AAdvantage to charge for Challenge sign-up - Details

[serfty]

There have been reports on FlyerTalk and the AAcentric "Travelling Better" forums of possible changes being considered to the Gold/Platinum Challenges in the next month or so.

Few details are available, and, indeed, this possibly may not eventuate.

Keeping an eye on these threads:

• FT: Changes in platinum challenge?
• TB: Rumor: possible "tinkering" with challenges

Note the second (TB) thread was instigated by one JohnNYC, who has a very good strike rate these things.

[JonNYC]

Effective next week, $150 for Plat challenge.

more details on travelingbetter. But that's about it.

EDIT TO ADD: Ooops! Sorry I saw the existing thread on this -after- I posted (wouldn't you think I would know better?? )

[serfty]

There's confirmation on FT:

• Unofficial Guide: AAdvantage elite status, gold & platinum challenges, and more - Page 197 - FlyerTalk Forums

Further points (posted by a "New" FT handle):

• Starting October 15) to sign up
• Nonrefundable fees are as follows (If you don't make it...there is no calling and asking for your money back)
  • Gold challenge $80
  • Plat challenge $150
• Still no EXP challenge
• If you go on a gold challenge and make the plat points (10k points) you can call them and pay the $70 to get your plat status...it does not work in reverse though
• If you go on a plat challenge and make gold (5k points) you can call and be made gold...but you do not get the $80 back.