I always liked the 500 mile min but kinda figured that would somehow someday end. In a few overseas carriers I had flown in the late 1990s, I recall the rule never having been in place. Only in the US did it seem to apply and so we got lucky for a while there. I do wish they kept it because people in areas with limited flight distance due to work or location now get the shaft.

oh well, gotta just churn more of those AA citicards and make up for it that way--even if you don't get the status as quickly!
MM

...but of course, if you do enough of 'em, you will reach 1m and have lifetime gold I am 200k away now