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 17, 2014, 10:54 am
#421
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: CLT / AVL
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Kimpton IC; IHG Diamond Ambassador;
Posts: 319
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.
Aug 17, 2014, 12:26 pm
#422
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: AA SPG Amex
Posts: 4,644
It's hard for me to keep up with all of the rule changes surrounding challenges so I want to confirm my wife's eligibility and the cost.
Currently GLD
Did PLT challenge late in 2012
Only qualified for GLD during the 2013 qualifying year
My understanding is that the PLT challenge is currently $200
I figured that since her qualifying even for GLD this year would require a mileage run, so might as well sign up for a PLT challenge, seeing as she'll have more than 10k points due to some paid F travel over the next two to three months. Ironically, since her travel thus far in 2014 has been on deep discount fares, it may take more than those paid F fares to keep GLD on EQM.
Any problems with her doing this?
Currently GLD
Did PLT challenge late in 2012
Only qualified for GLD during the 2013 qualifying year
My understanding is that the PLT challenge is currently $200
I figured that since her qualifying even for GLD this year would require a mileage run, so might as well sign up for a PLT challenge, seeing as she'll have more than 10k points due to some paid F travel over the next two to three months. Ironically, since her travel thus far in 2014 has been on deep discount fares, it may take more than those paid F fares to keep GLD on EQM.
Any problems with her doing this?
Aug 17, 2014, 12:33 pm
#423
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
It's hard for me to keep up with all of the rule changes surrounding challenges so I want to confirm my wife's eligibility and the cost.
Currently GLD
Did PLT challenge late in 2012
Only qualified for GLD during the 2013 qualifying year
My understanding is that the PLT challenge is currently $200
I figured that since her qualifying even for GLD this year would require a mileage run, so might as well sign up for a PLT challenge, seeing as she'll have more than 10k points due to some paid F travel over the next two to three months. Ironically, since her travel thus far in 2014 has been on deep discount fares, it may take more than those paid F fares to keep GLD on EQM.
Any problems with her doing this?
Currently GLD
Did PLT challenge late in 2012
Only qualified for GLD during the 2013 qualifying year
My understanding is that the PLT challenge is currently $200
I figured that since her qualifying even for GLD this year would require a mileage run, so might as well sign up for a PLT challenge, seeing as she'll have more than 10k points due to some paid F travel over the next two to three months. Ironically, since her travel thus far in 2014 has been on deep discount fares, it may take more than those paid F fares to keep GLD on EQM.
Any problems with her doing this?
But it depends on member-sepcific circumstances, so, if someone say in identical circumstances they were or were not, wouldn't be conclusive for her case. Also clear;y depends on AAgent's adhesion to the documented restriction(s).
But, off-hand, I'd expect a "no" and very quickly get off the phone if you get one, pending your next call/request.
Aug 18, 2014, 11:40 am
#424
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
So I called back in today and was able to sign up for the program. I got a rep who was much more knowledgeable than the previous one. I will offer the following data points:
-called and said I had status with Delta. Did not disclose a status level. Said I was looking to switch to AA and wanted to do a platinum status challenge.
-was told that the price is $240 until Sept 15, where it will go down to $200. Was told that my challenge date can only start 6 weeks forward or 6 weeks back. My first flight (unplanned, just booked it today) is for September 13. My original first flight was Sept 19. I would have been able to start Sept 15 and save $40; but to include the unplanned flight, the agent said she was going to start me on Sept 8th. I do not know why she didn't do the 12th, but it doesn't matter as the unplanned and planned flight put me at 10,875 EQP's.
-agent did NOT offer gold right off the bat. As she was processing payment, I asked if there was any reciprocity since I had status with Delta so that I wouldn't have to start all the way over from the bottom. Agent was then more than willing to award gold.
