Last edit by: JDiver
2018 Program Year Elite Status Buyback / Renew / Boost (as of EOY 2017)
"Grace" for those close to completing status requirements has not been offered since AA began the buyback / renew / boost program.
In previous years, AA (and US) have offered those who failed to requalify for elite status the opportunity to buy back or "boost" status for the following status year. That offer was extended for the 2017 programme year, and the 2018 offering is be discussed here. E-mails have gone out to many members (16 Nov) with tailored offers. To see if you are eligible and to see what your offers are, go to https://elite.americanairlines.com/e...ewal/login.cfm
NOTE: “Plus, your purchase price will count toward your Rolling Elite Qualifying Dollars, helping improve your upgrade priority.” - AA
List of members' offers for 2018 program year to be added below. See end for 2016 offers.
List current status, EQD & EQM / EQS, $ required for buyback or boost and status offered:
GOLD PLAT PPRO EXP
To read what each status tier offers, see:
What are AA Gold / GLD Benefits? Are they worth it? (Master thd) (link)
What are AA Platinum / PLT Benefits? Are they worth it? (Master thd) (link)
What are AA Platinum Pro Benefits? Are they worth it? (Master thd) (link)
What are AA Executive Platinum / EP / EXP Benefits? Are they worth it? (Master thd) (link)
For the thread discussing last year's programme, see this archived thread.
List of people's 2018 program year (1 Feb through 31 Jan) offers here. List is current up to post #147
Code:
Status EQM EQD GLD PLT PPR EXP
EXP 94k $17,960 ——————— ——————— ——————————— —————$1,895
PLT 24k $ 1,800 $ 699 $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
PLT 4k $ 1,000 $ 699 $ 1,999 ——————— ———————
EXP 86k $13,538 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,295
EXP 130k $11,940 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 345
PLT 12k $ 1,518 $ 699 $ 1,995 ——————— ———————
EXP 72k $16,000 ——————— ——————— $ 995 ———————
?(#16) 68k $ 9,315 ——————— ——————— $ 1,345 ———————
EXP 108k $11,855 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 225
EXP 101k $10,340 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,795
EXP 100k $10,000 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 2,995
None(#20)18k >$3,000 $ 495 ——————— ——————— ———————
GLD 46k $ 4,451 ——————— $ 1,865 ——————— ———————
PLT 34k $ 4,500 ——————— $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
???(#25) 66k $10,500 ——————— ——————— $ 1,345 ———————
PLT 26k $ 6,900 ——————— $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
PLT 46k $ 4,382 ——————— $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
EXP 10k $ 858 $ 699 $ 1,995 ——————— ———————
PLT 30k $ 2,264 $ 699 $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
PLT 58k $17,000 ——————— ——————— $ 1,945 ———————
PLT 19k $ 6,500 $ 500 $ 1,995 ——————— ———————
EXP 40k $ 5,383 ——————— $ 1,295 ——————— ———————
EXP 88k $ 8,000 ——————— ——————— $ 1,135 $ 4,155
EXP 102k $11,513 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 765
EXP 90k $14,361 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,795
PLT 45k $12,246 ——————— $ 695 ——————— ———————
GLD 19k $ 5,011 $ 495 ——————— ——————— ———————
???(#37)<80k $ 9,100 ——————— ——————— ——————— ———————
EXP 44.6k $ 2,230 $ 699 $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
EXP 93k $23,000 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,795
PPR 92k $13,000 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,795
EXP 45.5k $ 1,656 ——————— $ 1,479 ——————— ———————
PLT 63k $ 6,328 ——————— ——————— $ 2,885 ———————
None 14k $ 964 $ 2,215 ——————— ——————— ———————
PLT 65.7k $10,800 ——————— ——————— $ 1,345 ———————
PLT 42.4k $ 8,639 ——————— $ 1,075 ——————— ———————
PLT 44.9k $ 5,577 ——————— $ 995 ——————— ———————
EXP 57k $ 4,200 ——————— $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
PLT 40.6k $ 5,832 ——————— $ 995 ——————— ———————
PLT 40.5k $ 5,843 ——————— $ 895 ——————— ———————
EXP 84.6k $12,460 ——————— ——————— ——————— ———————
EXP 95.8k $11,679 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,395
