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)
Jan 14, 2014, 9:14 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,962
Jan 15, 2014, 10:26 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 119
How long does it take to become platinum I hit 10k EQP 3 days ago, the points have posted, and I am still Gold, should I call? My challenge ends 03/15, and I have other flights before then. (I am AA Gold currently)
I am thinking of waiting until tomorrow (16th of the month, since it is one of the challenge dates).
Wiki says:
Yet the agent on the phone told me that status would be granted immediately when you hit the points.
Edit: Answer: I called, waited 20 minutes, explained my situation and then I had to hang up when the AAgent put me on hold, so I never got to hear what they would have said, but my status was updated when I checked a few hours later.
It also says:
Is this true, should I call with each of my PNRS to have them changed?
Edit: Answer: You should only call if your PNRS departure dates have started or are soon to start, if they are far off (say May), there is no problem, the system automatically updates you.
I am thinking of waiting until tomorrow (16th of the month, since it is one of the challenge dates).
Wiki says:
In general, status is not conferred during the Challenge.
Edit: Answer: I called, waited 20 minutes, explained my situation and then I had to hang up when the AAgent put me on hold, so I never got to hear what they would have said, but my status was updated when I checked a few hours later.
It also says:
Your new status is not automatically applied to reservations made prior to the completion of a challenge. To apply your new status to reservations made before the completion of your challenge call the Platinum Desk 1-800-843-3000 or Gold Desk 1-800-843-4653 with the Passenger Name Record (PNR) of your scheduled travel.
Edit: Answer: You should only call if your PNRS departure dates have started or are soon to start, if they are far off (say May), there is no problem, the system automatically updates you.
Last edited by macintoshd; Jan 17, 2014 at 11:38 am
Jan 15, 2014, 7:27 pm
#18
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: UA1K, BA GLD
Posts: 227
M****, you deserve AAdvantage Gold
A few days ago I received the following e-mail:
=================== AA =====================
M*****, you deserve AAdvantage Gold
American Airlines AAdvantage Program
Jan 10 at 12:47 PM
To
[email protected]
Your Gold status on the new American is here.
Hello M*****,
AAdvantage® Number: 1234567
AAdvantage® Gold CardElevating your journey is important to us. That's why we're adding an average of one new plane a week to build the most modern fleet among the largest U.S. airlines. To see how we're improving your travel, we're offering you AAdvantage® Gold status through May 31, 2014.
You'll be eligible for elite status benefits including:
25% mileage bonus on eligible flights
Priority check–in and boarding
Two free checked bags
Special upgrade privileges
Complimentary access to Preferred Seats
How about Gold status through February 28, 2015? Simply register, then start flying on American, US Airways or other select airlines* to earn 6,000 elite–qualifying miles or points between January 13 and May 31, 2014. That's all it takes to extend your newfound perks.
As an added bonus, we'll deposit ten 500–mile upgrades into your account just for signing up.
Don't forget to register by January 29, 2014 with promotion code XYZWD.
==================== END =======================
I tried to search on this forum but I could not find any reference to similar e-mails. Has anybody else received something similar? Tried to register? Has anybody received similar offer for higher status than Gold?
I wonder why would they target me? A year and a half ago I failed an EXP challenge (canceled flights, then canceled trip, etc). I tried to extend the challenge then but it was refused. Now this offer is strange because as UA 1K and BA Gold (OneWorld Emerald) I am certainly not interested in AA Gold status (OneWorld Ruby). EXP would be nice with SWU, etc but it is as I understand off-limit for me. I would consider Platinum if instead of doing a challenge and paying $200 I get 10 sticker upgrades for free. After all I would be getting the same 100% millage bonus as EXP and still got most of the OneWorld Emerald benefits with my BA Gold card (except opups on BA). I think I will call AA to find out if they are ready to extend the same offer for Platinum. But before doing so wanted to get some advice here.
P.S. I changed the actual promotion code, but I guess it will be no harm if I give it away in PM.
=================== AA =====================
M*****, you deserve AAdvantage Gold
American Airlines AAdvantage Program
Jan 10 at 12:47 PM
To
[email protected]
Your Gold status on the new American is here.
Hello M*****,
AAdvantage® Number: 1234567
AAdvantage® Gold CardElevating your journey is important to us. That's why we're adding an average of one new plane a week to build the most modern fleet among the largest U.S. airlines. To see how we're improving your travel, we're offering you AAdvantage® Gold status through May 31, 2014.
