If you’re an avid traveler and a lover of Caribbean Carnival like me, earning top-tier status with an airline is a game-changer. This year, I achieved Executive Platinum status with American Airlines through the AAdvantage Program, and it has completely transformed my travel experience. In this blog, I’ll share how I leveraged my trips to Caribbean Carnival and maximized various AAdvantage tools to achieve this milestone in nine months.
The Benefits of the American Airlines AAdvantage Program
Before diving into how I reached Executive Platinum status, let me share some of the incredible benefits of this elite status:
- Three Free Checked Bags: Whether you’re packing elaborate carnival costumes or essentials for an extended stay, this benefit saves significant money.
- Free Preferred or Main Cabin Extra Seats: Enjoy extra legroom and better seating without any additional cost.
- Priority Group 1 Boarding: Skip the lines and ensure you get overhead bin space for your carry-on (even if you book an economy ticket).
- Upgraded Seats: At the Executive Platinum level, you’re eligible for complimentary upgrades up to 100 hours before your flight.
- Priority Check-In Lanes: Save time at the airport with access to dedicated check-in counters, ensuring a smoother and quicker check-in process.
These perks make traveling to Caribbean Carnival events even more enjoyable, allowing me to focus on the festivities without worrying about travel hassles. Now, let’s dive into how I earned my Executive Platinum status.
For a better understanding of AAdvantage Program Benefits, click here.
Flying with American Airlines
The bulk of my Loyalty Points came from flying with American Airlines. In 2024 I took 12 international round-trip flights, primarily to attend carnivals across the Caribbean. Each flight added to my Loyalty Points tally, and the program’s bonus milestones made a significant difference:
- 20% Loyalty Point Bonus: After reaching 60,000 Loyalty Points, I earned an additional 20% bonus on all points accrued when you spend with American Airlines Vacations, AAdvantage e-shopping, Aadvantage Dining and AAdvantage Hotels. This bonus is valid for six months after qualification, giving you plenty of time to plan additional trips.
- 30,000 Loyalty Point Bonus: Once I hit 100,000 Loyalty Points, I unlocked the 30% bonus, which helped me secure Executive Platinum status.
Flying consistently with American Airlines, especially to destinations like Trinidad, St. Lucia, London and Grenada for Carnival, played a key role in my success.
Leveraging the American Airlines AAdvantage e-Shopping Portal
One of the easiest ways to earn Loyalty Points without even boarding a flight is by using the AAdvantage e-Shopping Portal. Whenever I needed to purchase items—from Carnival accessories, to pet supplies, to everyday essentials—I ensured my shopping was done through the portal. Participating retailers award points for every dollar spent, and during special promotions, these points can add up quickly.
For instance, before my trip to St. Kitts Carnival, I purchased new tech gear through the portal and earned thousands of points in the process.
Earning Loyalty Points with AAdvantage Hotels
Another underrated tool in the AAdvantage arsenal is the AAdvantage Hotels program. By booking my stays through this platform, I earned thousands of points while securing accommodations for Carnival events. Many properties offer bonus points promotions, allowing me to rack up Loyalty Points without spending extra.
During my stay in Saint Thomas for Carnival, I booked through AAdvantage Hotels and not only earned points on my room rate but also took advantage of an ongoing promotion that multiplied my earnings. This strategy helped me get closer to my status goals while enjoying premium accommodations.
Eating my Way to Status through AAdvantage Dining
Dining Through AAdvantage Dining
Who knew dining could help you achieve elite status? By linking my credit card to the AAdvantage Dining program, I earned points every time I dined at participating restaurants. From casual meals to upscale dining experiences, the points quickly added up.
Leveraging the AAdvantage Executive Card
The AAdvantage Executive Card was a major contributor to my journey toward Executive Platinum status. This premium credit card not only offers a generous initial sign-up bonus but also provides Loyalty Point bonuses as you reach key thresholds:
- 10,000 Loyalty Point Bonus: After reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points, I earned an additional 10,000 points.
- Another 10,000 Loyalty Point Bonus: Hitting 90,000 points in the same calendar year unlocked another 10,000 points.
The card also offers other great multipliers:
- 4X on Flights Booked with the card: By using the card to book my flights with American Airlines, I earned four times the points on every dollar spent.
- 10x on Hotels Booked with the Card: By using the card to book my hotels, I earned ten times the points on every dollar spent. To double-dip, I would book a hotel stay through the Aadvantage hotels using the card.
- 1X on Other Spending: All other purchases earned me one point per dollar, and I made sure to use the card for daily expenses—including Carnival costumes—to maximize my earnings.
I also stacked my earnings by using the card while shopping through the AAdvantage Shopping Portal. This strategy allowed me to stack rewards, earning points both from the card and the portal, which significantly boosted my Loyalty Points total.
Additionally, the card grants access to the Admirals Club®, making my time at airports before Carnival trips much more enjoyable. Relaxing in these lounges with complimentary food and drinks is a perk that’s hard to beat.
The AAdvantage Executive card comes with a $595 Annual Fee. But don’t fret! Check out the AAdvantage Platinum Select has a $0 annual fee the first year, then $99. It offers 2x on gas, 2x on restaurants, and 2x on American Airlines flight purchases. While it may not come with the bonuses or perks of the Executive, this is still a budget-friendly way to get you to a higher status, which saves you money.
Travel credit cards do so much more than help you accrue points and miles. To learn why Travel credit cards are a carnival chaser’s must-have, click here.
Final Thoughts
Achieving Executive Platinum status with American Airlines through the AAdvantage Program has been a rewarding journey. By combining flights, shopping, hotels, dining, and credit card bonuses, I was able to maximize my points and unlock elite benefits that enhance every aspect of my travel.
Even if you can’t achieve Executive Platinum status, aiming for a lower tier like Gold or Platinum can still offer significant savings and perks for your future travels. These include free checked bags, priority boarding, and bonus earnings on flights. Plus, because I now enjoy a 120% bonus on flights, achieving status for the following year will be even easier.
Now, as I jet off to my next Caribbean Carnival adventures in 2025, I’ll continue to enjoy the perks of this status—priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing my travel experience is seamless. Whether you’re a seasoned Carnival goer or just starting your journey, the AAdvantage Program can help you elevate your travel game while pursuing your passion.
Are you ready to make the most of your Carnival trips and aim for Executive Platinum status? Let me know in the comments how you plan to leverage these strategies on your next adventure!
