Buying back elite status
Oct 26, 2006 | 3:29 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: ATL/NYC
Programs: DL, AA, NW, CO, US
Posts: 17
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!
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!
Oct 26, 2006 | 3:35 pm
#2
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Originally Posted by ATLien
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.
Oct 26, 2006 | 3:35 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 7,368
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
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
Oct 27, 2006 | 4:18 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Originally Posted by Counsellor
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.
Oct 28, 2006 | 6:04 am
#7
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Naples FL, Munich DE
Programs: UA MM, AA 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,816
Originally Posted by 747LWW
I have never seen a reference to this...thanks Counsellor for the info. Very interesting...but rather expensive IMHO.
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.
Oct 28, 2006 | 6:34 am
#8
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA Lifetime 1K, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, HH Diamond, Delta Base, AA Base
Posts: 530
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.
Oct 29, 2006 | 2:13 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Denver
Programs: United Platinum, Starwood Platinum, Marriott Gold, Global Entry/TSA
Posts: 71
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.
I don't know of any others.
Oct 29, 2006 | 3:31 pm
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: D.R.E.A.D. Gold card holder
Posts: 53,184
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.