At least knowing the buyback fees should help out those wracking their brains (or letting others do it for them ) determining whether to do those last-minute MR's.
__________________ "In a world full of people, only some want to fly, Isn't that crazy?"
- Seal
Sweet. My travel fell off significantly this year, and for the 1st time in about 5 years I failed to make PLT. I expect a lot more travel in 2009 so buying back PLT status is something that I will definitely do.
In my case it was a conscious decision. I have a hard time requalifying for PLT if I don't make every flight (or almost every flight) in a year be a paid flight. So instead of doing some miles burning every year, I bunch my burning into particular years devoted to burning. I decided to make 2008 a "burn year" after having made several previous years "earn years" (in which I worked to fly 50k paid). 2009 will be another "earn year", so I'm glad I'm able to repurchase status as I'd hoped (and kinda planned!).
At $649 you might as well do a weekend challenge to say the UK and pay the $150 fee. If you do it in early March you won't lose much time as a Plat, plus you'll get the bonus miles from being gold (soft land). Some how this feels better to me than just writing a check to AA for $649 but you might be using a credit card
Location: Westford MA - AA PLT, 1.5MM, Lifetime AC, AAdvantage since 1981
Posts: 360
I will end the year with 49,590 miles, less than 500 short of PLT. I called the AAdvantage desk to see if they thought I would retain my PLT status, and the agent told me I probably would get PLT again, without the need for a "buyback." I am now on my third consecutive PLT year, with 1.5 million total lifetime miles.
Have any other FTers kept their status, without a buyback, when they were just a few miles short?
I will end the year with 49,590 miles, less than 500 short of PLT. I called the AAdvantage desk to see if they thought I would retain my PLT status, and the agent told me I probably would get PLT again, without the need for a "buyback." I am now on my third consecutive PLT year, with 1.5 million total lifetime miles.
Have any other FTers kept their status, without a buyback, when they were just a few miles short?
I will end the year with 49,590 miles, less than 500 short of PLT. I called the AAdvantage desk to see if they thought I would retain my PLT status, and the agent told me I probably would get PLT again, without the need for a "buyback." I am now on my third consecutive PLT year, with 1.5 million total lifetime miles.
Have any other FTers kept their status, without a buyback, when they were just a few miles short?
I wouldn't base this years outcome on last year's performance, however in previous years you would have had no problem. Do you know that line from Dirty Harry, Clint Eastwood?.
The Buy-back is good for folks in my position - 45,000 -ish miles - 51 segments - to do a milage run, even a very well thoguht out one, it would be tough to do that for less than the buy-back price - $549 -- I can buy in Feb - and not lose the bonus at all.
__________________
TANSTAAFL - but if you work it right, FF miles comes pretty close.
Quoting from the official announcement page (for which the link is provided in oodles of messages in this thread, including on this page and on the first page):
"Who's Eligible
All current AAdvantage Platinum and AAdvantage Gold members who earned their 2008 elite status [the normal way] are eligible to participate in this offer provided they have flown at least one elite qualifying segment during 2008. Members who participated in the 2008 offer are not eligible to extend their status through this offer for the 2009 membership year."
So obviously so far all that's excluded is doing it every year, or alternating with only a Challenge. But you have been able to do it alternate years.
Whether you'll be able to continue to do it alternate years is unknown, in fact, whether this offer will be made available again next year is even unknown!
AAdvantage Platinum® And AAdvantage Gold® Members Enjoy Elite Status Through February
Do to the slowdown in the economy, I won’t even make Gold status this year.
Here is the latest info from American on how to retain our status for this year.
AAdvantage Platinum or AAdvantage Gold status offers frequent travelers benefits that can make all the difference when flying. To help make sure loyal elite status members don't miss out on another year of valuable benefits, American Airlines is offering a special opportunity for members who do not requalify for 2009.
Enjoy another full year of elite status by renewing your AAdvantage Platinum or AAdvantage Gold membership for a one-time fee, extending your status through February 28, 2010.
Two-Tiered Pricing
Members who have made more progress toward elite status requalification during 2008 will benefit from lower prices to extend their status. AAdvantage Platinum members who earn at least 40,000 elite qualifying miles or points (or 48 segments), and AAdvantage Gold members who earn at least 20,000 elite qualifying miles or points (or 24 segments) during 2008 qualify for lower prices.
AAdvantage Platinum
40,000 Miles or Points
or 48 Segments
$549 Less than 40,000 Miles and Points
and less than 48 Segments
$649
AAdvantage Gold
20,000 Miles or Points
or 24 Segments
$349 Less than 20,000 Miles and Points
and less than 24 Segments
$449
Who's Eligible
All current AAdvantage Platinum and AAdvantage Gold members who earned their 2008 elite status are eligible to participate in this offer provided they have flown at least one elite qualifying segment during 2008. Members who participated in the 2008 offer are not eligible to extend their status through this offer for the 2009 membership year.
With this special offer, you'll continue to receive the many benefits you've come to enjoy as an American Airlines AAdvantage elite status frequent traveler.
Flight bonuses, a 500-minimum mileage guarantee on most flights, and Priority AAccessSM privileges at check-in counters, security screening areas and boarding gates will enhance your travel experience. Upgrade privileges, earned upgrades, and complimentary upgrades* help make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
Through this offer, eligible members may ensure their elite status remains valid through February 28, 2010.
Effective January 22, 2009, eligible AAdvantage members will have access to this offer via a link which will provide information on how to renew their AAdvantage elite status. This special offer will be available to members from January 22, 2009, through April 30, 2009.
) determining whether to do those last-minute MR's.
are eligible to participate in this offer provided they have flown at least one elite qualifying segment during 2008. Members who participated in the 2008 offer are not eligible to extend their status through this offer for the 2009 membership year.
