Mar 21, 2013, 3:13 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
HELP DESK: AAdvantage Elite Status Challenge (Gold and Platinum)
Challenges may no longer be enrolled in as of 6 Oct; hard end date 23 Dec 2015 -
but some reporting success 6 Oct backdating to 23 Sep by supervisors
This is the archived thread about the now defunct AAdvantage elite Gold and Platinum status challenge. The current thread can be read here.
Challenges may no longer be enrolled in as of 6 Oct; hard end date 23 Dec 2015 -
but some reporting success 6 Oct backdating to 23 Sep by supervisors
This is the archived thread about the now defunct AAdvantage elite Gold and Platinum status challenge. The current thread can be read here.
NOTE: Challenges were closed off September 23 2015, at least for the remainder of 2015 - some have succeeded in enrolling and backdating to 23 Sep.
It is possible a new, remodeled challenge will be announced in or for 2016. That discussion is here: Original Gold / Platinum Challenge Ended 23 Sep '15. New program to come?
This thread is now dedicated to requests for assistance and responses to clarify challenge requirements for those members currently engaged in challenges and related issues. To discuss the potential and form of any future challenge, please use the link provided above.
NOTE: The rules for the Challenge at the time of closure are preserved below. The date by which the last person would have completed this challenge would be 23 December 2015.
It is possible a new, remodeled challenge will be announced in or for 2016. That discussion is here: Original Gold / Platinum Challenge Ended 23 Sep '15. New program to come?
This thread is now dedicated to requests for assistance and responses to clarify challenge requirements for those members currently engaged in challenges and related issues. To discuss the potential and form of any future challenge, please use the link provided above.
NOTE: The rules for the Challenge at the time of closure are preserved below. The date by which the last person would have completed this challenge would be 23 December 2015.
Note: The four AA segment minimum required for regular status qualification does not apply to completing the challenge.
Class of service, status or other bonus miles are redeemable miles and thus do not count for the challenge. Class of service is the reigning factor in calculating the points earned per mile flown: the base points per mile charts for the various fare buckets on qualifying airlines are here.
Note: The "Reach elite status faster" promotion awarding 2 or even 3 EQ Points per mile for flying premium fares through 2015 does not apply to the challenge; challenge flyers will only have a maximum of 1.5 base EQP per base EQ Mile considered for challenge-earned status. The extra points are considered bonus points and are only applicable for earning "normal", non-challenge status.
Though one earned status bonus miles on the qualifying flight at one time, that is no longer possible. Status bonus miles will accrue on the next eligible flight after your status qualifying flight.
Also see (FT) Help Understanding Status, Points / Miles & Segments: EQM vs EQP (merged thread) for further assistance with the miles-EQMiles-points issue.
For miles calculations, many use the Great Circle Mapper tool
*for Platinum, Jan-Jun $200, Jul - Dec $240 - presumably for the max nine months of status vs. the max of 20 months $240 of status. Occasionally, there are "sales" reductions; they seem to be about 10%.
Challenges begun before June 16 of a given year earn status for the remainder of that year and the first two months of the following year (8-14 months total); challenges begun on or after June 16 grant status for the remainder of that year, the following year, and the first two months of the year after (14-20 months total). Challenges can begin anytime (not previously the case) and can even be backdated up to two weeks as far as we know (as of Nov 2013).
To sign up for a challenge, call AAdvantage Customer Service at +1-800-882-8880.
Link to cyclingpilot post about being granted a back-dated challenge (2 weeks)
You cannot use a challenge to requalify for status. There is no longer a "soft landing" to the next lower level of status. The flight on which the challenge is completed no longer earns the redeemable miles bonus for the new status level.
Some have been granted Gold status whilst flying a Platinum challenge, particularly those with current elite status (any level) on an airline of a competing alliance, but this is not a given.
Based on multiple reports from FT members, as of mid-2015 AA is only allowing one status challenge over a five year period.
August 2014 e-mail received by a Challenger, shared by ashill:
Thank you for registering for an AAdvantage® challenge.
