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)
Aug 13, 2014, 9:47 pm
#406
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: AA Plat, QF Silver
Posts: 288
Anyone know how to "force" the update of the status down to other oneworld partners?
Aug 14, 2014, 5:16 am
#407
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Gilette, France
Programs: AAdvantage (since 1987) PLAT. USAir Dividend, AF Flying Blue.
Posts: 312
Aug 14, 2014, 3:13 pm
#408
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,261
BA in EWR and LHR refused to recognize the EXP status or even call AA to verify. It was frustrating as I needed to use the Arrivals lounge in LHR during that time and was denied.
Aug 14, 2014, 4:17 pm
#409
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: AA Plat, QF Silver
Posts: 288
We also have added brand new bookings but that does not pick up the status either....
Aug 14, 2014, 4:18 pm
#410
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: AA Plat, QF Silver
Posts: 288
I had a similar problem last year and BA refused to recognize my EXP status. It took 4 days for them to get in sync. I could tell as I had a BA booking and MMB correctly directed to the First lounge once status updated from Plat to EXP
BA in EWR and LHR refused to recognize the EXP status or even call AA to verify. It was frustrating as I needed to use the Arrivals lounge in LHR during that time and was denied.
BA in EWR and LHR refused to recognize the EXP status or even call AA to verify. It was frustrating as I needed to use the Arrivals lounge in LHR during that time and was denied.
Aug 15, 2014, 2:29 pm
#411
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: CLT / AVL
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Kimpton IC; IHG Diamond Ambassador;
Posts: 319
Hi all,
Here's another data point on the Executive Platinum Challenge:
Details below:
Hope this data point helps everyone.
An issue I've had today is the inability to select MCE seats and to request upgrades on existing reservations on the website and app. My status was updated this morning to EXP, but I'm still not able to do this on the website. Called it in, and the agent advised to try later tonight or tomorrow and hopefully it'll be in sync at that point.
Here's another data point on the Executive Platinum Challenge:
- Friday, 8/8:I called into the number listed on this thread and requested a Status Match.
- Friday, 8/8:I received an e-mail requesting a copy of my UA 1K card and 2013 year end Statement.
- Monday, 8/11: I received initial communication on the status challenge offer.
- Thursday, 8/14: I accepted it via e-mail response
- Friday, 8/15: AA then called to confirm my start date (today). The AA rep couldn't have been friendlier... off to a good start!
Details below:
- Granted a trial of Executive Platinum for 3 months
- During the 3 month period, the challenge is 25,000 Elite Qualifying POINTS.
- Start date is the day one requests and confirms the challenge (they called me to confirm that my challenge would start immediately)
- If one completes the challenge, they will be extended Executive Platinum status through the end of February, 2016.
- If one completes the challenge, the 8 SWUs will be deposited into their account at that time -- one will not receive the 8 SWUs during the challenge / trial period.
- For purposes of the challenge, the airlines that qualify are AA, US, BA, IB, AY, JA, and QF and their codeshares. All other Oneworld carriers do not count for this challenge.
- This appears to be a one-time offer.
Hope this data point helps everyone.
An issue I've had today is the inability to select MCE seats and to request upgrades on existing reservations on the website and app. My status was updated this morning to EXP, but I'm still not able to do this on the website. Called it in, and the agent advised to try later tonight or tomorrow and hopefully it'll be in sync at that point.
Aug 15, 2014, 2:50 pm
#412
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,220
Hi all,
Here's another data point on the Executive Platinum Challenge:
Details below:
Hope this data point helps everyone.
An issue I've had today is the inability to select MCE seats and to request upgrades on existing reservations on the website and app. My status was updated this morning to EXP, but I'm still not able to do this on the website. Called it in, and the agent advised to try later tonight or tomorrow and hopefully it'll be in sync at that point.
Here's another data point on the Executive Platinum Challenge:
- Friday, 8/8:I called into the number listed on this thread and requested a Status Match.
- Friday, 8/8:I received an e-mail requesting a copy of my UA 1K card and 2013 year end Statement.
