ARCHIVE: AAdvantage Gold & Platinum Elite Status Challenges 2004 - 2011
#3991
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home Airports: CAE/CLT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive
Posts: 5,452
#3992
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
#3993
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SEA (moving to FAI soon :( )
Programs: AA Platinum(new, via challenge), UA 1K(since '06), BR Diamond(since '08)
Posts: 32
Now that I have more time to think about it:
I basically paid $200 for the platinum challenge and managed to meet the 10,000 with just a one-way flight across the ocean at full J fare. It was the most un-challenging challenge I have ever attempted. One flight... What it comes down to is that AA has essentially sold me Platinum status for a mere $200, since I was going to fly these flights no matter what.
But like others have pointed out, there seems to be very few meaningful perks for my new Platinum status, other than the 100% bonus mile. It's essentially like a buy-one-get-one deal at the grocery store. If I fly one mile, I get one extra bonus mile, so award tickets will come twice as fast. Otherwise, I already get lounge access, business-class check-in, and elite security line access because all of my tickets are internationl business class fare.(with domestic segments booked in 2-class F)
Unfortunately, I will not fly on AA enough to qualify for EXP, unless AA starts a EXP challenge, which I'd gladly fork over $600 to sign up! (is AA listening?)
Last edited by SwissYankee; Oct 5, 2009 at 9:06 pm
#3994
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SEA (moving to FAI soon :( )
Programs: AA Platinum(new, via challenge), UA 1K(since '06), BR Diamond(since '08)
Posts: 32
addtional question:
now that I'm platinum, I noticed that my acct shows a line
that says something like miles to elite upgrade. it's now
more than 18,000 miles, but I see no upgrades listed in
my acct. I thought four 500-mile upgrades are issued
per 10000 miles, no?
now that I'm platinum, I noticed that my acct shows a line
that says something like miles to elite upgrade. it's now
more than 18,000 miles, but I see no upgrades listed in
my acct. I thought four 500-mile upgrades are issued
per 10000 miles, no?
#3995
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA 1.5 MM Exec Plat, WN A-List, DL Silver, UA nonrev
Posts: 2,593
Were all of those 18,000 miles flown as an elite (after your successful challenge)? If so, you might just have to wait a few more days. The electronic upgrades, IME, don't post the same day as the miles. For me, they've always posted a few days after.
#3996
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home Airports: CAE/CLT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive
Posts: 5,452
One flight... What it comes down to is that AA has essentially sold me Platinum status for a mere $200, since I was going to fly these flights no matter what.[/B]
But like others have pointed out, there seems to be very few meaningful perks for my new Platinum status, other than the 100% bonus mile. It's essentially like a buy-one-get-one deal at the grocery store. If I fly one mile, I get one extra bonus mile, so award tickets will come twice as fast. Otherwise, I already get lounge access, business-class check-in, and elite security line access because all of my tickets are internationl business class fare.(with domestic segments booked in 2-class F)
But like others have pointed out, there seems to be very few meaningful perks for my new Platinum status, other than the 100% bonus mile. It's essentially like a buy-one-get-one deal at the grocery store. If I fly one mile, I get one extra bonus mile, so award tickets will come twice as fast. Otherwise, I already get lounge access, business-class check-in, and elite security line access because all of my tickets are internationl business class fare.(with domestic segments booked in 2-class F)
As far as other bennies, you will get the super secret PLT desk number, which many around here are quick to point out just moves you to the front of the que on the regular AA customer service number. But I have found them to be much friendlier and quicker to help.
What else? With status you can use OW lounges when flying on AA. Some of them are VERY nice.
There is one intangible benifit to having status: Op-ups, when offered, usually go to those with status.
#3997
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SEA (moving to FAI soon :( )
Programs: AA Platinum(new, via challenge), UA 1K(since '06), BR Diamond(since '08)
Posts: 32
I only became Platinum this week, as a result of completing the Platinum challenge. OW lounge access is not granted even if I'm holding AA international business class ticket, no? I assume I won't have access to OW lounges until I receive the physical AA Platinum card.
#3998
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,511
I only became Platinum this week, as a result of completing the Platinum challenge. OW lounge access is not granted even if I'm holding AA international business class ticket, no? I assume I won't have access to OW lounges until I receive the physical AA Platinum card.
Cheers.
#3999
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SEA (moving to FAI soon :( )
Programs: AA Platinum(new, via challenge), UA 1K(since '06), BR Diamond(since '08)
Posts: 32
Depends upon the lounge, and the agent. At the CX lounges I've used, for example, a BP would suffice. I've also used just a BP at BA lounges in various places at times. Other times a card was required. It's certainly worth trying, and pleading your case since you are legit. But be prepared for "no."
Cheers.
Cheers.
(but she obviously wouldn't tell me go seek access elsewhere.... )
oh well... I'll just stick to AA's own AC, which are quite nice in some of the foreign airports I'm visiting next week.
#4000
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Caracas
Programs: Former AA PLT/GLD, A3 *G, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,144
Will this work?
Dec 12th
CCS-JFK= 4745 miles [Gold 25%+DBLEQ incl]
4745*1,5= 7118 EQP [B Inventory]
Beyond Dec 15th
JFK-MIA= 1363 miles [Gold 25% incl]
1363 EQP
MIA-CCS= 1700 miles [Gold 25% incl]
1700 EQP
Total= 10181 EQP
Dec 12th
CCS-JFK= 4745 miles [Gold 25%+DBLEQ incl]
4745*1,5= 7118 EQP [B Inventory]
Beyond Dec 15th
JFK-MIA= 1363 miles [Gold 25% incl]
1363 EQP
MIA-CCS= 1700 miles [Gold 25% incl]
1700 EQP
Total= 10181 EQP
#4001
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
http://www.flyerguide.com/wiki/index...oints_%28AA%29
#4002
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Caracas
Programs: Former AA PLT/GLD, A3 *G, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,144
Sorry, you do not get bonus EQP for being Gold - only bonus RDM.
http://www.flyerguide.com/wiki/index...oints_%28AA%29
http://www.flyerguide.com/wiki/index...oints_%28AA%29
Dec 12th
CCS-JFK= 4218 miles [DBLEQ]
4218*1,5= 6327 EQP [B]
Beyond Dec 15th
JFK-MIA= 1090 miles
1090*1,5= 1635 EQP [B]
MIA-CCS= 1360 miles
1360*1,5= 2040 EQP [B]
Total= 10002 EQP
I should be ashamed, thats too mediocre. haha
#4004
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
If so, then yes, you should earn 1.5 pts for each mile flown and 10K pts will earn PLT status via a challenge.
However, you are cutting it pretty close here. Where are you looking to determine the mileage? There can be some very minor discrepancies between Great Circle Map and what AA actually awards for a flight. Usually the difference is only a couple of miles - which in your case might make make a big difference and AA doesn't allow any leeway w/the reqs. for the challenges.
Finally, IIRC you initially earned status via a challenge, be aware that the rules for challenges have changed - so "re-challenging" this soon may not be allowed. Also, there is now a fee for the challenges.
#4005
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Caracas
Programs: Former AA PLT/GLD, A3 *G, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,144
The math looks good, but you might want to check upthread for Argen_tina's post about an apparent requirement to pay for itineraries in USD.
Thanks for the heads up.Anyways.. my math is a bit risky isn't it?
Should i go for it?