Each year after you earn an AAdvantage elite status American Airlines sends you a welcome kit. The kit generally contains some information about the AAdvantage program, a ‘signed’ thank you note from the president of AAdvantage, a brief overview of your new benefits, and most importantly, an updated AAdvantage membership card.
Each welcome kit is essentially the same, but they all differ slightly depending on the status earned. Also each membership card looks slightly different based on your new elite status. Welcome kits generally arrive within a few weeks of earning each tier of status. However, you may not receive a welcome kit if you earn two elite levels within a day or two of one another.
AAdvantage Executive Platinum Welcome Kit
While American might not send you a Gold, Platinum, or Platinum Pro welcome kit you’ll without a doubt receive an Executive Platinum welcome kit each year you qualify. I earned Executive Platinum just two and a half weeks ago and my welcome kit arrived in the mail today.
When I opened my mailbox today I knew without a doubt what was inside of this parcel of mail.
Turning over the envelope left no doubt that my AAdvantage Executive Platinum welcome kit was inside.
Inside I found a welcome pamphlet very similar to the same one I recently found in my Platinum Pro welcome kit. The front cover of the pamphlet is a frosted paper which features the new American Airlines logo. Opening the frosted cover reveals one of a dozen or so marketing images currently being used by American.
Inside The AAdvantage Executive Platinum Welcome Kit
As you open the pamphlet’s cover page you’ll immediately find your new AAdvantage Executive Platinum membership card. While these cards are essentially worthless with the introduction of mobile membership cards, I still enjoy receiving and collecting them.
On the next page you’ll find a Thank You note from the current president of the AAdvantage program.
On the subsequent pages you’ll find a very limited list of benefits offered from Executive Platinum status. I’d imagine most American frequent fliers are already well aware of the benefits prior to receiving this welcome kit.
Executive Platinum Brag Tags
Finally, toward the very back of the welcome kit are two Executive Platinum luggage tags which are commonly referred to as Brag Tags. People call them brag tags as there really isn’t any point in putting them on your luggage. Most people don’t trust putting these on their checked baggage, so instead they end up putting them on a briefcase that will never leave their side. These luggage tags essentially just let other customers know how important you are.
What surprised me the most about the brag tags was how thick and sturdy they were. I always assumed they’d feel similar to the flimsy AAdvantage memebrship cards, but they are about twice as thick. In theory I bet you could put these on your checked bags without worrying about them breaking off. However, if you place these on your checked bags how would other passengers know how important you are as you push toward the front of the boarding lane.
Personally, if you couldn’t already tell, I don’t plan on putting these tags on my luggage. While I think they’re nice, I just don’t see any real benefit of putting these on my bags. The only reason I’d ever consider using them is if my carry-on is looking a little extra bulky before a long trip. I suspect gate agents would be a little more willing to let an EP get by with an oversized bag than another passenger. I guess only time will tell in regards to that theory.
Final Thoughts
I hate to admit this, but I was way too excited when this welcome kit finally arrived in the mail today. Although the membership card and luggage tags are essentially worthless today, they’re still neat little reminders of this year’s accomplishment.
It wasn’t easy logging 100,000 miles in a single year. It was definitely a little more work than I expected it to be. However, I’ve had a ton of fun pursuing this goal. I also can’t wait to explore the various OneWorld Emerald lounges around the world as I try for 100,000 miles next year.