-receipt for status challenge arrived before I had even hung up
-status change to gold showed immediately on AA.com
-status with everyone else was not instant. Called BA and USAir (planned/unplanned carriers respectively) and each could change my FF# to the AA#, but my AA status and OW status was not showing up for them. Lovely BA agent was saying that she would have to call OW and confirm my status with them and make a note in my account. Of course, it did not show up there either. I will wait a couple of days and see if anything has changed and if not, call again. I've already spent about 75 minutes of airtime (use a mobile as my primary phone) on this, so don't want to waste the time unnecessarily.
-as soon as the FF# on US was changed to the AA# vs DM#, the booking disappeared from my account portal. I now have to keep plugging in the confirmation number to get it, whereas before it was listed automatically. No benefits with them as of yet, either.
ETA: not sure with whom BA spoke, but a quick call to AA states I am in fact gold. Agent said status updates push out within 24 hours, so it may not have pushed out to other servers yet.
-called and said I had status with Delta. Did not disclose a status level. Said I was looking to switch to AA and wanted to do a platinum status challenge.
-was told that the price is $240 until Sept 15, where it will go down to $200. Was told that my challenge date can only start 6 weeks forward or 6 weeks back. My first flight (unplanned, just booked it today) is for September 13. My original first flight was Sept 19. I would have been able to start Sept 15 and save $40; but to include the unplanned flight, the agent said she was going to start me on Sept 8th. I do not know why she didn't do the 12th, but it doesn't matter as the unplanned and planned flight put me at 10,875 EQP's.
-agent did NOT offer gold right off the bat. As she was processing payment, I asked if there was any reciprocity since I had status with Delta so that I wouldn't have to start all the way over from the bottom. Agent was then more than willing to award gold.
-receipt for status challenge arrived before I had even hung up
-status change to gold showed immediately on AA.com
-status with everyone else was not instant. Called BA and USAir (planned/unplanned carriers respectively) and each could change my FF# to the AA#, but my AA status and OW status was not showing up for them. Lovely BA agent was saying that she would have to call OW and confirm my status with them and make a note in my account. Of course, it did not show up there either. I will wait a couple of days and see if anything has changed and if not, call again. I've already spent about 75 minutes of airtime (use a mobile as my primary phone) on this, so don't want to waste the time unnecessarily.
-as soon as the FF# on US was changed to the AA# vs DM#, the booking disappeared from my account portal. I now have to keep plugging in the confirmation number to get it, whereas before it was listed automatically. No benefits with them as of yet, either.
ETA: not sure with whom BA spoke, but a quick call to AA states I am in fact gold. Agent said status updates push out within 24 hours, so it may not have pushed out to other servers yet.
Last edited by sperkins921; Aug 18, 2014 at 11:56 am
Aug 18, 2014, 6:22 pm
#425
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: AA PLT, DL GM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 241
There are two systems for status. When given instant gold, one system is updated instantly, but the other takes up to 48 hours.
Aug 18, 2014, 6:25 pm
#426
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,261
Just waiting it out - I spent a lot of time with OW,AA, BA and even a conference call with all of them. BA staff at EWR and LHR didnt budge and I gave up finally.
Aug 20, 2014, 10:29 am
#427
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,220
I took my gold qualifying flight yesterday afternoon. This morning the miles posted and I'm now an AAdvantage Gold Member. I'm still not able to select preferred seats or request upgrades, but hopefully tomorrow everything will be all sorted out.
Edit: It's now ~24 hours since the status changed and I am now able to request upgrades and select preferred seats.
Edit: It's now ~24 hours since the status changed and I am now able to request upgrades and select preferred seats.
Last edited by United747; Aug 21, 2014 at 6:47 am Reason: See above
Aug 20, 2014, 10:36 am
#428
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
Making progress
Today I called US to request my preferred seats, and the rep was able to confirm AA Gold (doing PLT challenge though) via phone call so at least it's a positive sign. When I talked with BA that first day, they called AA supposedly and AA didn't see anything; nor did OW.