PPR 81k $11,465 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 735
EXP 116k $11,870 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 225
EXP 90.6k $14,361 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,798
EXP 22k $ 1,100 $ 699 $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
EXP 92.5k $11,986 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,895
EXP 61k $ 8,800 ——————— ——————— $ 1,745 ———————
PPR 97k $20,000 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,295
EXP ~124k $11,296 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 935
EXP 94.8k $11,543 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,895
EXP 97.4k $14,228 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,295
PLT 73.6k $ 8,832 ——————— ——————— $ 995 ———————
EXP 98.4k $13,600 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,295
EXP 91.5k $11,660 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,895
PLT?(#80)62.6k $ 7,707 ——————— ——————— $ 1,645 ———————
EXP?(#81)99.9k $16,603 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,395
PLT 21k $ 1,500 $ 699 $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
PPR 93.3k $19,775 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,795
PLT 26.3k $ 4,172 ——————— $ 1,479 ——————— ———————
PLT 17k $ 2,221 $ 699 $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
EXP 88k $14,500 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 2,500
PLT 2k $ 230 ——————— $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
PLT 0 $ 0 $ 699 $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
GLD 72.3k $10,735 ——————— ——————— $ 995 ———————
PLT 75.9k $ 9,854 ——————— ——————— ——————— ———————
EXP 69.5k $ 9,950 ——————— ——————— $ 1,645 ———————
EXP 41.6k $ 8,077 ——————— $ 995 ——————— ———————
PLT 60.2k $ 8,200 ——————— ——————— $ 1,656 ———————
EXP 57.4k $ 6,067 ——————— $ 265 ——————— ———————
EXP 57k $ 6,000 ——————— ——————— $ 1,760 ———————
EXP 120k $10,500 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,850
EXP?(#100) 84.8k $13,025 ——————— ——————— ——————— ———————
EXP 99.9k $ 9,218 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 2,899
PPR 85k $ 9,200 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 2,985
PLT 36.2k $ 7,636 ——————— $ 1,295 ——————— ———————
GLD 44.7k $ 5,541 ——————— $ 895 ——————— ———————
PLT 46.5k $12,500 ——————— $ 650 ——————— ———————
PLT 43.1k $10,531 ——————— ——————— ——————— ———————
GLD 33.4k $ 4,966 ——————— $ 1,495 ——————— ———————
GLD 0 $ 0 $ 699 ——————— ——————— ———————
PPR 79.5k $19,295 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 3,575
GLD 39.6k $ 7,616 ——————— $ 1,195 ——————— ———————
None 35.1k $ 2,180 $ 995 ——————— ——————— ———————
PLT 25.2k $ 3,478 ——————— $ 1,479 ——————— ———————
EXP 99.5k $16,323 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,395
PLT 30k $ 4,988 ——————— $ 1,295 ——————— ———————
GLD 11k $ 1,652 $ 699 ——————— ——————— ———————
PLT 45.7k $12,250 ——————— $ 695 ——————— ———————
GLD 18.7k $ 5,000 $ 495 ——————— ——————— ———————
PLT 40.3k $ 3,050 ——————— $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
PLT 0 $ 0 ——————— ——————— $ 1,479 ———————
PPR 86k $21,500 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 2,495
EXP 92.3k $10,400 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,895
GLD ~9k ~$ 1,000 $ 699 ——————— ——————— ———————
EXP 99.4k >$14,000 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,299
EXP 95.5k $17,779 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 1,395
PLT 21k $ 2,200 $ 699 $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
EXP 115k $11,961 ——————— ——————— ——————— $ 225
EXP 53k $15,000 ——————— ——————— $ 1,765 ———————
EXP 30.5k $5,714 —————— $ 1,299 ——————— ———————
Program Year 2018 Elite Status Buy back / Buyback / Renew / Boost (master thd) .
#61
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Minneapolis
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, GlobalEntry, Admirals Club, United Club
Posts: 1,639
After several years as EXP MM, I have pretty much abandoned the idea of earning AA status (above the lifetime Gold) due to the EQD requirement.