You'll be eligible for elite status benefits including:
25% mileage bonus on eligible flights
Priority check–in and boarding
Two free checked bags
Special upgrade privileges
Complimentary access to Preferred Seats
How about Gold status through February 28, 2015? Simply register, then start flying on American, US Airways or other select airlines* to earn 6,000 elite–qualifying miles or points between January 13 and May 31, 2014. That's all it takes to extend your newfound perks.
As an added bonus, we'll deposit ten 500–mile upgrades into your account just for signing up.
Don't forget to register by January 29, 2014 with promotion code XYZWD.
==================== END =======================
I tried to search on this forum but I could not find any reference to similar e-mails. Has anybody else received something similar? Tried to register? Has anybody received similar offer for higher status than Gold?
I wonder why would they target me? A year and a half ago I failed an EXP challenge (canceled flights, then canceled trip, etc). I tried to extend the challenge then but it was refused. Now this offer is strange because as UA 1K and BA Gold (OneWorld Emerald) I am certainly not interested in AA Gold status (OneWorld Ruby). EXP would be nice with SWU, etc but it is as I understand off-limit for me. I would consider Platinum if instead of doing a challenge and paying $200 I get 10 sticker upgrades for free. After all I would be getting the same 100% millage bonus as EXP and still got most of the OneWorld Emerald benefits with my BA Gold card (except opups on BA). I think I will call AA to find out if they are ready to extend the same offer for Platinum. But before doing so wanted to get some advice here.
P.S. I changed the actual promotion code, but I guess it will be no harm if I give it away in PM.
Jan 15, 2014, 8:20 pm
#19
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: CUR
Posts: 2,170
I tried to search on this forum but I could not find any reference to similar e-mails. Has anybody else received something similar? Tried to register? Has anybody received similar offer for higher status than Gold?
I wonder why would they target me? A year and a half ago I failed an EXP challenge (canceled flights, then canceled trip, etc). I tried to extend the challenge then but it was refused. Now this offer is strange because as UA 1K and BA Gold (OneWorld Emerald) I am certainly not interested in AA Gold status (OneWorld Ruby). EXP would be nice with SWU, etc but it is as I understand off-limit for me. I would consider Platinum if instead of doing a challenge and paying $200 I get 10 sticker upgrades for free. After all I would be getting the same 100% millage bonus as EXP and still got most of the OneWorld Emerald benefits with my BA Gold card (except opups on BA). I think I will call AA to find out if they are ready to extend the same offer for Platinum. But before doing so wanted to get some advice here.
P.S. I changed the actual promotion code, but I guess it will be no harm if I give it away in PM.
I wonder why would they target me? A year and a half ago I failed an EXP challenge (canceled flights, then canceled trip, etc). I tried to extend the challenge then but it was refused. Now this offer is strange because as UA 1K and BA Gold (OneWorld Emerald) I am certainly not interested in AA Gold status (OneWorld Ruby). EXP would be nice with SWU, etc but it is as I understand off-limit for me. I would consider Platinum if instead of doing a challenge and paying $200 I get 10 sticker upgrades for free. After all I would be getting the same 100% millage bonus as EXP and still got most of the OneWorld Emerald benefits with my BA Gold card (except opups on BA). I think I will call AA to find out if they are ready to extend the same offer for Platinum. But before doing so wanted to get some advice here.
P.S. I changed the actual promotion code, but I guess it will be no harm if I give it away in PM.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ade-hvfp1.html
They're sent out fairly often, seemingly at random.
How did you search by the way? These were found by simply searching "Free gold Status" and "You deserve AAdvantage".
Jan 17, 2014, 12:05 pm
#20
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 14
US Air miles (and bonuses?) count toward challenge?
Has anyone figured out if US Air metal flights count toward challenges (post-January 7)?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Jan 18, 2014, 11:30 am
#21
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: SNA
Posts: 410
I'm booking my first personal trip (i.e. where I get full control of the routing and fare) during my challenge, and I'm trying to figure out the best strategy. I'm looking at doing SNA to NYC (looks like LGA is the best bet) in March. Online, I'm seeing O (0.5 eqp/mi) fares for $330, P (1.5 eqp/mi) fares for $1097 and M (1.0 eqp/mi) fares for $1256. I'm trying to figure out, are these truly all the available price points, or is it possible to get full points for less than $1097? It seems kind of silly, because I could do the trip twice on the O fare for less, and get more points (albeit with more of my time dedicated to it)...
