The American Airlines AAdvantage loyalty program saw significant changes in 2022. In particular, the program completely changed how you earn American Airlines elite status. Now, Loyalty Points are the sole metric that matters.
This guide will assess and value each American Airlines elite status tier. By doing so, we’ll help you decide whether it’s worth qualifying for American Airlines status during the elite qualification period from March 1, 2023, to Feb. 29, 2024.
Methodology
The analysis in this post represents just one way to decide how much American Airlines elite status is worth. You may value specific benefits differently than we do, so adjust the numbers to make them more relevant to your travel habits.
We also value other airline elite statuses, including Delta Air Lines elite status and United Airlines elite status. Although the programs can’t be directly compared, we’re making the following key assumptions in this analysis to provide some consistency:
- You will earn 10% more Loyalty Points than the minimum required for a given status tier.
- You will earn 30% of your Loyalty Points through non-flight methods, such as spending on AAdvantage credit cards, using the SimplyMiles program and clicking through the AAdvantage shopping portal before making online purchases.
- You will earn 70% of your Loyalty Points through flights at the standard rate of 5 miles per dollar for AAdvantage members, 7 miles per dollar for Gold members, 8 miles per dollar for Platinum members, 9 miles per dollar for Platinum Pro members and 11 miles per dollar for Executive Platinum members. We assume you won’t book flights that will earn based on a partner’s fare class or special fares.
- We round our valuations of individual benefits to the nearest $5.
- You already have the given status tier (see the section on starting from scratch if you’re looking to earn a new status tier).
Finally, we’ll use TPG’s valuation of American miles at 1.77 cents each when calculating the value of bonus earnings.
Related: Chasing American Airlines elite status? Here are 14 ways to earn Loyalty Points
American elite status tiers
There are four elite status tiers that you can earn in the American AAdvantage loyalty program. Each tier offers different perks; here’s a quick overview:
| AAdvantage Gold | AAdvantage Platinum | AAdvantage Platinum Pro | AAdvantage Executive Platinum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification requirements | 40,000 Loyalty Points. | 75,000 Loyalty Points. | 125,000 Loyalty Points. | 200,000 Loyalty Points. |
| Oneworld status | Ruby. | Sapphire. | Emerald. | Emerald. |
| Mileage bonus | 40%. | 60%. | 80%. | 120%. |
| Priority at the airport | Business-class check-in lane and Group 4 boarding. | First-class check-in lane, priority baggage delivery and Group 3 boarding. | First-class check-in lane, priority baggage delivery and Group 2 boarding. | First-class check-in lane, priority baggage delivery and Group 1 boarding. |
| Checked baggage allowance | First. | First and second. | First, second and third. | First, second and third. |
| Complimentary seating | Preferred seats at booking and Main Cabin Extra seats within 24 hours of departure. | Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats at booking. | Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats at booking. | Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats at booking. |
| Same-day standby and flight changes | Same-day standby priority. | Same-day standby priority. | Complimentary same-day flight change; same-day standby priority. | Complimentary same-day flight change; same-day standby priority. |
| Complimentary upgrades within North America | Up to 24 hours before departure on paid tickets. | Up to 48 hours before departure on paid tickets. | Up to 72 hours before departure on paid tickets. | Up to 100 hours before departure on paid and award tickets. |
| Complimentary alcoholic beverage and snack in the Main Cabin | On flights with full drink service. | |||
| Priority phone line | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Benefits on Alaska Airlines and JetBlue | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Near the end of 2022, American announced it would decouple milestone rewards from elite status tiers. As a result, you’ll earn Loyalty Point Rewards at the following milestones starting in March 2023:
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- 15,000 Loyalty Points: Unlock Group 5 boarding for the membership year and choose priority check-in, security and Group 4 boarding on one trip or five preferred seat coupons.
- 60,000 Loyalty Points: Unlock Avis Preferred Plus status and receive a 20% Loyalty Points bonus on spending with American Airlines Vacations, American Airlines Hotels, AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Dining and SimplyMiles.
- 100,000 Loyalty Points: Unlock Avis President’s Club status and receive a 30% Loyalty Points bonus on spending with American Airlines Vacations, American Airlines Hotels, AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Dining and SimplyMiles.
- 175,000 Loyalty Points: Choose one of the following options: two systemwide upgrades, 20,000 bonus miles (25,000 for AAdvantage credit card holders), six Admirals Club day passes, a $200 trip credit ($250 for AAdvantage credit card holders), carbon offset, $250 charity donation, 15% one-time award rebate, two gifts of Gold status or 35,000 miles off a Mastercard Priceless experience.
