I fly American Airlines more than any other airline, given what a big presence the company has at my home airport of Miami. I’ve had Executive Platinum status with the airline for well over a decade. This is American’s top published tier status (American also has Concierge Key, but that’s invitation-only, and not something I’m likely to ever earn).
I just realized I’ve never written a post dedicated specifically to this status, so that’s what I wanted to do in this post. How do you earn Executive Platinum status, what are the perks, and is it worth it? In separate posts I covered the value of Platinum Pro status, Platinum status, and Gold status.
In this post:
How to earn AAdvantage Executive Platinum status
Nowadays you can earn elite status in the AAdvantage program by racking up Loyalty Points, which is American’s elite currency. For context, here’s how many Loyalty Points you need to earn in order to qualify for the various AAdvantage elite tiers:
- AAdvantage Gold status requires 40,000 Loyalty Points
- AAdvantage Platinum status requires 75,000 Loyalty Points
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro status requires 125,000 Loyalty Points
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum status requires 200,000 Loyalty Points
Loyalty Points are different than redeemable AAdvantage miles, as your Loyalty Points total resets every calendar year.
With AAdvantage, the elite status qualification year runs from the beginning of March until the end of February of the following year. In other words, the 2023 elite year runs from March 1, 2023, through February 29, 2024. Status earned during this elite year would be valid all the way through March 31, 2025 (there’s a one month buffer after the end of the status year).
You can earn Loyalty Points through a variety of methods, ranging from credit card spending to flying. You earn one Loyalty Point per dollar spent on a credit card, so $200K in eligible credit card spending would earn you the status. Note that the number of miles flown is in no way factored into earning status — you could qualify for Executive Platinum status without stepping foot on a plane.
For more on how to qualify, see my guide on the AAdvantage Loyalty Points program, and my guide to earning Loyalty Points with credit card spending.
AAdvantage Executive Platinum status benefits
AAdvantage Executive Platinum status comes with a variety of perks, ranging from complimentary upgrades, to Loyalty Point Rewards benefits, to lounge access, to extra legroom seating. Let’s go over the details of each of these perks.
I’ll rank them roughly in the order that I value them, starting with the most valuable perks.
Complimentary upgrades within North America
AAdvantage Executive Platinum members receive unlimited complimentary space available upgrades within North America, including for up to one travel companion:
- Complimentary elite upgrades can start clearing up to 100 hours before departure, and Executive Platinum members have priority over other elite tiers (all elite tiers offer complimentary upgrades, so the main benefit of being Executive Platinum is the higher priority)
- Complimentary elite upgrades also apply on award tickets, which isn’t the case with other elite tiers
- Within each elite tier, upgrades are prioritized by your rolling 12-month total of Loyalty Points, so the more Loyalty Points you rack up, the better your odds of being upgraded
- American and Alaska offer reciprocal elite upgrades, and you can read more about how that works here
How often should you expect upgrades to clear as an Executive Platinum member? It really depends on the routes you fly, the days of the week you fly, etc. American has gotten much better at selling first class seats over the years, leaving fewer seats for upgrades.
Don’t expect that you’ll always clear your upgrades — I’d say that Executive Platinum members maybe clear upgrades an average of 50-70% of the time, but people will have wildly varying experiences. I know some people who have upgrades clear 90% of the time, and some people who have upgrades clear 20% of the time.
See my guide to American’s complimentary elite upgrades.
Access to Loyalty Point Rewards
This isn’t directly tied to elite status, but American has the Loyalty Point Rewards program, whereby you can select benefits when earning a certain number of Loyalty Points over the course of the program year. This is also how you can earn systemwide upgrades, which are a benefit that many appreciate, since it allows you to upgrade to business class on long haul flights.
For example, at 175,000 Loyalty Points you could select two systemwide upgrades, and at 250,000 Loyalty Points you could select four additional systemwide upgrades. If you don’t value those all those much, there are all kinds of other perks you can select, including bonus miles.
See my guide to American Loyalty Point Rewards.
oneworld Emerald status (including lounge access)
AAdvantage Executive Platinum automatically gets you oneworld Emerald status, which I’d consider to be the most valuable alliance-wide status out there. This offers various benefits when traveling on any of the over dozen oneworld airlines, including priority check-in, priority boarding, and more.
As a oneworld Emerald member you’ll also get access to most oneworld first & business class lounges when traveling on long haul international flights. This includes everything from American Flagship Lounges, to the Qantas First Lounge LAX.
See my guide to oneworld Emerald status.
Complimentary Main Cabin Extra seating
AAdvantage Executive Platinum members can receive complimentary Main Cabin Extra seating for them and up to eight companions on the same reservation at the time of booking, subject to availability. This perk applies on flights globally, and not just flights within North America.
