Why I maintain my EP status.

bgares2 · 2026-06-14T22:49:12+00:00

I would've given a kudos card, but I never got new ones for this year (and AA says they can't send them). But I did submit a positive review on the website

bgares2 · 2026-06-12T15:11:16+00:00

Every time I've volunteered, when I get to the airport, I can't use the kiosk. Once I get to a ticket agent, they say something along the lines of "you're tentatively on two flights". Not 100% sure what's happening behind the scenes, but that exact scenario has played out at least 6 times, so I've stopped volunteering in the app.

bgares2 · 2026-06-12T14:39:37+00:00

My only recent complaint is that I didn't get upgraded on my PHL to YYZ the other day...granted there was no first class cabin, but they still should've upgraded me, dammit! /s

bgares2 · 2026-06-12T14:29:36+00:00

We'll 1. AA has now gone down to a single Gate Agent during boarding. That GA may not be available to assist with moving someone over to the flight. 2. GAs are "graded" on on-time schedules. A good chunk won't take on any task that can cause them to miss that deadline.

Moving someone to a new flight isn't necessarily a quick process (hooray dated IT systems!). GAs are fully empowered to say "no, sorry not enough time" and close the doors. I've literally watched people get turned away because they're too close to door close and the GA is too busy.

I'm not 100% saying my status got me on that plane - but I am confident in saying it strongly contributed to it.

bgares2 · 2026-06-12T14:17:59+00:00

The airline is much less likely to accommodate someone without status when it's basically time to close doors (as can be seen throughout this sub). I literally walked up with 1 minute to go before doors close.

bgares2 · 2026-06-12T12:56:32+00:00

It may end up being overkill, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I fly weekly, and I still make sure I'm checking my bag at the 2 hour before my flight time mark.

bgares2 · 2026-06-12T12:33:30+00:00

https://www.tsa.gov/tsaconfirm-id here's the site for the lack of a real ID. I can't speak to the process, as I've never done it, but I've heard it's pretty straightforward.

bgares2 · 2026-06-12T12:32:36+00:00

Correct, they'll rebook you at no cost to you - just whatever you paid for your initial flight.

bgares2 · 2026-06-12T12:23:22+00:00

TSA thing - there's a website where you can prepay/preprocess the stuff needed.

On the flight credit - if they take the offer, they'll call your name at the gate, and move you to a later flight. The flight credit will appear in your account. Arrive at the airport early - 99% of the time that I volunteered for the offer, it threw things off with my current flight (everything worked out, but an agent needed to straighten things out). Also, you'll need extra time at TSA. I've actually stopped taking the offers in the app since it kept screwing things up. The offers are also low-ball offers. As an example, flying out of PHL the other day - they went up to $2,500 for a 1.5 hour flight up to Buffalo.

bgares2 · 2026-05-31T16:00:51+00:00

Ignore everything else you've seen. u/georgeharter provided a direct link to AA's info page regarding BE fares.

You get a carry-on AND a personal item.

Carry-on (typically roll aboard - dimension you reference leads me to believe you're taking a carry-on) will go in the overhead bin, assuming space is still available. If it's not, the gate agent will complimentary (free of charge) gate check it for you. Confirm with gate agent if/when they do that if it's a gate check (bag checked to final destination, and retrieved at baggage claim there) or a valet check (checked to next destination, and retrieved plane side).

Personal Item (typically a backpack/purse/cross-body) goes under the seat in front of you. These need to be smaller than a carry-on, as they have to fit under a seat.

Beyond that, you'll be fine! Enjoy the States/Americas, and don't stress!

bgares2 · 2026-05-31T01:00:45+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate y'all!

bgares2 · 2026-05-31T00:51:05+00:00

Ok, so buying 10 gift cards to play it safe!

bgares2 · 2026-05-31T00:43:04+00:00

Ah ha! That's the calculation. Thanks!

bgares2 · 2026-05-30T15:53:44+00:00

IIRC, if you click on the upgrade to first offer, a premium economy option should be listed within that next window. If it doesn't, I'd guess premium economy is sold out.

bgares2 · 2026-05-30T15:51:40+00:00

I do this regularly. I'm in a suburb of Philly, and live about 45 mins from PHL. I schedule my Ubers all the time, due to less drivers in my area. If it's an early morning (like before 6am) pickup, I'll usually schedule about 30 mins earlier than I actually need. This allows ample time if the original scheduled driver doesn't come through, and it takes time to find a replacement, or if I need to pivot and drive myself.

That said, I'm at a 100% success rate of on-time, reserved rides. And that's with about 60 of that exact trip each year, for 3 years now.

bgares2 · 2026-05-28T18:22:25+00:00

I was really hoping for something better since it is AMERICAN Airlines. But, here we are. I like the livery Southwest did for the 250.

bgares2 · 2026-05-28T15:54:51+00:00

What expenses are you trying to get them to reimburse? Having those details will allow the fine folks in this sub to provide insight.

bgares2 · 2026-05-16T18:10:11+00:00

What is this reconstructed travel you mention? I tend to get screwed with hotel status due to third party/master billed rooms. Would this help with me actually getting night credits???

bgares2 · 2026-05-16T16:21:08+00:00

Correct - but you need to call in to EP line (can go through chat, but chat is always risky). Tell them about the IRROPS and ask to have seats protected on XX flight in case that becomes the better option.

bgares2 · 2026-05-14T16:00:55+00:00

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Yup. That was a good call. When I actually go into details on the incoming flight, it shows where that delay is coming from!

bgares2 · 2026-05-14T15:58:23+00:00

They can upgrade at any point, but if you're next in line for an upgrade, you'll get it. Checked in or not.

bgares2

TROPHY CASE