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)
Jul 12, 2014, 10:03 pm
#346
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SFO/OAK
Programs: AA EXP 3.4MM, BAEC, UAMP, Skyteam (<10k) HH Gold, IHG Plat, Hertz Gold, GE/TSA TT
Posts: 2,723
Your signature says "UA Defectee" but I believe you are actually a "UA Defector".
Jul 13, 2014, 7:54 pm
#348
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Dallas
Programs: AAdvantage EXP, IHG Spire, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,523
Has anyone ever done a PLT challenge for a underage minor? My son is going to Germany (in J) and will without any issue, hit the EQPs for the PLT challenge. It would be nice to have him as a PLT for upgrades, as I cant upgrade all 3 of us (my two kids and me). Just wasnt sure if there was a rule on the challenge to need to be 18.
Jul 13, 2014, 8:08 pm
#349
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
If the question is simply can one enroll a minor in Plat Challenge, I've done it before with kids as young as 1 or 2. Now at that time I did it via email through a connection at AAdv., but that person never mentioned that it was some kind of special accommodation and I'd say it most definitely isn't-- any age can be enrolled.
Jul 13, 2014, 9:11 pm
#350
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,216
If any of you are curious, no I did not drink alcohol at either club, I'd much rather have a perrier.
Jul 14, 2014, 8:25 am
#351
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: IAH & PHL
Programs: United Premier Silver
Posts: 326
Two questions;
What is the number to call to enroll? Do I just dial the regular AA customer service line?
If I enroll tomorrow do I have three months from date of enrollment or three months from date of first segment flown?
My first flight would be 14 August. I'm assuming it's from DOE so my best play would be to book my segment (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL) and then actually enroll for platinum on the day before my flight.
13 August enrollment should give me until 13 November to complete.
I'm cutting it close! I would hit my challenge on the last day of eligibility.
14 August (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL)
23 August (PHL-DFW-DFW-IAH)
18 September (IAH-DFW-LAS)
23 September (LAS-DFW-IAH)
13 November (IAH-DFW-LIM)
All segments would be flown in first/biz
What is the number to call to enroll? Do I just dial the regular AA customer service line?
If I enroll tomorrow do I have three months from date of enrollment or three months from date of first segment flown?
My first flight would be 14 August. I'm assuming it's from DOE so my best play would be to book my segment (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL) and then actually enroll for platinum on the day before my flight.
13 August enrollment should give me until 13 November to complete.
I'm cutting it close! I would hit my challenge on the last day of eligibility.
14 August (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL)
23 August (PHL-DFW-DFW-IAH)
18 September (IAH-DFW-LAS)
23 September (LAS-DFW-IAH)
13 November (IAH-DFW-LIM)
All segments would be flown in first/biz
Jul 14, 2014, 8:47 am
#352
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: LHR, SAN
Programs: BA GGL, AA PLT, VS-curious
Posts: 1,487
If the question is simply can one enroll a minor in Plat Challenge, I've done it before with kids as young as 1 or 2. Now at that time I did it via email through a connection at AAdv., but that person never mentioned that it was some kind of special accommodation and I'd say it most definitely isn't-- any age can be enrolled.
Jul 14, 2014, 9:58 am
#353
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Everywhere you wanna be
Programs: AA EP | UA 1K
Posts: 1,657
Two questions;
What is the number to call to enroll? Do I just dial the regular AA customer service line?
If I enroll tomorrow do I have three months from date of enrollment or three months from date of first segment flown?
My first flight would be 14 August. I'm assuming it's from DOE so my best play would be to book my segment (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL) and then actually enroll for platinum on the day before my flight.
13 August enrollment should give me until 13 November to complete.
I'm cutting it close! I would hit my challenge on the last day of eligibility.
14 August (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL)
23 August (PHL-DFW-DFW-IAH)
18 September (IAH-DFW-LAS)
23 September (LAS-DFW-IAH)
13 November (IAH-DFW-LIM)
All segments would be flown in first/biz
What is the number to call to enroll? Do I just dial the regular AA customer service line?
If I enroll tomorrow do I have three months from date of enrollment or three months from date of first segment flown?
My first flight would be 14 August. I'm assuming it's from DOE so my best play would be to book my segment (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL) and then actually enroll for platinum on the day before my flight.
13 August enrollment should give me until 13 November to complete.
I'm cutting it close! I would hit my challenge on the last day of eligibility.
14 August (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL)
23 August (PHL-DFW-DFW-IAH)
18 September (IAH-DFW-LAS)
23 September (LAS-DFW-IAH)
13 November (IAH-DFW-LIM)
All segments would be flown in first/biz
Jul 14, 2014, 10:31 am
#354
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Jul 14, 2014, 10:33 am
#355
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Two questions;
What is the number to call to enroll? Do I just dial the regular AA customer service line?
If I enroll tomorrow do I have three months from date of enrollment or three months from date of first segment flown?
