Oct 29, 2012, 6:59 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST
NOTE: AA has announced there will be NO SOFT LANDING in 2014. Those lacking sufficient EQM/EQP/EQS to make status 1 mar 2014 will not "fall" one status level; they will "fall" to whatever level they actually earned flying in C/Y 2013. Link.
AAdvantage status "soft landing" is the experience of dropping only one status level when one has not flown sufficiently to maintain current level, or even retain a lower level, of status. Through status year ending 28 Feb 2013, EXP only "fell" to Platinum, Platinum to Gold (and Gold to white card / no status) regardless of how the status was originally earned, the next status year.
~American AAdvantage Moderation Team
NOTE: AA has announced there will be NO SOFT LANDING in 2014. Those lacking sufficient EQM/EQP/EQS to make status 1 mar 2014 will not "fall" one status level; they will "fall" to whatever level they actually earned flying in C/Y 2013. Link.
AAdvantage status "soft landing" is the experience of dropping only one status level when one has not flown sufficiently to maintain current level, or even retain a lower level, of status. Through status year ending 28 Feb 2013, EXP only "fell" to Platinum, Platinum to Gold (and Gold to white card / no status) regardless of how the status was originally earned, the next status year.
~American AAdvantage Moderation Team
2012-13 AA "Soft Landing" / Status Downgrade: discussion & experiences (consolidated)
Nov 10, 2011, 10:49 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP (2.5MM), Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,859
I had a VERY soft-landing this year (flew only 15,000 miles last year as a Plat). I did receive my Gold Card early this year (after many years of being Platinum, the card didn't look good..
).
Regardless, AA had a special early this year to purchase into Platinum. I forgot how much it was, IIRC $750. I purchased it back in March and I am glad I have as I am re-qualifying for Platinum flying >50,000. The huge differences of Gold vs. Plat have been the OneWorld Lounges and more important, the 100% bonus miles with Plat. over the 25% bonus miles with Gold. This has helped me a lot as I'm trying to get to the One-Million Mile Lifetime League.
).Regardless, AA had a special early this year to purchase into Platinum. I forgot how much it was, IIRC $750. I purchased it back in March and I am glad I have as I am re-qualifying for Platinum flying >50,000. The huge differences of Gold vs. Plat have been the OneWorld Lounges and more important, the 100% bonus miles with Plat. over the 25% bonus miles with Gold. This has helped me a lot as I'm trying to get to the One-Million Mile Lifetime League.
Sadly, I have about another 6 years of EXP level flying before I'd hit LT Plat. Not sure if I can make that
Nov 10, 2011, 11:51 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 6,769
Even if my flying went down, I'd immediately go for Plat for $750. The bonus miles, better upgrade status, and other benfits would make it worthwhile for me. I do not look forward to the days when I'm no longer EXP. I konw they're coming, but I hope to get to LT Plat before that happens. Lots of benefits for Plat that I would like to keep even if flying less frequently during the year.
Sadly, I have about another 6 years of EXP level flying before I'd hit LT Plat. Not sure if I can make that
Sadly, I have about another 6 years of EXP level flying before I'd hit LT Plat. Not sure if I can make that
I would think that AA would give ample warning if the soft landing policy were to change, similar to how they announced the new MM program.
Dec 4, 2011, 11:01 am
#18
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA LT Gold
Posts: 3,646
Unpublished benefit: Soft Landing questions.
I understand that when someone fails to re-qualify for status (for example, for EXP), Platinum status is given for the next year.
How long has this benefit been around?
And...do you think they will ever take it away?
How long has this benefit been around?
And...do you think they will ever take it away?
Dec 4, 2011, 11:34 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
AFAIK, it's been around since Platinum debuted in about 1994. Will it be discontinued? Let me polish my crystal ball and get back to you . . . 
Nobody knows, but we can certainly speculate about it.
The more important issue is this: DO whatever you need to do to renew your EXP status for next year. WHATEVER it takes.
Nobody knows, but we can certainly speculate about it.
The more important issue is this: DO whatever you need to do to renew your EXP status for next year. WHATEVER it takes.
Dec 4, 2011, 1:12 pm
#20
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 313
Does AA do soft landings to Gold after PLT gained through challenge?
