Getting tickets in the exclusive Medallion Club can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The Medallion Club offers luxurious amenities, attentive service, and exclusive airport lounges for American Airlines’ top-tier frequent flyers. While entry into the club comes automatically with AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, getting your hands on those coveted Medallion Club tickets requires strategy and planning. Here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know about scoring seats in the Medallion Club.
What is the Medallion Club?
The Medallion Club is American Airlines’ branded name for its airport lounges and other premium services offered exclusively to their highest-tier frequent flyers with Executive Platinum status. perks offered in the Medallion Club include:
- Access to luxurious, members-only airport lounges located before security checkpoints
- Complimentary premium food and top-shelf drinks
- Comfortable seating areas
- Business centers with computers, printers, wifi, and conference rooms
- Expedited check-in and security lines (where available)
- Priority boarding on American Airlines flights
- Waived fees for ticket changes
- Free upgrades to Main Cabin Extra or First Class when available
Access to the Medallion Club makes flying with American Airlines a true luxury experience. But reaching the required Executive Platinum elite status level takes serious dedication to flying with American Airlines.
What is Executive Platinum elite status?
Executive Platinum status is American Airlines’ top published elite status tier in the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. It grants flyers exclusive access to the Medallion Club lounges and services.
To earn Executive Platinum status, AAdvantage members must fly 100,000 elite qualifying miles or 120 elite qualifying segments on American Airlines in a calendar year. Elite qualifying miles are earned based on the ticket fare class and distance flown, while elite qualifying segments are based on individual flight legs flown with American or its partners.
Alternatively, Executive Platinum status can be earned by flying 140,000 regular miles on American. Upgrades from lower status tiers count toward Executive Platinum qualification, but miles from other sources like credit card spending do not count.
Once earned, Executive Platinum status is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which it was earned, plus the entire next program year.
Executive Platinum fliers enjoy the highest upgrade priority, with complimentary space-available upgrades clearing 72 hours before departure. They also get 8 Systemwide Upgrades annually to confirm a First Class seat.
Why is it hard to get Medallion Club tickets?
With Executive Platinum status being so exclusive and the perks so desirable, Medallion Club airport lounge access is limited to passengers with eligible tickets flying on qualifying American Airlines or partner flights. This makes Medallion Club tickets highly coveted.
Some key things that make Medallion Club tickets hard to get are:
- Very few passengers qualify for Executive Platinum status each year
- High demand for seats from those privileged flyers who do gain entry
- Access policies restrict usage beyond just status
- No way to request Medallion Club lounge tickets directly
- Limited seat availability on hub routes with lounges
- Upgrade lists prioritize Executive Plats over lower elite tiers
American Airlines limits lounge access to keep the exclusive experience from becoming overcrowded. With so many Executive Plats competing for a handful of choice tickets and upgrades, Medallion Club seats are hard to snag.
How to find Medallion Club eligible tickets
While you can’t search specifically for Medallion Club inventory, you can focus your search on routes and fare classes most likely to have upgrade availability or lounge access:
Check hub airport routes – Look for flights to or from an American Airlines hub airport that has a Medallion Club, like DFW, ORD or LAX. More premium cabin seats and lounge access are concentrated on hub routes.
Aim for discount first class tickets – Full-fare first class gets guaranteed Medallion Club access, but discount first class fares are still eligible for upgrades.
Target peak travel times – Flights during off-peak days and times have more open upgrade space. Avoid holiday or weekend flights.
Book early – Upgrades start clearing from the top down 172 hours before departure, so last-minute bookings are less likely to clear.
Be flexible – Take whatever flight has upgrade availability rather than trying for a specific time.
Check award availability – Mileage awards on hub routes sometimes include First Class space not available on revenue tickets.
Utilize premium status – Executive Platinum status gives the highest chance for Medallion Club upgrades.
How to request Medallion Club tickets
Unfortunately there is no way to specifically request Medallion Club lounge access or upgrades when booking tickets. Access is granted based on elite status, fare class, and availability at the time of travel. However, there are a few things savvy flyers can do to boost their chances:
Book premium economy tickets – Full-fare Main Cabin Extra seats are eligible for complimentary Medallion Club upgrades.
Add your status to bookings – Be sure your AAdvantage number is on all flight reservations to get the status priority.
Request upgrades after ticketing – You can ask to be added to the upgrade standby list after booking, within 24 hours of departure.
Utilize 500-mile upgrade certs – Applying one of the unlimited 500-mile certificates given to Exec Plats can confirm an upgrade in advance.
Use regional upgrades – Executive Platinum members get 4 regional upgrade certificates annually to confirm upgrades on American’s smaller jets.
Call to confirm lounge access – If ticketed in a class eligible for club access, you can call to verify and add lounge access.
Pay for a day pass – Buy a one-time day pass to the Medallion Club if status and flying options don’t permit complimentary entry.
While there’s no foolproof method to guarantee Medallion Club tickets and upgrades, using these tips can significantly improve your chances and experience. Being flexible and persistent is key to success.
Booking Medallion Club Tickets with Miles
One of the best ways Executive Platinums can increase their chances of reserving Medallion Club tickets is by booking awards using American Airlines AAdvantage miles.
