Mar 21, 2013, 3:13 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
HELP DESK: AAdvantage Elite Status Challenge (Gold and Platinum)
Challenges may no longer be enrolled in as of 6 Oct; hard end date 23 Dec 2015 -
but some reporting success 6 Oct backdating to 23 Sep by supervisors
This is the archived thread about the now defunct AAdvantage elite Gold and Platinum status challenge. The current thread can be read here.
Challenges may no longer be enrolled in as of 6 Oct; hard end date 23 Dec 2015 -
but some reporting success 6 Oct backdating to 23 Sep by supervisors
This is the archived thread about the now defunct AAdvantage elite Gold and Platinum status challenge. The current thread can be read here.
NOTE: Challenges were closed off September 23 2015, at least for the remainder of 2015 - some have succeeded in enrolling and backdating to 23 Sep.
It is possible a new, remodeled challenge will be announced in or for 2016. That discussion is here: Original Gold / Platinum Challenge Ended 23 Sep '15. New program to come?
This thread is now dedicated to requests for assistance and responses to clarify challenge requirements for those members currently engaged in challenges and related issues. To discuss the potential and form of any future challenge, please use the link provided above.
NOTE: The rules for the Challenge at the time of closure are preserved below. The date by which the last person would have completed this challenge would be 23 December 2015.
It is possible a new, remodeled challenge will be announced in or for 2016. That discussion is here: Original Gold / Platinum Challenge Ended 23 Sep '15. New program to come?
This thread is now dedicated to requests for assistance and responses to clarify challenge requirements for those members currently engaged in challenges and related issues. To discuss the potential and form of any future challenge, please use the link provided above.
NOTE: The rules for the Challenge at the time of closure are preserved below. The date by which the last person would have completed this challenge would be 23 December 2015.
Note: The four AA segment minimum required for regular status qualification does not apply to completing the challenge.
Class of service, status or other bonus miles are redeemable miles and thus do not count for the challenge. Class of service is the reigning factor in calculating the points earned per mile flown: the base points per mile charts for the various fare buckets on qualifying airlines are here.
Note: The "Reach elite status faster" promotion awarding 2 or even 3 EQ Points per mile for flying premium fares through 2015 does not apply to the challenge; challenge flyers will only have a maximum of 1.5 base EQP per base EQ Mile considered for challenge-earned status. The extra points are considered bonus points and are only applicable for earning "normal", non-challenge status.
Though one earned status bonus miles on the qualifying flight at one time, that is no longer possible. Status bonus miles will accrue on the next eligible flight after your status qualifying flight.
Also see (FT) Help Understanding Status, Points / Miles & Segments: EQM vs EQP (merged thread) for further assistance with the miles-EQMiles-points issue.
For miles calculations, many use the Great Circle Mapper tool
*for Platinum, Jan-Jun $200, Jul - Dec $240 - presumably for the max nine months of status vs. the max of 20 months $240 of status. Occasionally, there are "sales" reductions; they seem to be about 10%.
Challenges begun before June 16 of a given year earn status for the remainder of that year and the first two months of the following year (8-14 months total); challenges begun on or after June 16 grant status for the remainder of that year, the following year, and the first two months of the year after (14-20 months total). Challenges can begin anytime (not previously the case) and can even be backdated up to two weeks as far as we know (as of Nov 2013).
To sign up for a challenge, call AAdvantage Customer Service at +1-800-882-8880.
Link to cyclingpilot post about being granted a back-dated challenge (2 weeks)
You cannot use a challenge to requalify for status. There is no longer a "soft landing" to the next lower level of status. The flight on which the challenge is completed no longer earns the redeemable miles bonus for the new status level.
Some have been granted Gold status whilst flying a Platinum challenge, particularly those with current elite status (any level) on an airline of a competing alliance, but this is not a given.
Based on multiple reports from FT members, as of mid-2015 AA is only allowing one status challenge over a five year period.
August 2014 e-mail received by a Challenger, shared by ashill:
Thank you for registering for an AAdvantage® challenge.
To enjoy AAdvantage PLATINUM status through February 2016, please earn 10,000 elite qualifying points between now and [redacted]. Qualifying flights on American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection®, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, US Airways and their eligible codeshare flights count toward your challenge.
