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 17, 2014, 3:40 pm
#541
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,467
Nov 21, 2014, 5:24 am
#542
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: QF WP, QR GOLD, TK GOLD, EY GOLD, AF/KLM GOLD
Posts: 392
Do flights marketed by AA with AA ticket but operated by EY count towards the challenges?
Nov 21, 2014, 6:53 am
#543
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,467
Nov 21, 2014, 7:56 am
#544
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
It can be done without flying four segments period. I did it in three (on 1.0 EQP-earning fares); on 1.5 EQP-earning fares, it can be done in one. (For trivia's sake, it could even be done in one "segment" on 1.0 EQP fares, since QF1 SYD-DXB-LHR counts as one segment.)
Nov 22, 2014, 9:28 am
#545
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (Challenge), CX Gold
Posts: 4
Hoping someone can confirm whether a BA codeshare flight on its affiliate in South Africa - Comair counts towards the challenge. This from aa.com: 'Travel on British Airways and affiliate airlines counts toward qualifying for AAdvantage elite status membership.'
But, does it count toward challenge EQP? The flight is a BA code, marketed by BA, part of a bigger BA itinerary but operated by Comair.
Currently doing the EXP 25K challenge and wanted to make sure. Thanks!
But, does it count toward challenge EQP? The flight is a BA code, marketed by BA, part of a bigger BA itinerary but operated by Comair.
Currently doing the EXP 25K challenge and wanted to make sure. Thanks!
Nov 22, 2014, 3:03 pm
#546
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: CUR
Posts: 2,170
Hoping someone can confirm whether a BA codeshare flight on its affiliate in South Africa - Comair counts towards the challenge. This from aa.com: 'Travel on British Airways and affiliate airlines counts toward qualifying for AAdvantage elite status membership.'
But, does it count toward challenge EQP? The flight is a BA code, marketed by BA, part of a bigger BA itinerary but operated by Comair.
Currently doing the EXP 25K challenge and wanted to make sure. Thanks!
But, does it count toward challenge EQP? The flight is a BA code, marketed by BA, part of a bigger BA itinerary but operated by Comair.
Currently doing the EXP 25K challenge and wanted to make sure. Thanks!
Nov 22, 2014, 3:56 pm
#547
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (Challenge), CX Gold
Posts: 4
Nov 22, 2014, 6:37 pm
#548
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TPA/DFW/K15
Programs: AA EXP, Mar AMB, HH LT DIA
Posts: 1,653
Just to be clear...
I personally qualify for EP based on my M-F commute. My wife, however flies far less. We are in Shanghai today after flying AA DFW-NRT last week (11/19), then JL NRT-PVG. We'll return AA PVG-DFW next week.
Do I understand the platinum challenge correctly that I could call and request that she do a platinum challenge retroactively starting 11/19 and be credited for the 6436 miles already flown (which were credited as 6436 miles - no discounted ticket)? Does the JAL flight (1111 miles) count as well?
Also, I might be able to request that she be awarded gold based on 5K+ miles already achieved during the qualification process, so she would be able to receive a small bonus on the return flight?
TIA
I personally qualify for EP based on my M-F commute. My wife, however flies far less. We are in Shanghai today after flying AA DFW-NRT last week (11/19), then JL NRT-PVG. We'll return AA PVG-DFW next week.
Do I understand the platinum challenge correctly that I could call and request that she do a platinum challenge retroactively starting 11/19 and be credited for the 6436 miles already flown (which were credited as 6436 miles - no discounted ticket)? Does the JAL flight (1111 miles) count as well?
Also, I might be able to request that she be awarded gold based on 5K+ miles already achieved during the qualification process, so she would be able to receive a small bonus on the return flight?
TIA
Nov 24, 2014, 8:14 am
#549
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: CUR
Posts: 2,170
Just to be clear...
I personally qualify for EP based on my M-F commute. My wife, however flies far less. We are in Shanghai today after flying AA DFW-NRT last week (11/19), then JL NRT-PVG. We'll return AA PVG-DFW next week.
Do I understand the platinum challenge correctly that I could call and request that she do a platinum challenge retroactively starting 11/19 and be credited for the 6436 miles already flown (which were credited as 6436 miles - no discounted ticket)? Does the JAL flight (1111 miles) count as well?
Also, I might be able to request that she be awarded gold based on 5K+ miles already achieved during the qualification process, so she would be able to receive a small bonus on the return flight?
TIA
I personally qualify for EP based on my M-F commute. My wife, however flies far less. We are in Shanghai today after flying AA DFW-NRT last week (11/19), then JL NRT-PVG. We'll return AA PVG-DFW next week.