Main Cabin Extra is American’s extra legroom economy seating, typically in the front of the economy cabin and at exit rows, and it generally offers several extra inches of legroom. Furthermore, Main Cabin Extra offers complimentary alcoholic drinks.
If you’re going to be seated in economy, then at least being able to assign Main Cabin Extra seats makes the journey more tolerable.
120% status mileage bonus
AAdvantage Executive Platinum members receive a 120% mileage bonus on flights. All AAdvantage members earn 5x miles per dollar spent on American flights, meaning that Executive Platinum members earn 11x miles per dollar spent. This same percentage bonus applies on partner airlines (though mileage earning is calculated differently).
Since all miles from flying qualify as Loyalty Points, this also means that it’s easier to requalify for status once you’ve already earned it, since you’ll be earning miles at a faster pace.
Three free checked (priority) bags
AAdvantage Executive Platinum members can check three bags free of charge on all itineraries. The weight limit is ordinarily 50 pounds per bag, but if you’re traveling in first or business class, the weight limit is 70 pounds per bag.
Furthermore, your bags will be tagged as being priority. Don’t necessarily expect that those bags will consistently come out first at baggage claim, though.
One drink & snack item in economy
To make the travel experience a bit more pleasant when upgrades don’t clear, AAdvantage Executive Platinum members receive a free drink and snack when traveling in economy. Just inform the flight attendant of your status (if it’s not offered proactively), and you shouldn’t be charged for those items.
Since Main Cabin Extra already comes with free drinks, this will generally just result in a free snack.
Priority check-in, security, and boarding
AAdvantage Executive Platinum members receive a variety of priority services at the airport, including:
- Priority check-in, typically with first & business class
- Priority security screening
- Priority boarding, typically with first class (group one)
I’d say that of those, the priority boarding benefit is the most valuable. In Miami I find that the priority check-in counter often has longer lines than the regular economy area.
Same day flight changes & priority standby
Executive Platinum members can make complimentary same day flight changes to another flight in the same market. There are capacity controls to this, so don’t expect that it will always be possible, even if there are seats available.
Beyond that, Executive Platinum members receive priority standby, as the standby list is prioritized based on elite status. As an Executive Platinum member, you should typically be near the top of the standby list.
AAdvantage Executive Platinum phone number
AAdvantage Executive Platinum members get access to a special elite phone number. This generally offers much shorter hold times, and agents who are more knowledgable. Having access to this is quite valuable, especially during irregular operations.
In fairness, the Executive Platinum agents aren’t what they were a decade ago. Back then they’d do just about everything for you and were ridiculously knowledgable, while that’s not the case anymore. It’s still better than the standard phone support, though.
Reciprocal elite perks on JetBlue
American and JetBlue have a partnership, and as part of that they offer reciprocal elite perks. This can come in handy if you live in a market where you end up flying JetBlue with some frequency.
When traveling with JetBlue, Executive Platinum members receive priority check-in, priority boarding, priority security, two free checked bags, complimentary Even More Space seats 24 hours before departure, and complimentary same day flight changes. This makes flying with JetBlue a pleasant experience.
See my guide to reciprocal American & JetBlue elite perks.
Is AAdvantage Executive Platinum worth it?
There’s obviously no one size fits all answer as to whether airline elite status is worth it, as it all depends on where you live, how often you fly, what your travel patterns are, etc.
I will say that generally airline elite status doesn’t offer as much value as it used to, as airlines have largely monetized their premium experiences better. Upgrades aren’t as readily available as they used to be, and there’s just not the opportunity to get outsized value the same way as a decade ago.
With that in mind, here’s my take on the value proposition of earning Executive Platinum status:
- For many people, Executive Platinum status is easier than ever before to earn, given that you can qualify through credit card spending with the Loyalty Points program; for those who are big credit card spenders, earning Executive Platinum status is easy
- Definitely manage your expectations when it comes to first class upgrades; you’ll get some, but unless you travel exclusively in less competitive markets during off-peak periods, odds are that you won’t be getting upgrades anywhere close to 100% of the time
- I do love having oneworld Emerald status, as it makes international travel on oneworld airlines so much more pleasant, with priority services, access to amazing lounges, etc.
- There’s consistent value with Executive Platinum status in terms of Main Cabin Extra seating, priority services at the airport, etc.
- Don’t expect much in the way of “soft treatment” as an Executive Platinum member, as American is often viewed as the worst when it comes to frontline employees recognizing elite status
As someone who lives in Miami and flies frequently, I do find Executive Platinum to offer value at the margins. I still end up paying for first class quite a bit, since there are many markets where upgrades are just really difficult. Still, I’d say the value is largely there, especially since I’m not going out of my way to be loyal to the airline.
