it). You do have the option to credit elsewhere, which is a solid way to bank miles and points in other programs and diversify, especially if you already have a lot of AAdvantage miles.
However, whenever you credit to another airline, you'll lose that Elite Platinum 100% bonus that you get when you bank your points to American, unless you're banking to another airline with which you also hold high elite status. The opportunity cost of losing that bonus could be pretty high, especially on a long international flight.
You'll also lose your American Airlines Elite Status perks like lounge access, especially if you're flying a Oneworld itinerary. You could always leave your AAdvantage number on the reservation until the very last minute and then change it, but this isn't the best idea if you're hoping to get complimentary upgrades. It may also be annoying to remember to change the number in the airport at the last minute.
If I were you, I would keep banking your miles to American Airlines. You worked hard for the Executive Platinum status, and you deserve the perks and mileage bonuses that come with it. If you really want to build up status in other programs, getting credit cards and taking advantage of the spend bonuses is a better place to start.
If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook, or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.
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