Oct 29, 2012, 6:59 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST
NOTE: AA has announced there will be NO SOFT LANDING in 2014. Those lacking sufficient EQM/EQP/EQS to make status 1 mar 2014 will not "fall" one status level; they will "fall" to whatever level they actually earned flying in C/Y 2013. Link.
AAdvantage status "soft landing" is the experience of dropping only one status level when one has not flown sufficiently to maintain current level, or even retain a lower level, of status. Through status year ending 28 Feb 2013, EXP only "fell" to Platinum, Platinum to Gold (and Gold to white card / no status) regardless of how the status was originally earned, the next status year.
~American AAdvantage Moderation Team
NOTE: AA has announced there will be NO SOFT LANDING in 2014. Those lacking sufficient EQM/EQP/EQS to make status 1 mar 2014 will not "fall" one status level; they will "fall" to whatever level they actually earned flying in C/Y 2013. Link.
AAdvantage status "soft landing" is the experience of dropping only one status level when one has not flown sufficiently to maintain current level, or even retain a lower level, of status. Through status year ending 28 Feb 2013, EXP only "fell" to Platinum, Platinum to Gold (and Gold to white card / no status) regardless of how the status was originally earned, the next status year.
~American AAdvantage Moderation Team
2012-13 AA "Soft Landing" / Status Downgrade: discussion & experiences (consolidated)
Nov 9, 2011, 6:04 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1
2012-13 AA "Soft Landing" / Status Downgrade: discussion & experiences (consolidated)
Hi, My EXP status is expiring in Feb 2012. I am currently nearing Platinum for 2011. Does AA still have the soft landing of reducing your status one level each year? I may make Platinum this year yet, however if I can't I was hoping the soft landing would prevent me from making a mileage run during the holidays. All the posts I see are old...
Regards, GG
Regards, GG
Nov 9, 2011, 6:11 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 10,967
No guarantees, of course. But traditionally, AA has offered a soft landing each year. Could change this year. But could not.
Nov 10, 2011, 11:00 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: JFK
Programs: AA EXP/CK 2M+
Posts: 540
I was counting on this but will probably cross the 2m lifetime by Feb 13 so it doesn't matter so much for me.
Nov 10, 2011, 11:16 am
#4
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
i think aa would make a big mistake to stop the soft landing, even plt to gld could influence people to stay on aa....
Nov 10, 2011, 11:27 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,533
Seems a different direction was taken 
Last edited by brp; Nov 10, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Nov 10, 2011, 11:33 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MIA/LAS
Programs: AA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Starwood PLT
Posts: 572
I 'soft landed' from EXP to PLT in 2011. I'll make PLT on segments this year (about to board flight 55!) so will keep PLT through 2013.
Nov 10, 2011, 12:16 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Soft landings and exceptions for elites that are very close to the next elite level are never guaranteed and if so allowed are only done after the December 31. In otherwords, there is no really way of knowing for sure until its really too late.
Add to that airlines seeking every means possible for new revenue streams. While this is speculation on my part, if AA started to require a charge/fee for soft landings or allowing people close to the threshold to be "bumped up" I'd be anything but surprised.
Long story short, the only guarantee is to do the flying and get to the next level.
Add to that airlines seeking every means possible for new revenue streams. While this is speculation on my part, if AA started to require a charge/fee for soft landings or allowing people close to the threshold to be "bumped up" I'd be anything but surprised.
Long story short, the only guarantee is to do the flying and get to the next level.
Nov 10, 2011, 12:17 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
I hadn't realised that it wasn't an integral part of the programme. That said, I can't see AA discontinuing it at least not without appropriate notice.
Nov 10, 2011, 12:23 pm
#9
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
We had a 2011 consolidated thread for downgrades / soft landings, etc. so this will be retitled and left as the 2012 version. Thank you. /Moderator
AA has allowed those who have not requalified for status they held to hold the next lower status tier the following year - e.g. Executive Platinum only fell to Platinum, even if they did not fly a mile; Platinum to Gold, etc. I don't recall anything written, so this is an undocumented benefit if so. AA could change it any time they wished to, much as they have made changes to the Million Miler program, Status Challenge, following year status buy-up, etc. but we don't have any signals they are considering doing so at this time.
AA has allowed those who have not requalified for status they held to hold the next lower status tier the following year - e.g. Executive Platinum only fell to Platinum, even if they did not fly a mile; Platinum to Gold, etc. I don't recall anything written, so this is an undocumented benefit if so. AA could change it any time they wished to, much as they have made changes to the Million Miler program, Status Challenge, following year status buy-up, etc. but we don't have any signals they are considering doing so at this time.
Nov 10, 2011, 1:52 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/SFO & ORD
Programs: LT Gold/BA Executive Club/AS MP/Marriott
Posts: 1,646
I had a VERY soft-landing this year (flew only 15,000 miles last year as a Plat). I did receive my Gold Card early this year (after many years of being Platinum, the card didn't look good..
).
Regardless, AA had a special early this year to purchase into Platinum. I forgot how much it was, IIRC $750. I purchased it back in March and I am glad I have as I am re-qualifying for Platinum flying >50,000. The huge differences of Gold vs. Plat have been the OneWorld Lounges and more important, the 100% bonus miles with Plat. over the 25% bonus miles with Gold. This has helped me a lot as I'm trying to get to the One-Million Mile Lifetime League.