To enjoy AAdvantage PLATINUM status through February 2016, please earn 10,000 elite qualifying points between now and [redacted]. Qualifying flights on American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection®, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, US Airways and their eligible codeshare flights count toward your challenge.
Since the number of elite qualifying points you earn is based on the fare you purchase and the miles you earn, you can view these details for each airline:We wish you every success in attaining the elite status level you desire.
Sincerely,
Janet L F[redacted]
Director
AAdvantage Customer Service
Thank you for registering for an AAdvantage® challenge.
To enjoy AAdvantage PLATINUM status through February 2016, please earn 10,000 elite qualifying points between now and [redacted]. Qualifying flights on American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection®, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, US Airways and their eligible codeshare flights count toward your challenge.
Since the number of elite qualifying points you earn is based on the fare you purchase and the miles you earn, you can view these details for each airline:We wish you every success in attaining the elite status level you desire.
Sincerely,
Janet L F[redacted]
Director
AAdvantage Customer Service
ARCHIVE: HELP DESK: AA Elite Status Challenge (CLOSED: "hard end" 23 Dec 2015)
Dec 14, 2014, 4:30 pm
#571
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
American Airlines and US Airways continue to operate as separate carriers under the same, merged parent company (for now).
As this question pertains to the legacy American Airlines operation, it is being moved to that forum for member input.
/Moderator
As this question pertains to the legacy American Airlines operation, it is being moved to that forum for member input.
/Moderator
Dec 14, 2014, 5:15 pm
#572
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 144
How long back can I start the challenge?
Hey there.
I've read the whole thread but I've read some conflicting information regarding when you can set the start date of your challenge.
I'm interested in starting my challenge "in the past" but I have seen three different answers for this question in the thread: it can start either 2 weeks, 6 weeks or 2 months in the past. Now, does anyone know what the actual period is?
Is it only random because of poorly trained agents?
Also, I happen to have more than 10k EQP in the past two months, would I be given the status right away if I apply with a start date in the past?
Thanks in advance.
I've read the whole thread but I've read some conflicting information regarding when you can set the start date of your challenge.
I'm interested in starting my challenge "in the past" but I have seen three different answers for this question in the thread: it can start either 2 weeks, 6 weeks or 2 months in the past. Now, does anyone know what the actual period is?
Is it only random because of poorly trained agents?
Also, I happen to have more than 10k EQP in the past two months, would I be given the status right away if I apply with a start date in the past?
Thanks in advance.
Dec 14, 2014, 5:44 pm
#573
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
Yes
Dec 14, 2014, 6:25 pm
#574
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DC Suburbs
Programs: DL Gold, Hilton Gold, Carnival VIFP Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 459
Dec 17, 2014, 6:56 pm
#575
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 34
What's the best way to contact AA to get a status match going? I am UA 1k and about to book 4 biz class tickets to parts of Europe for Jan and Feb and if I'm going to make the switch from UA to AA/US now would be the time.
And does OW flights generally count towards challenges?
And does OW flights generally count towards challenges?
Dec 18, 2014, 4:26 am
#576
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
What's the best way to contact AA to get a status match going? I am UA 1k and about to book 4 biz class tickets to parts of Europe for Jan and Feb and if I'm going to make the switch from UA to AA/US now would be the time.
And does OW flights generally count towards challenges?
And does OW flights generally count towards challenges?
For information on OW qualifying flights, there's a link in the wiki.
Dec 18, 2014, 5:59 am
#577
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PBI/FLL/MIA
Programs: DL DM/2MM, MR Ambassador, National EE
Posts: 1,614
I'm a Delta Diamond. I'm about to spend some serious money doing the US Airways Chairman's Preferred challenge (30,000 miles in 90 days). However, I've heard from three Delta Diamonds -- and verified (I saw the card!) one -- who said American matched them with Executive Platinum with no challenge requirement. Can anyone confirm they've seen, heard or personally experienced this?
Dec 18, 2014, 6:31 am
#578
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Dec 18, 2014, 12:14 pm
#579
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: AA Plat,AS MVP Gold, Hilton Gold, Accor Plat, Amtrak(all routes, VIA same, AUS 90%)
Posts: 382
Follow through/document
What's the best way to contact AA to get a status match going? I am UA 1k and about to book 4 biz class tickets to parts of Europe for Jan and Feb and if I'm going to make the switch from UA to AA/US now would be the time.
