Here is everything I did to get American Airlines Platinum status
My journey with elite airline status has developed quickly during my time as a travel reporter at TPG.
When I first joined TPG in June 2021, achieving even entry-level elite airline status seemed like an impossible hurdle for someone like myself; I did not have a cobranded airline credit card, and I traveled inconsistently — especially compared to my colleagues, some of whom travel weekly.
Therefore, I knew I wouldn't earn status via credit card spending or travel alone. Instead, I would have to strategically earn status and look for additional, more creative ways to contribute. I began to think of my status approach as various income streams that provide multiple ways to earn Loyalty Points — the points are American Airlines' status currency and are based on distance, spending and fare class flown.
For me, it came down to flying consistent domestic flights, with a few long-haul flights sprinkled in; I also prioritized staying at Hyatt properties when traveling and intermittently shopping online through the AA shopping portal whenever possible.
Here's how I earned mid-tier American Airlines AAdvantage status and how you can apply the below tactics to your own American Airlines status goals.
Earn points on flights
I went from never holding airline status to becoming an American Airlines AAdvantage Gold member in about eight months.
Since becoming an AAdvantage member on July 15, 2021, I have flown on 17 American Airlines flights and earned Loyalty Points from all but two of them, which I used award miles to book. As a friendly reminder, only paid flights count toward status. Of these 17 flights, 11 were domestic flights (mostly short-haul regional flights within the East Coast and Midwest, minus a one-way flight from Washington, D.C., to Phoenix).
These domestic flights combined added 12,746 Loyalty Points to my account.
In December 2021, I attended a TPG retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona, where I won 30,000 Loyalty Points in a raffle. When these points appeared in my account on March 1, 2022, I instantly had entry-level Gold status through Feb. 28, 2023. With this 30,000-point AAdvantage adjustment, I had just less than 45,000 Loyalty Points total, thanks to the approximate 15,000 Loyalty Points I had earned in the preceding seven months of AAdvantage membership.
Needless to say, this is unusual and wouldn't have happened outside of my TPG employment. Still, it turned me into an American loyalist, and I began prioritizing flights on American and Oneworld partner airlines when possible. It also meant I now earned a 40% mileage bonus as a Gold member, equal to 7 miles per dollar spent on flights — which is 2 miles more than a non-status flyer.
This also began my quest to reach Platinum for 2023.
Beyond the aforementioned domestic flights, I took two international round-trip flights to Paris and Singapore this year. However, only my trip to Singapore contributed to my Loyalty Points earnings (even though it wasn't an American flight).
When I traveled to Paris this spring, I flew French Bee from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Paris-Orly Airport (ORY); I used award miles to fly from ORY to O'Hare International Airport (ORD), so I didn't get any points from either trip.
As I looked ahead to the end of the year, I knew my best bet to reach Platinum for 2023 was by booking a long-haul flight in a premium cabin; you earn bonus miles that qualify toward your Loyalty Points balance when you fly premium economy, business class or first class.
To do this, I took a rather indirect flight route from ORD to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). The route was a round-trip flight on Finnair in October across four segments: ORD-Helsinki Airport (HEL), HEL-SIN, SIN-HEL and HEL-ORD. In total, I flew more than 20,00 miles over five days to earn 28,554 American Loyalty Points through Finnair, a Oneworld member.
Read more: Why I booked a Finnair flight to help me reach American Airlines elite status
Together, these two long-haul premium flights comprised nearly 39,000 Loyalty Points which, on their own, would be enough to beat the threshold of 30,000 Loyalty Points for American Gold status.
Even so, I was still short 6,371 points to reach Platinum as of November 2022. I planned on reaching it via three trips:
- ORD to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in December 2022: Base fare of $422.20 for a total of 2,955 Loyalty Points and award miles.
- ORD to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in January 2023: Base fare of $229.77 for a total of 1,608 Loyalty Points and award miles.
- ORD to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in January 2023: Base fare of $255.81 for a total of 1,790 Loyalty Points and award miles.
Use American's shopping portal
Although I was focusing on earning Loyalty Points mainly via flights, I earned Platinum earlier than expected, thanks to my Black Friday online shopping via the AAdvantage shopping portal.
This is perhaps the easiest way to earn Loyalty Points, since you're shopping for purchases you were already going to make. American's eShopping portal rewards users with base miles that count as Loyalty Points for purchases made at participating retailers.
As of December 2022, miles earned from online shopping with AAdvantage eShopping count toward Loyalty Points at a 1:1 ratio. The number of miles you earn depends on the specific retailer and price point. For example, I earned almost 4,000 Loyalty Points through purchases made at Hunter Boots, Alo Yoga, Lululemon and Gap, based on their earnings offerings and transaction totals.
Those Loyalty Points, along with my round-trip flight last week from ORD to LGA, were enough to reach Platinum this month ahead of schedule.
Related: Comparing the Finnair premium economy flight experience on the A330 vs. the A350
Become loyal to 1 airline and alliance
As you read, I became an American Airlines loyalist by default. Even before becoming a status holder, though, I organically opted to fly American over other carriers based on route availability out of my then-home airports, DCA and Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Although I primarily fly from Chicago these days, American has a large enough presence at ORD to make the longer commuter to O'Hare in the northwest suburbs versus the city's Midway International Airport (MDW) worth it.
Once you decide on an airline, be sure to take advantage of alliance perks; American status opens the door to the 13 Oneworld member airlines that connect passengers to 900-plus destinations in more than 170 countries. Popular Oneworld airlines include Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways.
By flying on these other carriers as an AAdvantage Sapphire member, I get reciprocal benefits on partner flights, including priority check-in and boarding, plus lounge access when traveling internationally. I can also access American's signature Flagship lounges when departing on or connecting to a same-day, qualifying international flight in any class, including at ORD.
Take advantage of the Hyatt-American partnership
As of last year, AAdvantage members can earn World of Hyatt points for qualifying American flights, and all World of Hyatt elite members can earn World of Hyatt points on qualifying American flights. More specifically, this partnership allows:
- World of Hyatt elite members to earn 1 Hyatt point for every eligible dollar spent on qualifying American Airlines flights.
- AAdvantage elite members to earn 1 AAdvantage mile for every eligible dollar spent on qualifying Hyatt stays and experiences.
These points are bonus earnings, in addition to the World of Hyatt points you’d already earn on stays and the American miles you’d already earn on flights. This partnership helped expedite my way to becoming a World of Hyatt Discoverist, the first tier of Hyatt status.
As a Discoverist, I earn 5 World of Hyatt points per dollar spent on eligible stays at Hyatt.
Bottom line
Though I did not expect to secure AAdvantage Platinum for several more months, I was pleasantly surprised to earn it ahead of schedule.
Now it's on to my next goal: obtaining Platinum Pro by March 2024.
Read more: I flew premium economy for the 1st time: My coach mindset says it's not worth the extra money
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.