Guide To American Airlines Status Match & Challenge (Instant Status Pass)

Guide To American Airlines Status Match & Challenge (Instant Status Pass)

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It’s common for airlines to offer some sort of status challenge or status match program, in order to lure frequent flyers who are loyal to competing airlines, but are considering a switch. In the United States, most major airlines offer some sort of a status match challenge opportunity, including Alaska, DeltaSouthwest, and United. In this post I wanted to take a look at the program offered by American.

American AAdvantage refreshed its status challenge program in late 2022, coinciding with the new Loyalty Points system for elite status qualification, which makes it possible to earn elite status through credit card spending. The new program is called “Instant Status Pass,” so let’s go over the details.

AAdvantage Instant Status Pass program

American AAdvantage’s Instant Status Pass program isn’t particularly straightforward. The first thing to understand is how you’re eligible for this:

  • You may see an offer in the promotions tab of your AAdvantage account to enroll in this offer
  • You can call AAdvantage customer service at 800-882-8880 in order to enroll
  • If you’re enrolled in the American AAdvantage & World of Hyatt partnership and have elite status with Hyatt, you may be eligible for a special challenge
  • There will typically be a cost to participate in the Instant Status Pass program, and the cost will vary by person, depending on your existing status, the status you’re going for, etc.; some people may even be targeted for a free status challenge

Ordinarily a status challenge requires completing some activity during a limited window (usually a few months), and then you receive the status for an entire year. American wants to make sure people stay more engaged, so the airline requires members to complete challenges in three consecutive phases (each four months), in order to maintain status for an additional year.

When you enroll in Instant Status Pass:

  • In phase one, you’ll receive elite status for four months, and during those first four months you have to earn a certain number of Loyalty Points in order to maintain the status for another four months
  • In phase two, you’ll receive the status for another four months, and have to earn a certain number of Loyalty Points to maintain the status for an additional four months
  • In phase three, you’ll receive the status for another four months, and have to earn a certain number of Loyalty Points to maintain the status for an entire additional year

In phase one, each elite tier requires earning the following number of Loyalty Points (this is roughly one third of the normal annual requirements, which makes sense):

After completing the first phase, you’ll receive an email with instructions for the second phase. Then after completing the second phase, you’ll receive an email with instructions for the third phase. You can generally expect that the second and third phases have similar Loyalty Points requirements, and that this essentially requires you to just earn the same number of Loyalty Points as you’d usually need over the course of a year, just in smaller, four month chunks.

Loyalty Points can be earned in a variety of ways (including through non-flying means), so in theory you could complete this challenge with credit card spending, for example.

American has brought back a status challenge

My take on American’s Instant Status Pass concept

I have mixed feelings about American’s Instant Status Pass concept. On the plus side, I think most would agree that this won’t do much to dilute status, since it takes a lot of effort to maintain status, and it’s only awarded in four month increments.

Furthermore, I’m impressed by the thought that went into this status challenge concept. The issue with some challenges is that members will be really active in the program for a few months (during the trial period), until they earn their status for a year, and then they drop off.

What American is doing here is a smart way to engage prospective customers, and offer them something upfront while still making sure they stay on the “hamster wheel,” even after the first trial period. That’s smart.

All that being said, I can’t help but feel like all of this sounds a bit complicated for the average consumer, and lacks transparency. In many cases people will be paying a significant amount of money upfront in order to be able to participate:

  • Understanding this concept is complicated to begin with
  • On top of that, American won’t tell people what the second and third challenges are, so you don’t fully know what you’re signing up for

Now, I imagine over time we’ll get lots of data points, and will be able to determine what’s required during phases two and three. But for now I’d say this program is a bit confusing.

I have mixed feelings on American’s Instant Status Pass

Bottom line

If you’re looking for a status match challenge with American Airlines, then the Instant Status Pass promotion is for you. While different members will be eligible for different offers, the idea is essentially that you have an initial four month period during which you need to earn roughly one-third of the standard Loyalty Points requirements.

