Jan 2, 2016, 10:53 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
HELP DESK & FAQ: AAdvantage Elite Status Challenge (Gold and Platinum)
The 2016 AAdvantage Gold and Elite status challenges are now obsolete.
See HELP DESK & FAQ: 2017 Gold and Platinum status Challenge for the current Challenge thread
The 2016 AAdvantage Gold and Elite status challenges are now obsolete.
See HELP DESK & FAQ: 2017 Gold and Platinum status Challenge for the current Challenge thread
American Airlines initiated a new AAdvantage Gold and Platinum elite status challenge for 2016, available to anyone, (unless they have attempted or completed a recent challenge, or are trying to use a challenge to regain status). There is no publicly available documentation currently. Please update here as the information becomes available, e.g. signup fees.
Call +1.888.697-5636 for details and to sign up.
NOTE: There are also Corporate and Targeted status challenges offered to some levels of certain companies or targeted subgroups (LinkedIn had one, Founders Card may still offer one); some may offer up to Executive Platinum status. These differ significantly from this challenge offered the general flying public for a fee, and are discussed here.
Frequently Asked Questions and Requirements
Q. What are the requirements for successfully completing a Challenge?
- Gold status: earn 7,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM) in 3 months (not 90 days). Signup fee (non-refundable): $120.00 for start date in Jan 2016, $100 in April 2016, $140 on June 16 2016
- Platinum status: earn 12,500 EQM in 3 months; signup fee (non-refundable) $200.00 for start date in Jan 2016, $180 in April 2016, $240 on June 16 2016. As of October 15 2016 it was $200.
Q. When can I sign up for a Challenge? Can I backdate to include flown flights? How far out can I enroll?
Start dates are now anytime, not a particular date, and may be backdated two weeks (although at least one member was denied in a request to backdate). You probably won't be allowed to engage farther than six weeks out.
Q. How long will Challenge-earned elite status last?
Challenges started prior to 16 June 2016 earn status good through 28 Feb 2017; challenges started 16 June or after earn status good through 31 Jan 2018. (It is the start date, not the date of the phone call or the date the challenge is completed, that matters.)
Q. Are there restrictions on earning EQM for the Challenge?
Yes. To qualify, EQM must be earned on flights marketed* by AA's Joint Business Venture partners:
- AA American Airlines
- AY Finnair
- BA British Airways
- IB Iberia
- JL Japan Airlines
- QF Qantas
* "AA marketed" = AA flight is displayed on your boarding pass
AA marketed fights earn as if flying AA, regardless of operating carrier. AY, BA and IB marketed flights must be operated by a oneworld airline; normally, JL and QF are the exceptions to this requirement.
Q. How many EQM do I earn per flown mile?
On AA marketed flights (AA flight on your boarding pass - regardless of operating carrier) you may earn, on qualifying paid fares:
- 3 EQM per base mile flown on full F, J fares
- 2 EQM per base mile flown in discounted Business and First fares
- 1 EQM minimum per base mile in all other qualifying fares
- 1.5 EQM maximum on all eligible First, Business and Premium Economy fares
- 1.0 EQM on the most expensive economy fares (full Y and maybe one or two other fares, depending on marketing airline)
- 0.5 or 0.25 EQM on most paid discount economy fares
- 0 EQM on some paid economy fares, dependent on marketing airline and fare class
Q. Will my credit card that pays to $200 incidental fees cover paying for the challenge?
Reports from members indicate your credit card might indeed credit you up to $200 for your challenge fee.
Q. Where can I learn more about earning EQM on AA and partner airlines?
Read Earning AA Elite Qualifying Miles / EQM on AA, oneworld, partner airlines 2016 (particularly the wikipost at the top of the page) for further information about earning EQM on AA and its partners.
Q. Do status or class of service bonus miles in Business and First count toward my Challenge or "normal" status?
No. Class of service, status (and all "bonus") miles are Award (Redeemable) miles, not Elite Qualifying.
Q. I know for "normal" status one must fly four segments at least marketed by AA, or AAdvantage elite status will not be granted. Is this true for completing a Challenge?
No. You may earn Gold or Platinum status flying qualifying AY, BA, IB, JL or QF marketed flights for Challenge-earned AAdvantage status. (The four AA marketed flights requirement for normal status earning will no longer be in place in 2017.)
Q. How can I calculate miles flown for EQM calculations on partner airlines?
Distance calculations may be made reasonably with Great Circle Mapper (link).
Q. Can I qualify by any other measure, such as EQD spend or Elite Qualifying Segments?
No. Only by EQM as defined previously.
Q. I've noticed some have been granted Gold upon enrollment. Can I?
Those with status on competing airlines may be granted interim AAdvantage Gold status while flying a Platinum challenge. A few others may get lucky, but don't expect being granted interim status easily.
Q. Do I automatically gain Gold status when I earn 7,000 EQM on my Platinum Challenge?
No, you will not. There may be reports of one or two members requesting Gold once they've earned 7,000 EQM and being granted Gold status, but this does not seem to be a norm.
Q. If I earn Platinum through a Challenge, can I earn Platinum Pro with 25,000 EQM or Executive Platinum (EP) with 50,000 more EQM?
