Ozzidoc

I've crossed the Atlantic fewer times in 2013 than in 2012.

It appears that the number of AA Elite qualifying airmiles I will acrue in 2013 will be 600 short of the required 50,000 to maintain my Platinum status.

Any suggestions as to how I can make up the shortfall?

I can only think of an (expensive) trip from London to Paris or similar for a weekend....

Bob

Call them up and see if they'll waive it, for such a small shortfall.

Seem to recall someone else mention doing that in another thread, possibly the Sprouts travelling cheap thread

kodokan

Agree, they're usually quite flexible. Hubby is whatever status on Star Alliance, Gold or something, and can get the other airline group to match it simply by asking for it, as they know it'll make him buy a ticket with them rather than a competitor.

bruceba

I would check with the people at flyertalk.com They have most of the airline answers.

Chrisdc

Do a mileage run.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mileage-run-deals-372/

Also - ask your question in the AA forum on there.

Ozzidoc

Thanks all!

tonrob

Citi Executive AA MasterCard offers 10K qualifying miles after $40K annual "spend".

http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/ea...=citiexecutive

Annual fee is $450, so compares favorably versus a mileage run, and you'd also get 70K AA miles to boot (30K sign up bonus plus 40K for the "spend"). Citi also tends to give somewhat generous credit limits which can make it quicker/easier to motor through the 40K by the end of December.

watchamacallit

An annual fee of $450 is a disgrace, anyone mad enough to sign up for that needs their heads testing. I objected to an over priced $80 fee, they make enough on interest charges without such over the top charges for what amounts to nothing.

tonrob

I think you don't understand the nuances of the conversation that's taking place here.

I cheerfully fork over several hundred dollars a year in credit card annual fees, as I find that I beats spending several thousand on airline tickets and hotel rooms. In this instance it had been proposed that the OP spend probably far greater than this (plus her time) on taking flights that she otherwise would not have flown. I therefore suggested this card as a potential alternative. The value proposition in this is sound, even if there is an element of faffing in order to meet the spend requirement.

Bottom line is that there's nowt daft in paying the fee if you value the associated benefits higher. If you don't, then you simply don't apply for the card...

Chrisdc

It's actually not bad value. It includes lounge membership, which is about $400 per year.

tonrob

And 30K AA miles, which I'd value at about $450 (1.5c per mile), plus the ability for OP to retain her Platinum status, which could be worth thousands depending on how often (and where) she flies.

Chrisdc

I have a similar card for another airline. Lounge access is the only thing that keeps me sane while traveling!

tonrob

Me too! Well, that and vintage champagne and lie-flat seats...