lchan01

I'm 10,064 elite qualifying points away from achieving Executive Platinum status on AA this year (I'm nowhere near as close with EQM or segments). I don't have any personal or business travel planned for the rest of the year, but think it's worth trying to get to Executive Platinum.

I'm based in Los Angeles. Any suggestions/advice on the best way to get this (in the least painful way possible)? I very much appreciate any insights or recommendations. Thanks!

UpgradeMe

Have you reviewed any of the multiple active threads discussing AA/OW deals out of LAX?

rampatt

First of all, I think most would agree that being so close and not getting EP would be a major loss of excellent benefits to you--the difference between a year of platinum vs exec plat is well worth most any hurdles you may have to get through to do it.

I just had a very pleasant trip to Sao Paulo with a short turn around over a weekend. The only catch of course, is you need a Brazilian visa--most visa expediters can get it to you within a week (depending on which jurisdiction LA falls under)--If time/expenses are tight, a sample itinerary can look like:

Friday, November 13, 2015
American Airlines FLT 2480 (LAX) - DFW
November 13, 2015 03:50 PM arrive 8:48 PM
Travel Time : 2 h 58 m Cabin Class : Economy
Booking Code : Q Plane Type : 788

Friday Nov 13:

American Airlines 963 Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) - Sao Paulo (GRU)
November 13, 2015 10:05 PM arrive Saturday Nov 14 12:10PM
Travel Time : 10 h 5 m
Cabin Class : Economy
Booking Code : Q Plane Type : 77W

Depart Sao Paulo at 12:15 AM on 15th (Sunday early AM/middle of night Saturday the 14th)
American Airlines 216
November 15, 2015 12:15 AM Sao Paulo (GRU) - Los Angeles (LAX)
Travel Time : 12 h 35 m
Cabin Class : Economy
arrive LAX Sunday November 15, 2015 06:50 AM
Booking Code : Q
Plane Type : 788
Fare Amount
Adult 1 � $530.00 USD
$530.00 USD
Taxes & Carrier-Imposed Fees
Taxes
$104.74 USD
Carrier-Imposed Fees
$0.00 USD
Price and Tax Information
Flight Subtotal
$634.74 USD

Checking on Web Flyer, LAX-DFW-GRU-LAX yields 12,500 miles
the aircraft are 787's and 777W, with wifi on board
night flight, allowing me to sleep
still gives Sunday to relax

Hope this helps!

arollins

Save the visa money from a Brazil run, use it for a hotel stay and do one of this.

Over 11k EQP for about $800 and if properly timed can be done as a same day turn
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/premi...9-eqp-biz.html

Or OP could check on the LAX-PTY thread in the premium forum MR runs. Over 12k EQP as well for under $800.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/premi...ty-723-rt.html
This one has been going for since July.

The answers are there, just look for them.

ghina

Q class earns only 50% of EQPS right?

MadeInTaiwan

Yes, QSONG earns 50%.

arollins

Exactly, therefore the Brazil run wont do anything to help with OP request, he will still be short of EQP to complete the challenge.

lchan01

Thanks all for your suggestions. I hadn't noticed the SJU possibility, which was definitely appetizing. It looks like all the lower fares are gone now unfortunately. I think I'm going to do a PTY run - never been to Panama and I"d much rather be in business/first the whole way for $750!