ARCHIVE: AAdvantage Gold & Platinum Elite Status Challenges 2004 - 2011
Apr 17, 2009, 2:47 pm
#3406
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MSP/DFW
Programs: Priority Club PLT, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP
Posts: 480
To Challenge or Not to challenge?
I am going on my 1st ever MR next weekend. I need help determining if I should do a challenge.
The question I have is this: On the Wiki AA challenge page it has a sample email stating that Trans-Atlantic Q fares do not earn challenge points. Does that apply only to the leg that is actually Trans-Atlantic, or all legs that are Q? Here is my intineray..
MSP-DFW-ORD-FRA (all legs are Q)
FRA-DFW-STL-MSP (all legs are O)
So will I get challenge points for MSP-DFW-ORD on the way there?
If not, I still would get points for the O legs (return) of the trip correct?
If I do not earn points on any of the Q legs I still may do a gold challenge because I have 2 more MR's in May that would get me to at least Gold.
One last question, with DBEQM you do earn points for all eligible miles and the bonus DBEQM correct?
Thank You
The question I have is this: On the Wiki AA challenge page it has a sample email stating that Trans-Atlantic Q fares do not earn challenge points. Does that apply only to the leg that is actually Trans-Atlantic, or all legs that are Q? Here is my intineray..
MSP-DFW-ORD-FRA (all legs are Q)
FRA-DFW-STL-MSP (all legs are O)
So will I get challenge points for MSP-DFW-ORD on the way there?
If not, I still would get points for the O legs (return) of the trip correct?
If I do not earn points on any of the Q legs I still may do a gold challenge because I have 2 more MR's in May that would get me to at least Gold.
One last question, with DBEQM you do earn points for all eligible miles and the bonus DBEQM correct?
Thank You
Apr 17, 2009, 9:39 pm
#3407
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: AA GLD
Posts: 54
Your domestic segments in Q will definitely earn "challenge points", but I believe the wiki needs to be updated, as it is my understanding that TATL Q fares now earn elite qualifying points.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...s-unusual.html
And yes, you will also earn points for the return segments.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...s-unusual.html
And yes, you will also earn points for the return segments.
Last edited by pj2; Apr 17, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Apr 18, 2009, 12:18 am
#3408
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Weekdays: LAX; Weekends (when not in a metal tube): LPC
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Gold
Posts: 228
Upon signing up for my Platinum Challenge, I received an email with the following:
So, yes, you earn EQP for your flight -- but since you're looking at Q and O it will be at the rate of 1/2 EQP per mile flown.
Jim
Know the point values you’ll earn for the booking codes you select. Yes it may look like alphabet soup, but there’s a point to these codes. In fact, there’s anywhere from 0.5 – 1.5 points! Earn 1.5 points per mile when the purchased fare on your American Airlines ticket is booked in one of these booking codes: A F P D I J R B C Y Earn 1.0 point per mile for these AA booking codes: H K L M V W Earn .5 points per mile for these AA booking codes: G N Q S O (excludes tickets between North America and Latin America booked in O inventory, which are not eligible for mileage credit)
Emphasis added.So, yes, you earn EQP for your flight -- but since you're looking at Q and O it will be at the rate of 1/2 EQP per mile flown.
Jim
Apr 18, 2009, 2:20 am
#3409
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MSP/DFW
Programs: Priority Club PLT, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP
Posts: 480
Upon signing up for my Platinum Challenge, I received an email with the following:
So, yes, you earn EQP for your flight -- but since you're looking at Q and O it will be at the rate of 1/2 EQP per mile flown.
Jim
Know the point values you’ll earn for the booking codes you select. Yes it may look like alphabet soup, but there’s a point to these codes. In fact, there’s anywhere from 0.5 – 1.5 points! Earn 1.5 points per mile when the purchased fare on your American Airlines ticket is booked in one of these booking codes: A F P D I J R B C Y Earn 1.0 point per mile for these AA booking codes: H K L M V W Earn .5 points per mile for these AA booking codes: G N Q S O (excludes tickets between North America and Latin America booked in O inventory, which are not eligible for mileage credit)
Emphasis added.So, yes, you earn EQP for your flight -- but since you're looking at Q and O it will be at the rate of 1/2 EQP per mile flown.
Jim
PJ2- I believe those TATL Q fares do earn points, just not for the sake of fulfilling a challenge. That's what I interpret anyway.
Apr 18, 2009, 8:29 am
#3410
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,535
Cheers.
