One segment short of next elite status
Dec 20, 2013, 5:28 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8
One segment short of next elite status
Hi,
I am AAdvantage Gold member and have flown so far 59 segments and now just 1 segment short for the next elite status Platinum. Unfortunately, I don't foresee anymore travel for this year and my next travel starts only on the second of week Jan 2014.
I tried calling AA and was politely declined my request for a complimentary upgrade to next level.
AA however offers an option to purchase elite status for 600$, which I feel is a total rip-off.
My only other option is to purchase a low air-fare to any place, which I am willing to do as long as the airfare is within reasonable limits.
Any suggestions from experts out there who may have been in a situation like me.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
javid
I am AAdvantage Gold member and have flown so far 59 segments and now just 1 segment short for the next elite status Platinum. Unfortunately, I don't foresee anymore travel for this year and my next travel starts only on the second of week Jan 2014.
I tried calling AA and was politely declined my request for a complimentary upgrade to next level.
AA however offers an option to purchase elite status for 600$, which I feel is a total rip-off.
My only other option is to purchase a low air-fare to any place, which I am willing to do as long as the airfare is within reasonable limits.
Any suggestions from experts out there who may have been in a situation like me.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
javid
Dec 20, 2013, 6:12 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Plat / OW Sapphire / Hyatt Diamond / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 72
Not sure how close you are on miles, but there are a few ways to get PQM by joining the club or something else. My advice if you just need 1 segment is to use the Kayak Explore map to find the cheapest 1 segment and do a quick mile run before the end of the year.
http://www.kayak.com/explore/
Not sure where you are based out of, but I'm almost sure you can find something to do cheaper than the $600 to buy up. Good luck!
http://www.kayak.com/explore/
Not sure where you are based out of, but I'm almost sure you can find something to do cheaper than the $600 to buy up. Good luck!
Dec 20, 2013, 6:30 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Gold, IHG Plat, CC Gold
Posts: 250
It would be helpful to know what airport you're flying out of. Regardless, I'm sure 1 segment will be cheaper than $600.
Dec 20, 2013, 6:34 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Platinum Medallion, AA Lifetime Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold, Amtrak Select
Posts: 303
One segement short of next elite status
I would venture a guess that the OP will have to do 2 segments...figured he will want to get home as well...
Dec 20, 2013, 7:16 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8
Thanks everyone for your suggestions
I found a cheaper airfare (140$) from Chicago to Minneapolis and going to do a one day trip
Regards,
Javid
I found a cheaper airfare (140$) from Chicago to Minneapolis and going to do a one day trip
Regards,
Javid
Dec 20, 2013, 7:27 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
google.com/flights is another great way to search for these types of things
Dec 20, 2013, 7:40 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2007
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, HHonors-Diamond, Marriott-Silver, SPG-Gold
Posts: 391
Welcome to FT! You did the right thing. PLT status is well worth $140!
Don't feel bad, I did four trips like this to retain my EXP status this year. Unfortunately mine were further.
Don't feel bad, I did four trips like this to retain my EXP status this year. Unfortunately mine were further.
Dec 20, 2013, 9:29 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,389
Hi,
I am AAdvantage Gold member and have flown so far 59 segments and now just 1 segment short for the next elite status Platinum. Unfortunately, I don't foresee anymore travel for this year and my next travel starts only on the second of week Jan 2014.
I tried calling AA and was politely declined my request for a complimentary upgrade to next level.
AA however offers an option to purchase elite status for 600$, which I feel is a total rip-off.
My only other option is to purchase a low air-fare to any place, which I am willing to do as long as the airfare is within reasonable limits.
Any suggestions from experts out there who may have been in a situation like me.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
javid
I am AAdvantage Gold member and have flown so far 59 segments and now just 1 segment short for the next elite status Platinum. Unfortunately, I don't foresee anymore travel for this year and my next travel starts only on the second of week Jan 2014.
I tried calling AA and was politely declined my request for a complimentary upgrade to next level.
AA however offers an option to purchase elite status for 600$, which I feel is a total rip-off.
My only other option is to purchase a low air-fare to any place, which I am willing to do as long as the airfare is within reasonable limits.
Any suggestions from experts out there who may have been in a situation like me.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
javid
Want the status? Fly the miles.
Dec 20, 2013, 11:27 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: AA Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 1,200
Dec 20, 2013, 11:51 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP,2MM, DL Gold,Starwood PLT
Posts: 3,876
Dec 22, 2013, 9:20 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: HSV (formerly AUS)
Programs: AA MM (like it matters!) All of my flying was personal travel, and COVID-19 stopped that.
Posts: 223
I was just under 3600 miles short this year. I did a weekend round trip to LAX, which is just over 3600 miles. I haven't seen the final numbers, but the cost vs. buying it up would have been just about a wash.
Dec 22, 2013, 9:32 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: BER, SAT, AUS
Programs: Feels like FO (AA EXP)
Posts: 1,611
Probably not a clever question but I still don't know all the details of AAdvantage: I'm 241 EQM short of reaching my final elite rewards stage. I'd love to have the extra SWU's. Is there a way short of flying (I'm abroad until new years) to get EQM?
Dec 22, 2013, 9:44 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,264
Citi Executive AAdvantage credit card, but you need to hit a $40k spend threshold to get 10k EQM's. Otherwise, you need to fly.
Dec 22, 2013, 9:55 am
#14
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA GLD, AC, HH Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 185
Cheers,
Cameron