AA Challenges - Questions and General Discussion

[amaroo]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Transfer of miles between family in the AA ffp is not the same as done with QF. Has a fee if I recall corectly. The free transfer of points between eligible family membere is one of the few advantages in the QF ffp. Beware of miles expiry rules

Indeed - very sound advice:!:

Hmm, this cunning plan isn't working out the way I expected. The cost to do the challenge is $240 each + the cost to transfer between accounts is a whopping $1,170 per 100,000 points :shock:

So for the four of us to do the challenge (QF J flights) will earn a combined AA point tally of 168,588....the cost to take the challenge is US$960 + the cost to transfer into one account US$1,555 = USD$2,515.

If we consolidate into two accounts rather than one the transfer cost is US$1,030 + US$960 = USD$1,990

Haven't done the numbers but I suspect the better AA burn rate is seriously compromised for our cunning plan. We earn sufficient points for two F or three J SYD-LHR but the costs involved must dilute the AA burn factor to a "why bother status"

Am I looking at this the wrong way?

 

[amaroo]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

I will try as others would correct me if I'm wrong:

1) There is no age limit to open an AA account, so I fail to see why they would decline a Plat challenge on the basis of age. Further, you have to call up to enrol/pay before your flights anyway (could do within two weeks after !).

2) When you enrol in a challenge, each of you nominate to AA your flights to be considered for that challenge (AA FF instead of QFF on BP). That opens the option of each travelling party to do separate things e.g. Wife keeps QFF while hubby nominates AA FF on BP.

3) My understanding is that you nominate each flight as you see fit, not the whole itinerary.

4) You may have confused between EQM and EQP: for the purpose of the Plat challenge, it's EQP that matters (10,000 EQP req).

QF D class gives you 1.50 EQP per mile (American Airlines oneworld Partner), not 1.25 which is EQM.

Hope that helps

Cheers - thanks for the info

 

[Nizar]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Indeed - very sound advice:!:

Hmm, this cunning plan isn't working out the way I expected. The cost to do the challenge is $240 each + the cost to transfer between accounts is a whopping $1,170 per 100,000 points :shock:

So for the four of us to do the challenge (QF J flights) will earn a combined AA point tally of 168,588....the cost to take the challenge is US$960 + the cost to transfer into one account US$1,555 = USD$2,515.

If we consolidate into two accounts rather than one the transfer cost is US$1,030 + US$960 = USD$1,990

Haven't done the numbers but I suspect the better AA burn rate is seriously compromised for our cunning plan. We earn sufficient points for two F or three J SYD-LHR but the costs involved must dilute the AA burn factor to a "why bother status"

Am I looking at this the wrong way?

Is there any specific reason why you have to put all of the miles into one or two accounts ?
I'm planning a trip with the Mrs next year also to the US I will earn about 115k AA miles from the trip and she about 47k AA miles and I never thought once of doing a miles transfer.

 

[amaroo]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Is there any specific reason why you have to put all of the miles into one or two accounts ?
I'm planning a trip with the Mrs next year also to the US I will earn about 115k AA miles from the trip and she about 47k AA miles and I never thought once of doing a miles transfer.

Was hoping to use the points for F or J flights to Europe/USA - will need to merge two into one to achieve this. Also, don't want the hassle to maintain multiply accounts if I haven't used the points in 18 months.

 

[Nizar]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Also you may have booked accommodation already but if not the websites Rocketmiles and Pointshound offer some really good opportunities to earn AA miles.
For example for my trip next year I've got this hotel in LA on my list, at a cost of A$1994 for 5 nights but will earn 18,000 AA miles. Another hotel in Miami 4 nights comes in at a cost of A$2,767 but will earn 14,000 AA miles, etc. Worth looking into if you're chasing miles as hard as I am lol.

 

[amaroo]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Also you may have booked accommodation already but if not the websites Rocketmiles and Pointshound offer some really good opportunities to earn AA miles.
For example for my trip next year I've got this hotel in LA on my list, at a cost of A$1994 for 5 nights but will earn 18,000 AA miles. Another hotel in Miami 4 nights comes in at a cost of A$2,767 but will earn 14,000 AA miles, etc. Worth looking into if you're chasing miles as hard as I am lol.

That's a great tip.

Unfortunately, booking connecting rooms can be a barrier to these on-line specials.

 

[legroom]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Amaroo

You are not compelled to enroll everyone (or indeed anyone) for the Plat challenge given there is a cost for miles transfer between accounts.

Enrol 1, 2 or as many as you see fit - after assessing its costs vs benefits.

