I called AA to ask about this today, and they said I'd get elite status but only until February 2003. I've read here that if I start after June 16 (which obviously I'm doing) then the status should last 1 1/2 years i.e. February 2004. What's the real scoop on that?? I also read that AA will only downgrade you one level per year, so if I didn't fly at all next year, I'd still be gold the following year. Is that true??