I just received an email from American Airlines (see screenshot below) asking if I would like a boost to achieve the next elite plateau in their AAdvantage mileage program. I think it’s a smart business move by American but I wouldn’t spend $899 to achieve it. First, I don’t think the next level is actually worth $900. Secondly, travelers should only earn that status by flying, not buying.

I currently have 43,800 actual paid miles flown in 2013 in my AAdvantage account. To reach Platinum status for the 2014 membership year, I need another 6,200 miles. But instead of paying $900 I will just book two tickets to New York or Florida from L.A. before December 31, 2013. That will put me over the 50,000-mile mark, thus earning me Platinum. I can see that maybe some business travelers, who have plenty of money to burn and have no desire to get back on a plane, might not do a mileage run or two but to me, that’s part of the game. What do you think? Do you think American and other airlines should be offering these “boosts” or should travelers have to earn their elite status the old fashion way … by flying?

 

AA

1 Comment On "American Airlines Boost Your Elite Status"
  1. Wendy Strow (@Thedubtx)|

    Platinum has been a goal for me this year and I’m going to need just under 9k miles to get there. For $900 I will go somewhere and do something fun, not just write a check! Looking at Zurich for Thanksgiving :)

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