AA Platinum Challenge - Tips

[tuapekastar]

I have read the thread and most agree that this is a good change. I don't agree with their summation that only people frequenting FT (or AFF) type sites would know about AA platinum challenges. There are not just members to a frequent flyer site, there are also lurkers who take in information and never post, there is the passing of information to people who don't go into internet forums. For a closure to a loophole to occur there has to be a noticeable trend of continuous abuse. Obviously someone at AA has picked up on this trend.

As I understand it you now need 50,000EQM's to maintain Platinum and if you don't make 25,000EQM's you drop back to nothing. I may have understood wrong. Most of the regulars and lurkers on this site would have struggled to make QF Silver, let alone QF Gold with the amount of flying they do annually, yet they got AA Platinum. Now they are going to get a rude shock.

Personally I think it is a fantastic change, and about time.

Can't see how challenging every year is 'abusing' the process. It's simply doing something within the (unpublished) rules (though this appears to be changing). Sure, it may not be what the AA people had in mind when they devised the challenge, but if it is within AA's rules, and they let you do it then its just 'using' the system, not abusing it, and anyone who knew about it, and found it beneficial would be crazy not to do it.

If people reckon challenging year in/year out is 'abusing' the system, then maximising miles on a DONE4 could well be construed as abuse also (as could much advice offered on this site), and that is a popular topic on AFF. I'm sure OWEs weren't designed for people to travel the most convoluted routings, going to places they didn't necessarily wish to see or stopover in, via the longest possible routes, just to maximise FF points and status credits, but that is what often happens.

I challenged (PLT) late last year in preparation for a OWE in order to credit to AA and get double points for being PLT and get a better burn ratio (LONE4, maximised in terms of using AA and AA codeshare where possible, but not in terms of travelling 'unnecessary' miles), but had to cancel the OWE at the last minute. C'est la vie. If I can challenge again sometime in the future, and it suits my needs at the time, I will. If I can't, I'll live with it.

And the 'get those pesky repeat challengers back to no status where they belong, I earned my status BIS' attitude displayed on FT (and just a smidgin here) is, well, a little disappointing. I do acknowledge it is just an opinion, and everyone's entitled to one.

 

[JohnK]

And the 'get those pesky repeat challengers back to no status where they belong, I earned my status BIS' attitude displayed on FT (and just a smidgin here) is, well, a little disappointing. I do acknowledge it is just an opinion, and everyone's entitled to one.

What is so special about earning AA Platinum, OneWorld Sapphire, flying once a year? Let's say a SYD-LAX return. I guess there a many people out there doing it, and I am glad that they are closing this loophole.

Now if you fly enough to qualify again with 50,000EQM's then you deserve to keep that status.

The challenge, as I understand it, has been put there to fast track you to AA Platinum and then for you continue to maintain that status by doing the required flying each year thereafter, unless you achieve EXP.

Why do you think people should be allowed to complete the challenge year after year with the just the minimum amount of flying? These people do not deserve to have OneWorld Sapphire status.

 

[Dave Noble]

What is so special about earning AA Platinum, OneWorld Sapphire, flying once a year? Let's say a SYD-LAX return. I guess there a many people out there doing it, and I am glad that they are closing this loophole.

Now if you fly enough to qualify again with 50,000EQM's then you deserve to keep that status.

The challenge, as I understand it, has been put there to fast track you to AA Platinum and then for you continue to maintain that status by doing the required flying each year thereafter, unless you achieve EXP.

Why do you think people should be allowed to complete the challenge year after year with the just the minimum amount of flying? These people do not deserve to have OneWorld Sapphire status.

AA Platinum is much easier to maintain than QF Gold for those that do not travel in business class and can be maintained with not much more than 1 LLONE4 a year . AA Gold can be maintained with not much more than 1 round trip to the US a year or easily with 1 r/t a year to UK in WT+ (31500 qpoints from 1 r/t).

As far as deserving for OW status, I feel that they are no less deserving than those who waste time and money taking cheap flights just to get SCs". AA has in the past (strangely) allowed immediate requalification via a challenge (which I found odd ) , however they are the rules that AA put in place in the same way that QF gives SCs to flights even if they are a low cost

Dave

 

[JohnK]

As far as deserving for OW status, I feel that they are no less deserving than those who waste time and money taking cheap flights just to get SCs".

Wasting time and money! Interesting statement. Some people go out of their way to pick up cheap first class deals ex-TIP, others go to remote places to pick up cheap DONE4's or similar and others simply cannot afford the time to do RTW's so they try to find cheap flights to get the SC's. But each of these people, and each with their own reasons, spends the time and money and provides the airline, alliance, loyalty for their OneWorld Sapphire or Emerald status.

