• I will just miss requalifying, will AA make any exceptions or can I buy back status?

Officially, in each year since 2003, AA has offered a status buyback / repurchase program for elites who did not requalify; again, this offer is not available until after the end of the requalification (calendar) year.

Unofficially, AA previously provided automatic exceptions for elites who come close to requalifying on points or miles (24,500 GLD / 49,000 PLT / 99,000 EXP). However, this exception has apparently been discontinued for the 2013-2014 membership year according to member experiences.

Unofficially, AA also previously had a ‘soft landing’ policy, whereby elites never drop by more than one level per year, regardless of miles flown. However, this policy has officially been discontinued for the 2014-2015 membership year according to AA.

FT: 2012 AAdvantage status renewal/requalification questions/issues (consolidated)

Wiki: Elite Status: Buyback
AA.com: Elite Status Buyback: An Exclusive AAdvantage Special Offer
FT: 2014 AAdvantage status year repurchase/buyback

Wiki: Elite Status: Exception Policy
FT: Status requalification automatic exception levels (Posted 7/4/02)

Wiki: Elite Status: Soft Landing Policy
FT: 2012 Elite Status Soft Landing Experiences
FT: 2013 Elite Status Soft Landing Discontinued for 2014-2015 Membership Year