Questions and Answers

Hi Ben, I recently got an email from AA saying that they were awarding me with free Platinum elite status from now until May 31st, 2016. They also gave me 20, 500 mile upgrade stickers. Along with all this they said if I earn 12,500 EQMs before May 31st then I will get to keep the Platinum status until Feb 2017.

I’m trying to determine the easiest and cheapest way to earn the 12,500 EQMs and I found a round trip from ORD to HKG for $655 that would net me about 18k EQMs.

I’m wondering if you think it’s worth my time and the brutal long flights in economy to do this?

I am leaning towards yes for the following reasons:

1. The flight is super cheap. I’d have to do multiple transcons to get to the 12,500 miles so this would be one shot.

2. I’d get to pick MCE seats with my temporary Platinum status so at least it would be semi comfortable.

3. Flights across the pacific are not super full so it’s possible I could snag a whole row to myself.

4. I’d get to fly on the 787, 777 and a Cathay Pacific 777 so I’m excited about that as I have never been on any of those aircrafts.

But can I really handle 15+ hours in economy?

Hi Lucky,

Short question, do you know on the AAdvantage challenge, must I still complete 4 segments on AA or would a Round trip NCE LHR MIA LHR NCE on BA Business Class qualify me for platinum status (Its around 20,000 miles factoring in the 2 EQMs in J/R class.

Thanks

John

JonJon I believe that only AA, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines or Qantas flights will count towards challenge requirements though you don’t have to fly only AA. Maybe [USER=7]@Tiffany[/USER] can confirm?

ORD Flyer, human beings are remarkably flexible when needed. Unless you have some medical issues you haven’t discussed you should be fine. Take a good book or some entertainment and some melatonin to sleep. If nothing else you’ll have a great story to tell your friends!

[USER=79]@Gaurav[/USER] is correct! You’ll have to fly four segments on AA to requalify, but not to complete the challenge.