I don't know what the minimum journey required is to achieve AA Platinum through the challenge or how much money it costs. But I do know one thing and that is AA is now closing the loophole that existed in doing continuous challenges every year. And in my opinion this is a good thing. If you do enough flying to earn your status again then good on you. If you don't do enough flying then find another airline that will fast track you status cheaply year after year.

 

[Dave Noble]

Wasting time and money! Interesting statement. Some people go out of their way to pick up cheap first class deals ex-TIP, .

2 quite unrelated statements. Flying to locations to start taking flights for the sake of taking flights is not the same as getting the best fare for a journey which would have to be taken anyway. If not purchased ex-TIP , a flight from elsewhere in Europe/Africa would have been needed to return to Oz.

Fortunately for my earnings, under the terms of the schemes, the actual fare paid is irrelevent in the same way that QF awards SCs regardless of whether the flights were taken just for the sake of it or that AA has allowed rechallenging under their terms

Dave

 

[JohnK]

Wasting time and money! Interesting statement. Some people go out of their way to pick up cheap first class deals ex-TIP

2 quite unrelated statements. Flying to locations to start taking flights for the sake of taking flights is not the same as getting the best fare for a journey which would have to be taken anyway.

The statements are very related. I have read through the whole thread "Tripoli it is then" on FT and there are people from the US who wanted to visit Australia, New Zealand or SE Asia. These people tried hard very hard to do the trip via TIP when they heard about it. To me this is not sensible. The sensible option would be a return trip via the Pacific Ocean. There are countless people from the UK doing the trip just for the tier credits. Some of them would be past their 3rd trip by now. Now this is a waste of time and money.

In my opinion doing cheap short haul flights for the SC's is good value. Especially since I am there on holidays anyway.

I have no desire to visit TIP. I also don't have a spare $8,000 + accommodation to visit CMB and go to places I don't really need to go right now. I also don't have the money to fly to SIN on alternate weekends to maintain PPS status.

Everyone flies for different reasons. Only they know whether the reasons are right or wrong. Other people's opinions do not matter or have any bearing.

 

[Dave Noble]

The statements are very related. I have read through the whole thread "Tripoli it is then" on FT and there are people from the US who wanted to visit Australia, New Zealand or SE Asia. These people tried hard very hard to do the trip via TIP when they heard about it. To me this is not sensible. The sensible option would be a return trip via the Pacific Ocean.

And If I had been in the USA, I would not have used TIP. I was, however in Eggland anyway and needed to return to Oz. As it happens, Tripoli is a very interesting place to visit and worth a visit even if not buying tickets there ; I easily convinced one friend ( who is in TIP atm) that it was worth including on his ATW trip. I plan to go back to TIP for a cpl of days next year even if I dont start another r/t there

There are countless people from the UK doing the trip just for the tier credits. Some of them would be past their 3rd trip by now. Now this is a waste of time and money.

I doubt that many are flying to Oz just for Tier Credits solely

In my opinion doing cheap short haul flights for the SC's is good value. Especially since I am there on holidays anyway.

Everyone flies for different reasons. Only they know whether the reasons are right or wrong. Other people's opinions do not matter or have any bearing.

Indeed; and that includes opinions such as "These people do not deserve to have OneWorld Sapphire status." in relation to those that have managed to renew status using challenges. Some might think that those who go about doing such trips do not deserve it, though do not decide to start castigating them on a forum

Dave

 

[JohnK]

Indeed; and that includes opinions such as "These people do not deserve to have OneWorld Sapphire status." in relation to those that have managed to renew status using challenges. Some might think that those who go about doing such trips do not deserve it, though do not decide to start castigating them on a forum

I apologise for drifting so far off topic on this thread.

The original statement was that AA is closing a "loophole" that existed before which some people exploited to their advantage. Great. It no longer exists and I am happy with AA's decision.

AA obviously felt that someone flying discount economy SYD-SIN-HKG-SYD once a year deserved to have OneWorld Sapphire status. You wouldn't get within smelling distance of the lowest status on any other OneWorld airline doing this trip once a year. Now AA has changed the goalposts. This is fact. My opinion is irrelevant.

 

[NM]

I believe AA's Platinum Challenge is a great and wonderful thing. Its not for everyone, but for many people it is a great way to improve their earn and burn rates over many other FF programs.

I am all for knowing and understanding the published (and unpublished) rules and terms and conditions of any program, and adjusting your own habits, process and methods to obtain optimised value. Note my careful selection of words here - optimised may not mean maximised.

This goes for all aspects of travel, not just FF points/miles. I have never paid for a flight I did need to take in order to earn or retain FF status in any program. I have taken a longer routing between two points in order to gain or retain miles/points or status or for comfort or convenience. For example, I recently flew MEL-(hkg)-LHR-FRA when I could have flown MEL-SIN-FRA. But in this case the major driving factor was the availability of a 3-class service on MEL-LHR and hence the chance to upgrade into F and the convenience of the day-time service on the longest segment. I was very happy to take the longer routing for the improved experience.