- Monday, 8/11: I received initial communication on the status challenge offer.
- Thursday, 8/14: I accepted it via e-mail response
- Friday, 8/15: AA then called to confirm my start date (today). The AA rep couldn't have been friendlier... off to a good start!
Details below:
- Granted a trial of Executive Platinum for 3 months
- During the 3 month period, the challenge is 25,000 Elite Qualifying POINTS.
- Start date is the day one requests and confirms the challenge (they called me to confirm that my challenge would start immediately)
- If one completes the challenge, they will be extended Executive Platinum status through the end of February, 2016.
- If one completes the challenge, the 8 SWUs will be deposited into their account at that time -- one will not receive the 8 SWUs during the challenge / trial period.
- For purposes of the challenge, the airlines that qualify are AA, US, BA, IB, AY, JA, and QF and their codeshares. All other Oneworld carriers do not count for this challenge.
- This appears to be a one-time offer.
Hope this data point helps everyone.
An issue I've had today is the inability to select MCE seats and to request upgrades on existing reservations on the website and app. My status was updated this morning to EXP, but I'm still not able to do this on the website. Called it in, and the agent advised to try later tonight or tomorrow and hopefully it'll be in sync at that point.
Aug 15, 2014, 3:00 pm
#413
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL DM, SPG Gold
Posts: 832
So, I'm PM on Delta and thought I would try out AA since the fares were a lot lower on several flights I was taking. I called the number to sign up for the Platinum challenge and they immediately granted me complimentary Gold status and set the challenge start date for Sep 12. The Gold was supposed to be for the duration of the challenge but it seems to have started already. It doesn't really matter since I don't have any flights before Sep 12. Also, the agent never asked for any type of verification of my Delta status (even though I offered), which seemed odd. She did immediately ask for payment, though 
She was EXTREMELY friendly though, perhaps one of the friendliest phone reps I have talked to in a long time, close to or maybe even on par with the Platinum Desk phone reps at DL (for PMs only) even though this was just the public line. Definitely a pleasant start to the experience.
My main questions regard purchasing flights for this challenge. It seems like I mostly would like to purchase flights with booking code "V", since that is the lowest fare that earns 1EQP/Mile. However, it seems like pulling teeth every time I try to pay AA more than the lowest available fare for the ticket. What I've been doing is putting the lowest fare on hold and then calling reservations and asking them to change the fare class to "V" without purchasing the flight. This usually seems to take 10 or 15 minutes on the phone, and for at least one of these I wasn't able to buy it on the website later (it showed a price of $0) and I had to call back several times to find a phone agent who would waive the ticketing fee. Is there a better way to do this?
I was told that if I purchase the ticket and then try to change the fare later, they will charge me the full change fee even though I simply want to change the fare class and keep the exact same flights.
Also, using expertflyer I've noticed a lot of flights where G and W are available but not V. I don't understand this, as G appears to be a deep discount/0.5EQP fare. Why would this be available, but V not be? ExpertFlyer seems to show the fares out of order too (the order I see is HKMLWGSVNQO while the AA website shows HKMLWV (1EQP) GQNOS (0.5EQP).
TL;DR
She was EXTREMELY friendly though, perhaps one of the friendliest phone reps I have talked to in a long time, close to or maybe even on par with the Platinum Desk phone reps at DL (for PMs only) even though this was just the public line. Definitely a pleasant start to the experience. My main questions regard purchasing flights for this challenge. It seems like I mostly would like to purchase flights with booking code "V", since that is the lowest fare that earns 1EQP/Mile. However, it seems like pulling teeth every time I try to pay AA more than the lowest available fare for the ticket. What I've been doing is putting the lowest fare on hold and then calling reservations and asking them to change the fare class to "V" without purchasing the flight. This usually seems to take 10 or 15 minutes on the phone, and for at least one of these I wasn't able to buy it on the website later (it showed a price of $0) and I had to call back several times to find a phone agent who would waive the ticketing fee. Is there a better way to do this?