Dec 4, 2011, 1:14 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
I don't think it matters how you obtain status - I believe that AA's past practice is to drop you one level (the soft landing).
Dec 4, 2011, 1:45 pm
#22
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Threads merged. For those members who are newer or unaware, the reason is listed below.
For comprehensive information on using Search and Advanced Search, please see: Using the Search Feature on FlyerTalk: The Definitive Thread
Thanks, AA Moderator Team
For comprehensive information on using Search and Advanced Search, please see: Using the Search Feature on FlyerTalk: The Definitive Thread
Thanks, AA Moderator Team
Originally Posted by TOS / Rules
Use the Search Feature - link to this guideline
Before starting a thread, use the search feature to see if there's a recent thread on your topic. Many questions come up repeatedly on FlyerTalk. If you're wondering about a specific Hilton property in Chicago, for example, there's a good chance a thread - or 10 - already exists. The search link is located in the navigation menu near the top of the Forums page. Keeping information on the same topic confined to as few threads as possible helps members quickly find the information they need.
Before starting a thread, use the search feature to see if there's a recent thread on your topic. Many questions come up repeatedly on FlyerTalk. If you're wondering about a specific Hilton property in Chicago, for example, there's a good chance a thread - or 10 - already exists. The search link is located in the navigation menu near the top of the Forums page. Keeping information on the same topic confined to as few threads as possible helps members quickly find the information they need.
Dec 6, 2011, 1:48 am
#23
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 4
What about "soft landing" for non-elites?
It looks like I'll end 2011 with over 24,800 miles, just short of Gold Status. I'll fly another 14,000 miles or so before January 10, but I guess that won't do me any good. I'm not elite level now, so I don't think I'll qualify for the unofficial soft landing described here. Does anyone have experience getting a nod into elite status as a first timer who just missed the cutoff?
Thanks,
Tonto
Thanks,
Tonto
Dec 6, 2011, 6:25 am
#24
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
It looks like I'll end 2011 with over 24,800 miles, just short of Gold Status. I'll fly another 14,000 miles or so before January 10, but I guess that won't do me any good. I'm not elite level now, so I don't think I'll qualify for the unofficial soft landing described here. Does anyone have experience getting a nod into elite status as a first timer who just missed the cutoff?
Thanks,
Tonto
Thanks,
Tonto
For what its worth I was told by an EXP TA yesterday that CS has been given a written guideline for making exceptions on status and the like for year 2012.
Dec 6, 2011, 9:43 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: STL
Programs: AA 2MM, AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,966
It looks like I'll end 2011 with over 24,800 miles, just short of Gold Status. I'll fly another 14,000 miles or so before January 10, but I guess that won't do me any good. I'm not elite level now, so I don't think I'll qualify for the unofficial soft landing described here. Does anyone have experience getting a nod into elite status as a first timer who just missed the cutoff?
Thanks,
Tonto
Thanks,
Tonto
Dec 6, 2011, 12:51 pm
#26
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA EXP, UA GLD, Bonvoy Titan, HH Dia, WoH Exp
Posts: 2,673
As with AA's MM program, the soft landing is unique to AA as no other US airline offers it. I would not expect this to last forever and enjoy the benefit while it lasts.
Jan 5, 2012, 9:35 am
#28
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: AA EXECUTIVE, US GOLD, HILTON DOUBLE DIAMOND :)
Posts: 66
status question
Exec-Plat in 2011, but I did not fly enough last year to re-qualify for 2012.
I'm still showing to be ex-plat; I thought those all reset on Jan 1st?????
Thanks very much
I'm still showing to be ex-plat; I thought those all reset on Jan 1st?????
Thanks very much
Jan 5, 2012, 9:37 am
#29
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: AUS TUS
Programs: AA PLT, UA GLD
Posts: 993
according to senior FTers you qualify as "fake" EXP
membership year ends 3/1. you will likely become PLT if AA still does soft landing this year.
membership year ends 3/1. you will likely become PLT if AA still does soft landing this year.
Jan 5, 2012, 9:45 am
#30
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: FLL
Programs: UA 1K, B6 Mosaic
Posts: 824
Look at the expiration date on your EXP Card.