Bottom line
Executive Platinum is American’s top published elite tier, and it offers perks like first class upgrades, extra legroom economy seating, priority services, oneworld Emerald status, and a lot more.
The status is fairly attainable nowadays due to the Loyalty Points system. I wouldn’t totally go out of my way to earn Executive Platinum if you wouldn’t otherwise be a frequent flyer with the airline, but if you fly American a lot, the status sure comes in handy.
If you’re Executive Platinum with American, what has your experience been?
I’m Exec Plat with AA and noticed this week that within the 100 hour upgrade window for my flight today, they were still heavily marketing (via app, text and email) to upgrade my flight for $210. 12 hours before the flight I should have gotten upgraded as there were obviously seats available within the 100 hour window but I guess they are classifying those now as “held to sell” and not auto upgrading in the states windows.
Exec Platinum gets you 3 bags of 70lbs on all flights in economy and even includes other traveling companions on the same ticket.
I recently attempted to enter one of the Admirals Lounges in ORD with my EXP status and was told the only free entries were for Buisness class or International flights. That was the only time I ever tried, and was disappointed by the additional qualifications required.
EXP status alone has never allowed for entrance to ACs.
I noticed a new lost in EP benefit today, flying LAX to BOS. If we don't get upgraded ahead, we are split up by status (companion is god) on the airport upgrade waitlist. I was #1 today, and he was #9. Two seats opened up, and as a "good" person, I declined. Upgraded almost 100 hours on the return flight on Sunday though.
Gratitude to all the whiners saying they're going to drop AAEP. I'm a low-LP EP who averages over 50% in upgrades. That'll only go up when y'all are flying DL!
+1
I don't know if I am "low-level", though probably not "high". 250k LPs for 2022 (plus Jan./Feb), most of that BIS (about 50k from credit card spend).
I average over 90% flying out of PHL. PHL-LAX is the hardest, and PHL-SFO close behind. But I have more flexibility than most in that I fly when I want - I can choose off times, avoid Mondays and Thursdays, etc.
It is not about frequent flyer anymore. It is who spends the most on the credit card and even as Executive Platinum space rarely clears now on any route as they keep offering people to upgrade for $100 or $200 dollars. I had 45 upgrades worth $45 each that ahould have given me 9 upgrades LAX to NYC buy last year they converted them to 10k of loyalty points. Bait and switch. Ive been Exec Plat for 7 years however now will give Delta my loyalty.
In most airports, there are no priority lanes thru security. Most elite travelers check-in online anyways so priority lane check-in brings little value unless it is an international flight. Only routes over 3 hours carry snacks in main cabin, so if you are flying between LAX and DFW for example, you are out of luck. It is near impossible to get upgrades for flight out of DFW even for Executive Platinum status member. You will...
In most airports, there are no priority lanes thru security. Most elite travelers check-in online anyways so priority lane check-in brings little value unless it is an international flight. Only routes over 3 hours carry snacks in main cabin, so if you are flying between LAX and DFW for example, you are out of luck. It is near impossible to get upgrades for flight out of DFW even for Executive Platinum status member. You will be lucky to get upgraded once out of ten flights. AA has reduced international routes, especially to Asia, leaving Partner airlines to provide services. System wide upgrades cannot be used at partner airlines, so if your main international travel is to Asia, those System wide upgrades are only good for domestic flights. FYI.
I found the switch from Choice Rewards to mostly gimmicky Loyalty Rewards annoying. I used at the end of 2022 two choice rewards for a 12 months Admirals Club membership. Well, they had it mistakenly expire at the end of March, there’s no recourse, neither agents at Club line nor at AAdvantage are empowered to fix their error. I don’t trust any longer that their rewards actually even deliver what they promise. All the hardware...
I found the switch from Choice Rewards to mostly gimmicky Loyalty Rewards annoying. I used at the end of 2022 two choice rewards for a 12 months Admirals Club membership. Well, they had it mistakenly expire at the end of March, there’s no recourse, neither agents at Club line nor at AAdvantage are empowered to fix their error. I don’t trust any longer that their rewards actually even deliver what they promise. All the hardware is reserved for US based frequent flyers, so outside the US you are left with damn useless SWUs that never clear. It’s a terrible program all around these days.
As there rarely are upgrades available in Americans smaller fleet, it does’t matter much what status you are. Extra mile bonus is about all EP is worth.
