Sep 9, 2013, 10:46 am
Last edit by: Microwave
MODERATOR NOTE
Good day new AA flyers and those seeking AA status through this promotion,
In the interest of keeping this thread on topic and relevant, I'd like to add some clarity for our newer AAdvantage members here. While there is a wealth of information in this thread on the promotion in question, this thread is not a help desk for questions that are readily answered in forum FAQs.
For those with questions about how the AAdvantage programme works, please start with the sticky threads at the top of the forum thread list. The FAQs especially have a lot of helpful information. If you're still stuck, and you feel you've got a "basic" question, try the Newbie Lounge. If your question is specific to one of the topics covered in our Help Desk threads, head there for answers. If a consolidated thread already exists, check there first to see if your question is answered already.
This thread will be more strictly moderated to ensure it stays on topic. We welcome all new AA flyers to the fold, but posts need to stay on topic to keep our forum organised and findable. Thanks to everyone for cooperating and understanding.
~Moderator
Good day new AA flyers and those seeking AA status through this promotion,
In the interest of keeping this thread on topic and relevant, I'd like to add some clarity for our newer AAdvantage members here. While there is a wealth of information in this thread on the promotion in question, this thread is not a help desk for questions that are readily answered in forum FAQs.
For those with questions about how the AAdvantage programme works, please start with the sticky threads at the top of the forum thread list. The FAQs especially have a lot of helpful information. If you're still stuck, and you feel you've got a "basic" question, try the Newbie Lounge. If your question is specific to one of the topics covered in our Help Desk threads, head there for answers. If a consolidated thread already exists, check there first to see if your question is answered already.
This thread will be more strictly moderated to ensure it stays on topic. We welcome all new AA flyers to the fold, but posts need to stay on topic to keep our forum organised and findable. Thanks to everyone for cooperating and understanding.
~Moderator
Fast Track To Elite Promo (2013 - no fee or EQP requirement) [TARGETED? Link dead.]
Aug 14, 2013, 12:15 pm
#76
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA EP; WN CP;UA SILVER; MARRIOTT TITANIUM; HH DIAMOND; IHG PLAT; RADISSON PLAT; HYATT GLOBAL
Posts: 1,938
HOGWASH!
I signed up Mom, Dad, MIL, FIL and Kids. We are already going to SJU, FLL and TGU, so 6 new Golds!
I signed up Mom, Dad, MIL, FIL and Kids. We are already going to SJU, FLL and TGU, so 6 new Golds!
Aug 14, 2013, 12:16 pm
#77
Join Date: May 2013
Location: west coast best coast
Programs: TINDER GOLD, STARBUCKS GOLD, COSTCO EXECUTIVE!!
Posts: 3,989
Aug 14, 2013, 12:20 pm
#78
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: DFW/STL
Programs: AA EXP, AA Admirals Club, Marriott PLT Premier, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 762
FYI complaining about AA basically handing out free status does nothing. I have tried in the past and here is a response:
"Dear Mr. XXX,
Thank you for contacting AAdvantage® Customer Service.
We are sorry for your reaction to our promotion offering a "fast track"
to AAdvantage® elite status. For exactly the reasons you cite, we
generally do not provide elite membership without qualification. Still,
for competitive reasons, we sometimes feature special promotions that
offer elite membership at a reduced qualification level. Our expectation
is that given the standard 12-month qualification period, these members
would earn their status on their own. Indeed it will be necessary for
any new elite members to requalify on their own in subsequent membership
years.
It's no secret that we are seeking ways to increase market share and
encourage incremental business during this enormously challenging time
in our industry. These promotions are ways to motivate people who aren't
currently loyal AA customers, in the hopes that we can win their
business.
Still, our experience tells us that only a portion of the members
receiving the promotional offer will actually earn AAdvantage elite
membership. Moreover, we are confident we can continue to provide you
with the superior service and benefits you have come to expect.
Thank you for participating in the AAdvantage program. We appreciate
your business.
Regards,
XXXX XXXX
AAdvantage Customer Service
American Airlines"
"Dear Mr. XXX,
Thank you for contacting AAdvantage® Customer Service.
We are sorry for your reaction to our promotion offering a "fast track"
to AAdvantage® elite status. For exactly the reasons you cite, we
generally do not provide elite membership without qualification. Still,
for competitive reasons, we sometimes feature special promotions that
offer elite membership at a reduced qualification level. Our expectation
is that given the standard 12-month qualification period, these members
would earn their status on their own. Indeed it will be necessary for
any new elite members to requalify on their own in subsequent membership
years.
It's no secret that we are seeking ways to increase market share and
encourage incremental business during this enormously challenging time
in our industry. These promotions are ways to motivate people who aren't
currently loyal AA customers, in the hopes that we can win their
business.
Still, our experience tells us that only a portion of the members
receiving the promotional offer will actually earn AAdvantage elite
membership. Moreover, we are confident we can continue to provide you
with the superior service and benefits you have come to expect.
Thank you for participating in the AAdvantage program. We appreciate
your business.
Regards,
XXXX XXXX
AAdvantage Customer Service
American Airlines"
Aug 14, 2013, 12:28 pm
#79
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SAN
Posts: 12
You are free to believe what you please, but don't be naive. There is not a chance. It is clearly influenced by the DOJ filing, which, of course, was a possibility that AA foresee. In any marketing department of a medium+ company, it is common practice to have contingency plans per-approved for deployment. I personally been there, done that. Things of this sort had been done by AA around entering chapter 11 or announcing the merger.
