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)
Nov 11, 2014, 9:43 am
#526
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: YOW
Programs: AC SE, FOTSG Platinum
Posts: 5,731
Plat Challenge questions
Hi folks,
I'm just this week starting a new job that will involve a bunch of US travel, which I'm able to steer to AA/US. My travel in the States hasn't been frequent enough for status in the past (mostly Canada and Asia) so I'm just learning the AA/US program from scratch.
A quick bit of math shows that even at 50% EQP per mile flown, I'll hit 10,000 points in 90 days starting from next week, so I'm considering a Platinum Challenge.
I'm currently OW Sapphire (Cathay Gold) which lasts until June 30, 2015, so I could just use that for lounge access / MCE etc. and then challenge April-May-June, to extend the AA status for longer, but my thinking is that the earlier I have AA Plat, the better my chances of re-qualifying "naturally" for 2016.
If anyone could help me with a few questions, I'd surely appreciate it!
- If I pass the challenge before June 30, the status is for 2015, if I pass on July 1st, the status is for the rest of 2015 and 2016?
- If I pass the challenge, do I have it right that as a Plat I would then earn EQM with a 100% bonus? That is, flying 1,000 miles yields 2,000 EQM?
- US shows that even the lowest Y fares earn 100% EQM, but doesn't specify how they earn EQP. Is it the same 50% valuation that AA uses?
- Am I right that the only major difference between flying as an OW Sapphire and an AA Plat is my place on the upgrade list and 500-mile upgrades earned?
Thanks!
I'm just this week starting a new job that will involve a bunch of US travel, which I'm able to steer to AA/US. My travel in the States hasn't been frequent enough for status in the past (mostly Canada and Asia) so I'm just learning the AA/US program from scratch.
A quick bit of math shows that even at 50% EQP per mile flown, I'll hit 10,000 points in 90 days starting from next week, so I'm considering a Platinum Challenge.
I'm currently OW Sapphire (Cathay Gold) which lasts until June 30, 2015, so I could just use that for lounge access / MCE etc. and then challenge April-May-June, to extend the AA status for longer, but my thinking is that the earlier I have AA Plat, the better my chances of re-qualifying "naturally" for 2016.
If anyone could help me with a few questions, I'd surely appreciate it!
- If I pass the challenge before June 30, the status is for 2015, if I pass on July 1st, the status is for the rest of 2015 and 2016?
- If I pass the challenge, do I have it right that as a Plat I would then earn EQM with a 100% bonus? That is, flying 1,000 miles yields 2,000 EQM?
- US shows that even the lowest Y fares earn 100% EQM, but doesn't specify how they earn EQP. Is it the same 50% valuation that AA uses?
- Am I right that the only major difference between flying as an OW Sapphire and an AA Plat is my place on the upgrade list and 500-mile upgrades earned?
Thanks!
Nov 11, 2014, 10:33 am
#527
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
Thanks for checking! (And thanks for the confirmation, JDiver!)
My official start date was after June 15. I paid $240, and also got an email confirming that it will indeed last until February 2016. I'm guessing the boost page is just drawing the 2015 date from some other (incorrect) information in the system.
My official start date was after June 15. I paid $240, and also got an email confirming that it will indeed last until February 2016. I'm guessing the boost page is just drawing the 2015 date from some other (incorrect) information in the system.
I have a hunch that they'll be getting quite of few of those.
Last edited by Blueboys999; Nov 11, 2014 at 10:41 am
Nov 11, 2014, 12:07 pm
#528
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
Hi folks,
I'm just this week starting a new job that will involve a bunch of US travel, which I'm able to steer to AA/US. My travel in the States hasn't been frequent enough for status in the past (mostly Canada and Asia) so I'm just learning the AA/US program from scratch.
A quick bit of math shows that even at 50% EQP per mile flown, I'll hit 10,000 points in 90 days starting from next week, so I'm considering a Platinum Challenge.
I'm currently OW Sapphire (Cathay Gold) which lasts until June 30, 2015, so I could just use that for lounge access / MCE etc. and then challenge April-May-June, to extend the AA status for longer, but my thinking is that the earlier I have AA Plat, the better my chances of re-qualifying "naturally" for 2016.
If anyone could help me with a few questions, I'd surely appreciate it!
- If I pass the challenge before June 30, the status is for 2015, if I pass on July 1st, the status is for the rest of 2015 and 2016?
I'm just this week starting a new job that will involve a bunch of US travel, which I'm able to steer to AA/US. My travel in the States hasn't been frequent enough for status in the past (mostly Canada and Asia) so I'm just learning the AA/US program from scratch.
