With just under two months left in the year, it's a good time to start looking at your elite qualifying activity and finalize your status goals for the year. Are you at 40 elite qualifying nights with Hyatt or Starwood? It might be a good time to decide whether you want to go for Diamond…
Continue reading: AAdvantage Status Buy Up Offer Returning This Year?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
AA gave me complimentary Gold Status about two months ago, which runs out at the end of the year. I cannot fly enough to keep my status by the end of 2014, but do have some trips upcoming in early 2015 that might let me do it. Any chance I could ask for an extension and get it? If so, what is the best way to go about it?
@ Bryan -- Highly doubt they'd extend it, unfortunately. Your best bet would be to do as much flying as you can in the first two months of the year, while you're still Gold. If you fly enough in that time period you could have no lapse in status.
I'm at 29 AA segments flown this year, so I booked a mileage run 1-way 1-stop flight for $90 that will bump me to 31 segments and qualify me for AA Gold. Using 4,000 Southwest miles for the return flight.
Is a flight likely the cheapest, easiest way to get Gold status? Any chance AA would qualify me at 29 segments if I ask nicely?
I'm further away from Gold on miles and points than on segments.
@ Jason -- I certainly wouldn't count on them qualifying you with 29 segments, since they'll likely be wanting to sell it to you. I'd say that's not a bad option at all, assuming you have the time.
Looks like US is likely to offer the same thing. It used to say the program has ended, but now says "As part of our merger with American Airlines, we’re updating our Buy up to Preferred program. Please check back soon for new offer details. "
I've always been a little confused about how the 8 system wide AA upgrades can be used. Are they eligible on award redemptions? I've redeemed award tix next yr to China for my fiancée and I and if these could be upgraded I would def consider buying up to EP with AA.
@ Dub Z -- Nope, but they're valid on all revenue fares for flights operated and marketed by American.
Apparently, US has updated their "Buy up to Preferred" link as well... Now reads:
"As part of our merger with American Airlines, we’re updating our Buy up to Preferred program.
Please check back soon for new offer details."
I only have lowly gold status which, looking at the AA website would end early 2015 if I don't meet status again. Stupid question, but what is the deadline for flying the EQMs needed to retain status? Is it end of year. Confusing given my status doesn't appear to expire at end of year but rather early 2015.
Second stupid question. If I lose status, will I lose my 500 mile upgrades earned?
@ Pam -- The qualification period is based on the calendar year, though regardless of whether or not you requalify, the status is valid through the end of February.