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 14, 2014, 9:08 pm
#361
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: QLA
Programs: SBUX Gold
Posts: 14,507
Jul 15, 2014, 4:48 am
#362
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: AA Gold, OW Ruby, IHG PLT, JB Mosiac, Delta Silver, VA Silver, AK MVP, Hyatt Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 151
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
You mention miles in your post of your flight info, but then above also mention points. I just want to make sure you understand that the AA challenges are based on points. I made that same mistake earlier, if you look back a page or two, you will see my post with people helping me figure my points out. I'm on my phone, otherwise I'd link you to it. Also, be sure for your parents of the rate that Malaysia air credits, you said 100% but again on my phone so I can't really double check. Do they already have status that guarantees 100%?
Jul 15, 2014, 5:08 am
#363
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: QLA
Programs: SBUX Gold
Posts: 14,507
Jul 15, 2014, 7:14 am
#364
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: AA Gold, OW Ruby, IHG PLT, JB Mosiac, Delta Silver, VA Silver, AK MVP, Hyatt Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 151
Jul 15, 2014, 10:59 am
#365
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 13
I am pretty sure I am on the right track understanding how it all works.
We need to count miles not points and the points not always 1:1 but, like my BA ticket, is 50%
I calculate for my BA ticket I only get a total of around 7000 points, so maybe try the Plat challenge next time but for folks will sign them up as they will def pass.....I am pretty sure.
Jul 15, 2014, 12:09 pm
#366
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 13
side question for paying for the challenge,
can I call AA on behalf of my folks and sign them and pay with my credit card?
or do they have to call AA and pay with their own CC?
although I don't think they can use their CC as its maxed, so will have to use mine, if thats allowed?
Trying to call AA now but on hold for 20mins, problem is I am calling from Africa via Skype and internet keeps dropping out on me!
Want to sign up for a start 16 July as first flight is 27 July. Might have to call them after 16 July if Skype keeps dropping out and back date start date to 16 July, thank fully this is allowed.
can I call AA on behalf of my folks and sign them and pay with my credit card?
or do they have to call AA and pay with their own CC?
although I don't think they can use their CC as its maxed, so will have to use mine, if thats allowed?
Trying to call AA now but on hold for 20mins, problem is I am calling from Africa via Skype and internet keeps dropping out on me!
Want to sign up for a start 16 July as first flight is 27 July. Might have to call them after 16 July if Skype keeps dropping out and back date start date to 16 July, thank fully this is allowed.
Jul 15, 2014, 12:34 pm
#367
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Dallas
Programs: AAdvantage EXP, IHG Spire, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,523
side question for paying for the challenge,
can I call AA on behalf of my folks and sign them and pay with my credit card?
or do they have to call AA and pay with their own CC?
although I don't think they can use their CC as its maxed, so will have to use mine, if thats allowed?
Trying to call AA now but on hold for 20mins, problem is I am calling from Africa via Skype and internet keeps dropping out on me!
Want to sign up for a start 16 July as first flight is 27 July. Might have to call them after 16 July if Skype keeps dropping out and back date start date to 16 July, thank fully this is allowed.
can I call AA on behalf of my folks and sign them and pay with my credit card?
or do they have to call AA and pay with their own CC?
although I don't think they can use their CC as its maxed, so will have to use mine, if thats allowed?
Trying to call AA now but on hold for 20mins, problem is I am calling from Africa via Skype and internet keeps dropping out on me!
Want to sign up for a start 16 July as first flight is 27 July. Might have to call them after 16 July if Skype keeps dropping out and back date start date to 16 July, thank fully this is allowed.
Jul 15, 2014, 1:20 pm
#368
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,220
side question for paying for the challenge,
can I call AA on behalf of my folks and sign them and pay with my credit card?
or do they have to call AA and pay with their own CC?
although I don't think they can use their CC as its maxed, so will have to use mine, if thats allowed?
Trying to call AA now but on hold for 20mins, problem is I am calling from Africa via Skype and internet keeps dropping out on me!
Want to sign up for a start 16 July as first flight is 27 July. Might have to call them after 16 July if Skype keeps dropping out and back date start date to 16 July, thank fully this is allowed.
can I call AA on behalf of my folks and sign them and pay with my credit card?
or do they have to call AA and pay with their own CC?
although I don't think they can use their CC as its maxed, so will have to use mine, if thats allowed?
Trying to call AA now but on hold for 20mins, problem is I am calling from Africa via Skype and internet keeps dropping out on me!
Want to sign up for a start 16 July as first flight is 27 July. Might have to call them after 16 July if Skype keeps dropping out and back date start date to 16 July, thank fully this is allowed.