- 250,000 Loyalty Points: Choose two of the following options: two systemwide upgrades, 20,000 bonus miles (30,000 for AAdvantage credit card holders), six Admirals Club day passes, an Admirals Club individual membership (requires both choices), a $200 trip credit ($250 for AAdvantage credit card holders), carbon offset, $250 charity donation, two gifts of Gold status, Bang & Olufsen product (requires both choices), one Flagship Lounge single-visit pass (two passes for AAdvantage credit card holders) or 35,000 miles off a Mastercard Priceless experience.
You can earn more Loyalty Point Rewards if you reach even higher milestones — but the benefits per Loyalty Points earned trail off after you reach the 250,000-Loyalty Points milestone. So, in our analysis, we’ll only consider the value of the Loyalty Point Rewards you’d earn while reaching each status tier.
Related: Be careful: 9 times you won’t earn American Airlines Loyalty Points, even if you earn miles
AAdvantage Gold: $585
The lowest American Airlines elite status tier is AAdvantage Gold. Although this tier previously required 30,000 Loyalty Points, you’ll need 40,000 Loyalty Points per qualification period starting on March 1, 2023.
We’ll assume you already have AAdvantage Gold status and you’ll earn 44,000 Loyalty Points between March 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024. If you earn 70% of your Loyalty Points (30,800) from flights, we assume you’ll spend about $4,400 on flights during this qualification period.
| Benefit details | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Complimentary upgrades within North America | Space-available on paid flights for you and a companion; may clear up to 24 hours before departure.
Upgrades fall behind higher-tier AAdvantage members, so we’re giving them a valuation of 3% of flight spending for Gold members. |
$130. |
| Mileage bonus | Gold members earn 2 miles per dollar more on flights than general members, equaling 8,800 bonus miles on $4,400 in spending. | $155. |
| Priority at the airport | Business-class check-in lane and Group 4 boarding. | $50. |
| Checked baggage allowance | A first checked bag is free for everyone on your reservation. | $50. |
| Same-day standby | Same-day standby priority on select routes for you and up to eight travelers on your reservation. | $25. |
| Priority phone line | Access to the Gold service desk, which may have shorter waits and more-experienced agents than the general member line. | $25. |
| Complimentary seating | Preferred seats at booking and Main Cabin Extra seats within 24 hours of departure for you and up to eight travelers on your reservation. | $100. |
| Loyalty Point Rewards | None of the rewards you’d unlock at the 15,000-Loyalty Points milestone provide extra benefits if you already have Gold status. | $0. |
| Oneworld and partner benefits | Oneworld Ruby; priority check-in and boarding on Alaska and JetBlue; preferred seating, premium class and upgrades to first class (all as available) on Alaska (except on saver fares); two checked bags on Alaska; one checked bag on JetBlue; Even More Space seats on JetBlue. | $50. |
| Total | $585. |
AAdvantage Platinum: $1,715
The next American Airlines elite status tier is AAdvantage Platinum, which requires 75,000 Loyalty Points per qualification period.
We assume you’ll earn 82,500 Loyalty Points between March 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024. If you earn 70% of your Loyalty Points (57,750) from flights, we assume you’ll spend about $7,220 on flights during this qualification period to requalify for AAdvantage Platinum status.
| Benefit details | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Complimentary upgrades within North America | Space-available on paid flights for you and a companion; may clear up to 48 hours before departure.
We’re valuing upgrades at 5% of flight spending for Platinum members since these members have upgrade priority over Gold members. |
$360. |
| Mileage bonus | Platinum members earn 3 miles per dollar more on flights than general members, equaling 21,660 bonus miles on $7,220 in spending. | $385. |
| Priority at the airport | First-class check-in lane, priority baggage delivery and Group 3 boarding. | $125. |
| Checked baggage allowance | The first and second checked bag is free for everyone on your reservation. | $125. |
| Same-day standby | Same benefit as Gold, more frequent utilization. | $35. |
| Priority phone line | Access to the Platinum service desk, which may have shorter waits and more-experienced agents than the Gold line. | $60. |
| Complimentary seating | Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats at booking for you and up to eight travelers on your reservation. | $350. |
| Loyalty Point Rewards | Once you accrue 60,000 Loyalty Points in your qualification year, you’ll get Avis Preferred Plus status and a 20% Loyalty Points bonus on spending with select partners.
