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)
Feb 3, 2014, 1:18 pm
#76
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP; BoNVoY Tit LTP
Posts: 1,922
There sorts of things happen; I have had a flight on which I was upgraded and then rebooked which gave me 1.5 EQP even though I originally booked in Q. And they stick.
Feb 3, 2014, 4:17 pm
#77
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA ex-Plat
Posts: 425
Sorry to reply to myself, but I was just thinking, would this have happened when I was rebooked due to a delayed flight/missed connection? Looking at my boarding pass for that flight it says "Y" under "Class." Would that cause me to earn full EQP for that flight (and will it stick, or is it a temporary glitch)?
I keep up with all of this in a spreadsheet that I heavily modified after downloading it from here.
Feb 3, 2014, 5:18 pm
#78
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: SNA
Posts: 410
Feb 3, 2014, 5:26 pm
#79
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA ex-Plat
Posts: 425
Exactly! I usually qualify on miles not points, so even if they take back the "gift" (which they usually don't), it wouldn't really impact me.
Feb 5, 2014, 10:04 am
#80
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Posts: 48
Best way to do an AA status challenge?
Hi-
I was wondering if anyone could suggest the best way to try to go about getting a status challenge on American (AA). I have a domestic flight coming up and am planning some international travel shortly.
Right now I have silver on United, but I think I could make it to a higher level this year.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I was wondering if anyone could suggest the best way to try to go about getting a status challenge on American (AA). I have a domestic flight coming up and am planning some international travel shortly.
Right now I have silver on United, but I think I could make it to a higher level this year.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Feb 5, 2014, 4:24 pm
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
Since this question is specifically about AA, I'll move it to the AA forum where the experts therein can provide further input.
Please note this thread originated in the flame-free Information Desk forum.
jackal
Moderator, Information Desk
Please note this thread originated in the flame-free Information Desk forum.
jackal
Moderator, Information Desk
Feb 6, 2014, 3:39 am
#82
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, National Exec, AA EXP Emeritus
Posts: 9,765
I was wondering if anyone could suggest the best way to try to go about getting a status challenge on American (AA). I have a domestic flight coming up and am planning some international travel shortly.
Right now I have silver on United, but I think I could make it to a higher level this year.
Right now I have silver on United, but I think I could make it to a higher level this year.
~Moderator
Feb 6, 2014, 4:43 pm
#83
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: YVR/BLI
Programs: SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 232
Ken -- I just wanted to post the calculations for this itinerary, as it was not specifically set out by other responders.
SEA-DFW-SJU in Q class, SJU-ORD-SEA in I/P class, as all AA flight numbers, with no status should earn as follows:
BIS = 7,617
EQM = 7,617
EQP = 7,602 <-----need 10,000 for PLT challenge (!)
EQS = 4
RDM = 8,996
Since challenges usually concern the earning of EQP, you would need 10,000 EQP to get PLT. This itinerary alone will not do that, even though you upgraded yourself at a cost. It is possible that the AA computer system will credit you based on the upgraded itinerary, but do not plan on that happening. (Incidentally, if the flights mistakenly credit as F/J/J/F, then you would earn 11,426 EQP, which would obviously be enough for a PLT challenge.)
SEA-DFW-SJU in Q class, SJU-ORD-SEA in I/P class, as all AA flight numbers, with no status should earn as follows:
BIS = 7,617
EQM = 7,617
EQP = 7,602 <-----need 10,000 for PLT challenge (!)
EQS = 4
RDM = 8,996
Since challenges usually concern the earning of EQP, you would need 10,000 EQP to get PLT. This itinerary alone will not do that, even though you upgraded yourself at a cost. It is possible that the AA computer system will credit you based on the upgraded itinerary, but do not plan on that happening. (Incidentally, if the flights mistakenly credit as F/J/J/F, then you would earn 11,426 EQP, which would obviously be enough for a PLT challenge.)
I called today and paid for the change to W to ensure I would meet the requirements for the Platinum Challenge.
As I turns out I will be about 500 points short. I didn't read the points chart closely enough and W will only get me 1.0...not 1.5 EQP as I had thought. W shows up twice on the chart and W may earn 1.5 on some partner flights where W is a premium seat.
Learned my lesson...be more careful. Won't make that mistake again considering what it cost me.
Last edited by ken98230; Feb 8, 2014 at 5:44 pm
Feb 6, 2014, 6:08 pm
#84
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Posts: 48
Will flights on US airways count towards a challenge?