Ben, I think most of your points on AA EXP status are spot on. With regard to Reciprocal status on Jet Blue, it's important to note that all AA elites, Gold, Platinum, PPro, EXP, get the same 'AA Elite' classification for better seats 24 hours before departure, and the same boarding priority. EXP is no better than AA gold when flying Jet Blue.
I would like to understand how the new 'Loyalty Rewards' help existing...
Ben, I think most of your points on AA EXP status are spot on. With regard to Reciprocal status on Jet Blue, it's important to note that all AA elites, Gold, Platinum, PPro, EXP, get the same 'AA Elite' classification for better seats 24 hours before departure, and the same boarding priority. EXP is no better than AA gold when flying Jet Blue.
I would like to understand how the new 'Loyalty Rewards' help existing AA Elites though. Being EXP, I am always in boarding group 1 and can book MCE seats for no extra cost when making my reservation. I hit 15k loyalty points for the current March-Feb 24 qualifying year this week, and now get my choice of group 4 boarding for a single trip or group 5 boarding for a year, or also I think 6 coupons for preferred seating. I get better EXP perks than that now, what is the benefit to an existing elite of these new interim LP rewards? I can't even transfer them to a friend or family member travelling solo! I understand the benefits of some of the upper level rewards like SWUs, being able to gift Elite status, etc., but even the next tier of LP rewards, elite Avis status etc are of minimal value since I already have that, too. What am I missing here?
It the exact same boat on these new "choices". The Bonus LP's in the next couple levels will matter to me, bit many of the early ones do not at all. I think they are for new members or something. They should give current PP & EXP an actual CHOICE of something that matters to them.
Same issue for me. The lower tier loyalty rewards are useless since I am already EXP. I'd rather have a single day Admiral's club pass or 5k more miles as an option.
Few complimentary upgrades clear in hub-to-hub markets or transcon/midcon routes serving destination markets like San Francisco. Systemwides from C to F did clear a few weeks ahead for Delhi, but not for DFW-MIA or LAX-MIA! Available at booking, months ahead for JFK-GRU and MIA-GRU (select dates).
For short-distance routes, Golds may clear almost as easily as EXPs (LGA-YYZ or MIA-LIT).
EXP phone support fairly marginal; callbacks often required and you’re sometimes routed to...
Few complimentary upgrades clear in hub-to-hub markets or transcon/midcon routes serving destination markets like San Francisco. Systemwides from C to F did clear a few weeks ahead for Delhi, but not for DFW-MIA or LAX-MIA! Available at booking, months ahead for JFK-GRU and MIA-GRU (select dates).
For short-distance routes, Golds may clear almost as easily as EXPs (LGA-YYZ or MIA-LIT).
EXP phone support fairly marginal; callbacks often required and you’re sometimes routed to the general number. Agents may refuse to protect you on another itinerary if it’s weather-related.
Apparently no free snacks on routes under 1,300 miles since snacks aren’t sold there.
Alternative of BA Gold status provides free lounge access but no free MCE or preferred seats, and little access to award space.
Most valuable feature IMHO is OW Emerald status, along with access to discount awards and preferred seating.
I have been EXP for the last 2 years. My biggest benefits have been the ability to check a bag ( or 3 ) over 50 pounds, and not paying for seats in the comfort zone. As to upgrades, I think AA plays lots of games to sell First seats in order not to have to give them away. At 100 hours on my last flight from MIA to ORF, there were 8 available seats...
I have been EXP for the last 2 years. My biggest benefits have been the ability to check a bag ( or 3 ) over 50 pounds, and not paying for seats in the comfort zone. As to upgrades, I think AA plays lots of games to sell First seats in order not to have to give them away. At 100 hours on my last flight from MIA to ORF, there were 8 available seats of 16 in First and no upgrade. Then the day before the flight, there were 6 seats still available. 8 hours before the flight there were still 6 seats. At flight time, there were none and I was listed as #1 on the upgrade list. Also, my wife who is platinum but was on my same record number was #5 on the upgrade list. It was moot, but my impression was that she should have the same status for the upgrade as me. Had there been 2 seats available, she would not have cleared for the upgrade ( and all hell would break loose ).
Thomas,
Me and a coworker were talking about this exact thing. We are both EXP and there's times where we might be number one on the upgrade list, with one seat available and then 5 minutes before the boarding process starts, someone leapfrogs you and they get the upgrade and you don't. It has happen twice since January to me.
I have top tier status with British Airways (Guest List, but this point allies largely for Gold) as well as Executive Platinum, and am going to drop Exec Plat this year and just credit everything to BA.
The only benefit of Exec Plat (over partner status) that has been relevant to me is the upgrades, and they never happen on routes I care about. My BA status, on the other hand, gets me lounge access,...
