Originally Posted by
steve32
One can make AA lifetime status in a fairly short period of time, if you really make the effort.
Steve32
True enough, but they are:
Gold at 1 million
Platinum at 2 million
and that is it! No EXP. But all miles count, unlike most carriers. That is how one can get the status so quickly. I made many of my first two million buying jet fuel at the FBO's AA then owned.
These days Delta has AirElite that can get fast accumulation and status for buying charter flights. Lufthansa has a similar program that operates only in Europe.
So all three alliances give you some unusual, if expensive, ways to get lifetime status quickly.