Feb 6, 2014, 9:37 pm
#85
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,464
Feb 7, 2014, 8:08 am
#86
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Posts: 48
Thanks pandaperth...on all counts!
Feb 10, 2014, 2:36 pm
#87
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA ex-Plat
Posts: 425
Thanks.
I called today and paid for the change to W to ensure I would meet the requirements for the Platinum Challenge.
As I turns out I will be about 500 points short. I didn't read the points chart closely enough and W will only get me 1.0...not 1.5 EQP as I had thought. W shows up twice on the chart and W may earn 1.5 on some partner flights where W is a premium seat.
Learned my lesson...be more careful. Won't make that mistake again considering what it cost me.
I called today and paid for the change to W to ensure I would meet the requirements for the Platinum Challenge.
As I turns out I will be about 500 points short. I didn't read the points chart closely enough and W will only get me 1.0...not 1.5 EQP as I had thought. W shows up twice on the chart and W may earn 1.5 on some partner flights where W is a premium seat.
Learned my lesson...be more careful. Won't make that mistake again considering what it cost me.
Basically W at 1.5 EQP only comes into play on a carrier that isn't AA/MQ, as it's premium economy, which AA doesn't offer. The closest AA economy fare class to get 1.5 EQP would be B, which is basically a walk-up fare, and likely much more expensive than the W up-fare that you already purchased.
I would guess that most people who qualify on miles on cheap tickets instead of points each year rarely up-fare. It really only makes sense, for regular elite qualification, if you qualify on points, and just don't want to or don't have time to take another trip to keep status, so you up-fare from 0.5 > 1.5 instead of doing a mileage run at the end of the year.
Safe travels!
Last edited by btwayland; Feb 12, 2014 at 5:58 pm
Feb 12, 2014, 5:21 pm
#88
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: AA EXPLT, Marriott Titanium (LT PLT), HHonors Gold, AMEX PLT, UA Silver, National EXC
Posts: 1,059
FYI I was successful in having AMEX manually credit my $200 AA Plat Challenge fee using my airline fee credit.
Feb 12, 2014, 8:16 pm
#89
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Posts: 48
I am contemplating doing the Platinum challenge. Two questions, first, will it count for flights I booked but have not taken before the challenge?
And second, was wondering if the following scenario would indeed work to satisfy the trial.
JFK-LHR on BA (Prem. Economy) - 3451 base miles * 1.5 = 5176
LHR-DUS on BA (Economy) - 313
and back again with the same classes, for another - (5176+313) = 5489
Total = 10978
Any caveats to satisfying this with BA?
Thanks in advance!
And second, was wondering if the following scenario would indeed work to satisfy the trial.
JFK-LHR on BA (Prem. Economy) - 3451 base miles * 1.5 = 5176
LHR-DUS on BA (Economy) - 313
and back again with the same classes, for another - (5176+313) = 5489
Total = 10978
Any caveats to satisfying this with BA?
Thanks in advance!
Feb 12, 2014, 8:49 pm
#90
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,464
I am contemplating doing the Platinum challenge. Two questions, first, will it count for flights I booked but have not taken before the challenge?
And second, was wondering if the following scenario would indeed work to satisfy the trial.
JFK-LHR on BA (Prem. Economy) - 3451 base miles * 1.5 = 5176
LHR-DUS on BA (Economy) - 313
and back again with the same classes, for another - (5176+313) = 5489
Total = 10978
Any caveats to satisfying this with BA?
Thanks in advance!
And second, was wondering if the following scenario would indeed work to satisfy the trial.
JFK-LHR on BA (Prem. Economy) - 3451 base miles * 1.5 = 5176
LHR-DUS on BA (Economy) - 313
and back again with the same classes, for another - (5176+313) = 5489
Total = 10978
Any caveats to satisfying this with BA?
Thanks in advance!
Your two transatlantic flights on their own are sufficient to complete the challenge
How many EQP you get for the LHR-DUS DUS-LHR flights will depend on the booking class. Deep discount economy on BA only earns 0.5 EQP per mile - see this page
You get the status bonus redeemable miles on the flight that completes the challenge; in your case this will be the LHR-JFK flight, so for that flight you will get 2x3451 RDM^
(we did the challenge back in 2008; completed it with a SYD-JFK (direct) flight and thus earned 2x9950 RDM each, which is almost enough for a PER-AKL return award flight each
)