Apr 18, 2009, 8:38 am
#3411
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
You are wise to be cautious, and it certainly won't hurt to call AA and double-check for yourself, but you will find that the advice you were given is correct and your TATL Q fares will earn points toward the challenge.
The reason the Q fare is asterisked in the sample challenge letter is not because TATL Q fares were excluded only from earning challenging points, it is because until recently, TATL Q fares did not earn elite qualifying points at all. NO EQP, no points towards a challenge. Now that TATL Q fares do earn EQP, there is no reason to believe those points won't count toward fulfilling a challenge.
ETA: As usual, brp answered sooner and more succinctly. <sigh>
Apr 18, 2009, 10:51 am
#3412
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Weekdays: LAX; Weekends (when not in a metal tube): LPC
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Gold
Posts: 228
The AA (Plat) Challenge Sign Up Email
At the risk of clogging up the thread, here is the full email attachment I received when signing up for a Platinum Challenge on 09APR09
Here’s the Info You Requested on Platinum Challenges:
As discussed, we have charged your credit card $150 and put you on a Challenge for AAdvantage Platinum membership. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
* Remember that Challenges are based on points, not miles, and your goal is 10,000 points in the three-month period we discussed. Please note: As of January 1, 2009 points are calculated based on the actual miles earned, with no minimum guarantee.
* Be sure to fly AA (we know you want to anyway!) since only points earned on American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights (including AA codeshare flights operated by other carriers) count toward Challenges.
* Select fares with high point values. If, for example, you use Deep Discount Fares, get ready to fly 20,000 miles because those fares earn points at half the rate of miles. But if you buy Discount Fares, the rate is one point per mile and you can meet your Challenge by flying 10,000 elite-qualifying miles. And if you select premium fares, you earn 1.5 points per mile and can meet the Challenge by flying just – OK, you do the math!
* Know the point values you’ll earn for the booking codes you select. Yes it may look like alphabet soup, but there’s a point to these codes. In fact, there’s anywhere from 0.5 – 1.5 points! Earn 1.5 points per mile when the purchased fare on your American Airlines ticket is booked in one of these booking codes: A F P D I J R B C Y Earn 1.0 point per mile for these AA booking codes: H K L M V W Earn .5 points per mile for these AA booking codes: G N Q S O (excludes tickets between North America and Latin America booked in O inventory, which are not eligible for mileage credit)
* How can you determine what booking code is used for the fare you’re purchasing? Simply ask the booking agent, whether that’s your travel agent, corporate travel planner or AA Reservations representative. Or, even better, when you book your flights on AA.com, the Flight Summary screen displays the booking code in the same column as the cabin booked.
* If you have the opportunity to upgrade, good for you! But with respect to the points you will earn, traveling in a premium cabin is not the same as purchasing a premium fare. When you upgrade, the points for your flights are still calculated on the fare and booking code you purchased, not the cabin that you were lucky enough to travel in!
* For Challenges starting in the first half of the year, you will need to meet the standard criteria by yearend in order to continue your benefits past February of next year.
* Remember that the fee for your Challenge is nonrefundable – even if circumstances beyond your control (or ours!) prevent you from meeting the goal. But we’re thinking positive thoughts and we know you can do it!
A Challenge is intended for members who are in a hurry to get to the elite level they desire and begin enjoying their benefits. Think of it as a shortcut to the status you would probably earn on your own during the normal qualification period. Since members cannot earn their elite status by fulfilling a Challenge two years in a row, please be prepared to meet the normal criteria next time. That’s fair, right? Now you’re all set – Good Luck!
As discussed, we have charged your credit card $150 and put you on a Challenge for AAdvantage Platinum membership. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
* Remember that Challenges are based on points, not miles, and your goal is 10,000 points in the three-month period we discussed. Please note: As of January 1, 2009 points are calculated based on the actual miles earned, with no minimum guarantee.
* Be sure to fly AA (we know you want to anyway!) since only points earned on American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights (including AA codeshare flights operated by other carriers) count toward Challenges.
* Select fares with high point values. If, for example, you use Deep Discount Fares, get ready to fly 20,000 miles because those fares earn points at half the rate of miles. But if you buy Discount Fares, the rate is one point per mile and you can meet your Challenge by flying 10,000 elite-qualifying miles. And if you select premium fares, you earn 1.5 points per mile and can meet the Challenge by flying just – OK, you do the math!
