American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Challenge

American Airlines AAdvantage has quite a program that I’ve just learned of from those clever ladies at The Window Seat. The Platinum Challenge provides you with a fast track to elite membership with American. Apparently it’s a secret, so don’t tell anyone :).

What’s the story?

The “challenge” is based on points earned rather than miles flown. In order to meet the challenge, you must earn 10,000 points within a three-month period, which you can start on either the 1st or the 16th of the month. Way to use the KISS principle, American. Gold status may be obtained with a bargain 5,000 points. Points may be earned on American Airlines, American Eagle, American Connection and codeshare flights (like if your flying Zimbabwe Airlines flight 1234 operated in partnership with American Airlines or whatever). Different flights have different point values, based on the assigned booking code, which have always been a mystery to me. Premium fares earn a bonus half point per mile when based on A, F, P, D, I, J, B or Y booking codes. Discount fares earn 1 point per mile for H, K, L, M, V and W booking codes. “Deep discount” fares earn a half a points per mile for G, N, O, Q and S fares. There are some further restrictions, so keep that in mind.

To enroll in the Challenge, call the airline at (800) 882-8880.