I am trying to qualify for AAdvantage Platinum, and I need help from the experts. My dilemma is regarding which is cheaper to obtain this qualification, 60 segments or 50,000 miles. Another question I have is what is the best destination with the most miles and segments for the cheapest price, I guess what I am trying to get at is what is the best “bang for the buck,” thank you in advance. Oh yea, I'm flying out of ORD...
This question gets asked pretty often, mostly on the AA forum. The answer is that most people don't want status if they don't fly, they want status because they do fly (other than mileage runs to achieve status). If you do fly, what is your flying pattern? Do you fly a lot of short hops, or a few long flights? If you have a lot of short flights, then try based on segments. One of the best ways to do this out of ORD is to book yourself out of MKE instead (for example, instead of booking ORD-CLE, book MKE-CLE, get 4 segments instead of 2). If this still won't get you there, look for segment runs. For example, when AA and NW are mad at each other, they offer real cheap fares to/from each others hubs. I often see DTW-STL (4 segments) for around $150. Actually, right now I see that for $140 all-in. Depart DTW 8:25 AM, return to DTW 5:00 P.M. Available Jan. 5, 6, and 7. Fly ORD-DTW on Jan. 4, return Jan. 7 for $119 all-in. 14 segments for $539. You will also have 3 nights in Detroit, and meals.
If you fly a lot of longer flights, then you want to look for long distances (often overseas) in off season. LHR, DUB, FRA, NRT in the winter, MIA in the summer.
If you never fly at all except for mileage runs to achieve status, then PM me for some info about great mortgage-backed securities.
