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It’s been a rough couple of days over here at the MonkeyMiles house.
In case you hadn’t heard…American Airlines basically told anyone who isn’t a high and mighty spending business traveler to go and suck an egg. They shredded not only how you earn ( which we knew was coming), but added in some spend requirements, reduced elite benefits, and basically pronounced casual loyalty dead. Read more about it here if you are sadomasochistic…no judgement.
Miles! Don’t jump!!!! It’s ok – we can turn this frown upside down

In less than 24 months Miles and I have earned the following Miles:
- 100k from Us Air Barclaycard sign ups, now AA miles
- 53k from Citi Platinum AA
- 53k from Citi Biz AA
- 110k from Citi Exec AA
- 50k Citi Banking sign up
- 25k Barclay Aviator funding of Citi Bank account
- 30k Barclay targeted spend on Aviator
That’s 421k AA. No butt in seat. So you don’t have to be an American Airlines Superdelegate Elite to feel like one.
- It’s how we’ve done this:

But this year we’ve aligned our travel with American Air loyalty
I knew this year was going to be a big year of travel and challenged for American Air Platinum last fall. I knew I’d get a huge return on investment. And I have: Tons of those 100% bonus miles, free main cabin extra, 500 mile upgrades, and One World Sapphire has gained me access to lounges. It was a great deal.
Do we stay loyal after the Eulogy American Air just gave its program?
If you include travel that we’ve currently booked through July we will have over 60k EQM. It’s too late to turn back this year. But next year… I’ll probably enjoy my Exec Plat bennies and look elsewhere. Buttttt I want those bennies and will stick with them to get them! Here are the ones I’m most excited to rock
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System Wide Upgrades: 4 when you hit 100k EQM or 120EQS
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1st Class Lounges
- AA Executive Platinum members are given One World Emerald status and gains you access to International First Class lounges.
- Theoretically I could buy a cheap ticket from LAX-HND ( they had them for $500 earlier this year) use a SWU upgrade to fly business, and then visit the Japan Airlines First Class lounge.
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I can eat fantastic Sushi in Japan
- AA Executive Platinum members are given One World Emerald status and gains you access to International First Class lounges.
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Complimentary upgrades domestically.
- American Executive Platinum members will continue to get auto requested upgrades.
- I fly to Indiana a lot and the first class cabin is rarely sold out.
But the biggest reason I’m going to Executive Platinum…Alaska Airlines
- They consistently status match American Air EP to Alaska Air top tier MVP Gold75
- 120% bonus on miles flown
- 75k miles to retain status with Alaska, 90k with partner miles
- 50k bonus when you retain status
- Best points in the biz
- even if they devalue their American chart
- yes, even after the Emirates deval
- they just added Japan Air
- if bennies hold up…still have access to free main cabin extra on American, pre-board, and free bags
- wait til after October to Match – otherwise your bennies run out end of year unless you qualify.
Will I fly on American next year?
Yes, if the price is right, and when I want to use my System Wide upgrades. Otherwise – I’ll search out the best deal