New Targeted Fast Track to American Airlines Elite Status
Last night, American Airlines sent out a new elite status fast track offer. This new offer allows qualifying AAdvantage members to fast track to any status — including the top-tier Executive Platinum status — starting at just 7,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQM) and $1,000 elite-qualifying dollars (EQD):
If you're targeted, you'll need to register by June 30 and complete the flight requirements between the date you registered and September 22. If you do, you'll keep to keep the elite status through January 31, 2019.
In order to see if you're targeted:
- Go to AA's Bonus Offer registration page
- Log in when prompted
- In the Promotion Code box, enter code HV2MT
If you aren't targeted, you'll get an error that "the AAdvantage account you entered isn’t eligible for this promotion. Please read the promotion rules for details on qualifying." What do those rules say? "This is an exclusive offer only for members who received a letter directly from American Airlines."
Important terms to keep in mind:
- EQMs & EQDs can only be earned on American Airlines flights or on certain partners: British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Japan Airlines. These include codeshare flights. Just make sure that your flight number is for one of these five airlines.
- Upon reaching the EQM & EQD thresholds, your status will be effective immediately.
- The terms do not require you to purchase the flights after registration; you just need to earn the EQMs & EQDs between the date registered and September 22, 2017.
What Is AA Status Worth?
The value of status is always going to be subjective. If you fly domestic economy often, getting Executive Platinum status would allow you unlimited free upgrades to first class. Or, if you routinely travel with checked bags, Platinum status allows two free checked bags. In these cases, status might be worth a lot.
However, if you only book first/business class fares, the added perks of status might not be worth very much. We try to boil the value of AA status down once a year in an annual valuation. As of January, here's our take:
- AAdvantage Gold: $1,005
- AAdvantage Platinum: $2,460
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro: $3,435
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum: $7,420
However, there are changes through the year that might make status more or less valuable. For example, AA recently added free upgrades on award flights for Executive Platinum members. In doing so, the value of Executive Platinum for us miles and points gurus went up. However, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Pro members all we effectively devalued — as it just got even harder for these elites to get an upgrade.
Back to the Basics
This promotion requires you to hit both elite-qualifying miles (EQM) and elite-qualifying dollar (EQD) thresholds. This offer is likely only being sent to AA members without current elite status. So, let's do a quick briefer of how and where you can earn EQMs and EQDs.
First, elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) can be earned through:
- AA basic economy flights: 0.5 EQM per mile flown
- AA economy flights: 1 EQM per mile flown (1.5 for full-fare)
- AA business/first class: 2 EQMs per mile flown (3 for full-fare)
- Oneworld partner economy flights: 0.5 EQM per mile flown (1 for full-fare)
- Oneworld partner premium economy/business/first flights: 1.5 EQMs per mile flown
These are based on the airline flight number — not the operating carrier. For example, American Airlines' flight #50 from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to London Heathrow (LHR) will earn based on the AA chart if your ticket shows flight AA50 and based on the Oneworld partner chart if it says British Airways flight #1505, Finnair flight #5780 or Iberia flight #4192.
Note that this offer only counts EQMs and EQDs earned on certain partners: British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Japan Airlines.
The Elite-qualifying dollars (EQDs) requirement is a new wrinkle for 2017 and can be very confusing. Basically, you only get EQDs from spending money with AA that the airline gets to keep: the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges (generally fuel surcharges). Taxes and fees collected by AA for the government don't count toward EQDs. So, it's not as easy as assuming you'll get 600 EQDs for spending $600.
It gets more complicated... If you book AA flights through a travel agency (including Chase, Citi and Amex travel portals), you're going to earn EQDs based on a percentage (10-30%) of the flight miles. These are considered "Special Fares." (Here's a full breakdown of how you book these and when it can make sense to book these instead of standard fares.)
For partner flight numbers, AA also credits EQDs based on a percentage of the flight miles. These range even further, going as low as 5% for some discount economy fares up to 60% for full-fare first class fares (on airlines that don't have first class cabins). Note that this offer only counts EQMs and EQDs earned on certain partners: British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Japan Airlines.
You can also earn EQDs through credit card spending. You can earn 3,000 EQD after spending $25,000 with the AAdvantage Aviator Red, Aviator Blue and Aviator Business MasterCard. Or, you can earn 3,000 EQD after spending $25,000 and an additional 3,000 EQDs after spending a total of $50,000 with the AAdvantage Aviator Silver MasterCard.
However, the terms and conditions for this offer state:
Qualification is based on AAdvantage Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) and Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) earned on eligible, purchased, published fare tickets on American Airlines, American Eagle service, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Japan Airlines, as well as codeshare flights, between the date you register and September 22, 2017.
It's very unlikely that any EQDs earned through credit card spending will count toward this offer's EQD threshold. However, if you're able to put in the EQMs but can't scrape together the EQDs, you can try to spend your way to the threshold via $25,000 of credit card spending. If you attempt this, make sure that your credit card spending is completed in time for your statement to close and AA to add the bonus before the September 22 cutoff.
Update 6/9/2017: American Airlines spokesperson confirmed that EQDs earned through credit card spend won't count toward the requirements for this promotion.
Were you targeted for this fast track offer?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.