You then have two more four month periods where you need to complete certain activity in order to earn status for an additional year. This program seems both complicated, and a good way to engage members beyond an initial trial period.

What do you make of American’s Instant Status Pass program?

Conversations (14)
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  1. Michael Guest

    I joined the "Gold" challenge for $200. With the up coming trips that I had scheduled, and knowing that I would be checking at least one bag on each trip. At $30 per bag, I will make up the cost in 7 trips (which I do have scheduled). Therefore it actually did not "cost" anything and I received the Gold status immediately with group 4 boarding, 24 hour Main Cabin Extra seat upgrades and automatically...

    I joined the "Gold" challenge for $200. With the up coming trips that I had scheduled, and knowing that I would be checking at least one bag on each trip. At $30 per bag, I will make up the cost in 7 trips (which I do have scheduled). Therefore it actually did not "cost" anything and I received the Gold status immediately with group 4 boarding, 24 hour Main Cabin Extra seat upgrades and automatically placed on the upgrade list for next class. Granted, everyone that is gold or above gets the and I will be on the bottom of the list. My requirement for maintaining the Gold status for each of the three 4-month periods is 13000 loyalty points, which were stated up front. My question is: I reach the 25,000 loyalty points level during the first 4 month period, and I don't know if I will automatically receive Platinum for the second period, or if it requires a fee?

  2. Bret Guest

    This program has proven interesting for me. As someone who moved and was forced to change loyalty programs as my previous airline does little business in the area and the dominant is American. Being practical, I shifted my travel loyalty to maximize the opportunities. That said, I have tried the instant pass option for a few reasons.
    1. I did a great deal of travel in February 22 but the loyalty year resets in...

    This program has proven interesting for me. As someone who moved and was forced to change loyalty programs as my previous airline does little business in the area and the dominant is American. Being practical, I shifted my travel loyalty to maximize the opportunities. That said, I have tried the instant pass option for a few reasons.
    1. I did a great deal of travel in February 22 but the loyalty year resets in March. Essentially, earning 22,000 loyalty points that would equate to nothing March 1. By joining, in early February, I earn status immediately plus use these points as part of my qualifiying 1/3 of the program year. While it is true I have to maintain the points for the whole year, earning the points during the rest of the year won't be an issue. Questions arise as they state in the terms it is possible to earn higher status for the next 4 months if you travel more during the current 4 month period. What this means is you can start at Gold and work up to Plat. What they don't tell you is how much extra that upgrade will cost nor if you now have to meet the higher thresold of 25,000 points per 4 months or if it remains the 13,000 for Gold. A lot is left unclear but it does serve as an interesting marketing case study.

  3. Rick Guest

    So, do all the elite/service level bonus’s count towards your Loyalty Points earn requirements during the instant pass time frame? Is there any benefit to asking for a higher level due to the elite bonus/multiplier? Do partner airlines count? i.e. could I make the requirements solely off business class international travel on Qatar or something like that?

    1. BSS Guest

      I have the same question. Any idea?

    2. Ed Guest

      Program T&Cs

      This promotion is only open to select American Airlines AAdvantage® members
      Your complimentary AAdvantage® status will be valid within 24 hours of registering. It may take up to an additional 24 hours for your new benefits to apply to existing bookings.
      Loyalty Points accrued through travel or other partners before registration do not count toward the requirements for this promotion
      All base miles earned from flying Loyalty Point-qualifying airlines (flights...