My first flight would be 14 August. I'm assuming it's from DOE so my best play would be to book my segment (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL) and then actually enroll for platinum on the day before my flight.
13 August enrollment should give me until 13 November to complete.
I'm cutting it close! I would hit my challenge on the last day of eligibility.
14 August (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL)
23 August (PHL-DFW-DFW-IAH)
18 September (IAH-DFW-LAS)
23 September (LAS-DFW-IAH)
13 November (IAH-DFW-LIM)
All segments would be flown in first/biz
What is the number to call to enroll? Do I just dial the regular AA customer service line?
If I enroll tomorrow do I have three months from date of enrollment or three months from date of first segment flown?
My first flight would be 14 August. I'm assuming it's from DOE so my best play would be to book my segment (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL) and then actually enroll for platinum on the day before my flight.
13 August enrollment should give me until 13 November to complete.
I'm cutting it close! I would hit my challenge on the last day of eligibility.
14 August (IAH-DFW-DFW-PHL)
23 August (PHL-DFW-DFW-IAH)
18 September (IAH-DFW-LAS)
23 September (LAS-DFW-IAH)
13 November (IAH-DFW-LIM)
All segments would be flown in first/biz
Jul 14, 2014, 10:40 am
#356
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Everywhere you wanna be
Programs: AA EP | UA 1K
Posts: 1,657
nope they changed it. you can pick whatever start date you want. My agent offered me any date i wanted and plenty of people in this thread have also had luck picking whatever date (in the future) they wanted and a backdate of up to two weeks.
Jul 14, 2014, 11:06 am
#357
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Had no idea, hadn't been checking the thread very often-- thanks for the correction.
Jul 14, 2014, 11:17 am
#358
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Everywhere you wanna be
Programs: AA EP | UA 1K
Posts: 1,657
Jul 14, 2014, 11:25 am
#359
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Dallas
Programs: AAdvantage EXP, IHG Spire, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,523
If the question is simply can one enroll a minor in Plat Challenge, I've done it before with kids as young as 1 or 2. Now at that time I did it via email through a connection at AAdv., but that person never mentioned that it was some kind of special accommodation and I'd say it most definitely isn't-- any age can be enrolled.
ETA: Called and registered him. Agent could care less about the age, as long as there was a credit card that could pay the fee. I did ask about instant "Gold" status and no dice even though he has all the travel already booked (and will be flown in less than 30 days). She did say, however, that I can call back in AFTER he passes 5000 EQPs in the challenge, and they will make him Gold at that point. It's good to know.
Last edited by imapilotaz; Jul 14, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Jul 14, 2014, 8:55 pm
#360
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 13
hi
Before I sign up for the Plat 10k challenge I wanted to make double sure passing it...as I am pretty sure will but not 100% on all the rules.
Here is AA ticket my folks are taking and should pass by time reach CLT as they get 100% points:
AA (operated by MAL) AA 7435 - KUL -LHR - V class
AA (operated by BA) AA 6534 - LHR -FCO - V class
AA (operated by US) US 761 - LIS - CLT - V class
AA (operated by BA) AA 6133 - JFK - LHR - V class
AA (operated by MAL) AA 7436 - LHR - KUL - V class
Here is BA ticket I am taking but wont pass the Plat but only the Gold cause only get 50% points as traveling in S and O class:
AUH - LHR Economy - British Airways 72 -3,403 mi
LHR - FCO - British Airways 548 Economy - 894 mi
LIS - CLT - British Airways 2361 Economy - 3,866 mi
JFK - LHR British Airways 112 - Economy - 3,463 mi
LHR - AUH British Airways 73 - Economy - 3,403 mi
Finally, main reason want Plat over Gold is cause of lounge access and extra check in bag (although I sure this comes on Gold as well)
Thanks
Before I sign up for the Plat 10k challenge I wanted to make double sure passing it...as I am pretty sure will but not 100% on all the rules.
Here is AA ticket my folks are taking and should pass by time reach CLT as they get 100% points:
AA (operated by MAL) AA 7435 - KUL -LHR - V class
AA (operated by BA) AA 6534 - LHR -FCO - V class
AA (operated by US) US 761 - LIS - CLT - V class
AA (operated by BA) AA 6133 - JFK - LHR - V class
AA (operated by MAL) AA 7436 - LHR - KUL - V class
Here is BA ticket I am taking but wont pass the Plat but only the Gold cause only get 50% points as traveling in S and O class:
AUH - LHR Economy - British Airways 72 -3,403 mi
LHR - FCO - British Airways 548 Economy - 894 mi
LIS - CLT - British Airways 2361 Economy - 3,866 mi
JFK - LHR British Airways 112 - Economy - 3,463 mi
LHR - AUH British Airways 73 - Economy - 3,403 mi
Finally, main reason want Plat over Gold is cause of lounge access and extra check in bag (although I sure this comes on Gold as well)
Thanks