Even then, you are free to nominate (use) which flight(s) to be credited to AA.

Win-Win IMHO

Indeed - very sound advice:!:

Hmm, this cunning plan isn't working out the way I expected. The cost to do the challenge is $240 each + the cost to transfer between accounts is a whopping $1,170 per 100,000 points :shock:

So for the four of us to do the challenge (QF J flights) will earn a combined AA point tally of 168,588....the cost to take the challenge is US$960 + the cost to transfer into one account US$1,555 = USD$2,515.

If we consolidate into two accounts rather than one the transfer cost is US$1,030 + US$960 = USD$1,990

Haven't done the numbers but I suspect the better AA burn rate is seriously compromised for our cunning plan. We earn sufficient points for two F or three J SYD-LHR but the costs involved must dilute the AA burn factor to a "why bother status"

Am I looking at this the wrong way?

 

[knasty]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Was hoping to use the points for F or J flights to Europe/USA - will need to merge two into one to achieve this. Also, don't want the hassle to maintain multiply accounts if I haven't used the points in 18 months.

It's up to you, but remember with AA it's 60k/80k to Europe in Business/First respectively (no fuel surcharge on QF amongst others). If you redeem QF points it will be 128k/192k + fuel surcharge.

If doing the challenge you would make platinum on the SYD-LAX leg hence 225% for that flight and the other business class after, 200% for the economy flights. So in general terms the $240 for the challenge is netting you roughly 20k extra AA miles above what you would do without doing the challenge - $240 is getting you 1/3 of the way to a business class flight to Europe, per person....that's a good deal in my book, YMMV.

AT the end of the trip you'll have roughly 45k miles each. 15k miles can be bought through AA for around USD450. Including the earned miles on this trip an investment of $240 for platinum challenge + $450 worth of bought miles gets you each to Europe in business. Or, like many of us do instead of buying 15k miles you could buy 60,000 during a bonus offer (currently 18,000) for around USD1,800 then you'd each have enough in your individual accounts for business to Europe return.

Regarding the 18 month expiry, all you need to do is buy one thing per account each 18 months from the aadvantageeshopping website for a couple of bucks, enroll in one of their regular facebook promos which gives you 100 miles or so etc etc - there is absolutely no need to fly every 18 months to keep your miles current so long as you take one of these other options.

YOu're right that Qantas is the easier, more straightforward option. But for a lot of us AA is worth a little bit of hassle for better earn and much better burn.

 

[amaroo]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Compelling reading!

Thinking of letting SWMBO post to QFF - maintaining QFSG.

Not much point me posting to QF (this membership year) so I'll do the challenge......F upgrades submitted under my QFF# for QF11 is a challenge as I'll hang in there while I'm still a chance. EF shows F9 A8 and seat map has 11 empty seats - 3 weeks out timing will be critical!

The kids...will do the challenge. Seems to make sense to point bank with AA and draw from or top up their AA accounts as the need arises. I'll ditch transferring on mass.

Thanks for posting your thoughts and helping me thru the numbers

 

[legroom]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Why worries ???

Let the upgrade hang in there with QFF.

Yes or No, it should not matter one iota.

Change the FF (in lounge prior to boarding) to AA if you wish regardless of the upgrade outcome.

The only thing you are deprived of is a gate upgrade.

I'd take that risk esp with a party of four (unlikely to be successful at gate in other words).

Just ensure you have a BP with AA FF on it (J or F should not matter as far as the challenge goes).

.....F upgrades submitted under my QFF# for QF11 is a challenge as I'll hang in there while I'm still a chance. EF shows F9 A8 and seat map has 11 empty seats - 3 weeks out timing will be critical!.....

 

[amaroo]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Why worries ???

Let the upgrade hang in there with QFF.

Yes or No, it should not matter one iota.

Change the FF (in lounge prior to boarding) to AA if you wish regardless of the upgrade outcome.
The only thing you are deprived of is a gate upgrade.

I'd take that risk esp with a party of four (unlikely to be successful at gate in other words).

You can change FF schemes right up to boarding? Didn't know that....totally agree on the gate upgrade.

 

[markis10]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

You can change FF schemes right up to boarding? Didn't know that....totally agree on the gate upgrade.

The has been a few threads of late indicating pushback on the ability to do that, specifically QF to EK VV, not sure whether that's related to the crazy lounge access policy also reported where access is based on crediting scheme or whether some folks have found a way to game the system by double dipping.