Assuming the bonus applies to 30% of the Loyalty Points you’d earn after reaching the milestone, you’d earn 1,350 extra Loyalty Points. |
$25. |
| Oneworld and partner benefits | Oneworld Sapphire; priority check-in, boarding and bag delivery on Alaska and JetBlue; preferred seating, premium class and upgrades to first class (all as available) on Alaska (except on saver fares); two checked bags on Alaska and JetBlue; Even More Space seats on JetBlue. | $250. |
| Total | $1,715. |
Related: Here is everything 1 TPG staffer did to get American Airlines Platinum status
AAdvantage Platinum Pro: $3,265
The next American Airlines elite status tier is AAdvantage Platinum Pro, which requires 125,000 Loyalty Points per qualification period.
We assume you’ll earn 137,500 Loyalty Points between March 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024. If you earn 70% of your Loyalty Points (96,250) from flights, we assume you’ll spend about $10,695 on flights during this qualification period to requalify for AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.
| Benefit details | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Complimentary upgrades within North America | Space-available on paid flights for you and a companion; may clear up to 72 hours before departure.
We’re valuing upgrades at 7% of flight spending for Platinum Pro members since these members have upgrade priority over Gold and Platinum members. |
$750. |
| Mileage bonus | Platinum Pro members earn 4 miles per dollar more on flights than general members, equaling 42,780 bonus miles on $10,695 in spending. | $755. |
| Priority at the airport | First-class check-in lane, priority baggage delivery and Group 2 boarding. | $200. |
| Checked baggage allowance | The first, second and third checked bag is free for everyone on your reservation. | $200. |
| Same-day standby and flight changes | Same-day standby priority and complimentary same-day flight changes on select routes for everyone on your reservation. | $200. |
| Priority phone line | Access to the Platinum Pro service desk, which may have shorter waits and more-experienced agents than the Platinum line. | $100. |
| Complimentary seating | Same benefit as Platinum, more frequent utilization. | $560. |
| Loyalty Point Rewards | Once you accrue 100,000 Loyalty Points in your qualification year, you’ll get Avis President’s Club status and a 30% Loyalty Points bonus on spending with select partners.
Assuming the bonus applies to 30% of the Loyalty Points you’d earn after reaching the milestone, you’d earn 1,125 extra Loyalty Points. |
$50. |
| Oneworld and partner benefits | Oneworld Emerald; priority check-in, boarding and bag delivery on Alaska and JetBlue; preferred seating, premium class and upgrades to first class (all as available) on Alaska (except on saver fares); three checked bags on Alaska; two checked bags on JetBlue; complimentary same-day flight change on Alaska and JetBlue; Even More Space seats on JetBlue. | $450. |
| Total | $3,265. |
Related: Earn miles with Bask Bank’s AAdvantage savings account
AAdvantage Executive Platinum: $6,695
The final American Airlines elite status tier is AAdvantage Executive Platinum, which requires 200,000 Loyalty Points per qualification period.
We assume you’ll earn 220,000 Loyalty Points between March 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024. If you earn 70% of your Loyalty Points (154,000) from flights, we assume you’ll spend about $14,000 on flights during this qualification period to requalify for AAdvantage Executive Platinum status.
| Benefit details | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Complimentary upgrades within North America | Space-available on paid and award flights for you and a companion; may clear up to 100 hours before departure.
We’re valuing upgrades at 10% of flight spending for Executive Platinum members since these members have upgrade priority over lower-tier members. |
$1,400. |
| Mileage bonus | Executive Platinum members earn 6 miles per dollar more on flights than general members, equaling 84,000 bonus miles on $14,000 in spending. | $1,485. |
| Priority at the airport | First-class check-in lane, priority baggage delivery and Group 1 boarding. | $325. |
| Checked baggage allowance | Same benefit as Platinum Pro, more frequent utilization. | $325. |
| Same-day standby and flight changes | Same benefit as Platinum Pro, more frequent utilization. | $325. |
| Priority phone line | Access to the Executive Platinum service desk, which may have shorter waits and more-experienced agents than the Platinum Pro line. | $150. |
| Complimentary seating | Same benefit as Platinum and Platinum Pro, more frequent utilization. | $910. |
| Complimentary drink and snack in the main cabin | Enjoy a standard alcoholic beverage and any food item from the menu on flights with full drink service if you’re in the main cabin. | $50. |
| Loyalty Point Rewards | Once you accrue 175,000 Loyalty Points in your qualification year, you can choose one reward from the list above. The most valuable option is likely two systemwide upgrades; we value each systemwide upgrade at $500.