I was told that if I purchase the ticket and then try to change the fare later, they will charge me the full change fee even though I simply want to change the fare class and keep the exact same flights.
Also, using expertflyer I've noticed a lot of flights where G and W are available but not V. I don't understand this, as G appears to be a deep discount/0.5EQP fare. Why would this be available, but V not be? ExpertFlyer seems to show the fares out of order too (the order I see is HKMLWGSVNQO while the AA website shows HKMLWV (1EQP) GQNOS (0.5EQP).
TL;DR
Aug 15, 2014, 3:23 pm
#414
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: CLT / AVL
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Kimpton IC; IHG Diamond Ambassador;
Posts: 319
So, I'm PM on Delta and thought I would try out AA since the fares were a lot lower on several flights I was taking. I called the number to sign up for the Platinum challenge and they immediately granted me complimentary Gold status and set the challenge start date for Sep 12. The Gold was supposed to be for the duration of the challenge but it seems to have started already. It doesn't really matter since I don't have any flights before Sep 12. Also, the agent never asked for any type of verification of my Delta status (even though I offered), which seemed odd. She did immediately ask for payment, though She was EXTREMELY friendly though, perhaps one of the friendliest phone reps I have talked to in a long time, close to or maybe even on par with the Platinum Desk phone reps at DL (for PMs only) even though this was just the public line. Definitely a pleasant start to the experience.
My main questions regard purchasing flights for this challenge. It seems like I mostly would like to purchase flights with booking code "V", since that is the lowest fare that earns 1EQP/Mile. However, it seems like pulling teeth every time I try to pay AA more than the lowest available fare for the ticket. What I've been doing is putting the lowest fare on hold and then calling reservations and asking them to change the fare class to "V" without purchasing the flight. This usually seems to take 10 or 15 minutes on the phone, and for at least one of these I wasn't able to buy it on the website later (it showed a price of $0) and I had to call back several times to find a phone agent who would waive the ticketing fee. Is there a better way to do this?
I was told that if I purchase the ticket and then try to change the fare later, they will charge me the full change fee even though I simply want to change the fare class and keep the exact same flights.
Also, using expertflyer I've noticed a lot of flights where G and W are available but not V. I don't understand this, as G appears to be a deep discount/0.5EQP fare. Why would this be available, but V not be? ExpertFlyer seems to show the fares out of order too (the order I see is HKMLWGSVNQO while the AA website shows HKMLWV (1EQP) GQNOS (0.5EQP).
TL;DR
She was EXTREMELY friendly though, perhaps one of the friendliest phone reps I have talked to in a long time, close to or maybe even on par with the Platinum Desk phone reps at DL (for PMs only) even though this was just the public line. Definitely a pleasant start to the experience. My main questions regard purchasing flights for this challenge. It seems like I mostly would like to purchase flights with booking code "V", since that is the lowest fare that earns 1EQP/Mile. However, it seems like pulling teeth every time I try to pay AA more than the lowest available fare for the ticket. What I've been doing is putting the lowest fare on hold and then calling reservations and asking them to change the fare class to "V" without purchasing the flight. This usually seems to take 10 or 15 minutes on the phone, and for at least one of these I wasn't able to buy it on the website later (it showed a price of $0) and I had to call back several times to find a phone agent who would waive the ticketing fee. Is there a better way to do this?
I was told that if I purchase the ticket and then try to change the fare later, they will charge me the full change fee even though I simply want to change the fare class and keep the exact same flights.
Also, using expertflyer I've noticed a lot of flights where G and W are available but not V. I don't understand this, as G appears to be a deep discount/0.5EQP fare. Why would this be available, but V not be? ExpertFlyer seems to show the fares out of order too (the order I see is HKMLWGSVNQO while the AA website shows HKMLWV (1EQP) GQNOS (0.5EQP).
TL;DR
- Put a 24-hour hold on your itinerary at the lower fare class (it's a payment option for all reservations outside 7 days prior)
- Call in to AA and request for the fare to be re-priced to a V fare, or whatever
- Don't ticket on the phone - ask to keep it on hold
- Ticket reservation online
That should do the trick.