Last edited by SANLAXSFO; Aug 14, 2013 at 12:34 pm Reason: speling :)
Aug 14, 2013, 12:28 pm
#80
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 87
Ugh, this really is so frustrating.
I was just about to sign up for the Platinum Elite challenge, but at this point, on principle I don't think I will. Why pay $240 (when I'm already gold) plus pay a ton of $$$ for expensive flights to reach the platinum challenge, when they are basically giving status away for free. Now I'm inclined to just let status drop on AA and see if I can buy back Gold for cheaper in 2014, or do one of these non-elite challenges when they come along. Argh--frustrating!
I was just about to sign up for the Platinum Elite challenge, but at this point, on principle I don't think I will. Why pay $240 (when I'm already gold) plus pay a ton of $$$ for expensive flights to reach the platinum challenge, when they are basically giving status away for free. Now I'm inclined to just let status drop on AA and see if I can buy back Gold for cheaper in 2014, or do one of these non-elite challenges when they come along. Argh--frustrating!
Aug 14, 2013, 12:31 pm
#81
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,714
I've been trying to find the Facebook posting (by AA) just to check that it really is on there (which would add weight to the claim that this isn't targeted) and I can't seem to see it. The last AA posting appears to be from yesterday for some Hawaiian promo. Anyone case to post the text of the FB posting they're seeing/they saw?
Aug 14, 2013, 12:32 pm
#82
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SAN
Posts: 12
This is ridiculous. I will requalify with legitimate EQMs this year and my spouse (currently Gold) will likely qualify for Plat. I was hopeful that a promo-free year would clean out the ranks and make status meaningful again, but that was obviously naive. AA must think people like me are really stupid. Perhaps I was, but I will not be going forward.
Unfortunately, you are right. It is time for EXPs to move to other programs.
Aug 14, 2013, 12:33 pm
#83
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern UK
Programs: None since COVID - yet!
Posts: 330
Fast Track To Elite Promo (2013 - no fee or EQP requirement)
Not happy! Currently PLT and expecting to drop to GLD with around 25-30k EQMs this year (currently on only 3k!)
Is there anything in the terms of the program to say I can't have two memberships? All I would lose is the mileage bonus on the first 12,000 miles. Worth it for EXP!
Is there anything in the terms of the program to say I can't have two memberships? All I would lose is the mileage bonus on the first 12,000 miles. Worth it for EXP!
Aug 14, 2013, 12:34 pm
#84
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Andover, MA
Programs: US CP, AA PLT
Posts: 77
I've been trying to find the Facebook posting (by AA) just to check that it really is on there (which would add weight to the claim that this isn't targeted) and I can't seem to see it. The last AA posting appears to be from yesterday for some Hawaiian promo. Anyone case to post the text of the FB posting they're seeing/they saw?
Aug 14, 2013, 12:36 pm
#85
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
You are free to believe what you please, but don't be naive. There is not a chance. It is clearly influenced by the DOJ filing, which, of course, was a possibility that AA foresee. In any marketing department of a medium+ company, it is common practice to have contingency plans per-approved for deployment. I personally been there, done that. Things of this sort had been done by AA around entering chapter 11 or announcing the merger.
Aug 14, 2013, 12:37 pm
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,268
I'm not a bottom feeder EXP, although I make my qualifications on segments usually. As a result, 30k EQM would have been ideal. That 10k shaved off makes a huge difference.
Aug 14, 2013, 12:37 pm
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,535
No, I don't believe that I've guessed wrong 
Which program offers better benefits at the top-tier level (I don't knowthe others well)? We get
8 SWUs
free (space available) domestic upgrades - and we're at 100%
The excellent (although less excellent than it used to be) EXP desk
Really good (still) IRROPS support
Are there others offering anything similar?
Cheers.
8 SWUs
free (space available) domestic upgrades - and we're at 100%
The excellent (although less excellent than it used to be
) EXP deskReally good (still) IRROPS support
Are there others offering anything similar?
Cheers.
Aug 14, 2013, 12:39 pm
#88
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond
Posts: 50
I don't see how it's much different form previous double or triple EQM bonuses. They are pretty much saying you need to fly a third-ish of the EQM for an elite level in a third of a year. Isn't that about the same as say fly 33k in a period and we'll give you 2-3x (66k) in bonus EQM to reach your level?
Aug 14, 2013, 12:40 pm
#89
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,714
Why? Where will the EXPs go? Sure, upgrades may well become tougher to get but where else will it be any better? SWUs can still be cashed in on any ticket and, with a bit of planning, can be used at the time of booking....where else will that happen?
Aug 14, 2013, 12:43 pm
#90
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SE USA
Programs: DL DM/MM , IHG Plat, MR Titanium, HH Gold, EK Frequent Kettle, UA Silver, AA Hater
Posts: 2,020
Good promo.
Unfortunately AA has permanently lost me....and that was before Doug Parker was in the picture.
Enjoy! And make sure you have enough clothes in your carry-on!
Unfortunately AA has permanently lost me....and that was before Doug Parker was in the picture.
Enjoy! And make sure you have enough clothes in your carry-on!