Dec 1, 2013, 10:40 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
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Didn't reach your desired elite status?
Introducing new ways to meet your elite status goal starting in January
The 2014 AAdvantage® elite status qualification year ends on December 31, and we know some of you may not quite reach your goal by the end of the year. That's why, starting in January, we're offering you two ways to elevate your status.
Boost: For the first time ever, if you end the year close to AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, or Gold status but don't quite make it, you can boost to the next level.
Renew: If you are an elite status member in 2013 but aren't able to retain your status by the end of the year, you are eligible for a status renewal.[/quote]
Links to Previous Year Buyback Threads
2013: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-aadvantage-pre-merger/1413107-2013-aadvantage-status-year-repurchase-buyback-consolidated.html
2012: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2011: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2010: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2009: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2008: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2008: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...er-2008-a.html
2007: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2006: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2005: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2004: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2003: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
Didn't reach your desired elite status?
Introducing new ways to meet your elite status goal starting in January
The 2014 AAdvantage® elite status qualification year ends on December 31, and we know some of you may not quite reach your goal by the end of the year. That's why, starting in January, we're offering you two ways to elevate your status.
Boost: For the first time ever, if you end the year close to AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, or Gold status but don't quite make it, you can boost to the next level.
Renew: If you are an elite status member in 2013 but aren't able to retain your status by the end of the year, you are eligible for a status renewal.[/quote]
Links to Previous Year Buyback Threads
2013: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-aadvantage-pre-merger/1413107-2013-aadvantage-status-year-repurchase-buyback-consolidated.html
2012: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2011: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2010: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2009: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2008: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2008: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...er-2008-a.html
2007: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2006: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2005: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2004: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2003: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
2014 Status Buyback and "Boost" program [Status exception "grace" for 2013?]
Nov 19, 2013, 7:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MA
Programs: DL DM, AA GE, CP ED
Posts: 256
52 EQP short of Gold
Any thoughts on alternatives to closing this small gap to gold other than a mileage run or the $399 boost?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Last edited by JDiver; Dec 1, 2013 at 10:35 pm Reason: merge and rededicate thread, restore original post title
Nov 19, 2013, 7:58 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Exploralist, Marriot Silver
Posts: 2,065
Nov 19, 2013, 8:08 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFO, CLT
Programs: AA Bonsai EXP (2.9 MM), AS MVPG
Posts: 1,394
Are you done flying for CY2013? If not, then you may be able to add a segment or standby for a slightly longer routing on one of your remaining itineraries in order to make up the short deficit. e.g. LAX-JFK-BOS instead of nonstop LAX-BOS or LAX-DFW-BOS instead of LAX-ORD-BOS. This may be cheaper (possibly even free, do you have status?) than a mileage run, depending on what you have left to fly this year.
Nov 19, 2013, 8:14 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: AA SPG Amex
Posts: 4,644
While I would not call AA now to ask for a bump up (since the answer will be "just fly more"), I suspect that if you call or email on 1/1 and ask to be made GLD AA will oblige. First of all, there is typically a tiny bit of leeway, and second (probably more important), you said you are 52 points from GLD, implying that you earn more EQP than EQM and are a higher value customer to AA (probably purchasing either last minute full-fare tickets or first class tickets) and they should want to keep you.
Someone who buys two full-fare r/t F tickets ORD-LHR will be about 1,000 EQP shy of GLD but is probably a far more profitable customer to AA than the EXP who qualifies based on a bunch of $300 fares.
Someone who buys two full-fare r/t F tickets ORD-LHR will be about 1,000 EQP shy of GLD but is probably a far more profitable customer to AA than the EXP who qualifies based on a bunch of $300 fares.
Nov 19, 2013, 9:42 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
While I would not call AA now to ask for a bump up (since the answer will be "just fly more"), I suspect that if you call or email on 1/1 and ask to be made GLD AA will oblige. First of all, there is typically a tiny bit of leeway, and second (probably more important), you said you are 52 points from GLD, implying that you earn more EQP than EQM and are a higher value customer to AA (probably purchasing either last minute full-fare tickets or first class tickets) and they should want to keep you.
Someone who buys two full-fare r/t F tickets ORD-LHR will be about 1,000 EQP shy of GLD but is probably a far more profitable customer to AA than the EXP who qualifies based on a bunch of $300 fares.
Someone who buys two full-fare r/t F tickets ORD-LHR will be about 1,000 EQP shy of GLD but is probably a far more profitable customer to AA than the EXP who qualifies based on a bunch of $300 fares.
W/that said: it seems to me that since the boost program comes into play in January, the OP can wait it out, and if AA won't bump him/her - then the boost is an option.
Last edited by bdemaria; Nov 20, 2013 at 7:00 am
Nov 20, 2013, 5:20 am
#6
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
I'm sure you can find some short rt same day turn for about the same amount of $. At least if they ask for volunteers, you get a voucher for a future flight.
