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)
Jun 10, 2014, 7:53 am
#286
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 193
What is the fee these days to do the PLT challenge?
Jun 10, 2014, 8:00 am
#287
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Jun 10, 2014, 7:58 pm
#288
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
I was given a platinum challenge for $180. Now my complaint here is that; I fly every week pretty much, and I do even fly 1900 miles round trip or 1700 miles round trip. But I am being seriously plagued with;
1) expensive fares period.
2) Half EQP earning fares (N fares......) on 2/4 segments.
I can't try and spend more on airfare just to get a better EQP earning ticket, but I am now 1/3 of the way into my platinum challenge - and going to make gold about 1/2 through the 90 day challenge.
But I am seriously concerned if I will hit that 10k EQP in 90 days if I keep getting plagued with N class fares. Unless I get more gigs further away. As it stands - it is almost pointless for me to even do the challenge, as I will be Gold by hitting 30 segments of flying.
1) expensive fares period.
2) Half EQP earning fares (N fares......) on 2/4 segments.
I can't try and spend more on airfare just to get a better EQP earning ticket, but I am now 1/3 of the way into my platinum challenge - and going to make gold about 1/2 through the 90 day challenge.
But I am seriously concerned if I will hit that 10k EQP in 90 days if I keep getting plagued with N class fares. Unless I get more gigs further away. As it stands - it is almost pointless for me to even do the challenge, as I will be Gold by hitting 30 segments of flying.
Jun 11, 2014, 8:39 am
#290
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 69
If I buy a discount economy fare and then use the 15,000 miles + $75 to upgrade to first class in a domestic flight will I earn 1.5 eqp for the miles flown?
Jun 11, 2014, 9:00 am
#291
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,342
No. You earn based on original fare purchased.
Jun 11, 2014, 3:08 pm
#292
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
Thankfully I looked at some upcoming fares and see 4/4 segments coming up being W fares. So 1.5 EQP x 1848 miles round trip...thats 2772 EQP alone. That one week alone will take care of over 25% of the platinum challenge.
I just have to be mindful of those deep discount fares.
I just have to be mindful of those deep discount fares.
Jun 11, 2014, 3:11 pm
#293
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: AA PLT, DL GM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 241
Thankfully I looked at some upcoming fares and see 4/4 segments coming up being W fares. So 1.5 EQP x 1848 miles round trip...thats 2772 EQP alone. That one week alone will take care of over 25% of the platinum challenge.
I just have to be mindful of those deep discount fares.
I just have to be mindful of those deep discount fares.
Jun 12, 2014, 12:32 am
#295
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: AA PLT, DL GM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 241
Jun 12, 2014, 8:29 am
#296
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Illinois
Programs: AA Plat; National Car Exec
Posts: 33
The old wiki had information on making sure you get 1EQP Discount instead of 0.5 EQP deep discount. Basically, when making the reservation, you hold the reservation online, then if it is 0.5 EQP (G, Q, N, O, S) call in and have them move it to a 1 EQP fare -- usually V or W. The price difference is often pretty small. Then you go back online and purchase to avoid the phone ticketing fee.
Jun 12, 2014, 8:43 am
#297
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: BOS
Programs: Delta Platinum, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 308
The old wiki had information on making sure you get 1EQP Discount instead of 0.5 EQP deep discount. Basically, when making the reservation, you hold the reservation online, then if it is 0.5 EQP (G, Q, N, O, S) call in and have them move it to a 1 EQP fare -- usually V or W. The price difference is often pretty small. Then you go back online and purchase to avoid the phone ticketing fee.
Jun 12, 2014, 9:45 am
#298
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: CUR
Posts: 2,170
(Highly simplified)
For example, let's say O is $100, G is $200 (0.5EQP), V is $250 and M is $450 (1.0 EQP)
If the lowest available 0.5 is G and the lowest available 1.0 is V, then the difference would only be $50.
If, however the lowest available 0.5 is O and the lowest available 1.0 is V, then the difference is suddenly much more substantial at $150.
So it really depends on the availability in each fare bucket and what prices they command on any given route.
Jun 15, 2014, 11:36 pm
#299
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 75
AA PLAT Challenge
Hi people,
I am just wondering if I would qualify for the AA Plat challenge based on the below flights:-
MEL-SYD-SIN on QF in PE (T class) - late June 14
SIN-HKG-MEL on CX in PE - early August 14
Based on my calculation on the actual milage earn (without bonus), it should hit the 10k mark BUT I've forgotten that CX is not included in the challenge?!
Could anyone confirm this and perhaps any suggestions on how I should play around with my flights to complete the challenge? Or if CX is included in the calculation, that shouldn't be a problem I guess?
I am just wondering if I would qualify for the AA Plat challenge based on the below flights:-
MEL-SYD-SIN on QF in PE (T class) - late June 14
SIN-HKG-MEL on CX in PE - early August 14
Based on my calculation on the actual milage earn (without bonus), it should hit the 10k mark BUT I've forgotten that CX is not included in the challenge?!
Could anyone confirm this and perhaps any suggestions on how I should play around with my flights to complete the challenge? Or if CX is included in the calculation, that shouldn't be a problem I guess?
Jun 15, 2014, 11:43 pm
#300
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: AA PLT, DL GM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 241
Hi people,
I am just wondering if I would qualify for the AA Plat challenge based on the below flights:-
MEL-SYD-SIN on QF in PE (T class) - late June 14
SIN-HKG-MEL on CX in PE - early August 14
Based on my calculation on the actual milage earn (without bonus), it should hit the 10k mark BUT I've forgotten that CX is not included in the challenge?!
Could anyone confirm this and perhaps any suggestions on how I should play around with my flights to complete the challenge? Or if CX is included in the calculation, that shouldn't be a problem I guess?
I am just wondering if I would qualify for the AA Plat challenge based on the below flights:-
MEL-SYD-SIN on QF in PE (T class) - late June 14
SIN-HKG-MEL on CX in PE - early August 14
Based on my calculation on the actual milage earn (without bonus), it should hit the 10k mark BUT I've forgotten that CX is not included in the challenge?!
Could anyone confirm this and perhaps any suggestions on how I should play around with my flights to complete the challenge? Or if CX is included in the calculation, that shouldn't be a problem I guess?