American Airlines announced in December that Platinum Pro members would be oneworld emeralds. This will take effect on June 30. This means that American Airlines passengers will receive a larger checked bag allowance and boarding earlier. Oneworld partners also get benefits.Flying American offers 2 to 3 bags free of charge. Instead of board in Group 3, they will board in Group 2.Platinum Pro members who are 75K or more above Platinum and Gold status get sapphire status within the oneworld alliance. This status is good for access to business class lounges and priority services at airports if you are traveling in economy.They, along with Executive Platinum and Concierge Key frequent fliers who are also emeralds and Concierge Key frequent fliers, will be able to access first class lounges on oneworld partners such as Qantas and Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines when those lounges re-open. These partners offer first-class check-in, which is not available for sapphire. This also means that you get a larger checked bag allowance.Qantas' first class lounge in Sydney is a huge benefit. You can also grab a cabana at Cathay Pacifics The W lounge in Hong Kong, which is undoubtedly the best place to shower in an airport. Access to first class lounges was an important distinction between Star Alliance and oneworld alliance status.Qantas First Class Lounge SydneyTwo items of minor noteThis change will be effective for check-ins beginning June 30. If a Platinum Pro is flying June 30 but checks in June 29, the new status will not be reflected on their boarding pass. They will want a new boarding card.Starting June 30. If a Platinum Pro is flying in June 30 but checks in June 29, then their boarding pass will not reflect the higher status. They will need a new boarding card. Alaska Airlines might be a bit behind in recognising Platinum Pro members at the Emerald level. AAdvantage Platinum Pro members who need extra checked bags for the July 4th holiday weekend should have this resolved.Alaska Airlines 75K Flyers are also oneworld Emeralds. When Alaska introduces a higher elite tier, those members will also be oneworld emerald. American had to do this because of their alliance's competitive reasons.
