Originally Posted by Gardyloo
At sub-elite level it looks like AY's might be more generous that AA's; however redemption requirements are extremely important, as is specific itinerary. It does look, though, like the OP could hit Platinum somewhere around Cozumel using the challenge, in which case AA would probably be the preferable plan.
Nice useful lookup table. Indeed, yhe flight to Cozumel will get platinum using the challenge. Using AA, it looks like the earning would be 100% for the whole itinery, which to a non Plat-Challenger would be good
I worked out , using AA, that
HEL-...-SFO would earn 100% . The next sector completes the challenge, so
DFW-...-SYD-CHC/AKL-SYD would earn 200% (subject to using AA codeshares on the QF flights)
SYD-ASP-PER-SIN would earn 100% ( 50% base plus platinum bonus )
BKK-HKG-NRT earns zero
NRT-HEL earns 200%
Dave