But I would not have considered flying LHR-IST-LHR or LHR-CAI-LHR in the middle just for the miles/points/status even though I had the time and unused sectors and could have included it in the fare for only the cost of the taxes. But if someone wants to know how to maximise their mileage, I will be one of the first to suggest such a routing be considered.

Similarly with the Plat Challenge. If someone wants to know how to maximise the FF benefits, and their trip qualifies for the challenge, then I will assist them with planning and routing options that will help to maximise it. Its up to them to decide if the extra effort is worth it to them.

As far as re-challenging is concerned, while the rules permit it, those who are able to get value from it should feel free to do so. I don't begrudge people from using the challenge more than once. If the umpire decides the rules should be amended, then that is fine and I will amend my practices (and my recommendations) accordingly.

As for the ex-TIP example, if I was already travelling BNE-LHR (for example) and found I could travel on my preferred airline for half the cost (or in more comfort) if I routed via AKL, I would seriously consider doing so. Especially if I was spending my own money! I would probably not do it just for the miles/points/status. But if miles/points/status was a benefit then I would be very pleased with the result. I would be doing it for the money saved or the enhanced comfort/service, with the points/miles/status being a side benefit.

I could have earned a lot more miles from my last DONE4. I only used 15 out of 20 possible sectors, and SWP was the only continent using its complement of sectors. I even had a spare weekend in the USA and could have done DFW-ANC-DFW for some very good earning, and a weekend in Europe where I could have done LHR-IST-LHR. But for me, I was satisfied with my optimised (rather than maximised) itinerary, and all my stopovers were in places I had to be for business purposes. The only slightly indirect routing was MEL-LHR-FRA and as I explained above that was done primarily for the opportunity to upgrade, and had the additional benefit of making MEL-LHR my Platinum Challenge qualifying trip and lots of bonus miles for it.

So my opinion, for what its worth, is that re-challenging on AA was good for some people while it lasted. And if AA changed the rules in this area, then I will adjust my process to suit. Airlines can and will change their rules all the time. These changes may be in areas like FF benefits (e.g. comp lounge access), FF points value, checked/carry-on baggage allowances, seat comfort, or FA uniforms. If any of these affect me I will adjust my habits accordingly.

 

[tuapekastar]

Why do you think people should be allowed to complete the challenge year after year with the just the minimum amount of flying? These people do not deserve to have OneWorld Sapphire status.

Don't believe I said I did.

The whole point of my post was that if a benefit is provided by a company (in this case, AA), then why should people not take advantage of it?

If it exists, and suits my needs at the time, then I'll use it. If it doesn't exist, then I cannot use it.

The reason I brought OWEs into the picture (and I'm all for anyone routing OWEs any way they please, I certainly would if it suited me to do so) was to illustrate that it also is something made available to Joe Public to use, so why should he/she not make the best use of it to suit their own needs/wants at the time?

So I reiterate: if the challenge is available to me again, in consecutive or non-consecutive years, and it suits me to use it, I will (with no shame whatsoever :shock: ). If it aint, I won't.

 

[JohnK]

Don't believe I said I did.

It was just a general question not aimed specifically at you.

The whole point of my post was that if a benefit is provided by a company (in this case, AA), then why should people not take advantage of it?

And by all means everyone should take full advantage of it. I voiced an opinion which was probably selfish and would not have come across the right way. From my point of view it is very hard to achieve a mid to high tier status with most FF programs yet AA offered a fast track to OneWorld Sapphire. Which is great. They pick up business and hopefully all goes well.

But somewhere along the way they were going to change the boundaries. I agree with this decision. The challenge is still there to utilise but in subsequent years you need to earn status by flying enough miles. If some people are inconvenienced by it then tough luck. Changes happen to FF programs regularly and no FF program has immunity.

 

[NM]

From my point of view it is very hard to achieve a mid to high tier status with most FF programs yet AA offered a fast track to OneWorld Sapphire. Which is great. They pick up business and hopefully all goes well.

Yes, AA is very easy to achieve OneWorld Sapphire status (at least once!). But QF is much easier to achieve and retain OneWorld Emerald if you have the right travel patterns. For example, my recent DONE4 reached and renewed AA Platinum status. But reached less than 60% of the way to AA Executive Platinum status. The same trip would have attained QF platinum status easily.

And QF has been quite generous in renewing status for people who have not achieved the published thresholds, while AA is known for being unforgiving if you miss the mark - even by just a few miles/points.

However, with mid-range economy fares, AA is probably easier to reach OneWorld Emerald. So its going to be horses for courses depending on your travel patterns.