Jan 18, 2014, 12:27 pm
#22
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ozarks
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 86
I'm booking my first personal trip (i.e. where I get full control of the routing and fare) during my challenge, and I'm trying to figure out the best strategy. I'm looking at doing SNA to NYC (looks like LGA is the best bet) in March. Online, I'm seeing O (0.5 eqp/mi) fares for $330, P (1.5 eqp/mi) fares for $1097 and M (1.0 eqp/mi) fares for $1256. I'm trying to figure out, are these truly all the available price points, or is it possible to get full points for less than $1097? It seems kind of silly, because I could do the trip twice on the O fare for less, and get more points (albeit with more of my time dedicated to it)...
Jan 18, 2014, 12:50 pm
#23
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: SNA
Posts: 410
With ITA lookup put in / f bc=v in advanced routing code and that will show the lowest full EQP fare. Book and hold fare in 1/2 point EQP class and then call AA to change class to V and then purchase online. Done this on all my latest bookings results in very reasonable EQP compared to small increase in fare.
Jan 18, 2014, 12:58 pm
#24
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ozarks
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 86
I'm booking my first personal trip (i.e. where I get full control of the routing and fare) during my challenge, and I'm trying to figure out the best strategy. I'm looking at doing SNA to NYC (looks like LGA is the best bet) in March. Online, I'm seeing O (0.5 eqp/mi) fares for $330, P (1.5 eqp/mi) fares for $1097 and M (1.0 eqp/mi) fares for $1256. I'm trying to figure out, are these truly all the available price points, or is it possible to get full points for less than $1097? It seems kind of silly, because I could do the trip twice on the O fare for less, and get more points (albeit with more of my time dedicated to it)...
SNA or nearby - NYC =4882EQM or 2441 O class fare $330
SNA or nearby - Phx =1000EQM or 500 EQP @ $130-$137
PHX -NYC = 4282EQM or 4282EQP @ $340
4782for $477
Jan 18, 2014, 1:01 pm
#25
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ozarks
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 86
Thanks. Just a few more questions, if you don't mind... Is V always the cheapest full EQP fare (I guess they're listed in order of decreasing price on the Qualification Requirements page)? Do I need to actually book the flight, or just hold it? Finally, is this best done through the main AA customer service line?
Jan 18, 2014, 1:09 pm
#27
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ozarks
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 86
Itinerary
Santa Ana (SNA) to Phoenix (PHX) - Sat, Mar 1
US Airways, Inc. US Airways, Inc. 610 Dep: 6:45AM Arr: 9:15AM 1h 30m Airbus A320 Economy (U)
Phoenix (PHX) to New York (JFK) - Sat, Mar 1
American Airlines Inc. American Airlines Inc. 425 Dep: 9:57AM Arr: 4:50PM 4h 53m Airbus A321 Economy (V)
OPERATED BY US AIRWAYS, INC.
New York (JFK) to Phoenix (PHX) - Mon, Mar 3
American Airlines Inc. American Airlines Inc. 679 Dep: 10:30AM Arr: 2:09PM 5h 39m Airbus A321 Economy (V)
OPERATED BY US AIRWAYS, INC.
Phoenix (PHX) to Santa Ana (SNA) - Mon, Mar 3
US Airways, Inc. US Airways, Inc. 466 Dep: 2:50PM Arr: 3:09PM 1h 19m Airbus A319 Economy (U)
Cost per passenger (including taxes & fees) $478.00
Total cost for 1 passenger $478.00
How to buy this ticket
Tickets cannot be purchased directly from ITA Software.
Provide this information to a travel agent to help them match the fares found.
Make sure to provide the exact booking and fare codes shown.
Fare 1: Carrier US UJAUSL2Y SNA to PHX (rules)
Passenger type ADT, one-way fare, booking code U
Covers SNA-PHX (Economy) $53.95
Fare 2: Carrier AA VXAVNJ4U PHX to NYC (rules)
Passenger type ADT, one-way fare, booking code V
Covers PHX-JFK (Economy) $147.91
Fare 3: Carrier AA VXAVNJ4U NYC to PHX (rules)
Passenger type ADT, one-way fare, booking code V
Covers JFK-PHX (Economy) $147.91
Fare 4: Carrier US UJAUSL2Y PHX to SNA (rules)
Passenger type ADT, one-way fare, booking code U
Covers PHX-SNA (Economy) $53.95
US Transportation Tax (US) $30.28
US September 11th Security Fee (AY) $10.00
US Passenger Facility Charge (XF) $18.00
US Flight Segment Tax (ZP) $16.00
Subtotal per passenger $478.00
Number of passengers x1
Total airfare & taxes $478.00
•This ticket is non-refundable.