).Regardless, AA had a special early this year to purchase into Platinum. I forgot how much it was, IIRC $750. I purchased it back in March and I am glad I have as I am re-qualifying for Platinum flying >50,000. The huge differences of Gold vs. Plat have been the OneWorld Lounges and more important, the 100% bonus miles with Plat. over the 25% bonus miles with Gold. This has helped me a lot as I'm trying to get to the One-Million Mile Lifetime League.
Nov 10, 2011, 7:12 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: DFW, 3.5 MM, AA EXP, LIFETIME PLATINUM, MARRIOTT LIFETIME PLATINUM, STARWOOD AMBASSADOR 223 NIGHTS, AND LIFETIME GOLD, HILTON DIAMOND, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE ELITE
Posts: 5,847
I had a VERY soft-landing this year (flew only 15,000 miles last year as a Plat). I did receive my Gold Card early this year (after many years of being Platinum, the card didn't look good..).
Regardless, AA had a special early this year to purchase into Platinum. I forgot how much it was, IIRC $750. I purchased it back in March and I am glad I have as I am re-qualifying for Platinum flying >50,000. The huge differences of Gold vs. Plat have been the OneWorld Lounges and more important, the 100% bonus miles with Plat. over the 25% bonus miles with Gold. This has helped me a lot as I'm trying to get to the One-Million Mile Lifetime League.
).Regardless, AA had a special early this year to purchase into Platinum. I forgot how much it was, IIRC $750. I purchased it back in March and I am glad I have as I am re-qualifying for Platinum flying >50,000. The huge differences of Gold vs. Plat have been the OneWorld Lounges and more important, the 100% bonus miles with Plat. over the 25% bonus miles with Gold. This has helped me a lot as I'm trying to get to the One-Million Mile Lifetime League.
Nov 10, 2011, 7:36 pm
#12
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Madison WI
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT - 2.9MM, Lifetime AC, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz Precs Crcl
Posts: 2,213
I had a VERY soft-landing this year (flew only 15,000 miles last year as a Plat). I did receive my Gold Card early this year (after many years of being Platinum, the card didn't look good..).
Regardless, AA had a special early this year to purchase into Platinum. I forgot how much it was, IIRC $750. I purchased it back in March and I am glad I have as I am re-qualifying for Platinum flying >50,000. The huge differences of Gold vs. Plat have been the OneWorld Lounges and more important, the 100% bonus miles with Plat. over the 25% bonus miles with Gold. This has helped me a lot as I'm trying to get to the One-Million Mile Lifetime League.
).Regardless, AA had a special early this year to purchase into Platinum. I forgot how much it was, IIRC $750. I purchased it back in March and I am glad I have as I am re-qualifying for Platinum flying >50,000. The huge differences of Gold vs. Plat have been the OneWorld Lounges and more important, the 100% bonus miles with Plat. over the 25% bonus miles with Gold. This has helped me a lot as I'm trying to get to the One-Million Mile Lifetime League.
Nov 10, 2011, 9:21 pm
#13
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: probably an airplane...
Programs: AA Lifer, and other stuff...
Posts: 40
I had a VERY soft-landing this year (flew only 15,000 miles last year as a Plat). I did receive my Gold Card early this year (after many years of being Platinum, the card didn't look good..).
Regardless, AA had a special early this year to purchase into Platinum. I forgot how much it was, IIRC $750. I purchased it back in March and I am glad I have as I am re-qualifying for Platinum flying >50,000. The huge differences of Gold vs. Plat have been the OneWorld Lounges and more important, the 100% bonus miles with Plat. over the 25% bonus miles with Gold. This has helped me a lot as I'm trying to get to the One-Million Mile Lifetime League.
).Regardless, AA had a special early this year to purchase into Platinum. I forgot how much it was, IIRC $750. I purchased it back in March and I am glad I have as I am re-qualifying for Platinum flying >50,000. The huge differences of Gold vs. Plat have been the OneWorld Lounges and more important, the 100% bonus miles with Plat. over the 25% bonus miles with Gold. This has helped me a lot as I'm trying to get to the One-Million Mile Lifetime League.
(b/c I'm sure it will be asked; there were reasons beyond my control why I didn't fly at all in 2010; that was in fact the only flight I took.)
FWIW, I haven't seen convincing evidence on whether or not GLD vs. PLT matters (other than lounges). But then, I've never *been* GLD (for more than a month) so we'll see... I didn't re-qual PLT this year, so I'll be down to my lifetime GLD starting Mar. 2012.
Anyway, main point - I think if you're EXP, even in this environment it's safe to assume a soft landing. (Unless AMR files for Ch. 11 lol...)
Nov 10, 2011, 10:44 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP (2.5MM), Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,859
Nov 10, 2011, 10:46 pm
#15
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP (2.5MM), Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,859
Soft landings and exceptions for elites that are very close to the next elite level are never guaranteed and if so allowed are only done after the December 31. In otherwords, there is no really way of knowing for sure until its really too late.
Add to that airlines seeking every means possible for new revenue streams. While this is speculation on my part, if AA started to require a charge/fee for soft landings or allowing people close to the threshold to be "bumped up" I'd be anything but surprised.
Long story short, the only guarantee is to do the flying and get to the next level.
Add to that airlines seeking every means possible for new revenue streams. While this is speculation on my part, if AA started to require a charge/fee for soft landings or allowing people close to the threshold to be "bumped up" I'd be anything but surprised.
Long story short, the only guarantee is to do the flying and get to the next level.
But, there is always a chance for a change. They could just decide to stop it this next calendar year. I'd be surprised, but it could happen.