* Know the point values you’ll earn for the booking codes you select. Yes it may look like alphabet soup, but there’s a point to these codes. In fact, there’s anywhere from 0.5 – 1.5 points! Earn 1.5 points per mile when the purchased fare on your American Airlines ticket is booked in one of these booking codes: A F P D I J R B C Y Earn 1.0 point per mile for these AA booking codes: H K L M V W Earn .5 points per mile for these AA booking codes: G N Q S O (excludes tickets between North America and Latin America booked in O inventory, which are not eligible for mileage credit)
* How can you determine what booking code is used for the fare you’re purchasing? Simply ask the booking agent, whether that’s your travel agent, corporate travel planner or AA Reservations representative. Or, even better, when you book your flights on AA.com, the Flight Summary screen displays the booking code in the same column as the cabin booked.
* If you have the opportunity to upgrade, good for you! But with respect to the points you will earn, traveling in a premium cabin is not the same as purchasing a premium fare. When you upgrade, the points for your flights are still calculated on the fare and booking code you purchased, not the cabin that you were lucky enough to travel in!
* For Challenges starting in the first half of the year, you will need to meet the standard criteria by yearend in order to continue your benefits past February of next year.
* Remember that the fee for your Challenge is nonrefundable – even if circumstances beyond your control (or ours!) prevent you from meeting the goal. But we’re thinking positive thoughts and we know you can do it!
A Challenge is intended for members who are in a hurry to get to the elite level they desire and begin enjoying their benefits. Think of it as a shortcut to the status you would probably earn on your own during the normal qualification period. Since members cannot earn their elite status by fulfilling a Challenge two years in a row, please be prepared to meet the normal criteria next time. That’s fair, right? Now you’re all set – Good Luck!
Apr 18, 2009, 2:56 pm
#3413
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MSP/DFW
Programs: Priority Club PLT, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP
Posts: 480
Judging by everyone’s feedback a PLT challenge is a no brain-er. Here are my calculations (Not taking into account any minimum mileage calculations after I hit PLT. I will just consider that gravy on top.)
MSP-DFW-ORD-FRA-DFW-STL-MSP: 12,138 EQM *.5= 6069 points (24,276 DBEQM)
MSP-ORD-FRA-ORD-MSP: 9354 EQM *.5= 4677 points (18,708 DBEQM)
End of FRA-ORD leg would put me at 10,579 points so I should fulfill challenge and get PLT 100% bonus starting with this flight.
MSP-ORD-LAX-MIA-MCO-DFW-MSP: 6450 EQM *.5= 3225 points (12,900 DBEQM)
Grand Totals:
13,971 EQP
27,942 EQM
55,884 DBEQM @ $1404= 2.51 CPM (Not including PLT challenge fee)
MSP-DFW-ORD-FRA-DFW-STL-MSP: 12,138 EQM *.5= 6069 points (24,276 DBEQM)
MSP-ORD-FRA-ORD-MSP: 9354 EQM *.5= 4677 points (18,708 DBEQM)
End of FRA-ORD leg would put me at 10,579 points so I should fulfill challenge and get PLT 100% bonus starting with this flight.
MSP-ORD-LAX-MIA-MCO-DFW-MSP: 6450 EQM *.5= 3225 points (12,900 DBEQM)
Grand Totals:
13,971 EQP
27,942 EQM
55,884 DBEQM @ $1404= 2.51 CPM (Not including PLT challenge fee)
Apr 18, 2009, 3:33 pm
#3414
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ireland (DUB)
Programs: AA PLAT
Posts: 621
Judging by everyone’s feedback a PLT challenge is a no brain-er. Here are my calculations (Not taking into account any minimum mileage calculations after I hit PLT. I will just consider that gravy on top.)
MSP-DFW-ORD-FRA-DFW-STL-MSP: 12,138 EQM *.5= 6069 points (24,276 DBEQM)
MSP-ORD-FRA-ORD-MSP: 9354 EQM *.5= 4677 points (18,708 DBEQM)
End of FRA-ORD leg would put me at 10,579 points so I should fulfill challenge and get PLT 100% bonus starting with this flight.
MSP-ORD-LAX-MIA-MCO-DFW-MSP: 6450 EQM *.5= 3225 points (12,900 DBEQM)
Grand Totals:
13,971 EQP
27,942 EQM
55,884 DBEQM @ $1404= 2.51 CPM (Not including PLT challenge fee)
MSP-DFW-ORD-FRA-DFW-STL-MSP: 12,138 EQM *.5= 6069 points (24,276 DBEQM)
MSP-ORD-FRA-ORD-MSP: 9354 EQM *.5= 4677 points (18,708 DBEQM)
End of FRA-ORD leg would put me at 10,579 points so I should fulfill challenge and get PLT 100% bonus starting with this flight.