A quick bit of math shows that even at 50% EQP per mile flown, I'll hit 10,000 points in 90 days starting from next week, so I'm considering a Platinum Challenge.
I'm currently OW Sapphire (Cathay Gold) which lasts until June 30, 2015, so I could just use that for lounge access / MCE etc. and then challenge April-May-June, to extend the AA status for longer, but my thinking is that the earlier I have AA Plat, the better my chances of re-qualifying "naturally" for 2016.
If anyone could help me with a few questions, I'd surely appreciate it!
- If I pass the challenge before June 30, the status is for 2015, if I pass on July 1st, the status is for the rest of 2015 and 2016?
- If I pass the challenge, do I have it right that as a Plat I would then earn EQM with a 100% bonus? That is, flying 1,000 miles yields 2,000 EQM?
- US shows that even the lowest Y fares earn 100% EQM, but doesn't specify how they earn EQP. Is it the same 50% valuation that AA uses?
- Am I right that the only major difference between flying as an OW Sapphire and an AA Plat is my place on the upgrade list and 500-mile upgrades earned?
In terms of published benefits, most other benefits for AA/US Sapphires translate to alliance partner Sapphires, as far as I know. Of course, in IRROPS, AA might be inclined to treat their own elites a little better than partner elites.
AA/US Sapphire status does not make you eligible for lounge access on most intra-North America itineraries; CX (or any other oneworld airline) Sapphire status does make you eligible for lounge access on all AA itineraries.
The other obvious difference is that you accrue AA miles instead of CX points. I have no idea which are more valuable for you and your travel patterns.
Nov 11, 2014, 12:24 pm
#529
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: YOW
Programs: AC SE, FOTSG Platinum
Posts: 5,731
No, if you start the challenge on or before June 15, year x, the status is good through Feb 28/29 x+1. If you start the challenge on or after June 16, year x, the status is good through Feb 28/29 x+2. As noted in the post one or two before yours, the date you complete the challenge is irrelevant; all that matters is the official start date.
Thanks for your help!
Nov 11, 2014, 6:44 pm
#530
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
US frequent flyer programs are unusual in the world in that the focus of elite status is complimentary or cheap space-available upgrades rather than lounge access. CX doesn't offer AA elites (or their own elites, for that matter) complimentary upgrades, so AA doesn't offer them to CX elites.
Nov 13, 2014, 11:20 am
#531
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: JFK
Programs: *G on UA Platinum / OW SPH on BA Silver
Posts: 8
possible to waive 260 USD status challenge fee?
hey guys...I am new to FT but actually have been reading the forum for quite a while before I finally registered my acct. :-P
could I ask a question re. AA Platinum status challenge?
1. I understood there is 260 USD up/fee need to be paid in order to participate the challenge. however, I am current *G (via UA) and OW SPH. is it possible I can get waived the fee? I understood both UA and DL did complementary status challenge...if I still have to pay the xxx hundred $ fee, I may have to think twice whether to take AA for my upcoming international J class trip or even if take AA, to credit miles to my AA account.
2. As I hv Gold from its competitor, upon taken the challenge, am I able to enjoy Platinum benefits in the challenge period (like 100% bonus miles)?
thank you so much for your advice!
could I ask a question re. AA Platinum status challenge?
1. I understood there is 260 USD up/fee need to be paid in order to participate the challenge. however, I am current *G (via UA) and OW SPH. is it possible I can get waived the fee? I understood both UA and DL did complementary status challenge...if I still have to pay the xxx hundred $ fee, I may have to think twice whether to take AA for my upcoming international J class trip or even if take AA, to credit miles to my AA account.
2. As I hv Gold from its competitor, upon taken the challenge, am I able to enjoy Platinum benefits in the challenge period (like 100% bonus miles)?
thank you so much for your advice!
Nov 13, 2014, 12:27 pm
#532
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
2. As I hv Gold from its competitor, upon taken the challenge, am I able to enjoy Platinum benefits in the challenge period (like 100% bonus miles)?
But on both of these questions, it can't hurt to ask.
Nov 13, 2014, 1:47 pm
#533
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: JFK
Programs: *G on UA Platinum / OW SPH on BA Silver
Posts: 8
Anything's possible, but that is not standard practice. Reports of the fee being waived as part of a status match on this forum are very rare and generally associated with a targeted match program; I don't think there's a current targeted match program. In September, I was charged the fee for a Platinum challenge as a Delta Platinum.
I was given Gold (AA's 25k elite status level) because of my competitor elite status during my Platinum challenge, so I got the 500 mile minimum, 25% elite bonus, Priority AAccess and discounted main cabin extra seating that come with Gold status. (Again, I had 75k elite status with Delta.) There are many reports of that happening in this thread, but there are few if any reports of passengers being matched to a higher level.
