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American Airlines has announced that, starting in 2021, members who qualify for Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elite status will earn the ability to choose perks they value most. Platinum Pro members, for example, gain the ability to choose a systemwide upgrade. And Executive Platinum members can make two choices. Those who liked the old perk of four systemwide upgrades can get the same by choosing 2 systemwide upgrades twice. Platinum Pro members will also now be granted top-tier Oneworld Emerald status.
AA Elite Choice Rewards
When a member qualifies for Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum elite status, they will receive an email inviting them to choose rewards as shown below:
Platinum Pro: This is a nice enhancement to Platinum Pro elite status as it’s a net gain altogether. Combined with the new Oneworld Emerald status (which grants free access to Oneworld business and first class lounges), Platinum Pro is arguably now an elite status level worth pursuing.
Executive Platinum: Previously, Executive Platinum members were automatically given four systemwide upgrades. The new approach is an enhancement even for people who prefer systemwide upgrades because you will also earn a Platinum Pro Choice Reward along the way and so you can get up to 5 systemwide upgrades each year.
My Thoughts
The introduction of AA Elite Choice Rewards is a nice improvement to AA’s elite status program. In many ways it copies Delta’s Choice Benefits, which is a good thing. I’m surprised though that AA doesn’t allow 3 selections for top-tier elites the way Delta does.
For those interested in pursuing AA elite status, keep in mind that AA has reduced requirements for 2021.
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hmm,
i can’t follow the math about system-wide upgrades. You can choose to get one for Platinum Pro and get 2 for Exec Plat. How do you get out of that equation 5 upgrades? I doubt that they will still honor the four you used to get so far? Wouldnt you be able to get 8 then from the choice benefits + the 4 with status? I am confused…
Platinum Pro can make 1 choice and can choose 1 upgrade; and Exec Plat can make 2 choices and can choose 2 sets of 2 upgrades:
Hey, thanks for the clarification. I assumed you can only choose the SWU once and then have to choose something else for your second choice as ExecPlat
Son hit Platinum Pro in 2020 which expires Jan 31, 2022. Will he get that elite choice in 2021 by default or only if he requalifies again during 2021?
I believe only if he requalifies in 2021
“Previously, Executive Platinum members were automatically given four systemwide upgrades.”
And prior to that they were given eight…
Rant: Status has been so diluted and also tied to spending it doesn’t make sense to go out of your way to reach. With economy tickets getting no EQM next year and EQD, you basically need to be buying pricey economy or flying J/F constantly to hit. And even then you’ll be ranked based on spending for upgrade priority.
Gold and entry level status is junk. You’re getting almost nothing a $95 credit card won’t give you.
The ones at the top of the tier list are the ones the least likely to actually care about upgrades- you were already paying for F all the time out of pocket, you aren’t getting upgraded beyond that. What are they going to do, book economy occasionally and gamble on an upgrade?
Instead of playing carrier’s games, seems like buying the cheapest fare for the class of service you want without being tied to a particular carrier is the best strategy. If you decide you want a first class experience, just pay for it (cash or miles) the times you really want it.