2011 AAdvantage status renewal / requalification questions / issues (consolidated)
Oct 23, 2010, 1:04 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: DFW
Posts: 192
2011 AAdvantage status renewal / requalification questions / issues (consolidated)
Ok so this may sound little stupid but i will ask you guys for info cause i know i will get the most definative answer from you guys here.
I got the gold status this year first time from AA and now i am at 49889 for this year only 111 miles short of platinum, but through my work no trips plan for the rest of the year and i think i should not let this oppurtunity pass to become plat this year so it will benefit me in my next years travel( which is going be around the same miles.
So the question is Is there any other way to get those miles besides flying in american?
Is it worth it to even ask the advantage desk for the status or i should just book a short haul flight for the heck of it and get the status?
Any suggestions will be really appreciated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MODERATORS' NOTE
"Rounding up" miles for those close, but not at, status thresholds: AA will not usually announce that until the calendar year is over, and it is an undocumented benefit - they may discontinue it at any time without notice. Post #3 states the previous years' "Exception" / "rounding up" figures, and there is reliable information from AA that they are likely to do this again this year (likely = folks are being told that's how it will go, but if you want 100% reliability, don't rely on FlyerTalk, go out and fly some or be prepared to pay to renew for the next year.)
2/20/11 - We now have a direct report of continuation of the "Exception": http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/15898865-post376.html
For this year's thread on the annual buyback option, see:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
For threads on this topic from other years, see also:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...olidated.html]
dstan and JDiver
AA Forum Co-Moderators
I got the gold status this year first time from AA and now i am at 49889 for this year only 111 miles short of platinum, but through my work no trips plan for the rest of the year and i think i should not let this oppurtunity pass to become plat this year so it will benefit me in my next years travel( which is going be around the same miles.
So the question is Is there any other way to get those miles besides flying in american?
Is it worth it to even ask the advantage desk for the status or i should just book a short haul flight for the heck of it and get the status?
Any suggestions will be really appreciated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MODERATORS' NOTE
"Rounding up" miles for those close, but not at, status thresholds: AA will not usually announce that until the calendar year is over, and it is an undocumented benefit - they may discontinue it at any time without notice. Post #3 states the previous years' "Exception" / "rounding up" figures, and there is reliable information from AA that they are likely to do this again this year (likely = folks are being told that's how it will go, but if you want 100% reliability, don't rely on FlyerTalk, go out and fly some or be prepared to pay to renew for the next year.)
2/20/11 - We now have a direct report of continuation of the "Exception": http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/15898865-post376.html
For this year's thread on the annual buyback option, see:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
For threads on this topic from other years, see also:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...olidated.html]
dstan and JDiver
AA Forum Co-Moderators
Last edited by dstan; Feb 20, 2011 at 3:47 pm Reason: updated link
Oct 23, 2010, 1:10 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: STL
Programs: AA 2MM, AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,966
Ok so this may sound little stupid but i will ask you guys for info cause i know i will get the most definative answer from you guys here.
I got the gold status this year first time from AA and now i am at 49889 for this year only 111 miles short of platinum, but through my work no trips plan for the rest of the year and i think i should not let this oppurtunity pass to become plat this year so it will benefit me in my next years travel( which is going be around the same miles.
So the question is Is there any other way to get those miles besides flying in american?
Is it worth it to even ask the advantage desk for the status or i should just book a short haul flight for the heck of it and get the status?
Any suggestions will be really appreciated.
I got the gold status this year first time from AA and now i am at 49889 for this year only 111 miles short of platinum, but through my work no trips plan for the rest of the year and i think i should not let this oppurtunity pass to become plat this year so it will benefit me in my next years travel( which is going be around the same miles.
So the question is Is there any other way to get those miles besides flying in american?
Is it worth it to even ask the advantage desk for the status or i should just book a short haul flight for the heck of it and get the status?
Any suggestions will be really appreciated.
Oct 23, 2010, 1:13 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 15,820
There has been an exception policy in the past. There of course is no guarantee that it will continue. The only way to be sure is to fly another segment.
From the aa wiki:
http://www.flyerguide.com/wiki/index...tatus_%28AA%29
From the aa wiki:
Exception Policy
There is an unofficial exception policy for members who come close to qualifying, but don't quite make it. Note that you cannot request an exception before the end of the qualifying year and by then it is too late to fly more if the exception is not granted. The automatic exceptions have been as follows in previous years:
24,500 miles or points for Gold Status
49,000 miles or points for Platinum Status
99,000 miles or points for Executive Platinum Status
There have also been older reports of manual exceptions to get Executive Platinum if the member has flown 95,000 miles and has accrued 90,000 points. You will have to call for a manual exception. (N.B.: Reports of this exception all date back to the early days of the points system, when only paid First and Business fares earned more than 1 point/mile. Since then the point/mile ratio has been liberalized, with all fares from B (slightly discounted economy) and up earning 1.5 points/mile. Six more heavily discounted economy fares now earn 1.0 point/mile. A 90/95 ratio of points to miles no longer indicates heavy spending as it once did. As of late 2008, nobody has reported obtaining an exception on this basis for years. There is reason to doubt it still exists.)