 

[amaroo]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

The has been a few threads of late indicating pushback on the ability to do that, specifically QF to EK VV, not sure whether that's related to the crazy lounge access policy also reported where access is based on crediting scheme or whether some folks have found a way to game the system by double dipping.

Went and did a search.....interesting stuff!

If the upgrades comes through (highly unlikely) do you think I'd still be allowed to change over to AA for that particular flight? Seems crazy but you never know if you don't ask.

 

[legroom]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Hi Folks

I just enrolled for the Plat challenge ($USD200), planning to use some QF J trips to credit to AA [as I already have > 1200 SCs].

Q: when is the "best" time to switch FF to AA ?

I'm WP flying QF J so I would plan to use the F Lounge.

My initial plan is to switch FF before I leave the lounge for boarding.

What's your advice ?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Nizar]

Re: How strictly does QF enforce the 4~ requirement for retention of status?

Guys does anyone know if QR flights are eligible to be credited as part of a AA challenge ?
Cheers

 

[Mwenenzi]

AA challenge

Guys does anyone know if QR flights are eligible to be credited as part of a AA challenge ? Cheers

Not listed in the wiki. http://flyerguide.com/index.php/Challenge_(AA) This does seem to be kept upto date Or the FT thead

 

[Nizar]

Re: AA challenge

Not listed in the wiki. Challenge (AA) - FlyerGuide This does seem to be kept upto date Or the FT thead

Yeh I know, that's why I'm worried. So it seems not. Thanks for the info.

But any OW carrier can be used to gain/retain AA status ?
As in if I fly QR in M class say 10,000 miles then after 14 trips I should be EXP as long as within the correct timeframe ?

https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/earnMiles/travel/airlines/qatar.jsp

Also is there a squiggly requirement (~) for AA status ?
As in with QF you need 4 flights etc.

Cheers.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Re: AA challenge

Also is there a squiggly requirement (~) for AA status ?
As in with QF you need 4 flights etc.

The 4 flight rule is the AA rules. But AA currently do not enforce that rule. They may decide to enforce it in the future. Your guess is a good as anyone esle's as to when or if this will happen. But with US-AA ffp merger expect there will be some more (negative) changes. At one time QF also did not enforce the 4 flight rule.

For AA status elite qualifying miles, points and segments are what you need to look for. QR has those on the booking class's listed. Also the page you link has "Effective for travel on/after October 30, 2013, travel on Qatar Airways counts toward qualifying for AAdvantage elite status membership." So all is good. Be carefull with the actual calculation (where is serfty when he is needed?)

 

[serfty]

Re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26] was 10Apri

Not all oneworld Airlines are eligible for the AA gold or Platinum challenge. I don't know if any of the new members are.

 

[v8Statesman]

Re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26] was 10Apri

I signed up yesterday for the platinum challenge. Price was US$180

Dear V8 Statesman,

Thank you again for registering for an American Airlines AAdvantage elite Challenge. To help you meet our goal, we are resending information on completing the Challenge. Now here are some tips to help you succeed:
· Plan your qualifying flights to meet your goal within the 3-month time frame we discussed. Travel outside this time frame will not qualify toward your Challenge.
· Be sure to fly on an eligible carrier. Points earned on qualifying flights on American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, US Airways, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines and Qantas Airways (including eligible codeshare flights marketed by these carriers) count toward your Challenge.
· If you upgrade, please keep in mind that points earned are based on the fare and booking code purchased, not the cabin in which you travel.
· Learn more about point accrual and qualifying fares for each airline:

o American Airlines
o US Airways
o British Airways
o Finnair
o Iberia
o Japan Airlines
o Qantas Airways


· How can you determine what booking code is used for the fare you're purchasing? Simply ask the booking agent, whether that's your travel agent, corporate travel planner or AA Reservations representative. Or, even better, when you book your flights on AA.com, the Flight Summary screen displays the booking code in the same column as the cabin booked.
· Remember that the charge for your Challenge is nonrefundable -- even if circumstances beyond anyone’s control prevent you from meeting the goal.
A Challenge is intended for members who are in a hurry to get to the elite level they desire and begin enjoying their benefits. Think of it as a shortcut to the status you would probably earn on your own during the normal qualification period. Assuming you're successful, please be prepared to meet the normal criteria when it comes time to requalify for your status, since we offer limited opportunities to earn status via a Challenge. We wish you every success in completing this Challenge.

Regards,

AAdvantage Customer Service

American Airlines

This email has been sent on behalf of American Airlines AAdvantage Customer Service. We are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. For all inquiries about the AAdvantage program, visit www.aa.com/contactaa and select 'Customer Service' in the AAdvantage section.









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