AA Credit Card
01-10-2024, 03:16 PM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Posts: 218
We have an AA Citi "Executive World Elite" card. Gets us access to the AAdmirals clubs (not the Flagship First). It was a really good deal at $450/year with up to 10 (9?) additional users for zero extra fee... read between the lines, 10 people able to share a credit card (and split the fee) and all of them can get AA club access. Now it's slightly less of a good deal, as Citi and AA have raised the fee and limited the number of authorized users and charges you an extra $175 (I think) for up to 3 additional users. Still a great deal if you and your parents/siblings/friends fly or non-rev on AA a lot, the cost is easily justified.
I deadhead and non-rev a LOT so I use the clubs often. A standby ticket or a jumpseat reservation is good enough to access the club- you paid for the access, after all. Yeah, you can't and shouldn't use the clubs in uniform. If I have enough time between a trip and a deadhead to justify going to the club, it's not hard to go change into something else. I abhor deadheading in uniform if I can avoid it.
I deadhead and non-rev a LOT so I use the clubs often. A standby ticket or a jumpseat reservation is good enough to access the club- you paid for the access, after all. Yeah, you can't and shouldn't use the clubs in uniform. If I have enough time between a trip and a deadhead to justify going to the club, it's not hard to go change into something else. I abhor deadheading in uniform if I can avoid it.
01-10-2024, 03:53 PM
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2017
Posts: 162
One time I was coming back from training which I realized after the fact was technically a deadhead and was denied entry. That stung, but no way differentiate A1s. Of course, there’s a very easy workaround in the future.
I’ve found taking my second bag off the J-hook of my bag and putting it on my shoulder helps me blend in a lot more. It’s the little things.
To OP, I have the Citi card and find it worth every penny. I also spend a lot on it and have earned great status. I use the points for partner and AA rewards frequently and I love the lounge access. It is absolutely worth it to me.
01-11-2024, 07:58 AM
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2023
Posts: 147
Enter on a D1/D2, civilian clothes, no pilot/company junk on the bags, no visible ID/lanyard etc. and enjoy.
Basically, don't look like an employee in the slightest.
NY JFK is really bad with this, they see one whiff of pilot garb and out you go until you fix it.
01-11-2024, 08:36 AM
#14
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,335
01-11-2024, 08:52 AM
#15
Line Holder
Joined APC: Feb 2020
Position: Sopwith Camel
Posts: 52
Understanding that ability to access lounges while deadheading/non-revving may be more difficult, my family and I travel frequently. Therefore, I'm dumping the Delta Reserve card soon, and potentially drinking the company Kool-Aid with AA Advantage, or AMEX Platinum...or both.
01-11-2024, 09:25 AM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,170
I A1 all the time and I've never even been asked if I'm "working", let alone turned away. I guess I've been lucky?
re: creating a D2 you don't really plan to use in order to get in the club... seems that that would be really hard for a company that really struggles with anything IT related to track and enforce. What if you created a D2 listing for that oversold flight to (insert flight here) then decided it wasn't worth it if you didn't get a lie flat seat so you elected to take your original A1 home instead? Hypothetically speaking, of course. Would never encourage anyone to lie.
re: creating a D2 you don't really plan to use in order to get in the club... seems that that would be really hard for a company that really struggles with anything IT related to track and enforce. What if you created a D2 listing for that oversold flight to (insert flight here) then decided it wasn't worth it if you didn't get a lie flat seat so you elected to take your original A1 home instead? Hypothetically speaking, of course. Would never encourage anyone to lie.
01-11-2024, 09:33 AM
#19
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,891
On a side note, enjoy your lounge access while you have it. Delta won't let employees in unless your on a paid ticket and have a CCrd with privleges. No DH's, no nonrevs, etc.
01-11-2024, 09:36 AM
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,170
I wonder how many Delta pilots cancelled their Amex co-branded cards as a result. Probably not enough for Amex to care.
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