When does elite bonus kick in?
 

Hello,

I'll be flying to Finland in September, which should bump me up to elite status with AA. I've never flown enough to qualify for elite status before, so I'm unfamiliar with all the rules. If my flight to OUL qualifies me for elite status, will I get the 25% bonus on my return flight, or will I have to wait for my next flight? Also, does the 25% mileage bonus apply to all oneworld flights(except BA transatlantic), even short domestic AY flights? According to aa.com, it looks like the elite bonus will kick in as soon as the miles are credited to my account, but I'd like to hear the opinions of the experienced frequent fliers here.

Thanks!
Ilves

Not sure of the answer to your question, but you would probably get more answers if you posted this question in the AA forum.

-David

The elite level kicks in, it is automatic when you have reached your mile/point qualification. It won't happen in mid-flight, but your return will earn respective bonus miles. I hope this helps.

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MRKEY

The computer will handle it, anything after you reach the status level in the system will be updated wth the bonus. It may not happen before you get on the return flight, so when you check in they may not know you just reached status, it all depends on how long it takes to post the first trip.

Some airlines do not adjust any reservations going forward unless you ask, so if you have flights booked next month, but reach status this month, the records may not show your status, they have to open and save the record again for it to be updated. Once the miles post then anything in the future will be correct.

For American Airlines, you will get the elite status bonus for the flight that qualifies you for the elite status.

So, if you crossed over the 25,000 mile mark over the Atlantic ocean on your flight from HEL to JFK, you'd get the 25% GLD bonus for the HEL->JFK flight.