I consider myself an (in)frequent flyer. I travel throughout the year, with some being busier than others depending on family commitments, vacations, and time off. I am usually good for about 15,000-25,000 thousand but-in-seat miles per year. And thanks to my American Airlines status, I am continually able to meet the threshold for the carriers Gold status.
American Airline’s frequent flyer program AAdvantage used to have 3 tiers of status: Gold, Platinum, and Executive Platinum. To qualify, you had to reach 25,000, 50,000 and 100,000 miles in the span of one year, respectively.
Well in mid 2016, we heard rumblings of some potential changes with American’s lucrative program. Not only did this come to fruition, but it was massive. The airline imposed spending minimums in order to qualify for the aforementioned status tiers. Similarly, it devalued a large portion of its award chart (requiring more miles to redeem flights). And finally, the airline added a fourth tier of status to their frequent flyer program; Platinum Pro.
To qualify for this new status, flyers had to earn 75,000 miles per year (or 90 flight segments) and spend $9,000 on American Airlines tickets. In essence, the original platinum status worsened, while platinum pro essentially took its place; albeit with greater requirements in order to qualify for it.
Some frequent flyers scoffed when they heard the news, and heck I did too. I started looking at United’s MileagePlus program and Delta’s Skymiles to see if I should re-consider my loyalty. And then I had a realization.
I am not (yet) one of these corporate flyers who jets off every week and is able to rack up hundreds of thousands of miles each year. I didn’t have the highest tier status that just got harder to re-qualify for. I was a lowly Gold, flying 25,000 miles annually.
These changes didn’t affect me (aside from the spending requirement). I still had all of the same perks as I did during the old program. And today, I still value the same Gold status. Heres why.
Lets take a look at AA’s Gold vs. Platinum status.
From my perspective, there is not a whole lot that differentiates the two tiers. With platinum, you get an extra day to try and snag an upgrade (which will ultimately go to a Platinum Pro or Exec. Platinum higher than you), an extra free checked bag, and a 20% greater mileage bonus.
With Gold, you still get the same 500 mile upgrades (which I find handy for short flights), a useful elite bonus, and discounts off Main Cabin Extra and a free checked bag. But heres what I really value that all of the tiers have in common: you get access to Oneworld priority lines.
Specifically, I value the ability to:
- Skip security lines.
- Have a dedicated check in line.
- Get priority boarding.
Nothing de-rails a trip faster than missing a flight because of long check-in/security lines. I tremendously value the ability to seamlessly breeze through the airport. It gives me peace of mind knowing that if I am running a bit behind schedule, I have that extra security blanket of priority access.
And this goes for all Oneworld airlines. If I am flying Iberia from New York to Madrid, I am able to get on the plane early and secure that precious bin space before my fellow rambunctious passengers.
In total, I find that the lowest tier status (in this case AA Gold) is just right for me. There is little to no differentiation between it and the next highest status (Platinum Pro). So for me, it isn’t worth it flying another 25,000 miles a year just to receive marginally better (if that) benefits. So this is where it gets interesting…
Recently I’ve been feeling a bit adventurous. Here’s my new strategy.
In addition to AAdvantage Gold, I attempting to achieve United MileagePlus’ lowest tier status: Premier Silver.
But why not just stay loyal to American, see if you get lucky one year and hit Platinum or Platinum Pro?
Well, there is just no incentive for me to fly AA that much right now. The next tier that I think would be actually beneficial is Platinum Pro, which requires 75,000 miles and $9,000 spend annually. While I may be flying enough to qualify for AA Platinum, I am definitely not flying enough to reach Platinum Pro.
But if you just stick it out, you could qualify for Million Miler, which would give you AAdvantage Gold for life!
Listen. I am no million miler. With the way I am flying right now, it will take me decades to even reach the 1 million miler threshold. If my flying habits change drastically in the near future because of a new job, then maybe I will consider that strategy (I’m 23 and soon to be college grad), but for now, heres what I’m thinking…
Right now, I can probably fly enough to maintain low level status with two airlines. American’s network really works for me, so I am definitely sticking with them. Now, I am attempting to add a bit of United flying to my portfolio and obtain their lowest level status: Premier Silver.
It has the same requirements as AAdvantage (25,000 Premier Qualifying Miles and $3,000 spend annually) and offers all of the same perks that I really value.
- Priority check in
- Priority boarding
- Priority security
And while I think UA still has something to prove to me, I believe it may be headed in the right direction. They have a (relatively) new fleet and have ordered hundreds of next generation aircraft which includes 787’s, 777-300ER’s, 737 MAX’s, and A350’s. Additionally, they unveiled their gorgeous new business class product: United Polaris.
Maybe its just me, but I avoid Delta because I don’t enjoy flying on 20 year old MD-88’s and 15 year old 717’s. From a passenger standpoint, these aircraft are just not as comfortable as the newer models.
Currently, I have a status match with United that expires in early January. I haven’t flown any segments with United towards the challenge, but I have some travel booked that will get me very close. Besides, its a mere 7,000 PQM to match from AA Gold to UA Premier Silver. I should have no problem completing the challenge by January.
My strategy going forward is to fly both American and United and maintain the lowest tier status with each airline. I know it doesn’t sound luxurious, but its a strategy that I know will work for me and the amount of flying I undertake per year.
PS: I am also a big fan of Alaska Airlines, and currently have about 90,000 miles in my Mileage Plan account. Funny thing is, I’ve never flown with Alaska. But I do have their credit card, and put most of my spending on it in order to rack up the miles. If you have to pay a bill, at least get some miles out of it.
What status do you hold? Have you ever though about being loyal to two different airlines at the same time?
Route Guide 
Leave a comment