onedog,

Call the airline from which you desire elite status, tell them you are AA Platinum and Southwest Champion (apt description for anybody who can edure that!) and that you are changing your flight patterns and need to find an airline with better routing through Chicago for UAL and Minneapolis for NWA (you just tell them one or the other). Go on to say that it wouldn't be fair if you were comparing UAL (or NWA) standard mileage member benefits to the benefits you have become accustomed to as a Platinum member of AA, so would they be so kind as to extend complimentary UAL PremEx or NWA Gold, so you could give their airline a fair test?

Then have your statements ready to fax. I faxed mine in and had approval in literally hours.

CAUTION do not get comped on airlines unless you truly believe you can requalify the next year or plan to give up flying them after the first year. This is a one-shot deal, so pick and choose wisely.

P.S. If you are commuting From LAX to SJC why don't you go for Alaska-----The Best Little Airline on West Coast and take advantage of all the amazing benefits that accrue to AS MVP Gold status and while you are at it, pick up an Alaska Platinum Visa and be doubly, triply blessed with goodies.

[This message has been edited by Punki (edited 11-22-1999).]