And does OW flights generally count towards challenges?
And does OW flights generally count towards challenges?
Alas, too late now it seems...
Dec 19, 2014, 2:12 am
#580
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,104
From the Wiki
" fly to earn 5,000 or 10,000 elite-qualifying Points (not miles) in a three month period, using American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection®, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, US Airways and their eligible codeshare flights"
No mention of minimum 4 legs on AA/US metal. Does it mean that by flying AY alone I could meet the challenge?
ARN-HEL-BKK-HEL -in C should be 10k miles x 1,5, so challenge done. Am I correct here?
" fly to earn 5,000 or 10,000 elite-qualifying Points (not miles) in a three month period, using American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection®, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, US Airways and their eligible codeshare flights"
No mention of minimum 4 legs on AA/US metal. Does it mean that by flying AY alone I could meet the challenge?
ARN-HEL-BKK-HEL -in C should be 10k miles x 1,5, so challenge done. Am I correct here?
Dec 19, 2014, 5:38 am
#581
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Seat 1L these days :)
Programs: AF Platinum/AY LUMO/SK EBG/baEC S/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG plat
Posts: 7,947
From the Wiki
" fly to earn 5,000 or 10,000 elite-qualifying Points (not miles) in a three month period, using American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection®, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, US Airways and their eligible codeshare flights"
No mention of minimum 4 legs on AA/US metal. Does it mean that by flying AY alone I could meet the challenge?
ARN-HEL-BKK-HEL -in C should be 10k miles x 1,5, so challenge done. Am I correct here?
" fly to earn 5,000 or 10,000 elite-qualifying Points (not miles) in a three month period, using American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection®, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, US Airways and their eligible codeshare flights"
No mention of minimum 4 legs on AA/US metal. Does it mean that by flying AY alone I could meet the challenge?
ARN-HEL-BKK-HEL -in C should be 10k miles x 1,5, so challenge done. Am I correct here?
but you can join remymartin and me for a AA run next year for 2016 
Dec 19, 2014, 6:22 am
#582
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,104
My BA year is up 8/March and as they upped the ante for GGL qualification, it might make better sense to credit Jan-Feb AY flights to AA as I don't need more TPs.
Somehow I don't see myself doing MR, though. If only one could book AA codeshares on BA/AY/IB/AB metal on flights NOT crossing the pond... There are AA codeshares e.g HEL-LHR-CDG, but even an AA agent couldn't book it, even though she saw them
Dec 19, 2014, 7:34 am
#583
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Seat 1L these days :)
Programs: AF Platinum/AY LUMO/SK EBG/baEC S/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG plat
Posts: 7,947
Moro!
My BA year is up 8/March and as they upped the ante for GGL qualification, it might make better sense to credit Jan-Feb AY flights to AA as I don't need more TPs.
Somehow I don't see myself doing MR, though. If only one could book AA codeshares on BA/AY/IB/AB metal on flights NOT crossing the pond... There are AA codeshares e.g HEL-LHR-CDG, but even an AA agent couldn't book it, even though she saw them
My BA year is up 8/March and as they upped the ante for GGL qualification, it might make better sense to credit Jan-Feb AY flights to AA as I don't need more TPs.
Somehow I don't see myself doing MR, though. If only one could book AA codeshares on BA/AY/IB/AB metal on flights NOT crossing the pond... There are AA codeshares e.g HEL-LHR-CDG, but even an AA agent couldn't book it, even though she saw them
Dec 20, 2014, 4:25 am
#584
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,104
Dec 26, 2014, 1:01 am
#585
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Tumi
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 473
Hey there. I have a quick question regarding the challenge. I recently booked 6 tickets to AUH via AA and Etihad. If I get the AA Executive or AA Platinum card, and sign up for the challenge, would it be useful? I want to upgrade all 6 tickets to the main cabin, but I was wondering if this is a better option.
I don't fly enough to actually complete the challenge.
I don't fly enough to actually complete the challenge.