Edit: after reading your post more carefully, it looks like this is exactly what you do... and I think that's what you'll continue to have to do. I wish AA's site had a feature similar to UA's that allows one to search a particular fare class.
Last edited by Au4882; Aug 15, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Aug 15, 2014, 3:31 pm
#415
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: CLT / AVL
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Kimpton IC; IHG Diamond Ambassador;
Posts: 319
Thanks. I tried, but it won't allow me to change my FF# (it's grayed out). Will need to call again.
Aug 16, 2014, 4:06 am
#417
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
So, I'm PM on Delta and thought I would try out AA since the fares were a lot lower on several flights I was taking. I called the number to sign up for the Platinum challenge and they immediately granted me complimentary Gold status and set the challenge start date for Sep 12. The Gold was supposed to be for the duration of the challenge but it seems to have started already. It doesn't really matter since I don't have any flights before Sep 12. Also, the agent never asked for any type of verification of my Delta status (even though I offered), which seemed odd. She did immediately ask for payment, though She was EXTREMELY friendly though, perhaps one of the friendliest phone reps I have talked to in a long time, close to or maybe even on par with the Platinum Desk phone reps at DL (for PMs only) even though this was just the public line. Definitely a pleasant start to the experience.
She was EXTREMELY friendly though, perhaps one of the friendliest phone reps I have talked to in a long time, close to or maybe even on par with the Platinum Desk phone reps at DL (for PMs only) even though this was just the public line. Definitely a pleasant start to the experience.I suppose if someone wants to pay AA $240 for three months of Gold status but doesn't really have status with another airline, why should AA complain? Gold isn't that valuable, though it will make travelling slightly nicer while I complete my challenge.
My agent too was very friendly and helpful. The entire conversation was less than 5 minutes, including a question from me about my booked SYD-US east coast flight to confirm that it gets me almost all the way there in one trip.
Aug 16, 2014, 4:41 pm
#418
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: CLT / AVL
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Kimpton IC; IHG Diamond Ambassador;
Posts: 319
Aug 16, 2014, 10:06 pm
#419
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL DM, SPG Gold
Posts: 832
This is normal from my experience. Do the following:
That should do the trick.
Edit: after reading your post more carefully, it looks like this is exactly what you do... and I think that's what you'll continue to have to do. I wish AA's site had a feature similar to UA's that allows one to search a particular fare class.
- Put a 24-hour hold on your itinerary at the lower fare class (it's a payment option for all reservations outside 7 days prior)
- Call in to AA and request for the fare to be re-priced to a V fare, or whatever
- Don't ticket on the phone - ask to keep it on hold
- Ticket reservation online
That should do the trick.
Edit: after reading your post more carefully, it looks like this is exactly what you do... and I think that's what you'll continue to have to do. I wish AA's site had a feature similar to UA's that allows one to search a particular fare class.
I'm still unclear as to why G fares are being sold but V fares are not. I've never seen this on other airlines, it always seems to be linear i.e. if a certain fare is available then there is at least one seat open at every higher fare class as well.
Aug 17, 2014, 12:16 am
#420
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,220
So, this is what I tried doing, but when I try to do step 4 and buy the altered reservation on the website, it tries to be smart and say "oh, there is a lower fare available, I'll save you some money!" and won't let me buy it except at an N or S fare. Then the ticketing agents sometimes tell me (when I call back) that my inability to ticket online is not justification to waive the ticketing fee of $25 or whatever it is. Very annoying.
I'm still unclear as to why G fares are being sold but V fares are not. I've never seen this on other airlines, it always seems to be linear i.e. if a certain fare is available then there is at least one seat open at every higher fare class as well.
I'm still unclear as to why G fares are being sold but V fares are not. I've never seen this on other airlines, it always seems to be linear i.e. if a certain fare is available then there is at least one seat open at every higher fare class as well.
Alternatively, you could just be like me, accidentally wait until the cheapest fares are already sold out and "V" is the cheapest available.