Current status: EXP
EQD: $1,656
EQM: 45,572
EQS: 20
As of today, my offer is as follows:
AAdvantage Platinum: $1,479.00
I don't plan to go for this, because I'd rather spend it (as a free agent) on airfare.
Current status: EXP
EQD: $1,656
EQM: 45,572
EQS: 20
As of today, my offer is as follows:
AAdvantage Platinum: $1,479.00
I don't plan to go for this, because I'd rather spend it (as a free agent) on airfare.
Current Status: EXP
EQD: $1,1xx
EQM: 22,xxx (but 10k from Citi AA card)
EQS: 8
No travel planned on AA for the rest of the year, but with 4 SWUs, may decide to fly AA for our EOY trip to Asia.
Offers: Gold $699
Plat $1,299
#62
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA "mid tier" elite | Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador | Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 9,547
After several years as EXP MM, I have pretty much abandoned the idea of earning AA status (above the lifetime Gold) due to the EQD requirement.
Current status: EXP
EQD: $1,656
EQM: 45,572
EQS: 20
As of today, my offer is as follows:
AAdvantage Platinum: $1,479.00
I don't plan to go for this, because I'd rather spend it (as a free agent) on airfare.
Current status: EXP
EQD: $1,656
EQM: 45,572
EQS: 20
As of today, my offer is as follows:
AAdvantage Platinum: $1,479.00
I don't plan to go for this, because I'd rather spend it (as a free agent) on airfare.

#64
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA "mid tier" elite | Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador | Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 9,547
Why?
I either spend 130 USD (more as taxes don't count) and spend time on an MR.... or I pay 225 USD to get there.
IMO, this makes perfect sense and it is smartly priced. For us FTers we would rather fly and go somewhere, but to the average business traveler, 95 USD more to not have to travel is a good deal.
I either spend 130 USD (more as taxes don't count) and spend time on an MR.... or I pay 225 USD to get there.
IMO, this makes perfect sense and it is smartly priced. For us FTers we would rather fly and go somewhere, but to the average business traveler, 95 USD more to not have to travel is a good deal.
#65
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago O'Hare
Programs: AA EXP, LT PLT 2.6MM, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 678
That's a bummer but I have seen no evidence that the offer takes into account "booked" (but not completed) travel. After all -- one could easily trick it. I'm in same boat but w/higher EQM and expect to requal based on upcoming trav.
Was surprised to receive the offer so early. In past years, I've gotten it in early Dec -- but only when I was over 90K EQM. Could that be the thresh hold for who gets EXP? There's got to be a minimum cut off.
Sounds like a mileage run is in order for you...!
Was surprised to receive the offer so early. In past years, I've gotten it in early Dec -- but only when I was over 90K EQM. Could that be the thresh hold for who gets EXP? There's got to be a minimum cut off.
Sounds like a mileage run is in order for you...!

#66
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New Orleans
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 654
Now EXP
$8800+ EQD
61k- EQM
Offer to PPro: $ 1,745
Been EXP for several years, but it's not worth pursuing.
Have enuf travel booked thru Dec to essentially make PPro, tho may have to take one more baby trip to ensure I'll not have to take such a "deal".
BA, and Premium Economy, out of New Orleans or just Kayaking for best flight that suits my needs likely my game plan next and future years.
$8800+ EQD
61k- EQM
Offer to PPro: $ 1,745
Been EXP for several years, but it's not worth pursuing.
Have enuf travel booked thru Dec to essentially make PPro, tho may have to take one more baby trip to ensure I'll not have to take such a "deal".
BA, and Premium Economy, out of New Orleans or just Kayaking for best flight that suits my needs likely my game plan next and future years.
#68
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: DFW
Posts: 268
Current PP
EQD 20K
EQM 97K
Offer in email today was $1295
Return on Saturday LHR-DFW.
Let me think about it.
Seriously though wonder who in marketing explained the scenario to the coders to come up with the wonky algorithm they use to determine each offer.
EQD 20K
EQM 97K
Offer in email today was $1295
Return on Saturday LHR-DFW.
Let me think about it.
Seriously though wonder who in marketing explained the scenario to the coders to come up with the wonky algorithm they use to determine each offer.

