Friends,

If you’re shooting for AAdvantage elite status this year, you’ll need to earn Loyalty Points between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026. The thresholds remain unchanged:

• Gold: 40,000

• Platinum: 75,000

• Platinum Pro: 125,000

• Executive Platinum: 200,000

But what actually counts toward those Loyalty Points?

What Does Count

• American Airlines flights (5 Loyalty Points per dollar on the base fare and carrier-imposed fees)

• Partner flights (like British Airways, Qatar Airways, etc.)

• AAdvantage credit card spending

• AAdvantage eShopping & Dining

• SimplyMiles

• Cruises, vacation packages, and other partner promotions

What Doesn’t Count

• Credit card sign-up bonuses

• Miles purchases or transfers

• Bank partner bonuses (like Bask)

• Taxes and fees on tickets

Why Status Might Matter to You

American’s Loyalty Point system gets some criticism — it’s revenue-based and not the easiest to game. But the reality is, the benefits at higher tiers really do make travel better. Especially if you fly American often (or live near a hub like DFW, CLT, or MIA).

Here are the headline upsides:

• Free upgrades & Main Cabin Extra: While upgrades are really route-dependent and definitely not a given, they are a fun perk. More substantially to me at least, the complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra seating is material.

• Priority everything: From check-in to boarding to security, it is nice to be able to use the priority lanes—especially when you are running late. This falls squarely in the “nice to have” category, as I do not think it is (generally speaking) worth a whole lot.

• Lounge access: Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald status gets you into business and first-class lounges internationally, even when you’re flying coach. This is awesome.

• Free baggage: This adds up and is pretty straightforward. Status gets you and companions on the same reservation one, two, or three free bags depending on your tier. If you need more than a carry-on, this is a great perk.

• Recognition on partner airlines: From preferred seating on Japan Airlines to first-class lounge access on Qatar or Qantas — the soft benefits abroad can be better than the domestic ones (largely if you are Emerald: Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum).

Obviously, qualifying for American’s top-top ConciergeKey tier falls in the same calendar window, but the threshold is unpublished. If you are in league for CK (which this year to my cursory understanding required at least ~850k Loyalty Points), you probably already know all of the above.

Big picture: You don’t have to fly weekly to make elite status worth it. With the right strategy — a mix of flying, credit card spend, and partner bonuses — AAdvantage status can unlock some great perks when traveling with American.

Fly well.

Links

ATC is in news (for good reason) and politics remain ever-entertaining.

TLV missile attack temporarily stopped traffic; US carriers are set to resume service on the 11th of May (as of writing).

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next one.

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.