$997 for one AA flight to earn Platinum status

[Mendelssohn]

I'm sorry if this was already posted elsewhere, but I couldn't find it (re: the AA status challenge).

Earn American Airlines Platinum For $797 On One Flight

Economy Class from PDX to CNF is enough to earn Platinum with the current status challenge.  It might be a good way to use some AA GCs.

I don't really fly economy, but I figured this might be of interest to some here.

[Dan]

I've edited the title to reflect the additional $200 charge to enroll in the challenge.

[Mendelssohn]

Thanks!  Sorry I forgot to add that to the title.

[yitrap]

I've edited the title to reflect the additional $200 charge to enroll in the challenge.

Unless you have status with ua or others

[Mendelssohn]

This is actually a much better deal AND a direct flight.

Chicago to Beijing From $508 On American Airlines

I think I may jump on this one.  I'm trying to complete the status challenge using as few of my AA GCs as possible.

[Dan]

Just realize that AA Plat isn't worth much.

[Mendelssohn]

It's better than nothing though. lol

I rarely pay for flights, but am sitting on a ton of AA GCs right now.  I figured I could take advantage of it this year.  I also live in the DFW area.

[Dan]

It's better than nothing though. lol

I rarely pay for flights, but am sitting on a ton of AA GCs right now.  I figured I could take advantage of it this year.  I also live in the DFW area.

What are you expecting out of Plat that makes the investment worthwhile?
You can sell the AA GCs for ~80% of their value.

[Mendelssohn]

Mainly upgrades.  I'm planning several trips with my family this year and was hoping to maximize the value of my GCs this way, and also earn the bonus miles with the status.

Maybe I should just sell the GCs.  I'm not sure now that you said that.

[yakrot]

American AAdvantage Brings Back Status Challenges
http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=59669

[EJB]

Mainly upgrades.  I'm planning several trips with my family this year and was hoping to maximize the value of my GCs this way, and also earn the bonus miles with the status.

Maybe I should just sell the GCs.  I'm not sure now that you said that.

Upgrades that typically cost you ~$40/500 miles

[Dan]

Mainly upgrades.  I'm planning several trips with my family this year and was hoping to maximize the value of my GCs this way, and also earn the bonus miles with the status.

Maybe I should just sell the GCs.  I'm not sure now that you said that.

Only Exec Plat gets free upgrades.

[Mendelssohn]

Yeah, I know they're not free.

You guys definitely have me thinking about this though.

[Champ365]

Upgrades that typically cost you ~$40/500 miles

How do you get the $40/500 if you have no status?

[EJB]

How do you get the $40/500 if you have no status?

You can't (unless you're flying with someone who has status). My point is you're paying for the right to pay for upgrades at a slightly cheaper rate than usual.

[Dan]

Technically you can anyway