AA's Offering Free Platinum Challenges to Select AAdvantage Members
Update: Some readers have shared their offers for Gold or Executive Platinum status as well. The registration process is similar to what's outlined below, however there's a different offer page to use. Below is the EQM requirement breakdown — remember, you must register before you fly and all EQMs must be earned by September 9, 2016. The terms and conditions don't specify whether or not you'll earn systemwide upgrades after meeting the requirements for Executive Platinum, however the promotion does state that "You'll be eligible for all perks of elite status once you qualify, including: Special upgrade privileges."
Last week, United made news by giving surprise status upgrades and Economy Plus subscriptions to select customers. Today, American Airlines launched a similar campaign of its own, albeit with slightly different terms.
AA appears to be targeting infrequent customers with free AAdvantage Platinum status, but unlike United's upgrade offer, this gifted AA status is only valid through September 9, 2016. To register, head to this page and enter promo code HVC2B between now and June 8, 2016 — note that you're likely only eligible to participate if you received an email from American, though it doesn't hurt to attempt registration. If approved, your status will appear within 10 business days of registration and you should receive a membership card within six weeks.
Targeted members will also have an opportunity to keep their status through January 31, 2018. To maintain Platinum status, you'll need to earn 12,500 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) on flights operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines or Qantas between the date you register and September 9, 2016. If you meet the requirements, you'll also earn 25,000 bonus AAdvantage miles, worth $375 based on TPG's most recent valuations.
We value AA Platinum status at $2,840, but you'll need to fly American a fair amount to get that much out of the program. Perks include complimentary upgrades on flights under 500 miles, a 100% mileage bonus, priority check-in/screening/boarding, two free checked bags, free same-day standby, free Main Cabin Extra seats and business-class lounge access when flying internationally, among other benefits.
If you weren't targeted for this promotion, you may still be able to participate in a status challenge by calling AA.
Did you receive a Platinum status offer from American?
[card card-name='Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ MasterCard®' card-id='221410949' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.