Since the number of elite qualifying points you earn is based on the fare you purchase and the miles you earn, you can view these details for each airline:We wish you every success in attaining the elite status level you desire.
Sincerely,
Janet L F[redacted]
Director
AAdvantage Customer Service
Thank you for registering for an AAdvantage® challenge.
To enjoy AAdvantage PLATINUM status through February 2016, please earn 10,000 elite qualifying points between now and [redacted]. Qualifying flights on American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection®, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, US Airways and their eligible codeshare flights count toward your challenge.
Since the number of elite qualifying points you earn is based on the fare you purchase and the miles you earn, you can view these details for each airline:We wish you every success in attaining the elite status level you desire.
Sincerely,
Janet L F[redacted]
Director
AAdvantage Customer Service
ARCHIVE: HELP DESK: AA Elite Status Challenge (CLOSED: "hard end" 23 Dec 2015)
May 8, 2014, 11:08 am
#241
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Marriott LT Platinum/Ambassador
Posts: 31
I just signed up for a Platinum challenge. Cost was $180. They back-dated it to 4/27 to capture my flights last week. The rep initially said they cannot offer Gold status during the challenge, but put me on hold after I requested to speak with a manager, then came back and said they could make an exception.
Thanks to all who have provided great information here about this process.
Thanks to all who have provided great information here about this process.
May 8, 2014, 5:07 pm
#242
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 315
Called Customer Service today and asked to upgrade my gold challenge to plat because I've earned 11k EQP. CSR charged me $125 fee and processed my request. Now my account shows Platinum
May 10, 2014, 8:13 pm
#243
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 2
AA elite challenges??
Hi,
I will be travelling from the US to Europe 3 times in 9 months.
-Aug 2014 (US->Europe)
-September 2014 (Europe-US)
-October 2014 (US->Europe)
-December 2014 (Europe-US)
-December 2014 (US->Europe)
-March 2015 (Europe-US)
Instead of using reward miles, I plan to earn them...and a lot of them.
Rough calculations show that I will earn about 30,000 miles for these trips. I would like to earn platinum status, but might fall short. I have heard in the past that AA has set up 'an elite challenges' where you pay to reduce the number of miles required for a status upgrade, but you must earn the points in a limited amount of time. (eg-http://www.flyerguide.com/Challenge_(AA)).
Does AA have anything ongoing similar to this program?
Any other recommendations to maximize my earnings for these trips?
I will be travelling from the US to Europe 3 times in 9 months.
-Aug 2014 (US->Europe)
-September 2014 (Europe-US)
-October 2014 (US->Europe)
-December 2014 (Europe-US)
-December 2014 (US->Europe)
-March 2015 (Europe-US)
Instead of using reward miles, I plan to earn them...and a lot of them.
Rough calculations show that I will earn about 30,000 miles for these trips. I would like to earn platinum status, but might fall short. I have heard in the past that AA has set up 'an elite challenges' where you pay to reduce the number of miles required for a status upgrade, but you must earn the points in a limited amount of time. (eg-http://www.flyerguide.com/Challenge_(AA)).
Does AA have anything ongoing similar to this program?
Any other recommendations to maximize my earnings for these trips?
May 11, 2014, 1:06 am
#244
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
Rough calculations show that I will earn about 30,000 miles for these trips. I would like to earn platinum status, but might fall short. I have heard in the past that AA has set up 'an elite challenges' where you pay to reduce the number of miles required for a status upgrade, but you must earn the points in a limited amount of time. (eg-http://www.flyerguide.com/Challenge_(AA)).
Does AA have anything ongoing similar to this program?
Any other recommendations to maximize my earnings for these trips?
Does AA have anything ongoing similar to this program?
Any other recommendations to maximize my earnings for these trips?
What you're looking to do is related to the American Airlines AAdvantage programme. As AAdvantage is still operating as a distinct programme from that of US Airways, this question is being moved over to the relevant thread in the pre-merger American Airlines forum.
Please note the sticky at the top of the consolidated thread which is titled Welcome to the New American Airlines Forum! PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING. With all of the changes about, it is important to know where to post, and reading that thread before posting (as the title suggests
) will help get you in the right place.~Moderator
May 11, 2014, 9:20 am
#245
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: CUR
Posts: 2,170
Hi,
I will be travelling from the US to Europe 3 times in 9 months.