Jul 17, 2014, 1:36 pm
#369
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 13
ok got it all sorted , they were happy to take my money 
Jul 19, 2014, 4:16 pm
#370
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3
I have a question about starting your challenge. I have two flights to Europe (at 0.5 EQPs) and two JFK-LAX flights (Biz/1.5EQPs) scheduled for September-December. Since those are guaranteed flights and will get me PLT, how early can I call to sign up for the challenge? As in calling to request and choosing a start date. I obviously wouldn't want to start until a day or so before my first flight of the series. The AAdvantage desk is closed today, so no luck calling. Anyone have any experience scheduling their challenge in advance?
Jul 19, 2014, 4:49 pm
#371
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
I have a question about starting your challenge. I have two flights to Europe (at 0.5 EQPs) and two JFK-LAX flights (Biz/1.5EQPs) scheduled for September-December. Since those are guaranteed flights and will get me PLT, how early can I call to sign up for the challenge? As in calling to request and choosing a start date. I obviously wouldn't want to start until a day or so before my first flight of the series. The AAdvantage desk is closed today, so no luck calling. Anyone have any experience scheduling their challenge in advance?
Jul 19, 2014, 6:30 pm
#372
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: AA Gold, OW Ruby, IHG PLT, JB Mosiac, Delta Silver, VA Silver, AK MVP, Hyatt Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 151
I have a question about starting your challenge. I have two flights to Europe (at 0.5 EQPs) and two JFK-LAX flights (Biz/1.5EQPs) scheduled for September-December. Since those are guaranteed flights and will get me PLT, how early can I call to sign up for the challenge? As in calling to request and choosing a start date. I obviously wouldn't want to start until a day or so before my first flight of the series. The AAdvantage desk is closed today, so no luck calling. Anyone have any experience scheduling their challenge in advance?
it was recommended to me, and others here in the thread, to wait until a couple of weeks before your first qualifying flight that you want to include. And then call and start everything up. now that you do not have to pick the first or the 16th you can literally set it up to start the day of that first flight. For instance, my first qualifying flight is going to be in September on the 19th.
As my itinerary round trip Boston to Heathrow is 300 points short, I'm going to do a short run between Boston in Charlotte round trip. Likely, I will do that maybe over the Labor Day weekend. Thus, I will likely make my call sometime around the middle of August to start for that first run between Boston and Charlotte and it will give me 90 days to complete.
However, I know that on my return trip from Heathrow back to Boston at the end of September I will have enough miles to complete the challenge so end date really does not matter as much as the start date.
Jul 21, 2014, 1:17 pm
#373
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3
it was recommended to me, and others here in the thread, to wait until a couple of weeks before your first qualifying flight that you want to include. And then call and start everything up. now that you do not have to pick the first or the 16th you can literally set it up to start the day of that first flight. For instance, my first qualifying flight is going to be in September on the 19th.
As my itinerary round trip Boston to Heathrow is 300 points short, I'm going to do a short run between Boston in Charlotte round trip. Likely, I will do that maybe over the Labor Day weekend. Thus, I will likely make my call sometime around the middle of August to start for that first run between Boston and Charlotte and it will give me 90 days to complete.
However, I know that on my return trip from Heathrow back to Boston at the end of September I will have enough miles to complete the challenge so end date really does not matter as much as the start date.
As my itinerary round trip Boston to Heathrow is 300 points short, I'm going to do a short run between Boston in Charlotte round trip. Likely, I will do that maybe over the Labor Day weekend. Thus, I will likely make my call sometime around the middle of August to start for that first run between Boston and Charlotte and it will give me 90 days to complete.
However, I know that on my return trip from Heathrow back to Boston at the end of September I will have enough miles to complete the challenge so end date really does not matter as much as the start date.
Aug 2, 2014, 5:39 pm
#374
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 9
I just started an ExecPlat challenge for AA, moving from UA 1k. Living in Philly, much of the travel will be on US. Is there a handy chart showing US fare classes and respective AA point levels? (100% vs. 50%)
Thanks!
(hoping this is the right thread - please re-direct as needed!)
Thanks!
(hoping this is the right thread - please re-direct as needed!)
Aug 2, 2014, 7:29 pm
#375
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,467
I just started an ExecPlat challenge for AA, moving from UA 1k. Living in Philly, much of the travel will be on US. Is there a handy chart showing US fare classes and respective AA point levels? (100% vs. 50%)
Thanks!
(hoping this is the right thread - please re-direct as needed!)
Thanks!
(hoping this is the right thread - please re-direct as needed!)
http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/ea...us-airways.jsp