No. You must earn the full number of required EQM, EQS (and EQD in or after 2017) to earn higher status, regardless of Challenge status.
Q. Do I earn bonus miles, etc. on the flight I cross my Challenge threshold?
No. Status is awarded after the flight upon which the required threshold was crossed (some years ago, it was during and miles earning benefits applied to the earning flight - that has changed).
Q. Will my new status update automatically on my account and previously booked flights? Will my new status benefits be available automatically? How long does it take?
Once your miles post in your account, your status will normally update. But you might have to call AAdvantage Customer Service to have Your existing PNRs updated. The AA agent will remove, re-enter your AAdvantage number, which will cause the record to update.
Q. How often can I sign up for a Challenge?
First, one can not extend or retain status made through a Challenge with a subsequent Challenge. As well, knowledgeable members have posted AA generally allows two "status exceptions" in a five year period, and the Challenge is considered as a status exception. Buying status back would be considered a status exception as well.
NOTE: AA has announced changes to Award (redeemable) Mile earning effective 1 Aug 2016. This has no effect on elite qualifying miles and therefore no effect on completing the challenge. See Earning AA Award ("Redeemable") Miles / RDM earning in later 2016 on American Airlines and its partner airlines]
Elite Status Challenge and Flyertalk History
The now defunct original AAdvantage elite Gold and Platinum status challenge is archived; thread can be read here.
The original EQ Points based challenge lasted a number of years. It was AFAIK first documented systematically by FT member FewMiles, who had it on his web pages with other status-earning information.
First FT thread about the challenge was started 17 Dec 1998: The Elite Challenge
On a fateful day, 26 Jun 2000, FewMiles asked about taking the challenge in this post; fish on!
On 27 Oct 2000, FewMiles starts a new thread announcing a web page for his Unofficial guide to AAdvantage - elite status, Gold/Plat challenge ....
It appears this 18 year old program has been selected by the new management to continue going forward so AA can offer a shortcut to status that they possibly feel is more rewarding (to AA) and effective than merely handing out status matches to anyone with status in another airline / alliance.
Updated 31 July by JDiver
Note: there is a "reingagement challenge" to get back miles lost for inactivity within the last five years, which can be read about here: How to Reactivate / Restore Expired Miles – Reengagement Challenge (consolidated)
ARCHIVE: HELP DESK & FAQ: 2016 AA Elite Status Challenge
Jan 4, 2016, 9:28 pm
#61
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Columbia, SC
Programs: AA Plat, SPG/Marriot Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Expl
Posts: 2,363
99.999% the answer is no. In the past, if you had done a challenge in the past five years, you would not be allowed another.
Jan 4, 2016, 9:31 pm
#62
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Jan 4, 2016, 9:33 pm
#63
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Jan 4, 2016, 10:22 pm
#64
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: AA EXP, CX GO, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 133
Is this open to members outside the US? I am booked on AA 8935 (Operated by CX) HKG to LAX in J next week. According to my calculations - I should get 21,780 EQMs off that one flight which would mean I would make Plat just off that flight if I sign up. Also - can I still reach Exec Plat if I make 100,000 EQMs this year?
Jan 4, 2016, 10:31 pm
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,398
I was planning to aim for AS this year but mhmm
okay how about this
sign up for Plat challenge
make plat challenge after my first NA-Europe RT
status-match to AS MVP Gold
profit
sounds like a reasonable idea? I mean, I'll make AS MVP Gold this year anyway, but it;d obviously take me many more flights. This way I'd have it for most of the year AND for next year (I think status matching to AS will get me status through 2017, no? I'd have to figure that out first)
okay how about this
sign up for Plat challenge
make plat challenge after my first NA-Europe RT
status-match to AS MVP Gold
profit
sounds like a reasonable idea? I mean, I'll make AS MVP Gold this year anyway, but it;d obviously take me many more flights. This way I'd have it for most of the year AND for next year (I think status matching to AS will get me status through 2017, no? I'd have to figure that out first)
Jan 4, 2016, 10:40 pm
#66
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: CVG
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 90
I've moved to AA exclusively for this year, and already have a ton of flights booked, nearly 70,000 EQM worth. I will hit Platinum by the end of March, based on normal flying.
Is their any benefit to me doing this challenge? Does this affect qualifying for EXP in any way, or will I still have to hit 100,000 EQM? In other words, do I need 50,000 EQM after I complete the Platinum challenge, or still a full 100,000 regardless of challenge?
Is their any benefit to me doing this challenge? Does this affect qualifying for EXP in any way, or will I still have to hit 100,000 EQM? In other words, do I need 50,000 EQM after I complete the Platinum challenge, or still a full 100,000 regardless of challenge?
Jan 4, 2016, 10:41 pm
#67
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
Is this open to members outside the US? I am booked on AA 8935 (Operated by CX) HKG to LAX in J next week. According to my calculations - I should get 21,780 EQMs off that one flight which would mean I would make Plat just off that flight if I sign up. Also - can I still reach Exec Plat if I make 100,000 EQMs this year?