Plus you still have the Avis President’s Club status and a 30% Loyalty Points bonus on spending with select partners from the 100,000-Loyalty Points milestone. |
$1,075 |
| Oneworld and partner benefits | Same benefits as Platinum Pro, more frequent utilization. | $650. |
| Total | $6,695. |
Under our analysis, we assume you’d earn 220,000 Loyalty Points if you qualify (or requalify) for Executive Platinum status.
But, as you’d earn more Loyalty Point Rewards if you reach 250,000 Loyalty Points, it’s likely worth pushing for that threshold. After all, you could snag four more systemwide upgrades — which our analysis values at $2,000 — if you earn 250,000 Loyalty Points during the elite qualification period from March 1, 2023, to Feb. 29, 2024.
Related: Why 1 TPG staffer spent $848 to extend her Oneworld Sapphire status
What if I’m starting from scratch?
The values in this story are based on the benefits you’d enjoy once you earn a given status. However, the calculations are different (and more complicated) if you start with no AAdvantage status or a lower tier of status.
Loyalty Points become easier to earn from flights as you reach higher status tiers. For example, an American-marketed flight with a non-basic economy $1,500 base fare would earn as follows based on status tier:
- General member: 7,500 miles and 7,500 Loyalty Points (5 miles per dollar).
- Gold member: 10,500 miles and 10,500 Loyalty Points (7 miles per dollar).
- Platinum member: 12,000 miles and 12,000 Loyalty Points (8 miles per dollar).
- Platinum Pro member: 13,500 miles and 13,500 Loyalty Points (9 miles per dollar).
- Executive Platinum member: 16,500 miles and 16,500 Loyalty Points (11 miles per dollar).
If you’re currently a general member or a lower-tier elite member, you’re at a disadvantage compared to higher-tier elite members when it comes to earning Loyalty Points, but your earning abilities increase as you reach higher tiers.
Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on American Airlines
Is American AAdvantage status worth pursuing?
Whether to chase elite status with American AAdvantage depends entirely on your situation. But here are a few questions to consider when deciding.
How much will you use your status?
If you qualify for status during the elite qualification period from March 1, 2023, to Feb. 29, 2024, your status will last until March 31, 2025. But it’s critical to think about how much you’ll use your status. After all, most AAdvantage elite status perks only provide value when you’re flying with American Airlines and its partners.
What’s the incremental value of 1 tier over another?
You might wind up within striking distance of the next tier or Loyalty Point Rewards milestone. If so, consider the value of any additional perks you’d earn. After all, there’s no sense in going out of your way for perks that don’t matter to you.
Related: Maximizing redemptions with American Airlines AAdvantage
Do you enjoy playing the Loyalty Points game?
American Airlines is taking a different approach to elite status qualification with its Loyalty Points scheme. Now, you can earn Loyalty Points through many non-flight activities, such as using the AAdvantage shopping portal, SimplyMiles, the AAdvantage Dining portal and cobranded American Airlines credit cards.
Some AAdvantage loyalists enjoy stacking offers to earn Loyalty Points, while others miss the days of needing to actually fly to earn status. If you don’t enjoy earning AAdvantage miles (and Loyalty Points) through varied means, AAdvantage elite status might not be the best choice for you.
Related: How I’m earning rewards 5 different ways on a Hotels.com booking
Can a cobranded American Airlines credit card give you the perks you want?
If it’s American Airlines lounge access, earlier boarding or a first checked bag free on domestic itineraries that you’re after, you may be able to get the perks you want by getting one of the following cobranded American Airlines credit cards:
However, note that the baggage benefit provided to cardholders will only provide a first checked bag on domestic itineraries. So if you need more than one checked bag, frequently travel outside the U.S. or value other elite perks, you’ll likely still want to earn AAdvantage elite status.
Related: Which credit card should you use for American Airlines flights?
Bottom line
American Airlines elite status can provide extremely valuable perks at every level. Even the lowest level of American Airlines elite status (AAdvantage Gold) provides a checked baggage allowance, access to business-class check-in lanes and Oneworld Ruby. And at the highest status tiers, you’ll unlock Oneworld Emerald status and find yourself higher on the American Airlines upgrade list when flying within North America.
Carefully consider the perks and the ease at which you can earn American Airlines elite status. Especially if you have a cobranded American Airlines credit card and frequently use the American Airlines shopping portal, you may be able to earn your desired tier of American Airlines elite status with relative ease.
Additional reporting by Nick Ewen, Chris Dong, Kyle Olsen and Andrew Kunesh.
