After re-reading the qualification criteria for Executive Platinum, it looks like I was wrong and that I can fly 100,000 miles and qualify - and that is isn't exclusively due to q-points. Therefore, I retract my comments regarding AAdvantage in that regard.

However, as a primarily short-haul traveller, segments matter a lot. In all the years that I have been a PM on DL (every year since SkyMiles has been in existence), this is the first year I have qualified through miles and not segments - and that is because I flew to Moscow, Hong Kong, and Busan (104,493 miles in 93 segments). On AA, I cannot qualify to top tier with 100 segments as I can with DL and UA. Thus, while the ability to qualify for Executive Platinum with 100,000 miles is better than having to fly 140,000, I still would need close to 120 segments instead of 100 segments.

As far as denial of credit is concerned, this is an interesting point.

On July 12, 2002, I was booked on AA3099 from STL-DFW connecting to AA3605 from DFW-JAN. AA3099 was cancelled and I was re-booked by AA onto DL.

On July 18, 2002, I was booked on AA2654 from STL-ORD, AA2245 from ORD-DFW, and AA3683 from DFW-JAN. AA2654 was delayed leaving STL. I missed AA2245. While AA could get me to DFW, they could not get me to JAN on July 18. Therefore, I was booked onto DL so I could get to JAN on July 18.

I sent a letter on July 22 requesting credit for the change of flights with supporting documentation. A postcard denying credit was returned to me. I called subsequent to receiving the postcard and a person at American Airlines confirmed that I was to be denied credit.

At the time, I looked it up and actually found a section in the documentation that stated that American will only credit mileage on AA and AA partner airlines. I must also admit that I cannot find it right now.

This was a "big deal" at the time because the July 18 trip (if the q-points were awarded) would have enabled me to meet the Platinum challenge. I had purchased AA tickets for STL-JFK-STL and then Korean ticket for JFK-(ICN)-HKG-(ICN)-JFK, I had wanted to try and upgrade on the return (since I knew I would be tired and would want the extra width). I was not happy that my credit was denied.

Anyhow, that's a long way to state that it may be true that AA will award credit, but they did not do so for me and it may have been because I was flying during a challenge. I should try and contact them again and find out, because if I can get credit for those flights, I am that much closer to re-qualifying as a PLT.

[This message has been edited by Water Polo Ref (edited 11-30-2002).]