Originally Posted by
scratchsd
Thanks FWAAA, you are right, I missed the EQM / EQP difference. I am not worried about getting points, there are so many other ways to get them. The miles toward qualifying are more important.
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You're still confused about the AA FFP currencies terminology. There are actually
three types of currencies that are different:
ordinary ("redeemable") miles -- these, not points, is what you get in many ways; these don't help you qualify or requalify
Elite-Qualifying Miles (EQMs) -- these you only get by flying, and they help you requalify, but don't count for the Challenge
Elite-Qualifying Points (EQPs) - these you also only get by flying, but at different rates than miles, depending on the class of service of the ticket you buy, and these are what count in the Challenge
Every EQM earned also earns an ordinary mile, but not vice versa.
Every time (at least when flying AA metal) that you earn EQMs you also earn EQPs (and vice versa), but the ratio between the two changes with each fare basis code.