      Program T&Cs

      This promotion is only open to select American Airlines AAdvantage® members
      Your complimentary AAdvantage® status will be valid within 24 hours of registering. It may take up to an additional 24 hours for your new benefits to apply to existing bookings.
      Loyalty Points accrued through travel or other partners before registration do not count toward the requirements for this promotion
      All base miles earned from flying Loyalty Point-qualifying airlines (flights marketed by American Airlines, oneworld® airlines, JetBlue, and GOL Airlines). Includes all status bonuses earned flying on American Airlines and eligible partner airlines
      Qualifying eligible flights may be purchased in any fare that earns Loyalty Points in the AAdvantage® program
      Eligible purchases, defined as purchases (including those made by authorized users on your account), less credits, returns and adjustments, made with your:
      Citi® / AAdvantage®, AAdvantage® Aviator® credit card, and AAdvantage® cards issued outside the U.S. that post as base miles to your AAdvantage® account
      Registration is required during the registration window
      Must meet Loyalty Point activity requirement every 4 months to continue with this promotion and keep status benefits
      Once you complete all 3 phases in the Instant Status Pass™ you will be granted status for the next membership year immediately following the membership year in which you registered
      Loyalty Points are subject to the standard AAdvantage® program terms and conditions
      American Airlines may, at any time and without notice, change, stop or end this promotion in part or in full
      AAdvantage® miles examples that do not count towards earning Loyalty Points:
      Bonus miles earned from promotions, Miles from Buy, Gift, Transfer transactions, government taxes, fees and other charges associated with buying a ticket
      Conversion of another program currency to AAdvantage® miles
      For AAdvantage® credit cards, “accelerators” or “multipliers” such as: extra miles for purchases in specific categories, with specific merchants, or purchases made abroad
      AAdvantage® credit cards new account or welcome bonuses, spend bonuses, etc.
      Some postings may take up to 6-8 weeks to post, please call AAdvantage® customer service if you feel there are any discrepancies in your Loyalty Point accrual 
      Customers may not participate in an offer for the same or lower status during the same membership year and if the customer has enrolled in Instant Status Pass™ in the previous 24 months, they will not be eligible to enroll in this promotion
      You must re-qualify for AAdvantage® status membership annually

  4. Dorothy Lawrence Guest

    So I want to reach platinum before my flight to Australia in OCT-NOV/ I am 35,794 ;loyalty points away. I don't think I will be spending that much between now and then. I will maybe be able to spend $25,000 in the first trail period; so I am thinking to ask for it in August so that I am covered during my trip. Or do you have to get the offer initialed in July to get covered for August, Sept, Oct, & Nov?

  5. Aerov53 Member

    @Lucky (or others) - Does the status granted during the first four months of the challenge convert immediately to Oneworld benefits? I am Delta gold taking an economy JAL flight in March and will sign-up for the challenge if I can be matched to Sapphire and get lounge access on that itinerary.

    Thanks!

    1. Catherine Guest

      Yes, it does get granted immediately. I’m a United loyalist and did this prior to a JAL flight last week and I had One World Sapphire status. Was helpful!

  6. kimshep Guest

    I wonder whether American is allowing status-matching with other oneworld carriers? Generally speaking, it has been a fairly established routine that oneworld carriers are discouraged (or outright not permitted) from status-matching from other carrier-members in the oneworld alliance.

  7. Aiden Guest

    I have the platinum pro challenge and phase one is 42K loyalty points, my question is if I get 67K loyalty points in phase 1, could I get Exec Platinum?

  8. Daniel Guest

    They gave me Platinum Pro for free (via Hyatt Globalist).

    I read about loyalty points and the requirement for about 10 minutes and gave up on trying to understand it. So I’ll enjoy plat pro for four months and then move on.

    If they said “spend $x by May 1” then I would have considered it. As is, too complicated.

  9. Anthony Guest

    The American status challenge for Hyatt members is actually pretty great. I earned Explorist under the reduced terms in 2021 (I am primarily a Marriott person). I was given the offer to status match to American Platinum late last year. Took it, already benefiting from enhanced earnings and upgrades (was upgraded on my first revenue flight under the promotion). Will pretty easily maintain Platinum until at least summer. Will also still be able to maintain...

    The American status challenge for Hyatt members is actually pretty great. I earned Explorist under the reduced terms in 2021 (I am primarily a Marriott person). I was given the offer to status match to American Platinum late last year. Took it, already benefiting from enhanced earnings and upgrades (was upgraded on my first revenue flight under the promotion). Will pretty easily maintain Platinum until at least summer. Will also still be able to maintain at least Delta Platinum through rollover/card spend.

    Going from earning 5 points per $ spent on flights to 8 points is a huge bump in retaining status.