The Exception Policy can change at any time.
There is an unofficial exception policy for members who come close to qualifying, but don't quite make it. Note that you cannot request an exception before the end of the qualifying year and by then it is too late to fly more if the exception is not granted. The automatic exceptions have been as follows in previous years:
24,500 miles or points for Gold Status
49,000 miles or points for Platinum Status
99,000 miles or points for Executive Platinum Status
There have also been older reports of manual exceptions to get Executive Platinum if the member has flown 95,000 miles and has accrued 90,000 points. You will have to call for a manual exception. (N.B.: Reports of this exception all date back to the early days of the points system, when only paid First and Business fares earned more than 1 point/mile. Since then the point/mile ratio has been liberalized, with all fares from B (slightly discounted economy) and up earning 1.5 points/mile. Six more heavily discounted economy fares now earn 1.0 point/mile. A 90/95 ratio of points to miles no longer indicates heavy spending as it once did. As of late 2008, nobody has reported obtaining an exception on this basis for years. There is reason to doubt it still exists.)
The Exception Policy can change at any time.
Oct 23, 2010, 1:16 pm
#4
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
fly 1 way from usa i'm not familar w/ the airport but your profile states it - cheapest place & have friend come pick you up....good luck...
Oct 23, 2010, 1:32 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,598
Do a RT on an AE short haul one evening. LAX-SAN-LAX, DFW-OKC-DFW or alike will get you what you need. If you're looking for a sure way without spending money or placing your BIS, you are out of luck.
San Angelo, TX to Dallas $141 RT.
San Antonio, TX to Dallas $123 RT.
San Angelo, TX to Dallas $141 RT.
San Antonio, TX to Dallas $123 RT.
Oct 23, 2010, 1:48 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA EXP, 1 MM, AC, HH Diamond, Marriott Silver, Hertz 5*
Posts: 4,010
I'd suggest, before starting a new thread, check the FAQ at the top of the page where it says, "Please check here first!" Our moderators and others have spent a great deal of time to make this information readily available and keep it updated.
I just missed requalifying, will AA make any exceptions or can I buy back status?
I just missed requalifying, will AA make any exceptions or can I buy back status?
Last edited by videomaker; Oct 23, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Oct 23, 2010, 1:58 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA Plat, DL GM and Flying Colonel; Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 24,233
As for the original question, three options:
1. Fly.
2. Gamble.
3. Make friends with someone inside AA who's in a position to know/do something about this.
#3 isn't quite as far-fetched as it might seem. A few years back a friend in AA promised me in November (not in public!) that I'd be EP if I finished the year at 99,800 EQM, as I then expected. As it happened, another trip came up and I didn't have to take her up on it, but it's not out of the question when one is within the historical leeway anyhow. It's not as if I had asked her about EP with 76,500 EQM or some other way-too-low number.
Oct 23, 2010, 2:35 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home Airports: CAE/CLT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive
Posts: 5,452
111 miles short of platinum?
Get on an AA flight to DFW, grab some BBQ at DFW, fly back and be done with it.
Sure they may credit you the 111 miles, but do you feel lucky? Well, do you?
Get on an AA flight to DFW, grab some BBQ at DFW, fly back and be done with it.
Sure they may credit you the 111 miles, but do you feel lucky? Well, do you?
Oct 23, 2010, 3:00 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: DFW
Posts: 192
Oct 23, 2010, 3:23 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home Airports: CAE/CLT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive
Posts: 5,452
Oct 23, 2010, 3:26 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA EXP, 1 MM, AC, HH Diamond, Marriott Silver, Hertz 5*
Posts: 4,010
Oct 23, 2010, 3:39 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: STL
Programs: AA 2MM, AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,966
Me either. If there is one thing I just can't abide, it's all them pesky little chances running around loose. I say round 'em up and keep 'em locked up where they can't annoy folks.
Oct 23, 2010, 3:53 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott PLT
Posts: 42
Oct 23, 2010, 9:33 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Reno, NV
Programs: AA Bonvoy
Posts: 48
Too chicken to count on a soft landing
I have to give up EXP which I had for several years. 1000 K shy of PLT but am afraid to take my chances. I am going to do an extra trip. How do we know there will be a soft landing in 2010? I was dissappointed with the lack of double status miles for those living on the west coast this year.
Oct 23, 2010, 9:48 pm
#15
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
We don't know for sure. Just pop on over to Vegas for a day or two this December. Flights and hotels are at rock bottom prices then.