I am an Advantage Gold member and have to fly to Latin America and want to receive the 15,000 bonus miles for flying between Sept 15 and Dec 31. My departure flight is on Sept 12, a few days before the promotion begins; AA confirmed that both the outbound and return flighs must occur within the promotion period.

Has anyone ever been granted a waiver on a bonus miles promotion? If so what words of "persuasion" have worked. Additionally, should I speak to someone before I make the booking or after I return? Thanks for any suggestions.