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)
Apr 14, 2015, 7:49 pm
#916
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 4
I have Cathay Pacific Marco Polo silver status, which is equivalent to OneWorld Ruby and AA Gold. I would like to know how I can transfer my OneWorld Ruby status to my American Airlines Advantage account. Is this possible?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Apr 14, 2015, 8:06 pm
#917
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BDL,CLT,LIM
Programs: AA,BA
Posts: 345
You can't transfer status from one airline to another. Oneworld status is recognized by all Oneworld airlines. So long as you have the physical card to show proof you can enjoy Ruby benefits. Also, when inputting your CX FF# the system should recognize the status.
Apr 14, 2015, 8:26 pm
#918
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 4
How do I input my MarcoPolo number when booking a flight through American Airlines on AA's site?
Apr 15, 2015, 8:43 am
#920
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: ORD
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Plat, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 14
Just FYI I signed up for a Platinum Challenge today after reading this thread because I have a single flight that will add up to 10,000 miles coming next month. I used my AAdvantage Citi MasterCard to pay for the purchase and the agent quoted me $200 then seemed surprised when the cost went down to $180 when she engaged it. Perhaps due to using a branded card? She also gave me Gold Elite while I work on the Platinum Elite Challenge.
Apr 15, 2015, 7:11 pm
#921
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BDL,CLT,LIM
Programs: AA,BA
Posts: 345
Most surprisingly is how the price for rmetzler78 was quoted a bit cheaper. Lucky! For a temporary Gold you can ask for it but note that it is not always granted. Having status with another airline has some pull in the CSR's decision to grant you the temporary status.
Apr 18, 2015, 12:03 am
#922
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ORD
Programs: 2015 kettle
Posts: 653
confirm my math
Will do a challenge in late June for platinum status. Two trips coming, ORD-LAS and back on a P fare, then ORD-DFW-LAS on another P fare and back again through DFW on an A fare. With 1.5 eqm I should have just over 10,000, right, or am I missing something? Thx in advance.
Apr 18, 2015, 12:15 am
#923
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,600
Looking at the distances and the mathematics
ORD-LAS - 1514 miles
ORD-DFW - 802 miles
DFW-LAS - 1055 miles
Total for this is 3371 miles
round trip total is therefore 6742
At 1.5 qualifying points per mile , this will exceed the requirements for completing the challenge
ORD-LAS - 1514 miles
ORD-DFW - 802 miles
DFW-LAS - 1055 miles
Total for this is 3371 miles
round trip total is therefore 6742
At 1.5 qualifying points per mile , this will exceed the requirements for completing the challenge
Apr 18, 2015, 6:18 am
#924
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 239
Based on the new promotion, you'll likely be way over!
http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/newsOffers/more-eqps.jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=moreeqps
http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/newsOffers/more-eqps.jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=moreeqps
Apr 18, 2015, 6:23 am
#925
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,600
Based on the new promotion, you'll likely be way over!
http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/ne...title=moreeqps
http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/ne...title=moreeqps
from the terms and conditions from that page
Originally Posted by aa.com
◾Only base elite-qualifying points count toward qualification for elite status challenge promotions.
Apr 18, 2015, 9:41 am
#926
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ORD
Programs: 2015 kettle
Posts: 653
Looking at the distances and the mathematics
ORD-LAS - 1514 miles
ORD-DFW - 802 miles
DFW-LAS - 1055 miles
Total for this is 3371 miles
round trip total is therefore 6742
At 1.5 qualifying points per mile , this will exceed the requirements for completing the challenge
ORD-LAS - 1514 miles
ORD-DFW - 802 miles
DFW-LAS - 1055 miles
Total for this is 3371 miles
round trip total is therefore 6742
At 1.5 qualifying points per mile , this will exceed the requirements for completing the challenge
Many thanks,
Mickey
Apr 18, 2015, 10:49 am
#927
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Buenos Aires
Programs: AA EXP, MarriotPlatinum (Lifetime Gold), IHG Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist :)) , Hilton Diamond
Posts: 116
Im currently gold, just qualified (a bit over). Just booked the AARP BA fare JFK- CDG 3500 miles), and then shortly thereafter, I am flyign AY from LHR - HEL - CKG (Chongqing) 5330 miles. Both of these are round trips.
Does it make sense as a gold to do the challenge now? My AY flight is booked as an I fare. If its relevant, the BA fares are on AA metal.
Im currently OW Emerald/BA Gold but BA isnt useful to me now as I am back in the USA and wont be doing 4 BA flights per year. Besides I am chasing the systemwide upgrades.
THanks in advance.
Does it make sense as a gold to do the challenge now? My AY flight is booked as an I fare. If its relevant, the BA fares are on AA metal.
Im currently OW Emerald/BA Gold but BA isnt useful to me now as I am back in the USA and wont be doing 4 BA flights per year. Besides I am chasing the systemwide upgrades.
THanks in advance.
Apr 18, 2015, 11:56 am
#928
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Buenos Aires
Programs: AA EXP, MarriotPlatinum (Lifetime Gold), IHG Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist :)) , Hilton Diamond
Posts: 116
Further to my previous post, it seems that if I do the challenge, I'd hit gold before I took trips 3 and 4 (CKG - LHR) and (CDG-JFK). that seems to provide around 9000 extra eqm, rather than 18K extra, which doesnt seem to be worth it for the cost of the challenge (guessing around 180USD).
Anyone want to check my math?
Anyone want to check my math?
Apr 18, 2015, 3:02 pm
#929
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,600
Further to my previous post, it seems that if I do the challenge, I'd hit gold before I took trips 3 and 4 (CKG - LHR) and (CDG-JFK). that seems to provide around 9000 extra eqm, rather than 18K extra, which doesnt seem to be worth it for the cost of the challenge (guessing around 180USD).
Anyone want to check my math?
Anyone want to check my math?
This would mean you would have platinum status for LHR-HEL-HKG r/t which is about 12,000 miles
As a gold member you would get 3,000 bonus and as platinum 12,000 bonus , so an extra 9000 would be earned
AT what point this year will you achieve platinum status if you do not do the challenge? If it is soon after , then probably not worth the challenge , but it is close
Apr 18, 2015, 3:15 pm
#930
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Buenos Aires
Programs: AA EXP, MarriotPlatinum (Lifetime Gold), IHG Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist :)) , Hilton Diamond
Posts: 116
I should hit platinum on my return flight to the USA from CDG. So I think its just buying 9000 rdm for whatever the challenge costs. Probably not worth it.