Towards the end of the calendar year I think you’ll get an offer from AA to buy your way up to EXP. it’s usually more expensive than buying cheap flights, but it’s a hell of a lot easier and less time consuming. So there’s that option to consider as well if you really want the status.
How much? If under $500 maybe ok. Anything over probably not worth it.
Depends on how many trips and who’s paying
Paying myself
Towards the end of the calendar year I think you’ll get an offer from AA to buy your way up to EXP. it’s usually more expensive than buying cheap flights, but it’s a hell of a lot easier and less time consuming. So there’s that option to consider as well if you really want the status.