In case you didn’t know, American Airlines offers select members the easiest path to status: Instant status pass.
Right now, I could click a button in my email and automatically get Platinum Pro status with AA, the airline’s second-highest tier… but that’s not why I’m signing up.
American Airlines Instant Status Pass Offer
Earlier this month, American Airlines sent targeted emails to Hyatt elite members offering an elite status trial. Those with Globalist or Explorist status in World of Hyatt can sign up for 4 months Platinum Pro status with American Airlines — with just one click! It’s that easy.
This offer requires Registration until September 5, 2024. To keep my newly earned elite status with American Airlines, I need to start earning loyalty points. That’s the only metric for AAdvantage status, whether you earn it the traditional way or through a promotion like this.
Hot tip:
Benefits of AAdvantage Platinum Pro
If you received this offer, you may be wondering what Platinum Pro status is worth.
As a Platinum Pro member, you will enjoy numerous benefits, including 80% bonus on American Airlines spending, priority boarding and check-in, free checked baggage on AA flights, priority baggage delivery at your destination, Same-day standby and flight change benefitsplus Upgrades on flights within North America.
you too Get access to preferred seating without paying for it and can purchase an Admirals Club Lounge membership at a discounted price.
Why this offer is not worth it for me
I won’t pretend that AA’s Platinum Pro status has no value — there certainly are. If you fly AA fairly regularly, getting a more comfortable seat or getting your bags first at your destination can be a huge advantage.
It’s that “if you fly AA” part…that’s my problem. My Instant Status Pass offer includes 4 months of free elite status. I would only receive these benefits on an upcoming tripand that’s why I don’t click the button to sign up for the offer.
To be clear, I have three bookings with American Airlines in the next few months. However, I booked two of them using British Airways Executive Club Avios, so my AA account is not listed on those bookings, so I would not receive AA status benefits on those flights.
Could I sign up for this temporary offer and enjoy perks with a single booking? Sure, I could. I have a paid flight from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA (SNA) – my home airport – to Chicago (ORD) with a connection in Phoenix (PHX). I could get a free premium seat and maybe an upgrade to first class, although that’s unlikely. Premium seats from SNA are almost always sold out and upgrades are extremely rare on AA, Delta or United. Also, I don’t have to check bags on this trip, so the The benefits I would enjoy are quite limited.
Also, I tend to be hesitant about offers like this if I don’t think they’ll benefit me, even if they’re “free.” What if another offer comes along in 6 months that says, “You’re not eligible if you’ve had free status for the past 24 months”? Why should I exclude myself from an offer that I could potentially take advantage of by signing up for an offer that doesn’t offer me much?
Conclusion:
I don’t think I’ll get enough value out of this offer to justify clicking the button, even if it doesn’t require any effort, and I’m playing it safe in case I get another offer in the future – one that might actually be valuable to me.
Final thoughts
I received an email offering to sign up for Platinum Pro status with American Airlines for free, which will give me 4 months of status with no hassle, but I’m not signing up because I don’t think the offer will do me much good given my upcoming travel plans.
The offer ends on September 5th, so I have a few more weeks to see if my travel plans change. Just in case, I won’t delete the email until September 4th.
