AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers.
You can now enjoy — or let a friend or family member experience — what it is like flying with status with American Airlines' new “Status for a Day” offering. The new functionality is part of the Enhance with Miles program that American Airlines is rolling out. The program allows members to redeem miles for a host of special perks. For now, the program is limited to “Status for a Day” and “Gift of Status for a Day” redemption options.
What is American Airlines Status for a Day?
In short, American Airlines Status for a Day lets you gift elite status perks to someone — or purchase a higher status for yourself — for one day.
- Gift or receive yourself a higher status for a day.
- Once purchased, Status for a Day cannot be refunded, transferred, or modified.
- If the selected day is affected by involuntary flight cancellations, you need to contact the AAdvantage customer service center.
- Status for a day must be purchased — or desired usage date selected in case of a gift — at least seven days prior to the usage date.
- You are only eligible for the Admirals Club discount according to the status you earned. You can't get a discount based on your temporary status.
- Status for a Day perks are only available on AA-marketed and operated flights.
- You can purchase two packages (as a gift or for yourself) for each tier of AAdvantage elite status you earn.
- Seat coupons will expire two days after the gift selection date and must be used before the coupon expiration date.
Loyalty Point Thresholds
Every time you reach a new tier status with AA, you unlock more Enhance with Miles options. Currently, the four tiers of AAdvantage elite status are:
- 40,000 points when you reach AAdvantage Gold.
- 75,000 points when you reach AAdvantage Platinum.
- 125,000 points when you reach AAdvantage Platinum Pro.
- 200,000 points when you reach AAdvantage Executive Platinum.
Each time you reach one of these loyalty thresholds, you can redeem your miles to purchase up to two more Status for a Day.
How Much Does Status For a Day Cost?
AAdvantage hasn't unveiled how much each Status for a Day purchase costs. Current AAdvantage elite status members — those that qualified in the qualification year ending February 28, 2023 — can't select or gift Status for a Day quite yet. Instead, you'll need to earn 40,000 Loyalty Points for this qualifying year before you'll be able to select an option.
That leaves a lot of unanswered questions: Or, is there a difference in price between boosting your own status and gifting status? Or, does the price increase the higher the status you are gifting or purchasing?
A couple of data points online show the cost of gifting someone Gold status as 15,000 miles. At this point in time, it is unclear whether the cost is 15,000 miles for every tier of gifted status, or just for Gold.
Also, it seems that a member can buy up to the next level of status — whatever that might be. For example, here's how the Enhance with Miles dashboard looks to a Platinum Pro member. Once this member reaches 40,000 Loyalty Points, he can gift AAdvantage Gold and/or purchase AAdvantage Executive Platinum for a day:
If you are going to gift status, you will need to consider the opportunity cost of your AA miles. If you value AA miles at 1.5¢ apiece, redeeming 15,000 miles means you are paying around $225 in value for AAdvantage Gold status for someone for one day. You will need to crunch your numbers carefully. In addition, you'll need to look at your balances and travel goals to determine whether that is worth it or not for you.
The Fine Print
There are many restrictions in place with such an appealing-sounding offer. As such, the fine print is substantial whether you are giving yourself status or giving it as a gift.
Status For a Day Fine Print
- If you do not already have access to complimentary Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats when purchasing, members will receive four Main Cabin Extra seat coupons in their account.
- Members can't retroactively apply status benefits and seat coupons to other trips previously purchased by the member.
- Complimentary upgrades and access to Main Cabin Extra and Preferred seats are subject to availability.
Gift Status For a Day Fine Print
- To receive status, your friend or family member must be an AAdvantage member.
- Members receiving status must hold no status or one lower than the giver.
- Recipients must choose one day to use their status within 372 days of receiving the gift.
- If the member receiving status does not already have access to complimentary Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats when their day is chosen, they will receive either four Main Cabin Extra seat coupons or four Preferred seat coupons in their account — as determined by their status tier.
- Members can't retroactively apply status benefits and seat coupons to other trips previously purchased by the member.
- Complimentary upgrades and access to Main Cabin Extra and Preferred seats are subject to availability.
- If the member earns the same tier or higher before the use of their special date, they need to contact AA customer service for their options.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, your mileage is going to vary with this new perk. Gifting status for one day to a friend or loved one makes an excellent present. For instance, someone who is not a frequent flyer getting all the perks and benefits of AAdvantage Gold will be much appreciated. Who knows, the experience may even make them switch their airline loyalty.
On the other hand, if you are AAdvantage Platinum Pro, what will you gain from giving yourself Executive Platinum for one day? The answer is not much aside from guaranteed main cabin availability, a complimentary snack and alcoholic drink in the main cabin, and better upgrade priority. Needless to say, purchasing status just for you to move from boarding group 2 to boarding group 1 isn't that exciting.
For more information on American Airlines and the AAdvantage loyalty program, click here.
Would you consider boosting your status for one day? Let us know in the comments below!
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.