Mileage awards on qualifying routes will sometimes have First Class award inventory that isn’t available when booking with cash. This allows elites to confirm a seat in the premium cabin and enjoy Medallion Club access for the entire journey.
Let’s look at some tips for booking Medallion Club tickets using AAdvantage miles:
Check award availability before revenue seats
American Airlines opens up award availability on flights 343 days in advance. This is earlier than revenue seats which open 330 days out. That means Executive Platinums can lock in choice Medallion Club seats using miles before other elites can even search for upgrades.
It’s wise to check award availability as soon as the booking window opens and reserve any prime seats in First Class when found. Last-minute award seats are very hard to come by otherwise.
Focus your search on hub routes
As award inventory is most ample on hub routes, zero in on nonstop flights between an American hub like DFW and another domestic hub city like LAX. These long-haul routes maximize your time spent in the luxury of the Medallion Club.
Avoid searching short hops or markets with lots of competition from other airlines. Award space will be more limited markets where American doesn’t dominate.
Be willing to pay more miles for key routes
American Airlines has variable award pricing on flights within the U.S. Main Cabin seats can range from just 5,000 miles each way on some routes to 60,000 miles for premium routes booked last-minute.
First Class awards naturally require even more miles. But Executive Platinums should be willing to splurge on key routes connecting primary hubs. Enjoying the inflight luxury and lounge access is worth spending extra miles.
Use miles to upgrade when booking
One technique to try is booking a discount Main Cabin ticket using miles, then instantly upgrading it using more miles if First award space wasn’t available right away.
This circumvents the upgrade waitlist process and guarantees you the front cabin seat when award space is lacking but regular availability exists. Just be ready to spend the extra miles required.
Utilize mile refunds if upgrading later
One final strategy is to book Main Cabin using miles and separately request a complimentary upgrade which provides Medallion Club access if it clears.
If you do score the upgrade, be sure to request a refund of the original miles used to book Main Cabin. American will refund the difference in miles between cabins if you upgrade after ticketing.
Smart Executive Platinums leverage every opportunity to maximize their precious miles and access to the Medallion Club when traveling on American Airlines. Following these tips using miles can make achieving that luxury easier than buying tickets outright.
Tips for Gaining Access to the Medallion Club
As an exclusive area reserved for only American’s top elite flyers, gaining entry into the Medallion Club requires creativity and resourcefulness. Here are some helpful tips for Exec Plats aiming to finagle their way into those premium airport lounges:
Fly intelligently
Book routes, times and fare classes that naturally provide the highest upgrade odds. Prioritize flights into or out of hub airports during off-peak times booked in Y, B or W fares a few months ahead. Avoid holiday travels and routes facing competition. Also leverage 500-mile upgrades and RPUs when possible.
Splurge on last-minute fares
Booking an expensive last-minute walk-up fare greatly increases your upgrade chances, since the high-yield ticket signals you are a valuable customer. Aim for a Y or B full-fare coach ticket which grants complimentary lounge access even if upgrades aren’t available.
Schmooze with agents
Politely ask for help or advice from airport agents or the Executive Platinum support desk to have them go the extra mile for you. Being friendly and tipping goes a long way to earn favors.
Scope out all lounges
Many hub airports have multiple Medallion Clubs. Be willing to walk farther or switch terminals to access a less crowded location if you get denied at your first choice. Don’t give up easily.
Arrive early
Exec Plats can enter lounges 4 hours before a scheduled flight, so arrive early during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and increase chances of slipping in. Make getting lounge access the first priority.
Dress the part
Though there’s no formal dress code, wearing business attire and carrying yourself like you belong helps avoid scrutiny from gate agents. Don’t give reasons to be questioned.
Try different entries
Some lounges have staff checking invites at the main door but unmanned side doors. Scout all access points and slip in discreetly if possible. Act like you know where you’re going.
Pool passes with others
If traveling with other elites or colleagues, pool your lounge invites and passes together to avoid agents counting. Get your group in together then seperate inside.
Enjoy every opportunity
Lounge access rules frequently shift, so take advantage of any leniency. Don’t take for granted your ability to gain entry during periods when policies relax restrictions.
For hard-core frequent flyers dedicated to experiencing American’s premium airport experience, the hassle of gaming the system for Medallion Club access is a labor of love. Follow these suggestions to get into the lounge life when tickets alone come up short.
Conclusion
Though a challenge for all but American’s most loyal flyers, gaining access to the luxurious and exclusive airport lounges of the Medallion Club is an art form worth mastering. By combining diligent planning, creative techniques and true dedication, Executive Platinum elites can find success securing those coveted tickets and upgrades into the Medallion Club’s rarefied world of luxury. The calm oasis away from the chaos of modern air travel makes the effort well worth it for those privileged frequent flyers who call the Medallion Club their home away from home in the skies.
Route | Best Day/Time | Fare Class | Upgrade Chances |
---|---|---|---|
DFW-ORD | Tuesday morning | Y | High |
DFW-LAX | Wednesday midday | B | Medium |
ORD-MIA | Thursday evening | W | Low |
Here is a table showing some top routes for finding Medallion Club tickets, along with the best travel day/times, fare classes, and relative upgrade chances.