I have top tier status with British Airways (Guest List, but this point allies largely for Gold) as well as Executive Platinum, and am going to drop Exec Plat this year and just credit everything to BA.
The only benefit of Exec Plat (over partner status) that has been relevant to me is the upgrades, and they never happen on routes I care about. My BA status, on the other hand, gets me lounge access, and pretty much every other benefit.
I'd be interested in a new article from Ben on this - there's a decent argument for applying AA flights towards BA status since you only need Silver for Flagship access (ie slightly better than the one with hoards who quality because they have the AA credit card)
“Is AAdvantage Executive Platinum worth it?“ It certainly was until 10-15 years ago, when it was possible to reach that tier flying.
Loyalty programs had their heydays in my experience as an Exec Plat member for many years. Now it’s for the rich and business elite mostly.
I had to chuckle a little bit the other day when a Delta Diamond Medallion friend talked about his "upgrade" from an economy aisle seat to a middle seat in to Delta's domestic comfort+. AA isn't the best at everything by any means, but it's nice, as an AA EP, being able to just pick the AA MCE seats at booking and not have AA treat it as an elite upgrade perk close-in.
When tracking my upgrades, I'm clearing well over 90% on my comps but I'm consistently top 2 on nearly all of my flights.
Biggest annoyance is getting status recognized when flying award tickets with partner airlines, especially BA. Typically requires a chat support session on each individual booking even after BA or Qatar says they've matched my Oneworld status. Certainly worse things to deal with.
Although it isn't what it used to be, it's still got great utility.
We were both traveling home from work. My upgrade cleared days before to first as an AA EP. His upgrade the day before to a middle seat. Needless to say, he quickly refused the upgrade and moved back to regular economy.
Many reasons for that, but I have little desire to ever attain any delta status for lack of elite value or the absolute worthlessness of the the Delta mileage program.
Delta Diamond and Platinum Medallions can select Comfort+ seats at time of booking, immediately after the ticket is issued. Furthermore, you can specify in your SkyMiles profile which Comfort+ seats (aisle, middle, window) to request an automatic upgrade for if unavailable at time of booking.
A few caveats. Upgrades are very difficult between large airports. Monday night I was number 8 on an upgrade list of 119 flying DFW/ATL. Number two, flights under 1.5K miles have no BOB and other than a couple of trans con routes only a few snack items over that. Some of it looks like cat food. Number three, the personalized service for example from the EXP desk or Admirals Clubs is very hit of miss....
A few caveats. Upgrades are very difficult between large airports. Monday night I was number 8 on an upgrade list of 119 flying DFW/ATL. Number two, flights under 1.5K miles have no BOB and other than a couple of trans con routes only a few snack items over that. Some of it looks like cat food. Number three, the personalized service for example from the EXP desk or Admirals Clubs is very hit of miss. For the most part realize that you're on your own and it's up to you to figure out the best way to get rerouted during irregular operations. Still, you're miles ahead of someone with Gold status.
Nice but another status I won’t reach, but no problem. I fly just a couple family and friends trips a year plus award flight around the world in 1st (mostly) I’ve maintained Platinum (did help on early boarding on Jet Blue to The PR) variously since retiring including a Flagship First mileage run a couple years ago on a reasonable fare and it was Fun! AA’s final offer this year was $1,300 or so. I’m...
Nice but another status I won’t reach, but no problem. I fly just a couple family and friends trips a year plus award flight around the world in 1st (mostly) I’ve maintained Platinum (did help on early boarding on Jet Blue to The PR) variously since retiring including a Flagship First mileage run a couple years ago on a reasonable fare and it was Fun! AA’s final offer this year was $1,300 or so. I’m passing. Tomorrow is my last day as Platinum and my upgrade (DCA-DSM - F&F trip) CLEARED!! Yea!!
Happy to report my upgrade as just a Gold cleared on the return flight Of course I had to fly to Des Moines and back for the ‘benefit’
same regional jet company with G&T PDB on outbound but only water/OJ on offer for PDB, which I accepted - not getting dragged off the plane for no PDB ;-)
Plus DSM folks could not provide ICE. So still out a nice G&T :-( Switched to Coffee and Baileys
Are we having any fun yet?
The exec plat hold times are ridiculous. I frequently have waits an hour or longer. United picks up on the first ring even for Gold. It's crazy.
Chat support through the app is typically reasonable
It would be interesting to read a justification of EP status over Platinum Pro. Many of the best EP attributes are available to PP, no?
No upgrades on mileage redemptions stings as a PP. We actually get this benefit on AS as an AA PP which is absurd. Other airlines don’t do this - I think United makes you get their CC.