But on both of these questions, it can't hurt to ask.
I was given Gold (AA's 25k elite status level) because of my competitor elite status during my Platinum challenge, so I got the 500 mile minimum, 25% elite bonus, Priority AAccess and discounted main cabin extra seating that come with Gold status. (Again, I had 75k elite status with Delta.) There are many reports of that happening in this thread, but there are few if any reports of passengers being matched to a higher level.
But on both of these questions, it can't hurt to ask.
Nov 14, 2014, 10:07 am
#534
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: HEL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3
Just did this!
I have a HEL-LAX-YYZ-NYC-HEL trip coming up so I decided to do the challenge. I was booked in a mixture of O/Q/G/S, but after finding out about the challenge I was able to change to V so now I'll get plat status just from this trip. Luckily the booking was still in the ticketing queue so there weren't any change fees and the price hike was moderate (around $500 in total).
The fee actually changes depending on how close it is to the end of the year. Right now it is $200.
I have a HEL-LAX-YYZ-NYC-HEL trip coming up so I decided to do the challenge. I was booked in a mixture of O/Q/G/S, but after finding out about the challenge I was able to change to V so now I'll get plat status just from this trip. Luckily the booking was still in the ticketing queue so there weren't any change fees and the price hike was moderate (around $500 in total).
The fee actually changes depending on how close it is to the end of the year. Right now it is $200.
Nov 14, 2014, 10:17 am
#535
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: JFK
Programs: *G on UA Platinum / OW SPH on BA Silver
Posts: 8
Just did this!
I have a HEL-LAX-YYZ-NYC-HEL trip coming up so I decided to do the challenge. I was booked in a mixture of O/Q/G/S, but after finding out about the challenge I was able to change to V so now I'll get plat status just from this trip. Luckily the booking was still in the ticketing queue so there weren't any change fees and the price hike was moderate (around $500 in total).
The fee actually changes depending on how close it is to the end of the year. Right now it is $200.
I have a HEL-LAX-YYZ-NYC-HEL trip coming up so I decided to do the challenge. I was booked in a mixture of O/Q/G/S, but after finding out about the challenge I was able to change to V so now I'll get plat status just from this trip. Luckily the booking was still in the ticketing queue so there weren't any change fees and the price hike was moderate (around $500 in total).
The fee actually changes depending on how close it is to the end of the year. Right now it is $200.
Nov 14, 2014, 11:46 am
#536
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: HEL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3
AHHHH just realized how badly I worded that, sorry! English is not my first language as you can probably tell. Not in total, I meant the price hike from deep discount to discount economy. The total fare was originally around $1300 and then hiked to $1800 with the class upgrade. Still not that bad given that it was booked a week before departure.
Nov 14, 2014, 12:48 pm
#537
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: JFK
Programs: *G on UA Platinum / OW SPH on BA Silver
Posts: 8
AHHHH just realized how badly I worded that, sorry! English is not my first language as you can probably tell. Not in total, I meant the price hike from deep discount to discount economy. The total fare was originally around $1300 and then hiked to $1800 with the class upgrade. Still not that bad given that it was booked a week before departure.
Nov 14, 2014, 1:55 pm
#538
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
hey ashill thank you vm for advice here! as you are already DL 75k (should be well between AA P and EXP) but they still only offer you perks on AA G, that looks really not reasonable..I am current UA 50k lvl so don't think I gonna get through AA P without charge either. phew, how come UA and DL are both expanding elite aggressively while AA not. in this case, I should be better off to credit my AA miles to my BA SPH anyway as BA SPH offer 100% extra on AA.
Last edited by JDiver; Nov 17, 2014 at 2:57 pm Reason: amend to intended DL
Nov 17, 2014, 10:12 am
#539
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: JFK
Programs: *G on UA Platinum / OW SPH on BA Silver
Posts: 8
by taking J class often, BA 600 TP for sapphire qualification is well below 50k PQM on AA / UA. however, BA requires 4 segment on BA which is not possible for me as I am not flying trans Atlantic...
Nov 17, 2014, 10:27 am
#540
Join Date: May 2001
Location: topeka, ks usa
Posts: 392
I just noticed AA also has the same segment rule. I presume the challenge will not require 4 segments.
Note: Members must fly at least four segments on American Airlines, American Eagle, US Airways, US Airways Express or US Airways Shuttle to qualify for Executive Platinum, Platinum or Gold status within the qualifying year.
Note: Members must fly at least four segments on American Airlines, American Eagle, US Airways, US Airways Express or US Airways Shuttle to qualify for Executive Platinum, Platinum or Gold status within the qualifying year.