Why (and how) I'm earning AAdvantage Platinum Pro elite status and not going for AAdvantage Executive Platinum

16.12.2024 - 15:05 / thepointsguy.com

American Airlines AAdvantage is my primary airline loyalty program, and it has been since I first qualified for AAdvantage Executive Platinum status in 2016. I'm getting close to snagging Million Miler status with AAdvantage and believe there's lots of value in the AAdvantage program and American miles.

However, during the last qualification period, I didn't qualify for Executive Platinum status. Instead, I opted to stop at AAdvantage Platinum Pro status. During this qualification period, I'm doing the same.

Here's why I'm once again not going for Executive Platinum status and how I'm earning Platinum Pro status.

I wrote a story last year about why requalifying for AAdvantage Executive Platinum status wasn't a must for me. Much of that story still holds, but in this section, I'll explain why AAdvantage Platinum Pro status is the sweet spot American Airlines elite status for me.

As a digital nomad who frequently travels on Oneworld airlines outside the U.S., the most valuable benefit of AAdvantage status to me is Oneworld Emerald status.

Oneworld Emerald status — which you automatically get if you have Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum status in the AAdvantage program — gives me access to first- and business-class lounges, first-class priority check-in, priority boarding and "Fast Track" or "Priority Lane" access at select airports when flying with Oneworld airlines.

Priority check-in, Fast Track and the Priority Lane have saved me significant time at check-in, security and passport control at many airports. Getting access to first-class lounges like Cathay Pacific's The Pier First Class Lounge and Malaysia Airlines First Class Golden Lounge in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, even when flying on a short regional flight in economy, is also extremely valuable to me.

Oneworld Emerald status also gives me access to preferred or prereserved seating based on the policy of the Oneworld airline operating the flight. Some Oneworld airlines even preemptively block seats next to Emerald members when loads are low, making flying in economy class much more pleasant.

When flying on Oneworld airlines, I also get 20 extra kilograms (44 pounds) or one additional checked bag in addition to the allowance otherwise allowed based on my fare class. This extra allowance lets me not worry about what checked baggage my ticket includes when booking, as I only need 20 kilograms or one bag. However, I must avoid British Airways' basic fares that only permit hand baggage since these fares don't offer the extra Oneworld Emerald baggage allowance.

Related: Last-minute strategies for earning American AAdvantage elite status

AAdvantage Platinum members and higher can select Main Cabin Extra seats at booking, while AAdvantage Gold members