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 27, 2014, 7:19 am
#256
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
I am baaaaack! Albeit with more questions 
Since, I will not be able to do 100K EQMs by year's end I would like to wait and do the match in mid-June. Or is it possible for me to ask them to "start" the match/challenge on the date of my first booked trip on AA [June 28]?
I want to book three trips in Paid F/J, but I don't want to book them and wound up being matched up to years' end or not matched at all. This is why I would like to submit my documents now, get some assurance [as in I have been matched and what I need to do to qualify for "permanent status"] and start booking my trips on AA.
Since, I will not be able to do 100K EQMs by year's end I would like to wait and do the match in mid-June. Or is it possible for me to ask them to "start" the match/challenge on the date of my first booked trip on AA [June 28]?
I want to book three trips in Paid F/J, but I don't want to book them and wound up being matched up to years' end or not matched at all. This is why I would like to submit my documents now, get some assurance [as in I have been matched and what I need to do to qualify for "permanent status"] and start booking my trips on AA.
May 27, 2014, 10:14 am
#257
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: AA PLT, DL GM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 241
I am baaaaack! Albeit with more questions
Since, I will not be able to do 100K EQMs by year's end I would like to wait and do the match in mid-June. Or is it possible for me to ask them to "start" the match/challenge on the date of my first booked trip on AA [June 28]?
I want to book three trips in Paid F/J, but I don't want to book them and wound up being matched up to years' end or not matched at all. This is why I would like to submit my documents now, get some assurance [as in I have been matched and what I need to do to qualify for "permanent status"] and start booking my trips on AA.
Since, I will not be able to do 100K EQMs by year's end I would like to wait and do the match in mid-June. Or is it possible for me to ask them to "start" the match/challenge on the date of my first booked trip on AA [June 28]?
I want to book three trips in Paid F/J, but I don't want to book them and wound up being matched up to years' end or not matched at all. This is why I would like to submit my documents now, get some assurance [as in I have been matched and what I need to do to qualify for "permanent status"] and start booking my trips on AA.
May 27, 2014, 10:37 am
#258
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
I really wish they were a little more "clear" on the program, but then again the EXP challenge/match is on a case-by-case basis. When I called the woman did not know anything and said the documentations request email is the only thing she knows about the matching program for EXP.
May 28, 2014, 8:33 am
#259
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
Spoke with AA today. For EXP they will NOT let you do the challenge and get status through Feb 2016, even if you start the challenge after June 16. All EXP status obtained through the challenge will end on Feb 28, 2015 unless you fly over 100K by years end.
For Platinum and Gold Challenges, you can wait until June 15 to start and keep your status through Feb 2016 if you meet the respective 10,000 and 5,000 point requirements.
This sucks. I can't really do 100K in just 6 months.
For Platinum and Gold Challenges, you can wait until June 15 to start and keep your status through Feb 2016 if you meet the respective 10,000 and 5,000 point requirements.
This sucks. I can't really do 100K in just 6 months.
May 28, 2014, 8:53 am
#260
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Spoke with AA today. For EXP they will NOT let you do the challenge and get status through Feb 2016, even if you start the challenge after June 16. All EXP status obtained through the challenge will end on Feb 28, 2015 unless you fly over 100K by years end.
For Platinum and Gold Challenges, you can wait until June 15 to start and keep your status through Feb 2016 if you meet the respective 10,000 and 5,000 point requirements.
This sucks. I can't really do 100K in just 6 months.
For Platinum and Gold Challenges, you can wait until June 15 to start and keep your status through Feb 2016 if you meet the respective 10,000 and 5,000 point requirements.
This sucks. I can't really do 100K in just 6 months.
Depending on your motives to gain status on AA, perhaps the Plat Challenge would be better for you since said status lasts longer? You mentioned you're looking for 3 trips in oaid F/J; with Plat status, you'd still get the 100% mileage bonus.
May 28, 2014, 9:05 am
#261
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
Perhaps they're trying to limit the EXP Challenge (and the perks that go with being an EXP) to those who will spend a notable amount of time flying AA and their partners?
Depending on your motives to gain status on AA, perhaps the Plat Challenge would be better for you since said status lasts longer? You mentioned you're looking for 3 trips in oaid F/J; with Plat status, you'd still get the 100% mileage bonus.
Depending on your motives to gain status on AA, perhaps the Plat Challenge would be better for you since said status lasts longer? You mentioned you're looking for 3 trips in oaid F/J; with Plat status, you'd still get the 100% mileage bonus.
