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American Airlines will once again send physical elite kits, including luggage tags

Aug. 03, 2021
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3 min read
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American Airlines will once again send physical elite kits, including luggage tags
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You might want to check your mailbox.

Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 3, American Airlines is once again sending physical elite-status kits to top-tier flyers who achieve and requalify for status.

Last year, American started phasing out physical membership packages, relying instead on a "fully digital" experience to welcome travelers back to status.

Now, the airline is now doing an about-face after listening to member feedback. "These kits are important keepsakes of their achievements," American cited in explaining why they're making a comeback.

With the latest move, top-tier Executive Platinum and second-to-top Platinum Pro members will receive elite kits, while AAdvantage Gold and Platinum flyers will continue to receive online-only membership packages.

Just like before, Executive Platinum members will receive a personalized membership card along with two personalized luggage tags, while Platinum Pro elites will only receive the membership card.

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(Photo from The Points Guy archives)

Starting on Tuesday, if you've achieved either of AA's top two statuses this year, you'll receive an email congratulating you on the achievement, and letting you know to expect a physical kit in the mail.

They'll be sent via USPS and take 4 to 6 business days to arrive. If you achieved status earlier this year and would like a physical kit, you'll need to call AA to request one.

In addition to bag tags for top-tier members — a source of great pride for select road warriors — all physical kits will include six recognition certificates that can be presented to AA staff for above-and-beyond service. (Those certificates will then be deposited by the crewmember to be eligible for additional bonuses or prizes.)

Elsewhere, United suspended sending physical elite kits in 2021. Delta appears to be continuing to send personalized bag tags for those who qualify for Medallion status.

For those hoping to score one of the physical elite kits, AA has made it considerably easier to earn status this year. Due to the pandemic, the airline slashed thresholds and added limited-time promotions, the latest of which includes an offer to earn either 2,000 elite-qualifying dollars or spend $15,000 on a co-branded American Airlines credit card to automatically requalify for status this year.

In addition to physical kits for elites, each of the Big 3 U.S. airlines has an invite-only status tier. Those members receive an upgraded welcome kit, often tricked out with special gifts, like a pair of Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses for Delta 360s, or a personalized metal luggage tag repurposed from a decommissioned MD-80 aircraft for AA's Concierge Keys.

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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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.