Word: americanize
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...bring: front-of-the-line access, voyages to remote beaches at the price of nothing, expensive wines, surprise treats.... But before you stuff some shirts into a carry-on and prepare to brave the skies as Bingham does in the film, be aware that the glories of becoming an American Airlines 10 million miler have been given a little movie-magic lift...
When Bingham hits his 10 million-mile goal during a flight from Chicago to Omaha, he receives a surprise champagne celebration onboard, and American Airlines' chief pilot appears for a congratulatory sit-down visit. Bingham, already the owner of an impressive graphite card (a status invented by the film), receives an instant upgrade: a personally engraved metal card that will allow him to directly access his own private operator, someone who will greet him by name. (See 50 essential travel tips...
Real life doesn't quite provide that kind of a party for actual 10 million milers - though certainly get treated well. Phillip Dunkelberger is the president of a data protection firm. Work sends him around the globe and he has earned about 14 million miles, mostly with American. ("I'm also an elite on United and Luftansa," he says.) What did he get at 10 million? It passed with the outward fanfare of an on-time arrival. "It was a trip to Zurich two years ago. I knew this trip would put me over 10 million miles," he recalls...
That said, Dunkelberger's Executive Platinum status with American is pretty sweet: it offers upgrades, lounge access and a 100% flight mileage bonus (meaning he doubles his miles with each trip), to name a few benefits. But he must also hit certain mileage marks each calendar-year or else lose his privileges. (See how to get double air and double rail miles...
Jerold Solovy is 79 years old and has been flying American Airlines for 64 years. He cannot even recall when he crossed the 10 million mile mark. "I think I passed it last year; I wasn't keeping track," he says. "American Airlines wrote me a nice letter. They advised me I crossed. They keep me posted." A letter? He admits he might have even lost the thing during a recent office move. "All I'm doing is throwing away things. I'm sentimental about my grandkids, but that's about it." Still, he's proud of the status...