Based on a recent Flyertalk thread, where a number of United 1K members are ready to defect to American, I thought this might be a good opportunity to do a side-by-side comparison. This comparison focuses on just the upgrades and other perks associated with each program. It does not take into account of flight availability, routing, or on-board products. That’ll be another blog for another day.
AA Executive Platinum | United 1K | |
Qualification / renewal requirement | 100,000 EQM 100 EQS 100,000 points | 100,000 EQM 100 EQS /120 for 2012 qualification |
Upgrades | ||
Upgrade – Domestic | Unlimited for member, purchased 500-mile upgrade for companion (at $30/35 for each 500-mile upgrade) | Unlimited for member and 1 companion on same PNR – except for JFK-LAX and JFK-SFO, where UDU is not available. |
Upgrade priority - Domestic | Top level at 100 hours | Second level after GS, at 100 hours |
Regional Upgrades | Not available. | For 2011 and thereafter – 2 at 75,000 EQM, 2 additional upgrades for each additional 25,000 EQM For 1K members who qualified/ renewed in 2010 – 2 additional upgrades every quarter if member flew more than 10,000 BIS miles on UA/UX metal in the quarter. For 2011 only. |
Regional Upgrades – restrictions | N/A | Cannot be used on flights to or within Region 2. Cannot be used with Z and G fares. |
Systemwide Upgrades | 8 e-VIPs upon qualification/renewal. No opportunities to earn additional e-VIPs. | 6 SWUs upon qualification/renewal. 2 additional SWUs for each additional 50,000 EQM over 100,000, no limit. |
Systemwide Upgrade fare restrictions | No fare restrictions. | W fare or high for Region 2 travel. Cannot be used on Z and G fares. |
Systemwide Upgrade Deposit Timeframe and Expiration | Deposited upon qualification, expiring February of following membership year. (e.g., e-VIPs deposited in October 2010 expire in February 2012) | Initial 6 are deposited in January of following year. Additional SWUs are deposited based on sweep schedule. SWUs expire in 12 months after deposit. |
Systemwide Upgrade usage on other carriers | Not available. | LH – if printed as paper certificate. Can be used on the day of check-in. |
How to redeem Systemwide Upgrades? | Call the Executive Platinum Desk. | Can be redeemed online or via 1K Desk. |
How do you look up upgrade space availability? | Call the Executive Platinum Desk. ExpertFlyer availability may be available (depends on cabin). | Available via United.com expert mode or other tools (KVS, ExpertFlyer) |
How to tell whether your upgrade is waitlisted? | Call the Executive Platinum Desk. The waitlisted upgrade will not show up on AA.com. | Available via United.com – My Reservations. |
Lounge Access | ||
Lounge Membership fee | $350 new/$300 renewal $225 new/$175 renewal for spouse/domestic partner | $425 new/$375 renewal $175 for spouse/domestic partner |
Lounge access when flying internationally | Access to Flagship Lounge (AA first class lounge) or other oneworld first or business class lounges. | Access to Red Carpet Club or other Star Alliance Gold lounges. |
Onboard Experience | ||
Fleet Type (mainline) | Boeing 777, 767, 757, 737, MD-80 | Airbus 319, 320 Boeing 747, 757, 767, 777 |
In-flight Perks | 1 complimentary drink and snack item when sitting in coach. | 10 drink coupons with membership kit. |
Other Perks | ||
Luggage Tags | 2 personalized tags with membership kit. | None. |
Card Color | Black | Black |
Other | Special on-board greeting by flight attendant. | Access to “1K Only” website. |