Do I understand the platinum challenge correctly that I could call and request that she do a platinum challenge retroactively starting 11/19 and be credited for the 6436 miles already flown (which were credited as 6436 miles - no discounted ticket)? Does the JAL flight (1111 miles) count as well?
Also, I might be able to request that she be awarded gold based on 5K+ miles already achieved during the qualification process, so she would be able to receive a small bonus on the return flight?
TIA
Keep in mind that it's EQPoints and not EQMiles, that count for the challenge.
JL flights do count for the challenge, however, remember to check this link, as some flights only earn 15% of the BIS miles as points.
You can request she be awarded Gold status. Whether she'll be awarded Gold is up to the agent. You can always try the HUCA method, if the first one isn't willing to grant immediate Gold status.
Nov 24, 2014, 6:50 pm
#550
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: JFK / LGA
Posts: 124
1) Is there a best time of year to do the platinum challenge? If in 2nd half of year (June+), you get status for longer. But say in February, about 12 months.
2) Once you successfully complete the challenge, do you still need to fly another 50k miles for that year? or is that only needed to keep the status for the following year?
3) Say you complete challenge in November 2014. You will get status till Feb 2016. Then you only fly 5k miles in 2014, but fly 50k in 2015, then you'd get to keep platinum status in 2016 post february, right?
2) Once you successfully complete the challenge, do you still need to fly another 50k miles for that year? or is that only needed to keep the status for the following year?
3) Say you complete challenge in November 2014. You will get status till Feb 2016. Then you only fly 5k miles in 2014, but fly 50k in 2015, then you'd get to keep platinum status in 2016 post february, right?
Nov 24, 2014, 7:04 pm
#551
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: CUR
Posts: 2,170
1) Is there a best time of year to do the platinum challenge? If in 2nd half of year (June+), you get status for longer. But say in February, about 12 months.
2) Once you successfully complete the challenge, do you still need to fly another 50k miles for that year? or is that only needed to keep the status for the following year?
3) Say you complete challenge in November 2014. You will get status till Feb 2016. Then you only fly 5k miles in 2014, but fly 50k in 2015, then you'd get to keep platinum status in 2016 post february, right?
2) Once you successfully complete the challenge, do you still need to fly another 50k miles for that year? or is that only needed to keep the status for the following year?
3) Say you complete challenge in November 2014. You will get status till Feb 2016. Then you only fly 5k miles in 2014, but fly 50k in 2015, then you'd get to keep platinum status in 2016 post february, right?
2)This depends on when you start the challenge. If you start before June 16, you will still have to fly the normal required amount (25.000 and 50.000 for Gold and Platinum, respectively) that same year. If you start after June 16, you need to fly the normal amount in the following year.
3) 2 and 3 are basically the same question, but the answer is yes.
You would then have status till February 2017.
Nov 24, 2014, 8:36 pm
#552
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: JFK / LGA
Posts: 124
1) The "best time" would be to do it whenever you have flights planned. But yes, past June 16 will allow you to keep your status for a longer period.
2)This depends on when you start the challenge. If you start before June 16, you will still have to fly the normal required amount (25.000 and 50.000 for Gold and Platinum, respectively) that same year. If you start after June 16, you need to fly the normal amount in the following year.
3) 2 and 3 are basically the same question, but the answer is yes.
You would then have status till February 2017.
2)This depends on when you start the challenge. If you start before June 16, you will still have to fly the normal required amount (25.000 and 50.000 for Gold and Platinum, respectively) that same year. If you start after June 16, you need to fly the normal amount in the following year.
3) 2 and 3 are basically the same question, but the answer is yes.
You would then have status till February 2017.
Dec 2, 2014, 8:29 am
#553
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,260
Interesting observation on my plat challenge
I was on a plat challenge ending 28 Nov and had Gold status during the challenge. I was at 9300 EQP by October and took my last qualifying flight (a BA flight for 740 points) on the last day - 28th Nov.
On 29th - on AA.com I had lost the gold status as the challenge period had ended.
On 30th - on AA.com I was Gold again - presumably due to having 9300 EQP during the challenge.
on 1st Dec - My BA flight from 28th posted and AA.com showed platinum right away. However, I did not get any bonus RDM (neither 25% for Gold nor 100% for Platinum). No big issue as it was a small segment but left me wondering how their IT works!
I had to call BA to buy a V class fare that posted 100% EQM/EQP. It all worked out fine in the end. Plat till 2/2016!
I was on a plat challenge ending 28 Nov and had Gold status during the challenge. I was at 9300 EQP by October and took my last qualifying flight (a BA flight for 740 points) on the last day - 28th Nov.