 

[raccoon111]

I have finally completed my AA Platinum Challenge via a roundtrip on BA WT+ from SYD-SIN. The miles are in my account and status shows "Platinum". Many thanks to Dave for starting this very helpful thread.

Also, as I'll be travelling before my new card comes, will a print out of my AA statement be sufficient for me to enter MEL domestic QP?

Thanks to everyone in this great forum!!

 

[Dave Noble]

I have finally completed my AA Platinum Challenge via a roundtrip on BA WT+ from SYD-SIN. The miles are in my account and status shows "Platinum". Many thanks to Dave for starting this very helpful thread.

Also, as I'll be travelling before my new card comes, will a print out of my AA statement be sufficient for me to enter MEL domestic QP?

Thanks to everyone in this great forum!!

Glad ya found it useful. I would suggest calling AA and asking them to send/fax you a letter confirming your platinum status and that should work nicely to get you into the lounges until your card arrives.

Also, make sure to add your AA number when you book and just verify with QF res that it shows your platinum status; it should then print on your boarding pass something like AAxx_xx_ OW Sapphire which will probably avoid having to try to use the letter to get in

Dave

 

[NM]

Also, make sure to add your AA number when you book and just verify with QF res that it shows your platinum status; it should then print on your boarding pass something like AAxx_xx_ OW Sapphire which will probably avoid having to try to use the letter to get in

Dave

If the QF reservation does not show Sapphire as Dave notes, then have them remove the FF number and add it again. Sometimes the status you had when the FF number originally added sticks in the reservation info, so having it removed and added again forces QF to pickup the changed FF status. Note this can work to your advantage in the other direction and is one reason BA lounge staff generally demand to see the card to verify the status in their reservation system is still valid.

 

[adrian]

Hi guys, I am a newbie here. Just discovered this site a couple of days go - excellent site, but I think that I am getting blurry vision from reading too much. I manage someone who travels a lot, and following the advice on this thread, have just signed him up for AA membership. He is already QF Platinum (until Dec 2007). I am about to enrol him in the AA Platinum challenge, and just want to make sure that I am doing everything in the correct order. So far I have booked and paid for a ticket (without giving any f/f numbers) as follows:

21/7 qf31 SYD-SIN-LHR (I had thought it was booked as SYD-LHR, but on the virtually-there link, it has broken it doen into 2 flights)
22/7 BA854 LHR-PRG
27/7 BA857 PRG-LHR
27/7 QF2 LHR-BKK-SYD (again, I thought that it had been booked as LHR-SYD)
All is booked in Business D-class, apparently.

So, I think that I have to call AA america to register for Platinum challenge beginning 20/7, to maximise points & qpoints. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Dave Noble]

21/7 qf31 SYD-SIN-LHR (I had thought it was booked as SYD-LHR, but on the virtually-there link, it has broken it doen into 2 flights)
22/7 BA854 LHR-PRG
27/7 BA857 PRG-LHR
27/7 QF2 LHR-BKK-SYD (again, I thought that it had been booked as LHR-SYD)
All is booked in Business D-class, apparently.

So, I think that I have to call AA america to register for Platinum challenge beginning 20/7, to maximise points & qpoints. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance for your help.

If you get the Qantas (Amadeus) reference, you can go to checkmytrip and verify whether it is booked as one sector or 2. If it is booked as 2 sectors make sure they change it to 1 in order to maximise earnings

With a bit of candy stealing, he will be AA Platinum when the flight to LHR credits

Sign him up for an AA account on aa.com and then contact the AAdvantage desk in the US and sign up for the challenge starting September 1. Then contact QF and get the number inserted in the booking.

The flight back to Australia doesnt matter whether it is booked as 1 sector or 2 ( other than that you'll be paying 2 fuel fines )

Dave

 

[adrian]

Thanks muchly!!! I have checked out "checkmytrip" and they were booked as SYD-LHR, which is perfect. Can I just check one thing -you said I should call AA and start the challenge from 1 Sept, however the flights are all in July. I'm probably missing something obvious (my vision has gone all blurry, remember), but wouldn't I start the challenge from 20 or 21 July, when they flights begin?

 

[Dave Noble]

Thanks muchly!!! I have checked out "checkmytrip" and they were booked as SYD-LHR, which is perfect. Can I just check one thing -you said I should call AA and start the challenge from 1 Sept, however the flights are all in July. I'm probably missing something obvious (my vision has gone all blurry, remember), but wouldn't I start the challenge from 20 or 21 July, when they flights begin?

Ignore my inability to type ... start it from the 16th July (challenges can only start on 1st or 16th of a month )

Dave

 

[adrian]

Thanks! I'll let you know how it goes. Am looking forward to spending some of the AA points on myself.....