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
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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