Originally Posted by
ckidder331
AA
50% PQM on deep discount fares
AA doesn't really have premier qualifying miles (PQM), if that's what you're referring to, and no spending minimum for their elite levels. It's points, miles or segments.
When I first looked at AA back in 2001, I thought I'd have to fly 200K to make EXP there, not knowing the difference between points and miles. Found out you get 50% points on discount economy fares, but 100% miles. I made EXP by flying 100K, just like I made 1K at UA by flying 100K. You can reach the other elite levels there by flying 25K (Gold) or 50K (Platinum). The 50K level comes with 100% bonus miles as does EXP.
Now, if you're going to do a challenge to fast track your AA elite staus, you do need to pay attention to points, as challenges are based on points and not miles. All the AA flyers I know qualify/requalify each year with miles. Anything with an AA flight number accrues 100% miles plus your elite bonuses.