American Airlines just updated their boarding priority for AAdvantage Executive Platinum Members. It is amazing to me how many airlines alter the boarding process. After all, we are essentially seeing Americans 2014 boarding policies restored.Executive Platinums now have the option to board first class with themAmerican AAdvantage Executive Platinum members may board again with Group 1, the same group that is used for first class.The policy prior to this point was:Concierge Key members can pre-boardNext class could be boarded (Group 1)After that, Executive Platinum and oneworld Emerald members can board (Group 2)After that, Platinum Pro, Platinum and oneworld Sapphire members can board (Group 3)The updated policy is:Concierge Key members may pre-boardMembers of Executive Platinum and First Class can board next (Group 1).After that, Platinum Pro and oneworld Emerald members are allowed to board (Group 2)Members of oneworld Sapphire and Platinum can board the aircraft after this (Group 3)Executive Platinums are now able to board with Group 1American Airlines is making these changes.Although we cannot be certain, it is not difficult to see the logic, since this change coincides in Platinum Pro members becoming oneworld Emerald member.American would not have changed the priority of boarding, so Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and oneworld Emerald members could board together if they did.American seems to be trying to distinguish Executive Platinum from Platinum Pro somewhat (especially considering the improvements to Platinum Pro like the introduction Elite Choice Rewards), so Executive Platinums will likely have a better boarding priority.Platinum Pro members have the option to board with Group 2What is the difference between this policy and other airline policies?What is the American boarding priority for elite top-tier members compared to United and Delta (Im exempting invitation only elite ranks here)?Delta allows Diamond Medallion Members to Board with First ClassUnited lets Premier 1K Members pre-board before first classMy personal opinion is that Delta (and American) are right to allow elite top-tier members to board first class. These members also have unlimited domestic upgrades and clear more often.United's policy is unnecessary to me. I have seen first-class passengers from Global Services and Premier 1K often make up the majority. This creates a bottleneck and elite passengers have to squeeze around them in order to get onboard.American has now adopted a Delta-like boarding policy.Bottom lineAmerican AAdvantage Executive Platinum members now have the option to board in first class (Group 1) which is an upgrade from Group 2 boarding priority. This is because Platinum Pro has been made oneworld Emerald. I guess American wants to distinguish boarding between tiers.What are you making of the new priority for Executive Platinums in America's boarding?
