Originally Posted by jalimohideen

Hi,
I am AAdvantage Gold member and have flown so far 59 segments and now just 1 segment short for the next elite status Platinum. Unfortunately, I don't foresee anymore travel for this year and my next travel starts only on the second of week Jan 2014.
I tried calling AA and was politely declined my request for a complimentary upgrade to next level.
AA however offers an option to purchase elite status for 600$, which I feel is a total rip-off.
My only other option is to purchase a low air-fare to any place, which I am willing to do as long as the airfare is within reasonable limits.

Any suggestions from experts out there who may have been in a situation like me.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

javid