Nov 20, 2013, 6:43 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3,049
I think AA have made the position perfectly clear this year, earn the points or pay for the boost, don't expect any favors, especially at Gold level.
So the options are the usual ones, add a segment to a trip or fly the shortest/cheapest MR you can ...
So the options are the usual ones, add a segment to a trip or fly the shortest/cheapest MR you can ...
Nov 20, 2013, 8:20 am
#8
Join Date: Feb 2004
Programs: AA 'kettle', Marriott Gold, ICH Gld, Hertz 5*
Posts: 5,258
OP, since you're apparently top tier on DL, if your flying this year is done on AA, I'd leave it and see what options obtain after the end of the qualifying period and compare them to your anticipated flying on AA next year. Alternatively, if your DL status has departed for 2014 and you're going to be flying AA primarily next year, then crunch the numbers on a minor MR or early buy up. IMO, the right fit option depends on the metrics of your anticipated flying patterns for 2014.
Dec 1, 2013, 10:05 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 16
PLAT Status Possibility for 2014?
I currently have AA PLAT status, and will be travelling through LHR, BER, AMS for the holidays. However currently I am short on the 50K miles to requalify for PLAT 2014, unless AA has a grace period to qualify - by including my travel miles from January 1-5, 2014 I would have enough miles.
Any chance this will work? What are my other options? Can I buy miles/or be gifted them and count towards status, or is the AA boost my only option?
Any chance this will work? What are my other options? Can I buy miles/or be gifted them and count towards status, or is the AA boost my only option?
Dec 1, 2013, 10:13 pm
#10
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
AA boost or some quick mileage runs are your only option. Trans-cons between LA and Boston/D.C./Palm Beach are cheap before winter break hits, if that works for you geographically.
Dec 1, 2013, 10:13 pm
#11
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
Do you qualify to buy your elite status back?
http://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/eliteren...RL&title=elite
http://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/eliteren...RL&title=elite
Dec 1, 2013, 10:26 pm
#12
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Tom beat me with a referral link. Nonetheless, there has not been any "grace" for dates miles are credited. If your flight departs [is scheduled to depart] prior to 23:59:59 local time 31 Dec 2013, you will get those miles credited to C/Y 2013; if not, not.
With the new monetization, er, Boost or Renew, I doubt there will be grace granted for missing anything less that truly trivial miles for missing the target - and maybe not even then, given the numbers are "40,000 - 49,999" and 45,000-49,999".
With the new monetization, er, Boost or Renew, I doubt there will be grace granted for missing anything less that truly trivial miles for missing the target - and maybe not even then, given the numbers are "40,000 - 49,999" and 45,000-49,999".
I currently have AA PLAT status, and will be travelling through LHR, BER, AMS for the holidays. However currently I am short on the 50K miles to requalify for PLAT 2014, unless AA has a grace period to qualify - by including my travel miles from January 1-5, 2014 I would have enough miles.
Any chance this will work? What are my other options? Can I buy miles/or be gifted them and count towards status, or is the AA boost my only option?
Any chance this will work? What are my other options? Can I buy miles/or be gifted them and count towards status, or is the AA boost my only option?
Last edited by JDiver; Dec 1, 2013 at 10:41 pm Reason: edit to add vasantn's information / accuracy levels
Dec 1, 2013, 10:33 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,386
I know I'm being pedantic, but the flight could depart as late as 23:59:59 and still qualify. Also, in the interest of additional clarity, the flight needs to be scheduled to depart before the date changes to January 1. If the flight is delayed it will still count as a 2013 flight.
Dec 1, 2013, 10:36 pm
#14
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Might be considered pedantic by some, but it might save someone's bacon. Thanks.
LATER: OK, threads merged, retitled and wikipost made.
LATER: OK, threads merged, retitled and wikipost made.
I know I'm being pedantic, but the flight could depart as late as 23:59:59 and still qualify. Also, in the interest of additional clarity, the flight needs to be scheduled to depart before the date changes to January 1. If the flight is delayed it will still count as a 2013 flight.
Last edited by JDiver; Dec 1, 2013 at 10:42 pm
Dec 1, 2013, 10:45 pm
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,399
Tom beat me with a referral link. Nonetheless, there has not been any "grace" for dates miles are credited. If your flight departs [is scheduled to depart] prior to 23:59:59 local time 31 Dec 2013, you will get those miles credited to C/Y 2013; if not, not.
With the new monetization, er, Boost or Renew, I doubt there will be grace granted for missing anything less that truly trivial miles for missing the target - and maybe not even then, given the numbers are "40,000 - 49,999" and 45,000-49,999".
With the new monetization, er, Boost or Renew, I doubt there will be grace granted for missing anything less that truly trivial miles for missing the target - and maybe not even then, given the numbers are "40,000 - 49,999" and 45,000-49,999".