And I will spend a lot of time on AA planes, 50K in 6 months is roughly the same as someone who flies 100K in 12 months IMO. And, I do expect to do 100K in 2015. I'd even be willing to give up the SWUs just to keep EXP or heck even first class lounge access...
May 28, 2014, 8:15 pm
#262
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 193
status challenge
Hi,
i'm flying from DFW to India and was thinking of doing a status challenge to get the platinum. Does AA still offer that? i know they have in the past
In most years i get close to/or obtain gold, but this one long trip in Business Class will mean i will rack up some serious points in a short period of time.
Thanks.
i'm flying from DFW to India and was thinking of doing a status challenge to get the platinum. Does AA still offer that? i know they have in the past
In most years i get close to/or obtain gold, but this one long trip in Business Class will mean i will rack up some serious points in a short period of time.
Thanks.
May 28, 2014, 8:17 pm
#263
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
The easiest way to find the thread with the information you want is to use Advanced Search, search titles only, results as threads, using the keyword challenge.
Another easy way is to check the "sticky" FAQ thread, which will link to resources about the Challenge.
I'll do that and merge your query there.
/Moderator
Another easy way is to check the "sticky" FAQ thread, which will link to resources about the Challenge.
I'll do that and merge your query there.
/Moderator
May 29, 2014, 6:44 am
#264
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
Hi,
i'm flying from DFW to India and was thinking of doing a status challenge to get the platinum. Does AA still offer that? i know they have in the past
In most years i get close to/or obtain gold, but this one long trip in Business Class will mean i will rack up some serious points in a short period of time.
Thanks.
i'm flying from DFW to India and was thinking of doing a status challenge to get the platinum. Does AA still offer that? i know they have in the past
In most years i get close to/or obtain gold, but this one long trip in Business Class will mean i will rack up some serious points in a short period of time.
Thanks.
May 29, 2014, 8:16 am
#265
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
Perhaps, if I do Platinum challenge instead, I will have to pay the fee and I expect Platinum status to be severely diluted once they combine programs since US Airways has a 75K tier.
And I will spend a lot of time on AA planes, 50K in 6 months is roughly the same as someone who flies 100K in 12 months IMO. And, I do expect to do 100K in 2015. I'd even be willing to give up the SWUs just to keep EXP or heck even first class lounge access...
And I will spend a lot of time on AA planes, 50K in 6 months is roughly the same as someone who flies 100K in 12 months IMO. And, I do expect to do 100K in 2015. I'd even be willing to give up the SWUs just to keep EXP or heck even first class lounge access...
How much can oneworld Sapphire be devalued? You'll still get Business lounge access, etc etc.
May 29, 2014, 9:20 am
#266
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
Mid-tiers usually get the most beating during mergers (DL diluted Platinum, UA did the same for Golds/1Ps).
This notice about not being able to get EXP thru 2/16 via challenge made me question whether it is worth dropping F/J fares on AA when I can fly in coach and do more flying to not only meet the 25K EQP requirement, but makes it easier to breeze past 50K EQM mark for Platinum. Kind of defeats the purpose of EQP in a challenge for those who does it in the second half of the year. I already booked a ticket in A/I, but I am holding back the rest to assess whether it really makes sense to pay 2-3x more per trip.
May 29, 2014, 6:49 pm
#267
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 193
don't mind the extra year of platinum at all... only been gold once or twice.
May 29, 2014, 6:52 pm
#268
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: AA PLT, DL GM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 241
FYI, the instant match to gold (for those doing a PLT challenge) is still alive and well. I had a lot of nonrefundable travel booked (more than enough to fulfill the challenge), and they were able to instantly upgrade me to gold even before my challenge starts.
May 31, 2014, 1:41 pm
#269
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Sydney
Programs: SPG Plt, AA Exec Plt
Posts: 206
Platinum challenge / opening hours of customer service
I am attempting to register for platinum challenge, 2 flights today (31st may), but as the customer service is closed on weekends I cannot register. I understand that if I call on Monday that the flights cannot be backdated due to the 1st June cutoff. Does anyone think that AA will still allow these flights to be credited?
Thanks
Thanks
May 31, 2014, 2:49 pm
#270
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Seat 1L these days :)
Programs: AF Platinum/AY LUMO/SK EBG/baEC S/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG plat
Posts: 7,965
If your currently aa Platinum as your profile states then you cannot sign up for a platinum challenge anyway.