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 10, 2015, 9:37 am
#1336
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Programs: AA PPro, Mariott Gold Elite, Lowly kettle across every other loyalty program.
Posts: 778
I have a question about the "three-month period". My DW is flying 7,460 EQP starting 9/24 and ending 12/26. What exactly is 3 months? Looking for PLT status-she's already GLD. Plan B is to start 12/18. We'll be flying 12K EQP worth between 12/18 and 1/24. Only difference is it would be nice to have the January trip earning PLT bonus instead of GLD since we're burning our miles next year.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Aug 11, 2015, 6:01 pm
#1337
Join Date: May 2014
Location: PHL
Programs: searching!
Posts: 3
AA - Optimal time to go for Platinum Challenge.
Hi all,
Hoping this is an appropriate place for this. I have some trips coming up next year and am hoping to gain Platinum. I am planning to go for the Platinum Challenge and shouldn't have too much of a problem with the requirements, but I was curious as to when is a good time to obtain the status with the Feb reset. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
Hoping this is an appropriate place for this. I have some trips coming up next year and am hoping to gain Platinum. I am planning to go for the Platinum Challenge and shouldn't have too much of a problem with the requirements, but I was curious as to when is a good time to obtain the status with the Feb reset. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
Aug 11, 2015, 7:07 pm
#1338
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: WAS/NYC/LON
Programs: AA EXP, HH DIA, Hyatt DIA
Posts: 286
See this thread.
Basically, any future challenges from now will give status until Feb '17. Traditionally, after July, challenges become extended to give status that lasts ~1.5 years until reset. This occurred this year, but no one knows if the same thing will happen again next year given the merger.
Basically, any future challenges from now will give status until Feb '17. Traditionally, after July, challenges become extended to give status that lasts ~1.5 years until reset. This occurred this year, but no one knows if the same thing will happen again next year given the merger.
Last edited by JDiver; Aug 11, 2015 at 11:43 pm Reason: Deleted recurring link
Aug 11, 2015, 9:52 pm
#1339
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BDL,CLT,LIM
Programs: AA,BA
Posts: 345
I have a question about the "three-month period". My DW is flying 7,460 EQP starting 9/24 and ending 12/26. What exactly is 3 months? Looking for PLT status-she's already GLD. Plan B is to start 12/18. We'll be flying 12K EQP worth between 12/18 and 1/24. Only difference is it would be nice to have the January trip earning PLT bonus instead of GLD since we're burning our miles next year.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Aug 12, 2015, 2:38 am
#1340
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Perth, Australia
Programs: QF, LM, USDM, AA
Posts: 209
Hey, I'm about to book a return flight on AA out of HKG-DFW-LAX//NYC-DFW-HKG, which when combined with another flight on AA in the US should provide the 10k points for the AA Plat challenge....
The flight out of HKG also comes up with some AA codeshares on CX via Tokyo and then AA to LAX etc, should I avoid these as even though AA codeshares, does it have to be AA metal for the Plat challenge??
Edit: Ok reading the wiki it seems like eligible codeshares on other airline's metals qualify??
The flight out of HKG also comes up with some AA codeshares on CX via Tokyo and then AA to LAX etc, should I avoid these as even though AA codeshares, does it have to be AA metal for the Plat challenge??
Edit: Ok reading the wiki it seems like eligible codeshares on other airline's metals qualify??
Aug 12, 2015, 3:05 am
#1341
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,467
Aug 12, 2015, 7:03 am
#1342
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 129
Need to book and pay for flights on AA for Plat challenge?
Do you need to book and pay for flights on AA.com or can you book and pay on BA.com? TIA
Aug 12, 2015, 7:42 am
#1343
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,467
thx
Aug 12, 2015, 5:44 pm
#1345
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: BA, AA, SQ, UA, AC, WS, MR TIT
Posts: 8,659
A quick question: if I pass the challenge and before year end I earned more than 50k EQP will I have PLT status kept until the end of 2016 or 2017?
Aug 12, 2015, 6:27 pm
#1346
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
Status earned through the challenge does not stack with status earned the regular way, so your status will only be valid through Feb 2017 even if you both complete the challenge and earn 50k EQPs, if that's what you're asking.
No elite-qualifying miles, points, or segments earned before January 1, 2016 will count towards 2017 status (valid through Feb 2018) by any status-earning method.
Aug 13, 2015, 7:36 am
#1347
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AAdvantage, United MP, Marriott Rewards
Posts: 1,137
Rules to start a challenge
Called customer service yesterday to start a challenge but I got a njet on my request. As I always thought that a challenge was not a once in a lifetime things (opposed to a status mapping) I was surprised by this response. Certainly as I qualified for gold the regular way in 2013.
The reason for which I could not start the challenge was the 'number of exceptions' they made in the past. Exceptions being challenges as well. I indeed did a Gold challenge in 2009 and received instant gold status again in 2012 when I started a platinum challenge for my honeymoon.
Now I wonder.