On 29th - on AA.com I had lost the gold status as the challenge period had ended.
On 30th - on AA.com I was Gold again - presumably due to having 9300 EQP during the challenge.
on 1st Dec - My BA flight from 28th posted and AA.com showed platinum right away. However, I did not get any bonus RDM (neither 25% for Gold nor 100% for Platinum). No big issue as it was a small segment but left me wondering how their IT works!
I had to call BA to buy a V class fare that posted 100% EQM/EQP. It all worked out fine in the end. Plat till 2/2016!
Dec 2, 2014, 9:14 am
#554
Moderator, Amtrak & Spirit Airlines
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: EWR :rolleyes:
Programs: AC 50K, AS MVP, AA Plat Pro, DL Plat, UA Silver, IHG Spire, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 9,629
Just want to make sure I am doing this right
Okay I have a newbie question for everyone out there so I hope that I can some help here. I just want to make sure I am understanding everything correctly, so I don’t make any mistakes and maximize my earning and possibly my status. This is my first year focusing on AA as a program, so I want to make sure I am getting the most out of it. I have 37,220 miles of flights booked an ticketed between January 1 February 28. I am considering applying for the Platinum challenge since that was the status I was going to achieve by year end anyway I just am unsure what would happen after I complete the challenge, and how it would affect 2016. Below is a breakdown of my flights.
US PHL-LAS Booking Class E EQP=1088 EQM=2176
US LAS-PHL Booking Class E EQP=1088 EQM=2176
BA EWR-LHR Booking Class O EQP=1732 EQM=3465
BA LHR-DOH Booking Class O EQP=1629 EQM=3259
BA DOH-LHR Booking Class O EQP=1629 EQM=3259
BA LHR-EWR Booking Class O EQP=1732 EQM=3465
AA EWR-ORD Booking Class N EQP=359 EQM=719
JAL ORD-NRT Booking Class N EQP=3137 EQM=1882
JAL NRT-HAN Booking Class N EQP=1157 EQM=694
AA HAN-NRT Booking Class Q EQP=1157 EQM=2314 (Codeshare on JAL)
AA NRT-DFW Booking Class Q EQP=3213 EQM=6427
AA DFW-EWR Booking Class Q EQP=686 EQM=1372
Giving me a total EQP of 18610 and EQM of 31208.
I believe the platinum challenge requires 10k EQP so I should have that covered easily. My question is when I complete the challenge will I only need 18972 more EQM to maintain Platinum status for 2016? (50000-31208=18972) In this case since everything is already ticketed and all this travel will be done between 1/14/15 to 2/23/15 when is the best time to apply for the challenge? Any other tips or suggestions if you were in my shoes?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide me.
US PHL-LAS Booking Class E EQP=1088 EQM=2176
US LAS-PHL Booking Class E EQP=1088 EQM=2176
BA EWR-LHR Booking Class O EQP=1732 EQM=3465
BA LHR-DOH Booking Class O EQP=1629 EQM=3259
BA DOH-LHR Booking Class O EQP=1629 EQM=3259
BA LHR-EWR Booking Class O EQP=1732 EQM=3465
AA EWR-ORD Booking Class N EQP=359 EQM=719
JAL ORD-NRT Booking Class N EQP=3137 EQM=1882
JAL NRT-HAN Booking Class N EQP=1157 EQM=694
AA HAN-NRT Booking Class Q EQP=1157 EQM=2314 (Codeshare on JAL)
AA NRT-DFW Booking Class Q EQP=3213 EQM=6427
AA DFW-EWR Booking Class Q EQP=686 EQM=1372
Giving me a total EQP of 18610 and EQM of 31208.
I believe the platinum challenge requires 10k EQP so I should have that covered easily. My question is when I complete the challenge will I only need 18972 more EQM to maintain Platinum status for 2016? (50000-31208=18972) In this case since everything is already ticketed and all this travel will be done between 1/14/15 to 2/23/15 when is the best time to apply for the challenge? Any other tips or suggestions if you were in my shoes?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide me.
Dec 2, 2014, 9:19 am
#555
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, National Exec, AA EXP Emeritus
Posts: 9,765
I believe the platinum challenge requires 10k EQP so I should have that covered easily. My question is when I complete the challenge will I only need 18972 more EQM to maintain Platinum status for 2016? (50000-31208=18972) In this case since everything is already ticketed and all this travel will be done between 1/14/15 to 2/23/15 when is the best time to apply for the challenge? Any other tips or suggestions if you were in my shoes?
~Moderator