•Changes to this ticket will incur a penalty fee.
Fare construction (can be useful to travel agents)
SNA US X/PHX 53.95UJAUSL2Y AA NYC 147.91VXAVNJ4U AA X/PHX 147.91VXAVNJ4U US SNA 53.95UJAUSL2Y USD 403.72 END ZP SNA PHX JFK PHX XT 30.28US 16.00ZP 10.00AY 18.00XF SNA4.50 PHX4.50 JFK4.50 PHX4.50
Santa Ana (SNA) to Phoenix (PHX) - Sat, Mar 1
US Airways, Inc. US Airways, Inc. 610 Dep: 6:45AM Arr: 9:15AM 1h 30m Airbus A320 Economy (U)
Phoenix (PHX) to New York (JFK) - Sat, Mar 1
American Airlines Inc. American Airlines Inc. 425 Dep: 9:57AM Arr: 4:50PM 4h 53m Airbus A321 Economy (V)
OPERATED BY US AIRWAYS, INC.
New York (JFK) to Phoenix (PHX) - Mon, Mar 3
American Airlines Inc. American Airlines Inc. 679 Dep: 10:30AM Arr: 2:09PM 5h 39m Airbus A321 Economy (V)
OPERATED BY US AIRWAYS, INC.
Phoenix (PHX) to Santa Ana (SNA) - Mon, Mar 3
US Airways, Inc. US Airways, Inc. 466 Dep: 2:50PM Arr: 3:09PM 1h 19m Airbus A319 Economy (U)
Cost per passenger (including taxes & fees) $478.00
Total cost for 1 passenger $478.00
How to buy this ticket
Tickets cannot be purchased directly from ITA Software.
Provide this information to a travel agent to help them match the fares found.
Make sure to provide the exact booking and fare codes shown.
Fare 1: Carrier US UJAUSL2Y SNA to PHX (rules)
Passenger type ADT, one-way fare, booking code U
Covers SNA-PHX (Economy) $53.95
Fare 2: Carrier AA VXAVNJ4U PHX to NYC (rules)
Passenger type ADT, one-way fare, booking code V
Covers PHX-JFK (Economy) $147.91
Fare 3: Carrier AA VXAVNJ4U NYC to PHX (rules)
Passenger type ADT, one-way fare, booking code V
Covers JFK-PHX (Economy) $147.91
Fare 4: Carrier US UJAUSL2Y PHX to SNA (rules)
Passenger type ADT, one-way fare, booking code U
Covers PHX-SNA (Economy) $53.95
US Transportation Tax (US) $30.28
US September 11th Security Fee (AY) $10.00
US Passenger Facility Charge (XF) $18.00
US Flight Segment Tax (ZP) $16.00
Subtotal per passenger $478.00
Number of passengers x1
Total airfare & taxes $478.00
•This ticket is non-refundable.
•Changes to this ticket will incur a penalty fee.
Fare construction (can be useful to travel agents)
SNA US X/PHX 53.95UJAUSL2Y AA NYC 147.91VXAVNJ4U AA X/PHX 147.91VXAVNJ4U US SNA 53.95UJAUSL2Y USD 403.72 END ZP SNA PHX JFK PHX XT 30.28US 16.00ZP 10.00AY 18.00XF SNA4.50 PHX4.50 JFK4.50 PHX4.50
Jan 18, 2014, 4:41 pm
#28
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: SNA
Posts: 410
That's great, thanks Satblaster!
Jan 19, 2014, 2:54 pm
#29
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Alexandria, Va - National Airport (DCA)
Programs: AA Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, CBP Global Entry, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 336
Jan 19, 2014, 5:24 pm
#30
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ozarks
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 86
AAdvantage Participant Airlines
Earn elite-qualifying points, miles and segments for travel on eligible fare tickets on: American Airlines, American Eagle, the American Connection carrier, oneworld member airlines and their affiliates, Alaska Airlines (including Horizon Air), US Airways (including US Airways Express and US Airways Shuttle) and American Airlines codeshare flights where the ticket reflects an American Airlines coded flight number
Not a guarantee but a definitely arguable!