#69
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 138
1) Buy Gold 495
2) Platinum challenge 520 -- plus 12.5k miles and 2k EQD (3 months)
3) Add one mileage run/trip for 2017 and should get me to Gold for year
4) None of the above
Leaning towards #2 .
If there was a Platinum buy up option for $750 or so, I'd definitely take that.
#70
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Tampa, Florida
Programs: AA=EXP, former DL Platinum
Posts: 238
I'm EXP and have been for a decade plus. Currently have 123,996 EQM and 11,296 EQD. Offered $935 buy back, so $231 more than I need to spend actually flying.
Not sure if I have any more trips. But I think I'll make sure I sure to travel again, hopefully hit 150,000 EQM AND the 12,000 EQD targets. But I would definitely pay $935 rather than drop a status level.
Interestingly, I've spent nothing like $11,296 on travel. I've done two BA Premium Economy trips to Africa this year which have yielded tons of redeemable miles and way more EQD than I spent.
Not sure if I have any more trips. But I think I'll make sure I sure to travel again, hopefully hit 150,000 EQM AND the 12,000 EQD targets. But I would definitely pay $935 rather than drop a status level.
Interestingly, I've spent nothing like $11,296 on travel. I've done two BA Premium Economy trips to Africa this year which have yielded tons of redeemable miles and way more EQD than I spent.
#71
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 494
I got an offer for 1795 to upgrade to plat pro right as I landed in hkg on a flight that put me well above what I needed for plat pro. I was not that far off on miles but way behind on dollars like 3400 needed. I wonder if I will land back in the us to my exec plat offer or if they are being stingy with that offer. i have plenty of travel to hit exec plat so more curious than anything else.
#72
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: A few here and there
Posts: 206
Heh, this thread makes me feel better. I'm so glad they selected this benefit just for me.
2017
EQD: $11,543
EQM: 94,794
My offer: $1,895 to maintain my EXP status. I have 5 transcons booked between now and the end of November. One would think that they would look at upcoming travel patterns and ticket cost. I could do a R/T in J for less than the cost of status.
2017
EQD: $11,543
EQM: 94,794
My offer: $1,895 to maintain my EXP status. I have 5 transcons booked between now and the end of November. One would think that they would look at upcoming travel patterns and ticket cost. I could do a R/T in J for less than the cost of status.
#73
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 194
I'm EXP and have been for a decade plus. Currently have 123,996 EQM and 11,296 EQD. Offered $935 buy back, so $231 more than I need to spend actually flying.
Not sure if I have any more trips. But I think I'll make sure I sure to travel again, hopefully hit 150,000 EQM AND the 12,000 EQD targets. But I would definitely pay $935 rather than drop a status level.
Interestingly, I've spent nothing like $11,296 on travel. I've done two BA Premium Economy trips to Africa this year which have yielded tons of redeemable miles and way more EQD than I spent.
Not sure if I have any more trips. But I think I'll make sure I sure to travel again, hopefully hit 150,000 EQM AND the 12,000 EQD targets. But I would definitely pay $935 rather than drop a status level.
Interestingly, I've spent nothing like $11,296 on travel. I've done two BA Premium Economy trips to Africa this year which have yielded tons of redeemable miles and way more EQD than I spent.
#74
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: AA Plat Pro, Marriott Plat, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 739
Been Plat for 2 years now, and got my 2018 Plat card in the mail yesterday.
I'm currently sitting at 73,597 EQM and 8,832 EQD. My offer was $995 to boost to Plat Pro. Yeah, right.
My Thanksgiving trip will take me just barely over the PP thresholds to 75,975 EQM and 9,002 EQD, so I'm going to pass on this generous offer to boost my status.
I'm currently sitting at 73,597 EQM and 8,832 EQD. My offer was $995 to boost to Plat Pro. Yeah, right.
My Thanksgiving trip will take me just barely over the PP thresholds to 75,975 EQM and 9,002 EQD, so I'm going to pass on this generous offer to boost my status.
#75
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: SNA/LAX, PHL
Programs: AA Gold, AS MVP, WN A-List, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Exp, Hertz PC
Posts: 449