Why I booked a Finnair flight to help me reach American Airlines elite status
Before becoming a TPG reporter, I knew very little about airline elite status, and had never given much thought to earning it myself.
This is largely because I grew up primarily flying Southwest Airlines — and its two-tiered status program doesn't offer the traditional perks of airline elite status, like class upgrades or lounge access.
All of that changed once I joined The Points Guy and realized the benefits that could come from earning airline elite status, including complimentary seat and flight upgrades, free checked baggage, priority boarding and lounge access. I've experienced some of these benefits as an American Airlines AAdvantage Gold member for the past 10 months.
However, since I have had entry-level AA status, I knew routine flight upgrades would be few and far between. Also, the only way I could access an Admirals Club for free is by having a qualifying flight or being Concierge Key, which is AA's top-tier status.
As with many flyers, the possibility of being upgraded to a better cabin, such as business or first class, is a priority to me, so I decided to kick my status quest into high gear about halfway through the year.
To do so, I mapped out some travel plans to help meet the next status threshold, which is why I took a 66-hour and 15-minute round-trip flight on Finnair last month.
Here's why and how I did that — and how this helped set me up to reach Platinum for 2023.
A status run
One way to quickly and efficiently further your status goals on any airline is by completing a mileage run. This typically involves flying from point A to point B and back to point A, sometimes without leaving the airport at the destination, simply for the sake of flying a certain amount of miles or reaching the spending thresholds necessary to earn or requalify for status.
This can be particularly beneficial for AAdvantage status goals since AA's status currency, Loyalty Points, are earned based on distance, spending and fare class flown.
Generally speaking, one base mile earned equates to one Loyalty Point. These are earned whenever you fly an AA-operated or Oneworld partner flight, use a cobranded American Airlines credit card or earn eligible base miles that count as Loyalty Points, including by shopping online via the AA shopping portal and SimplyMiles portal or eating at participating restaurants in the dining rewards program AAdvantage Dining.
However, since I don't currently have a cobranded credit card, I knew the quickest way to reach the 75,000-Loyalty-Point threshold required for AAdvantage Platinum was to book a long-haul flight in a premium cabin, on either American or a Oneworld partner.
You earn bonus miles that qualify toward your Loyalty Points balance when you fly a premium cabin, specifically premium economy, business or first class. Because you get more Loyalty Points for flying in a premium cabin, I knew I wanted to fly premium economy at a minimum.
Also, since flights on partner airlines also qualify for Loyalty Points, I chose to book a premium economy fare type on Finnair, based on its availability out of my home airport — Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Read more: Comparing the Finnair premium economy flight experience on the A330 versus the A350
While this decision was largely a status run, I also picked this flight because I wanted to visit Singapore for the first time.
To facilitate this, I found a round-trip flight from ORD to Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN), with a long layover each way at Helsinki Airport (HEL). In total, I spent 66 hours and 15 minutes in transit over five days across 20,372 miles.
Thanks to a 40% elite-status bonus as a Gold member, I earned 28,554 Loyalty Points and American Airlines redeemable award miles on this one trip.
How close this got me to Platinum
Thanks to this trip, I now have nearly 69,000 Loyalty Points, just 6,371 points short of Platinum status for 2023. This year, I have until the end of February to get Platinum since the qualification period runs from March 1, 2022, through February 2023.
When I think about my strategy for the rest of the year and how I'll acquire these remaining Loyalty Points, I plan to take the following trips:
- O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Base fare of $437.21 for a total of 3,060 Loyalty Points and award miles.
- ORD to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Base fare of $229.77 for a total of 1,608 Loyalty Points and award miles.
- ORD to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Base fare of $255.81 for a total of 1,790 Loyalty Points and award miles.
Those three trips would put me roughly 2,000 Loyalty Points above what's necessary for Platinum. Additionally, I'll earn 1 AAdvantage mile for every eligible $1 I spend from staying at World of Hyatt hotels on each trip, thanks to the companies' ongoing partnership.
Future status goals: Lounge access
While no status guarantees you Admirals Club access besides Concierge Key, AA's top tier, you can qualify for lounge privileges for certain routes.
For example, Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members get lounge access for certain international flights along with first- and business-class ticket holders on certain international, transcontinental or domestic flights operated by American or a partner airline.
Accessing Admirals Club via qualifying international routes as a Platinum status holder will be my immediate goal after becoming Platinum.
Bottom line
Flying one of the world's longest flights wrecked me physically — I developed a clogged ear that required a trip to urgent care when I got home, resulting in being up straight for more than 30 hours, and it took two weeks to get over my jet lag. But I would still contend it was worth it to get me close to my American Airlines status goals with just four flights.
Related: There is some debate about whether an airline's elite status is still "worth it."
Before joining TPG, I would not have thought about pursuing airline status. However, as I have seen, even with entry-level status you can start enjoying extra perks.
As an AA Gold member thus far, I've received one flight upgrade to business class on a regional flight from ORD to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). I routinely select complimentary extra-legroom seats when checking in for my flights — either preferred seats or Main Cabin Extra based on availability. Though I haven't needed it thus far, I like having the option of checking a bag for free should I so choose.
All of this has helped me come one step closer to my end goal — complimentary lounge access and more frequent flight upgrades, which would be extremely valuable to me on long-haul flights in particular. This is why I am chasing Platinum and will continue doing so.
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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.