-Aug 2014 (US->Europe)
-September 2014 (Europe-US)
-October 2014 (US->Europe)
-December 2014 (Europe-US)
-December 2014 (US->Europe)
-March 2015 (Europe-US)
Instead of using reward miles, I plan to earn them...and a lot of them.
Rough calculations show that I will earn about 30,000 miles for these trips. I would like to earn platinum status, but might fall short. I have heard in the past that AA has set up 'an elite challenges' where you pay to reduce the number of miles required for a status upgrade, but you must earn the points in a limited amount of time. (eg-http://www.flyerguide.com/Challenge_(AA)).
Does AA have anything ongoing similar to this program?
Any other recommendations to maximize my earnings for these trips?
I will be travelling from the US to Europe 3 times in 9 months.
-Aug 2014 (US->Europe)
-September 2014 (Europe-US)
-October 2014 (US->Europe)
-December 2014 (Europe-US)
-December 2014 (US->Europe)
-March 2015 (Europe-US)
Instead of using reward miles, I plan to earn them...and a lot of them.
Rough calculations show that I will earn about 30,000 miles for these trips. I would like to earn platinum status, but might fall short. I have heard in the past that AA has set up 'an elite challenges' where you pay to reduce the number of miles required for a status upgrade, but you must earn the points in a limited amount of time. (eg-http://www.flyerguide.com/Challenge_(AA)).
Does AA have anything ongoing similar to this program?
Any other recommendations to maximize my earnings for these trips?
Basically, to get platinum status, you would need to earn 10.000 points (not miles) within a 3 months period. I would do it as early as possible so August through October. Looking at the schedule you posted that would be 3 one-ways.
Points (or EQP's) are a percentage of the elite qualifying miles (EQM's), ranginf from 50% (0.5) for deep discount fares, 100% (1.0) for discount fares and 150% (1.5) for full fare and premium classes.
So if you're flying on deep discount fares, you'd have to fly 20.000 miles (6667mi each direction) which is quite unlikely on a US-EU trip, so you would have to have at least some of the flights in a higher fare class.
Assuming you did this, you'd have status for at least the last 3 trips. The status would be valid till Feb 28 2016.
Keep in mind that the earning period for status (through the normal way, not through the challenge) is from Jan 1 till Dec 31, so that last flight would count for the following year's elite status.
May 11, 2014, 9:10 pm
#246
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 2
It really depends where you're flying from, and to. LAX-LHR-LIS is twice as far as JFK-DUB, yet both are US-EU.
Basically, to get platinum status, you would need to earn 10.000 points (not miles) within a 3 months period. I would do it as early as possible so August through October. Looking at the schedule you posted that would be 3 one-ways.
Points (or EQP's) are a percentage of the elite qualifying miles (EQM's), ranginf from 50% (0.5) for deep discount fares, 100% (1.0) for discount fares and 150% (1.5) for full fare and premium classes.
So if you're flying on deep discount fares, you'd have to fly 20.000 miles (6667mi each direction) which is quite unlikely on a US-EU trip, so you would have to have at least some of the flights in a higher fare class.
Assuming you did this, you'd have status for at least the last 3 trips. The status would be valid till Feb 28 2016.
Keep in mind that the earning period for status (through the normal way, not through the challenge) is from Jan 1 till Dec 31, so that last flight would count for the following year's elite status.
Basically, to get platinum status, you would need to earn 10.000 points (not miles) within a 3 months period. I would do it as early as possible so August through October. Looking at the schedule you posted that would be 3 one-ways.
Points (or EQP's) are a percentage of the elite qualifying miles (EQM's), ranginf from 50% (0.5) for deep discount fares, 100% (1.0) for discount fares and 150% (1.5) for full fare and premium classes.
So if you're flying on deep discount fares, you'd have to fly 20.000 miles (6667mi each direction) which is quite unlikely on a US-EU trip, so you would have to have at least some of the flights in a higher fare class.
Assuming you did this, you'd have status for at least the last 3 trips. The status would be valid till Feb 28 2016.
