Pay to Move Up from American AAdvantage Platinum to Platinum Pro
Update 1/11/17 4:00pm: Some AA documentation listed free confirmed same-day changes as a Platinum Pro benefit, however this no longer appears to be included.
January 1 was a big day for American AAdvantage — the first of the year marked the launch of AA's new revenue requirement for elite status, along with a new elite tier: Platinum Pro. The new status level falls right in between Platinum and Executive Platinum, requiring 75,000 elite-qualifying miles or 90 segments, plus $9,000 in elite-qualifying dollar spend. If you meet those requirements but fall short of Executive Platinum in 2017, you'll end up with Pro.
Since this status level just launched a few days ago, there are likely very few AA elites currently in this tier — while it's technically possible that some very frequent flyers have met the requirements for Pro as of today, it's likely that they're already Executive Platinum or Concierge Key members based on elite credits earned in 2016. So if being "first" is a priority for you, this latest offer from American might be of interest.
AA has been sending out emails to current Platinum members offering a buy up to Platinum Pro — if you didn't receive an email, you can check your eligibility here. One TPG team member received an offer to buy up for $1,449, while a friend of the site got the same offer for $999. The buy-up price is apparently tied to the number of elite credits earned in 2016 — according to AA, "The offer provided in this email reflects your 2016 Elite Qualifying Miles/Segments account balance as of 01/05/17 and your corresponding 2017 elite status level valid through February 28, 2017." Purchased status will be applied within five days and will be valid through January 2018.
In our annual status valuations, we pegged AAdvantage Platinum Pro at $3,435 — it's valued roughly $1,000 more than regular Platinum. However, it's important to note that you'll need to travel a fair amount to get that much value from the status, and depending on what you have planned for 2017 it may be worth more or less. The biggest incremental benefit is unlimited complimentary upgrades on flights over 500 miles — while you'll no longer need to apply 500-mile upgrades, you'll be prioritized behind Executive Platinum members. Additionally, you'll earn 20% more redeemable miles and upgrades will be confirmed as far in advance as 72 hours before departure, rather than a maximum of 48 hours.
Ultimately, it might be worth paying a few hundred dollars for the buy-up, but $1,449 is a bit much. Rather than buy that status bump outright, you might be better off putting that money toward meeting the regular requirements in 2017.
How much would you pay to upgrade from Platinum to Platinum Pro?
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
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| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app