This single perk is the reason I’m trying to earn AAdvantage status
Why am I trying to earn AAdvantage status? It's not for the domestic first-class upgrades or the business class lounges on international flights. It's for the mileage bonuses. Am I crazy? Save your judgments for the end.
American Airlines Loyalty Points have been a game changer in the world of elite status. At TPG, our staff is trying a variety of different methods to earn AAdvantage status. Some of us are using AA cobranded credit cards to earn 1 Loyalty Point per dollar spent, while I am focusing on taking discount, long-haul, premium cabin Oneworld flights to earn lots of Loyalty Points.
So we're putting in all of this time, money and flying — for what?
If I make it to the 75,000 Loyalty Points required for AAdvantage Platinum by the end of February, I'll earn 8 miles/Loyalty Points per dollar on American flights until Feb. 28, 2024.
Related: What is American Airlines elite status worth in 2022?
Earning 8 miles per dollar next year will make it much easier for me to retain — or even upgrade — my AAdvantage status in future years.
Since I don't currently hold AAdvantage elite status, I'm on a slow path to status this year. As a general member, I only earn 5 Loyalty Points per dollar spent. For example, look at the potential rewards for flying on a $1,500, American-issued ticket. As a general member, I would only earn 7,500 Loyalty Points, but as a Platinum member, I would earn 12,000 Loyalty Points. Even more impressive, a top-tier Executive Platinum elite would earn 16,500 Loyalty Points.
The disparity between what a general member and an upper elite member can earn is immense. Since I am flying American without status, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum status are simply out of reach this year.
In other words, Loyalty Points inherently make it harder for those with no status to qualify. But, if I can make it to 75,000 Loyalty Points (Platinum status) by Feb. 28, 2023, and start earning 8 miles/Loyalty Points per dollar, I'll be in a much better place to upgrade my status in subsequent years.
I am hoping to start 2023 off without being status sandbagged the way that I have been this year. Then, maybe we can start talking about other perks I hope to get to one day, such as systemwide upgrades and access to the Japan Airlines first class lounge in Tokyo.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees