AAdvantage Boost Program in 2015?
 

As you know, AA introduced 'Boost' last year which allowed for buy-up to next elite level given certain circumstances and $$ payment. Have some changes in business travel previously booked that will bring me in 3700 short of 100,000 - :/ If I can find a good mileage run may have to do that, although given how close we are to the end of the year would prefer just to fork over the $$. I've not seen anything published to date that would suggest it's either going away - or continuing - into next year. Any insight appreciated. Thx!

Good question, many of us are likely to be in the same boat.

For what it's worth, a 3700 mile shortfall would have cost $1200 last year; you could do even a mediocre mileage run for a third that price. Depending on your situation I'd suggest considering that instead, just to save money. I find it unlikely that it's going to get any cheaper this year... Food for thought.

Show me someone here who says that know for sure and I'll show ya' a liar. :)

That said, and PURELY my speculation, I'd pretty confidently bet we will, in fact, see the program come back. But, again, just one member's speculation.

Just curious if you are speculating on the comeback for this current year (although it seems pretty late) or next year?

I'm sure that with all the merger activity, a lot of marketing campaign activities in this realm have been curtailed somewhat..

I'd personally picture it being announced in January '15, with possibly hints dropped before then.

Makes sense, if they announce one, they'll wait 'till the New Year, so that anyone worried about their status will MR instead.

On the other hand, I see two strikes against the program reappearing:
1) I imagine it would make their integration of the US/AA programs more complex. They'd have to dedicate (IT) resources to both the integration and implementing the boost program. And deal with any extra integration issues it might cause.

2) They raised the number of segments on EXP for next year's qualifications,, suggesting they already think there's a few too many EXP's. Putting in a Boost program would only add to their ranks.

Just as much speculation as anyone else, though.

FWIW, the program was announced on November 8th last year.

Not sure this one would really be an issue. Infrastructure is likely still in place from last year, and shouldn't be a factor when integrating programs, since there's nothing to differentiate when combining boosted vs. non-boosted members.

Yeah, I don't see that particular issue as an issue. Maybe a dozen other reasons why they can't do it, but I don't see this as one.

yeah I am also short but on points (3k aprox) at the end of the year... Not sure if I should butt-in-seat it or just pay...

Last year to clinch my EXP renewal I booked a daytime return trip, cost me $600 but I got to sit in F both legs with an extra $20 for gogo I managed to get the best part of a days work in.

Thats the big gamble. What if they dont offer it again this year - and w/all of the challenges of combining the programs - and lot more elites in 2015 b/c of the merger - I can see reasons why they might not offer it. (not to mention - last year was the 1st year they offered it - it isn't like its been a longstanding program)

Of course, if they announce it shortly then you might be able to make a time v. $$ decision.

The US side has long had a similar program, so I wouldn't be surprised to see it come back. In fact, the US Buy up to Preferred program has the following bit on the site:

Makes me think it will return in some form on the US side, and therefore on the AA side as well.

I had no idea about that page/language-- certainly firms up my opinion on the issue considerably.

And also the additional capacity of the combined fleet.. I don't see this as an issue, other than on those routes which were unique to each airline, and a desirable routing.

Thanks for the input - I was trying to avoid another transcontinental (I live in Tampa) and was willing to fork over the $$, but would be most unhappy if Boost takes a powder and I was left dangling with a shortfall. Thanks all! :)