So am I and I've got an upcoming AA that will earn me slightly more EQMs for my route. Perfect timing. I look at it as a nice little forward momentum to EXP.
Jan 4, 2016, 11:48 pm
#68
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I've moved to AA exclusively for this year, and already have a ton of flights booked, nearly 70,000 EQM worth. I will hit Platinum by the end of March, based on normal flying.
Is their any benefit to me doing this challenge? Does this affect qualifying for EXP in any way, or will I still have to hit 100,000 EQM? In other words, do I need 50,000 EQM after I complete the Platinum challenge, or still a full 100,000 regardless of challenge?
Is their any benefit to me doing this challenge? Does this affect qualifying for EXP in any way, or will I still have to hit 100,000 EQM? In other words, do I need 50,000 EQM after I complete the Platinum challenge, or still a full 100,000 regardless of challenge?
Earlier international lounge access if flying in coach
Free booking of MCE earlier
Earlier increased baggage limits
See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html to be thorough.
You still need to fly four segments on AA marketed or operated flights and a total of 100,000 EQM (or fly 120 EQS) in this calendar year to earn EP.
Jan 5, 2016, 2:00 am
#69
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
Just signed up for the Plat.
Agent said 2 emails are sent within 24 hours - one with receipt for fee, second one with the challenge info.
He confirmed that the 4 AA segments are not required for this challenge.
He confirmed status will run until Feb 28, 2017. (Should I fly to achieve EXP prior then, status will be updated.)
.....
Just a suggestion - make sure to get your receipt # anyway and confirm your start date. He set mine at just prior to my first flight.
Agent said 2 emails are sent within 24 hours - one with receipt for fee, second one with the challenge info.
He confirmed that the 4 AA segments are not required for this challenge.
He confirmed status will run until Feb 28, 2017. (Should I fly to achieve EXP prior then, status will be updated.)
.....
Just a suggestion - make sure to get your receipt # anyway and confirm your start date. He set mine at just prior to my first flight.
Just received email confirming registration. States the 3-month end date by which you must meet the challenge.
The other e-mail with the receipt # confirming purchase did not (yet?) arrive.
Jan 5, 2016, 2:10 am
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
Is this open to members outside the US? I am booked on AA 8935 (Operated by CX) HKG to LAX in J next week. According to my calculations - I should get 21,780 EQMs off that one flight which would mean I would make Plat just off that flight if I sign up. Also - can I still reach Exec Plat if I make 100,000 EQMs this year?
Jan 5, 2016, 2:22 am
#71
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: AA EXP, CX GO, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 133
Sorry. But CX (while still earning the regular EQMs) will not earn any of the EQMs needed for a challenge threashold. Only AA/BA/IB/AY/JL/QF operated flights. And anyone who earns 100K EQMs this year will become an EXP (as long as 4 segments are flown on AA metal), regardless if they signed up for a challenge or not.
Jan 5, 2016, 2:56 am
#72
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: CUR
Posts: 2,170
Sorry. But CX (while still earning the regular EQMs) will not earn any of the EQMs needed for a challenge threashold. Only AA/BA/IB/AY/JL/QF operated flights. And anyone who earns 100K EQMs this year will become an EXP (as long as 4 segments are flown on AA metal), regardless if they signed up for a challenge or not.
Correct on the marketing! But it doesn't matter by who it's ticketed, as long as it's an AA flight number, you're good.
Last edited by Djokison; Jan 5, 2016 at 4:15 am
Jan 5, 2016, 7:24 am
#73
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, National Exec, AA EXP Emeritus
Posts: 9,765
I am SO thinking of doing this. I have some BA flights late this month in O which net over 25K miles alone and literally sneak in at the end of the 100% earning rate on AA (while they only earn 25% on BA).
As long as my PLT post immediately after the flight, I could earn 100% bonus on the way home.
As long as my PLT post immediately after the flight, I could earn 100% bonus on the way home.
Jan 5, 2016, 7:24 am
#74
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Columbia, SC
Programs: AA Plat, SPG/Marriot Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Expl
Posts: 2,363
I was planning to aim for AS this year but mhmm
okay how about this
sign up for Plat challenge
make plat challenge after my first NA-Europe RT
status-match to AS MVP Gold
profit
sounds like a reasonable idea? I mean, I'll make AS MVP Gold this year anyway, but it;d obviously take me many more flights. This way I'd have it for most of the year AND for next year (I think status matching to AS will get me status through 2017, no? I'd have to figure that out first)
okay how about this
sign up for Plat challenge
make plat challenge after my first NA-Europe RT
status-match to AS MVP Gold
profit
sounds like a reasonable idea? I mean, I'll make AS MVP Gold this year anyway, but it;d obviously take me many more flights. This way I'd have it for most of the year AND for next year (I think status matching to AS will get me status through 2017, no? I'd have to figure that out first)
If you'd make MVP Gold anyway, I wouldn't try for a status match, as that would make you ineligible for a match later (with AS I believe it's once per lifetime of the account).
Jan 5, 2016, 7:27 am
#75
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
As pointed put this is not correct-- or at the very least certainly not confirmed (perhaps you have some new information?) Otherwise, if ticketed as an AA flight should post as an AA flight and therefore count.