Keep in mind that the earning period for status (through the normal way, not through the challenge) is from Jan 1 till Dec 31, so that last flight would count for the following year's elite status.
Thank you for the help! Are there any other ways to earn points besides flying?
I ran some rough mileage calculations and every trip to or from Europe will only be 5,000 miles, and for my budget that's 2,500 points. All of this flying is just by circumstance, so I don't see as eventful of a 2015. I could take the gold challenge and have that completed by my third flight or the platinum and have it completed by the fifth. Either way, I only guarantee myself to have one flight in 2015. Would 5,000+ miles and the perks of platinum versus gold worth it?
May 11, 2014, 11:37 pm
#247
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 530
Well I paid $180 for AA Plat challenge. Three CX flights and 12k EQP later, I'm still Gold. Anyone know why?
May 12, 2014, 4:28 am
#248
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,467
CX flights don't count for the challenge, that's why.
By "CX flights" I mean CX-marketed flights, in other words flights that have a CX flight number
If you flew the AA codeshares on CX planes, in other words flights with AA flight numbers, then those flights do count for the challenge
May 14, 2014, 12:39 pm
#249
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: BOS
Programs: Delta Platinum, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 308
I never got an email response, go figure. :\
In any case, I just called and the agent said challenges can now begin any day of the month (1st and 16th are the old rules, apparently). Also, the agent didn't seem aware of the June 16th cutoff - citing the calendar year as the cutoff point instead. I might call back later and ask for a second opinion on this.
In any case, I just called and the agent said challenges can now begin any day of the month (1st and 16th are the old rules, apparently). Also, the agent didn't seem aware of the June 16th cutoff - citing the calendar year as the cutoff point instead. I might call back later and ask for a second opinion on this.
May 15, 2014, 4:26 pm
#250
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: BOS
Programs: Delta Platinum, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 308
Update: Agent confirmed that Finnair flights qualify for the challenge (she was reading off a list, so I presume this should be accurate). Furthermore, flights qualify for the challenge based on departure date. She also confirmed the June 16th cutoff as described in the Wiki.
May 21, 2014, 6:41 am
#251
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
Two weeks ago I signed up for the Exec Plat challenge.
In the email sent to me to request documentation to prove my eligibility, they specifically said not to send in the info until I was ready to start. It said the challenge would start as soon as I was processed and approved. Indeed, my status was upgraded the next day and a follow-up email gave 90 days from that date as my deadline.
In the email sent to me to request documentation to prove my eligibility, they specifically said not to send in the info until I was ready to start. It said the challenge would start as soon as I was processed and approved. Indeed, my status was upgraded the next day and a follow-up email gave 90 days from that date as my deadline.
I am not clear if they will match me directly or expect me to complete a challenge, either way works really, but less headache for me if I don't have to think about meeting an EQP threshold.
May 21, 2014, 7:30 am
#252
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,586
I am curious, for the EXP challenge, what is the EQP requirement [assuming EQP/Segments do not mean squat as found in the Gold/Platinum challenge]?
I am not clear if they will match me directly or expect me to complete a challenge, either way works really, but less headache for me if I don't have to think about meeting an EQP threshold.
I am not clear if they will match me directly or expect me to complete a challenge, either way works really, but less headache for me if I don't have to think about meeting an EQP threshold.
I was matched to EXP (with the all the benefits thereof, minus the SWUs) at the start of (and for the duration of) the 90-day period.
May 21, 2014, 9:30 am
#253
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
I'm in the final stages of completing a UA 1K to EXP challenge. It required that I fly 25K EQP in 90 days - EQM/Segments were meaningless.
I was matched to EXP (with the all the benefits thereof, minus the SWUs) at the start of (and for the duration of) the 90-day period.
I was matched to EXP (with the all the benefits thereof, minus the SWUs) at the start of (and for the duration of) the 90-day period.
For the SWUs, they will be deposited upon completion of the challenge or we have to hit 100K miles in a given year to receive those?
May 21, 2014, 12:24 pm
#254
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,586
May 21, 2014, 8:08 pm
#255
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: SEA, TPA
Programs: AA EXP, AS MVPG, FB Gold
Posts: 287
The answer to that is wholly subjective, but I have a hard time figuring out how any status at all would benefit you, if all you plan on flying in 2015 is one itin.