I'm guessing that I'll know when the status has gone through all systems when I can choose preferred seats on my own on US's website.
Thankfully, my return BA flight is the one that will give me PLT, and I don't have another planned flight for 1.5 months after that- so it'll give the system plenty of time to catch up again
I'm guessing that I'll know when the status has gone through all systems when I can choose preferred seats on my own on US's website.
Thankfully, my return BA flight is the one that will give me PLT, and I don't have another planned flight for 1.5 months after that- so it'll give the system plenty of time to catch up again
Aug 21, 2014, 2:59 pm
#429
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: DFW
Posts: 141
Does Everything Line Up Okay?
Hello all, I am considering a challenge for me and my wife in a couple of months. I had successfully earned PLT by challenge in 2010, then "earned" PLT in 2012 and that ran out just this past March. Haven't flown AA much since status ran out, but I hope to regain and start flying with them again. I would like to know if this is going to work. My info:
-Booked a roundtrip DFW-ZRH-DFW
-This was booked through US Air, but I entered my AAdvantage #
-Though booked on US, all flights operated by AA (64/64 going, 65/65 returning)- I don't even see US flight #s when I look at reservation on US site
-When I look at reservation on US site, it is listed as coach (Q). From the earning chart on AA.com Q on US earns 1.0 EQP per mile
-When I look at reservation on AA site with my AA PNR, it is listed as N which earns .5 EQP per mile
This was kind of a weird deal where it looks like US had perhaps a mistake fair for a few hours and I was able to grab it (it was about 40% lower than the AA site fare)
Since I booked these tickets through US, and US shows it as Q inventory, is there any reason I wouldn't be safe in doing a challenge and expecting the 1.0 EQP for the trip and have that push me over?
-Booked a roundtrip DFW-ZRH-DFW
-This was booked through US Air, but I entered my AAdvantage #
-Though booked on US, all flights operated by AA (64/64 going, 65/65 returning)- I don't even see US flight #s when I look at reservation on US site
-When I look at reservation on US site, it is listed as coach (Q). From the earning chart on AA.com Q on US earns 1.0 EQP per mile
-When I look at reservation on AA site with my AA PNR, it is listed as N which earns .5 EQP per mile
This was kind of a weird deal where it looks like US had perhaps a mistake fair for a few hours and I was able to grab it (it was about 40% lower than the AA site fare)
Since I booked these tickets through US, and US shows it as Q inventory, is there any reason I wouldn't be safe in doing a challenge and expecting the 1.0 EQP for the trip and have that push me over?
Aug 21, 2014, 10:02 pm
#430
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2
I received a targeted & unsolicited email from AA with the subject - Enjoy platinum on us.
The body of the email read as follows:
For a limited time, enjoy complimentary AAdvantage® Platinum status through December 31, 2014.
With Platinum status, you'll be eligible for exclusive members-onlyelite benefits including:
Special upgrade privileges
100% mileage bonus on eligible flights
Complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra and Preferred Seats
Priority check-in and boarding
Two free checked bags
How about Platinum status through February 29, 2016?
Simply register, then start flying on American, US Airways or other select airlines* to earn 12,000 AAdvantage elite-qualifying miles or points between the date you register and December 31, 2014.
The body of the email read as follows:
For a limited time, enjoy complimentary AAdvantage® Platinum status through December 31, 2014.
With Platinum status, you'll be eligible for exclusive members-onlyelite benefits including:
Special upgrade privileges
100% mileage bonus on eligible flights
Complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra and Preferred Seats
Priority check-in and boarding
Two free checked bags
How about Platinum status through February 29, 2016?
Simply register, then start flying on American, US Airways or other select airlines* to earn 12,000 AAdvantage elite-qualifying miles or points between the date you register and December 31, 2014.
Aug 21, 2014, 10:08 pm
#431
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,467
I received a targeted & unsolicited email from AA with the subject - Enjoy platinum on us.