Is this something the customer representative made up? Are these maybe new rules?
Is this maybe a situation of call back and try again?
The reason for which I could not start the challenge was the 'number of exceptions' they made in the past. Exceptions being challenges as well. I indeed did a Gold challenge in 2009 and received instant gold status again in 2012 when I started a platinum challenge for my honeymoon.
Now I wonder.
Is this something the customer representative made up? Are these maybe new rules?
Is this maybe a situation of call back and try again?
Last edited by kcaluwae; Aug 13, 2015 at 10:12 am
Aug 13, 2015, 7:09 pm
#1348
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
Not a question but a data point which I hope is some use. Called the number and asked about status challenge. I have been accepted. I am DL DM and when I was told you have to fly 10000 EQpoints in 3 months I burst out laughing and said "Is that all - that is ridiculously easy". Anyway, the agent said welcome on board and glad to have you.
I already signed up for an AAdvantage CC and charged the 240$ fee to that. The letter is here.
Dear GRALISTAIR,
AAdvantage® Number: XXXXXXX
Thank you for registering for an AAdvantage® challenge.
To enjoy AAdvantage PLATINUM status through February 2017, please earn 10,000 elite qualifying points between now and 11/23/2015. 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: •American Airlines
•British Airways
•Finnair
•Iberia
•Japan Airlines
•Qantas
•US Airways
We wish you every success in attaining the elite status level you desire.
Sincerely,
Janet L Ferguson
Director AAdvantage Customer Service
I will have 9000 in the next 10 days. I am hoping to earn within a month or less. Do not understand why they did not let me challenge to Exec Plat - which would still have been easy.
NO STATUS IN THE MEANTIME.
I already signed up for an AAdvantage CC and charged the 240$ fee to that. The letter is here.
Dear GRALISTAIR,
AAdvantage® Number: XXXXXXX
Thank you for registering for an AAdvantage® challenge.
To enjoy AAdvantage PLATINUM status through February 2017, please earn 10,000 elite qualifying points between now and 11/23/2015. 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: •American Airlines
•British Airways
•Finnair
•Iberia
•Japan Airlines
•Qantas
•US Airways
We wish you every success in attaining the elite status level you desire.
Sincerely,
Janet L Ferguson
Director AAdvantage Customer Service
I will have 9000 in the next 10 days. I am hoping to earn within a month or less. Do not understand why they did not let me challenge to Exec Plat - which would still have been easy.
NO STATUS IN THE MEANTIME.
Aug 13, 2015, 7:24 pm
#1349
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
Not a question but a data point which I hope is some use. Called the number and asked about status challenge. I have been accepted. I am DL DM and when I was told you have to fly 10000 EQpoints in 3 months I burst out laughing and said "Is that all - that is ridiculously easy". Anyway, the agent said welcome on board and glad to have you.
I already signed up for an AAdvantage CC and charged the 240$ fee to that. The letter is here.
Dear GRALISTAIR,
AAdvantage® Number: XXXXXXX
Thank you for registering for an AAdvantage® challenge.
To enjoy AAdvantage PLATINUM status through February 2017, please earn 10,000 elite qualifying points between now and 11/23/2015. 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: •American Airlines
•British Airways
•Finnair
•Iberia
•Japan Airlines
•Qantas
•US Airways
We wish you every success in attaining the elite status level you desire.
Sincerely,
Janet L Ferguson
Director AAdvantage Customer Service
I will have 9000 in the next 10 days. I am hoping to earn within a month or less. Do not understand why they did not let me challenge to Exec Plat - which would still have been easy.
NO STATUS IN THE MEANTIME.
I already signed up for an AAdvantage CC and charged the 240$ fee to that. The letter is here.
Dear GRALISTAIR,
AAdvantage® Number: XXXXXXX
Thank you for registering for an AAdvantage® challenge.
To enjoy AAdvantage PLATINUM status through February 2017, please earn 10,000 elite qualifying points between now and 11/23/2015. 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: •American Airlines
•British Airways
•Finnair
•Iberia
•Japan Airlines
•Qantas
•US Airways
We wish you every success in attaining the elite status level you desire.
Sincerely,
Janet L Ferguson
Director AAdvantage Customer Service
I will have 9000 in the next 10 days. I am hoping to earn within a month or less. Do not understand why they did not let me challenge to Exec Plat - which would still have been easy.
NO STATUS IN THE MEANTIME.
It is easy; but you must qualify by normal means in the future, and the challenge can not be repeated soon (five years is too soon for me, but that seems to be the current time period). I'm kind of surprised you didn't get Gold immediately; did you ask?
Thanks for reproducing the letter; it shows nothing has changed from what is quoted in the wiki.
And I'm sure you know: 10,000 E Q Points can require as few as 6,667 or as many as 20,000 E Q Miles.
Aug 13, 2015, 7:39 pm
#1350
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
Which is fair - a bit like DL - paid F or BE or Y etc should get more then El cheapo economy fares. The agent did remind me and also said "as I am sure you know"