Friends,

I want to highlight something that doesn’t get talked about much: the benefits of oneworld Sapphire and oneworld Emerald status — especially when you’re flying overseas. I’m writing about this because several readers have reached out while flying internationally in the past few weeks — most didn’t realize just how many perks their American Airlines status unlocked on partner carriers.

If you hold status with American Airlines, here’s how that maps to oneworld:

• Gold = oneworld Ruby

• Platinum = oneworld Sapphire

• Platinum Pro = oneworld Emerald

• Executive Platinum = oneworld Emerald

• ConciergeKey = oneworld Emerald

Sapphire and Emerald unlock material perks across the entire oneworld alliance — which includes airlines like British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. I am likely telling you what you already know so stick with me here: the details are what matters.

First and notably though: Gold sits at the shallow end of the dream pool. It is the lowest level at oneworld Ruby, and only includes business class check-in plus preferred seating. The experience gets dramatically better at Sapphire and Emerald.

Here is a high level on the benefits (some of which you might not know about):

If you’re on oneworld Sapphire (AA Platinum):

• Access to business class lounges for you and a guest when flying internationally (even if you’re on an economy ticket).

• Priority check-in at business class counters.

• Early boarding.

• Extra baggage allowance.

• Preferred seating on partner airlines.

If you’re on oneworld Emerald (AA Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum):

• All of the above, plus access to first class lounges for you and a guest.

• Priority check-in at first class counters.

• Expedited security at select airports (this is a bigger win than it seems).

• Priority baggage handling.

• A little extra care and recognition from many partner airlines — especially the great ones.

A few quick tips:

• Obviously, you have to attach your relevant (for our example purpose, American) frequent flyer number to partner flights so the benefits trigger.

• Politely ask about lounge access or seating perks at check-in — sometimes they miss it if you don’t.

• And remember: some of the best lounges in the world (like the Qantas First Class Lounge in Sydney or the British Airways First Lounge at Heathrow) are available to you purely because of your status.

Big picture: Having AA Platinum (or higher) can really improve the international flying experience. Reply with your upcoming itinerary — I’d be delighted to help you make the most of your perks.

Fly well.

Links

JetBlue says sayonara to American in favor of United: rejection is hard.

United’s newly expanded ORD Polaris Lounge opened today in Chicago.

Southwest announces new fare classes, and the branding reads like a bad joke.

Delta gives employees a 4% raise.

I love airline videos like this one (though they also make me laugh a little).

150k points plus a $500 flight credit sign up bonus on the Amex Business Platinum.

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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.