The body of the email read as follows:
For a limited time, enjoy complimentary AAdvantage® Platinum status through December 31, 2014.
With Platinum status, you'll be eligible for exclusive members-onlyelite benefits including:
Special upgrade privileges
100% mileage bonus on eligible flights
Complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra and Preferred Seats
Priority check-in and boarding
Two free checked bags
How about Platinum status through February 29, 2016?
Simply register, then start flying on American, US Airways or other select airlines* to earn 12,000 AAdvantage elite-qualifying miles or points between the date you register and December 31, 2014.
The body of the email read as follows:
For a limited time, enjoy complimentary AAdvantage® Platinum status through December 31, 2014.
With Platinum status, you'll be eligible for exclusive members-onlyelite benefits including:
Special upgrade privileges
100% mileage bonus on eligible flights
Complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra and Preferred Seats
Priority check-in and boarding
Two free checked bags
How about Platinum status through February 29, 2016?
Simply register, then start flying on American, US Airways or other select airlines* to earn 12,000 AAdvantage elite-qualifying miles or points between the date you register and December 31, 2014.
Already being discussed in this thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...-targeted.html
Aug 22, 2014, 9:13 am
#432
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
Status still does not show up on US or BA. BA flight not till 19 September, but US flight is in a little under two weeks. Full first availability on that, so I'd like to be able to snag something if it's left at OLCI. With the way things are going though, I won't be able to. System still does not see my status. There's supposedly a note in my account though where I can just call and they will process me as the rep I spoke with a few days ago (I was requesting placement in a preferred seat) called AA and verified me and said she left the note.
Called AA today, lady puts me on a hold a few minutes, comes back says it should be working and that everything should be showing up.
Go to US again, try to book new flight (but same flight I'm already booked on, as I know where the open preferred seats are at a glance) and no dice. Doesn't even show me preferred seats to choose from. It's been a week- started challenge/given GLD on Monday.
Wonder if I'll have to go back through this when I cross PLT next month?
Called AA today, lady puts me on a hold a few minutes, comes back says it should be working and that everything should be showing up.
Go to US again, try to book new flight (but same flight I'm already booked on, as I know where the open preferred seats are at a glance) and no dice. Doesn't even show me preferred seats to choose from. It's been a week- started challenge/given GLD on Monday.
Wonder if I'll have to go back through this when I cross PLT next month?
Aug 22, 2014, 9:19 am
#433
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
Aug 24, 2014, 5:16 pm
#434
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AA Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 174
Does anyone know if the Citi 10,000 MQMs for spending $40,000 count towards the challenge? I received the Platinum challenge (free offer with 20 500-mile upgrades) which requires earning 12,000 MQMs or MQPs by 12/31/14. Do they have to be BIS or any MQMs earned will do? Does anyone have any experience? Terms of the challenge here:
https://www.aa.com/content/images/em...PLT_LEGAL.html
https://www.aa.com/content/images/em...PLT_LEGAL.html
Aug 24, 2014, 5:53 pm
#435
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Programs: AA-Executive Platinum, Hilton-Diamond, IHG-Platinum, Marriott-PPE, Alaska- MVP75K
Posts: 40
Question: Advantage Elite Status Challenges (Platinum)
Sorry guys. I am new to Miles-Run and just heard about this Advantage Elite Status Challenges (Platinum).
I understand I have to reach 10,000 points (not miles) within 3 months.
So if I fly one round trip (7,000 miles) in First class. (booking: A in US airways)
Will I achieve Platinum challenge already? 7000 miles x 1.5 =10500 points
Or should I have to fly this route (7000 miles) twice?
Thank you for your help..
I understand I have to reach 10,000 points (not miles) within 3 months.
So if I fly one round trip (7,000 miles) in First class. (booking: A in US airways)
Will I achieve Platinum challenge already? 7000 miles x 1.5 =10500 points
Or should I have to fly this route (7000 miles) twice?
Thank you for your help..