  10. Arthur Pia Guest

    What is the cost?

    1. Lisa Guest

      $200 for Instant Status Pass

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Michael Guest

I joined the "Gold" challenge for $200. With the up coming trips that I had scheduled, and knowing that I would be checking at least one bag on each trip. At $30 per bag, I will make up the cost in 7 trips (which I do have scheduled). Therefore it actually did not "cost" anything and I received the Gold status immediately with group 4 boarding, 24 hour Main Cabin Extra seat upgrades and automatically placed on the upgrade list for next class. Granted, everyone that is gold or above gets the and I will be on the bottom of the list. My requirement for maintaining the Gold status for each of the three 4-month periods is 13000 loyalty points, which were stated up front. My question is: I reach the 25,000 loyalty points level during the first 4 month period, and I don't know if I will automatically receive Platinum for the second period, or if it requires a fee?

0
Ed Guest

Program T&Cs This promotion is only open to select American Airlines AAdvantage® members Your complimentary AAdvantage® status will be valid within 24 hours of registering. It may take up to an additional 24 hours for your new benefits to apply to existing bookings. Loyalty Points accrued through travel or other partners before registration do not count toward the requirements for this promotion All base miles earned from flying Loyalty Point-qualifying airlines (flights marketed by American Airlines, oneworld® airlines, JetBlue, and GOL Airlines). Includes all status bonuses earned flying on American Airlines and eligible partner airlines Qualifying eligible flights may be purchased in any fare that earns Loyalty Points in the AAdvantage® program Eligible purchases, defined as purchases (including those made by authorized users on your account), less credits, returns and adjustments, made with your: Citi® / AAdvantage®, AAdvantage® Aviator® credit card, and AAdvantage® cards issued outside the U.S. that post as base miles to your AAdvantage® account Registration is required during the registration window Must meet Loyalty Point activity requirement every 4 months to continue with this promotion and keep status benefits Once you complete all 3 phases in the Instant Status Pass™ you will be granted status for the next membership year immediately following the membership year in which you registered Loyalty Points are subject to the standard AAdvantage® program terms and conditions American Airlines may, at any time and without notice, change, stop or end this promotion in part or in full AAdvantage® miles examples that do not count towards earning Loyalty Points: Bonus miles earned from promotions, Miles from Buy, Gift, Transfer transactions, government taxes, fees and other charges associated with buying a ticket Conversion of another program currency to AAdvantage® miles For AAdvantage® credit cards, “accelerators” or “multipliers” such as: extra miles for purchases in specific categories, with specific merchants, or purchases made abroad AAdvantage® credit cards new account or welcome bonuses, spend bonuses, etc. Some postings may take up to 6-8 weeks to post, please call AAdvantage® customer service if you feel there are any discrepancies in your Loyalty Point accrual  Customers may not participate in an offer for the same or lower status during the same membership year and if the customer has enrolled in Instant Status Pass™ in the previous 24 months, they will not be eligible to enroll in this promotion You must re-qualify for AAdvantage® status membership annually

0
Bret Guest

This program has proven interesting for me. As someone who moved and was forced to change loyalty programs as my previous airline does little business in the area and the dominant is American. Being practical, I shifted my travel loyalty to maximize the opportunities. That said, I have tried the instant pass option for a few reasons. 1. I did a great deal of travel in February 22 but the loyalty year resets in March. Essentially, earning 22,000 loyalty points that would equate to nothing March 1. By joining, in early February, I earn status immediately plus use these points as part of my qualifiying 1/3 of the program year. While it is true I have to maintain the points for the whole year, earning the points during the rest of the year won't be an issue. Questions arise as they state in the terms it is possible to earn higher status for the next 4 months if you travel more during the current 4 month period. What this means is you can start at Gold and work up to Plat. What they don't tell you is how much extra that upgrade will cost nor if you now have to meet the higher thresold of 25,000 points per 4 months or if it remains the 13,000 for Gold. A lot is left unclear but it does serve as an interesting marketing case study.

0
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