Buying back elite status
 

What have airlines offered in the past re: buying back elite status? I think AA usually does it. And, I know UAL has the double elite miles offer out there now. However, I'm more interested in offers that will be provided in the new year to specifically buy back status (ie AA). Others?

On a related note (since I'm sure there are similar threads already out there), do others have trouble doing an advanced search of FT? I usually get a "the page cannot be displayed message." Bummer.

Thanks!

Take a look in the Technical Issues forum, as there have been several threads about this over there.

AA's program, which has operated in some form since 2002, has allowed buyback of GLD and PLT (but not EXP) under certain circumstances. If AA does it again this year, it probably won't be announced until the first half of December (as it has been in prior years).

If other airlines are going to offer something similar, I venture that they would also wait until very late in the year to announce it.

Mike

Thanks for the feedback. Have other airlines besides AA offered it in the past?

Lufthansa's Miles and More program allows Senators (Star Gold) who did not requalify with miles to "buy" another year at SEN for "only" €1500.

I have never seen a reference to this...thanks Counsellor for the info. Very interesting...but rather expensive IMHO. :)

Rudi mentioned it some years back, and then I recently got an e-mail invitation since it looks as though I won't be able to requalify this year (dratted August '04 changes in mileage earning - I'd have remained "golden" under the old rules).

You're right, it is quite a pricetag. I could maybe see it in the old days when they would advance you up to 160,000 award miles if you were a SEN and had lots of special promotions for SEN, but I'm not at all sure current benefits warrant the price.

Based on my experience, several airlines will do an accelerated "earn" back status for those who miss it in a year following (2007). Last year, United offered to fly x RT's in the first quarter to retain 2P, it was a few more to earn back 1P.

Buying back status on AA
 

I have been told by AA, you can buy back plat status (assuming you had it during previous year) for $399 - $499. I think it is $499 if you have less than 40K miles (so you are actually really close) or $399 if you have 40K miles or more.

I don't know of any others.

United has been known to allow people to purchase EQM if they're close to 2P or 1P (but not 1K). I don't recall how much it was last year.