MSP-ORD-LAX-MIA-MCO-DFW-MSP: 6450 EQM *.5= 3225 points (12,900 DBEQM)
Grand Totals:
13,971 EQP
27,942 EQM
55,884 DBEQM @ $1404= 2.51 CPM (Not including PLT challenge fee)
Apr 18, 2009, 3:45 pm
#3415
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
Apr 18, 2009, 4:09 pm
#3416
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Weekdays: LAX; Weekends (when not in a metal tube): LPC
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Gold
Posts: 228
I'm doing something similar -- an LAX-BOS-ORD-LHR-BOS-LAX challenge then later taking a (previously booked) vacation to PUQ (Punta Arenas, Chile) that with the DBEQM will push me over 50K EQM target. Why?
Well, I will meet the challenge on the LHR-BOS leg -- so that means I'll start earning the PLAT 100% on that leg and back to LAX. Plus, I then get the 100% RDM bonus on the PUQ trip. In effect I get 21,500+ extra RDM for that incremental $150 (0.6¢ cpRDM...that's sixth tenths of a penny, not 6 cents.)*
Just as importantly, my challenge started 4/16 so crossing that 50K EQM line will get me PLAT beyond this calendar year and into Feb. 2011.
But, hey, I'm just a noob...
Jim
*And, that does not include a bunch of RDM for the BOS3X and UK50K bonuses!
Well, I will meet the challenge on the LHR-BOS leg -- so that means I'll start earning the PLAT 100% on that leg and back to LAX. Plus, I then get the 100% RDM bonus on the PUQ trip. In effect I get 21,500+ extra RDM for that incremental $150 (0.6¢ cpRDM...that's sixth tenths of a penny, not 6 cents.)*
Just as importantly, my challenge started 4/16 so crossing that 50K EQM line will get me PLAT beyond this calendar year and into Feb. 2011.
But, hey, I'm just a noob...
Jim
*And, that does not include a bunch of RDM for the BOS3X and UK50K bonuses!
Apr 18, 2009, 4:27 pm
#3417
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MSP/DFW
Programs: Priority Club PLT, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP
Posts: 480
Apr 19, 2009, 8:32 am
#3418
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ATL, BHM, DUB, County Wexford
Programs: DL DM, AA ExPlt, Diamond HH, HY, BW, & Titanium Elite Marriott
Posts: 4,864
I will add one other thing here. The search function is not always a sure bet that you will find what you are looking for. However, if there is a choice between posting a new thread or adding to an old one, I prefer the old one. I would also like to mention that most of the information I need (and it is a lot), I usually find in a sticky or via yahoo search. Which actually usually brings up a flyertalk site.
So for newbe clarification. Take the time to read for awhile, search a lot, both with FT search and your choice of yahoo or google search. Then leave out the snipe and snark and post when you actually cannot find what you are looking for. There is just about always someone on here who is better at it, more experienced, or just remembers where the information is (probably because they posted on the thread).
I have found that most FTers are willing to help. But don't bite the hand that feeds you! Sugar and vinegar friends, sugar and vinegar.
So for newbe clarification. Take the time to read for awhile, search a lot, both with FT search and your choice of yahoo or google search. Then leave out the snipe and snark and post when you actually cannot find what you are looking for. There is just about always someone on here who is better at it, more experienced, or just remembers where the information is (probably because they posted on the thread).
I have found that most FTers are willing to help. But don't bite the hand that feeds you! Sugar and vinegar friends, sugar and vinegar.
Apr 19, 2009, 9:26 am
#3419
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,535
As far as volume- these few comments about the problems pale in comparison with the redundant posts that are causing the problem.
Cheers.
Apr 21, 2009, 9:17 pm
#3420
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 4
I apologize if these questions have been asked/answered before but the search doesn't yield helpful results and I don't really have the time to read through 200+ pages.
1. Do already booked arrangements (ie: prior to enrolling in a challenge) count towards your EQPs?
If YES...
2. I have a DFW-YVR (Y) and ANC-DFW (F) trip(s) planned after June 16th, so if I call them on June 17th and ask to enroll will the status (earned from challenge) continue until Feb 2011 or Feb 2010?
Thanks,
xCheesePope
1. Do already booked arrangements (ie: prior to enrolling in a challenge) count towards your EQPs?
If YES...
2. I have a DFW-YVR (Y) and ANC-DFW (F) trip(s) planned after June 16th, so if I call them on June 17th and ask to enroll will the status (earned from challenge) continue until Feb 2011 or Feb 2010?
Thanks,
xCheesePope