AA PLT - ~50K EQM out of NYC need for EXP
 

Hello Everyone,

I am PLT and about 50,000 miles short to EXP. I am expecting heavy travel next year, and so like to make it EXP this year. I am open to domestic or international mileage run, preferably out NYC area (JFK, EWR, LGA), but can try BOS or PHL or ORD. Preferred travel date: any day 11/3 - 11/9. Any suggestion is very welcome.

I will try to call and sign-up for an EXP challenge, but from what I have read in FT forums, EXP challenge is (at least) very hard to sign-up. Anyone has tips on EXP challenge?

Thank you very much.

Tintin

I am sure this is covered some place in the AA forum but I highly doubt AA is going to let you challange for EXP from W/in their ranks.

Now, regarding mileage runs 50K is a LOT of running but it can be done. Have you found anything that catches your eye yet, or do you have any thoughts? Do you have a budget?

JFK-HKG-JFK out 11/3 return 11/4 is $739, 16100 miles.
JFK-HKG-JFK out 11/5 return 11/6 is $739, 16100 miles.
JFK-LAX-HKG-JFK out 11/7 return 11/9 is $760, 17750 miles.
Total cost $2238, 49950 miles.

https://www.google.com/flights/#sear...JFK0CX846;a=AA
https://www.google.com/flights/#sear...JFK0CX830;a=AA

One thing changed post Aug 1st....only fully fare Y on CX metal is eligible for 100% miles. B and H fares get 75%. Anything below that is zippo.

Thanks. I agree, I don't think AA will offer me an EXP challenge. Regarding mileage run, I don't have any strong preference. For international travel, I would much prefer countries which don't require visa. jbeckett's suggestion to HKG looks great, but consecutive run to HKG sounds pretty challenging. Is there any alternative in your mind?

Thanks.

WOW! Thanks. This is very interesting. But consecutive run to HKG is tough on health. But its a very good plan for those who can do it. Any other thought?

Thanks.

Thanks.

Another option is LAX-PTY, see this thread.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/premi...8-9k-eqms.html

My understanding is that if you fly a codeshare flight with an AA flight number, you will earn EQM as if it were an AA flight. The metal is not significant.

Do the LAX-PTY J class runs. About same price/EQM but all confirmed in business seats.

Also, I'd reconsider going for EXP. You now only get 4 SWUs, they're hard to confirm at booking, and you may be better off just using the money to buy a J ticket when you need to travel and be free to pick any carrier. And, if you're a budget traveler, keep in mind the change to spend based upgrade prioritization that could have a big negative impact on complimentary upgrades clearing as well as SWUs if you end up having to waitlist for SWUs.

Also, depending on your budget, I believe at year end you could just buy-up to EXP for $2499. You don't get the benefit of the miles earned in the mileage runs of course, but you save a lot of time.

Here is the buy up information from last year.
Buy up to AAdvantage Executive Platinum
•If you end the year with 95,000-99,999 miles or 115-119 segments you can pay $1,199 to boost your status
•If you end the year with 90,000-94,999 miles or 110-114 segments you can pay $1,799 to boost your status
•If you end the year with 85,000-89,999 miles or 105-109 segments you can pay $2,499 to boost your status

Thanks for the correction. I could have sworn I received the $2499 offer to buy-up or "boost" or whatever they called it. I am a segment qualifier who just hits barely make Plat. I have the olds email from USDM offering to boost me to CP for the same $2499.

From above, if OP is only at 50k (and 50k short), I guess the buy-up isn't an option.