UPDATED-American Airlines AAdvantage Elite Status Updates For 2021

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When you join American Airlines AAdvantage , you are an AAdvantage member. Additionally, the program offers Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum status. American AAdvantage has announced updates to their 2021 elite program due to covid. These updates are as follows:

1. AA is extending status.

If your current elite status expires on January 31, 2021, they will automatically extend the expiration date until January 31, 2022.

2. Adjusting elite qualification thresholds for 2021

What are the Normal Elite Qualification Levels?

Gold-25,000 EQMs plus $3,000 EQDs OR 30 EQSs

Platinum-50,000 EQMs plus $6,000 EQDs OR 60 EQSs

Platinum Pro-75,000 EQMs plus $9,000 EQDs OR 90 EQSs

Executive Platinum-100,000 EQMs plus $15,000 EQDs OR 120 EQSs

What are the new Elite Qualification Levels for the year 2021

Gold-20,000 EQMs plus $2,000 EQDs OR 20 EQSs

Platinum-40,000 EQMs plus $4,500 EQDs OR 45 EQSs

Platinum Pro-60,000 EQMs plus $7,000 EQDs OR 70 EQSs

Executive Platinum-80,000 EQMs plus $12,000 EQDs OR 95 EQSs

3. Giving a head start for elite qualification in 2021

All base EQMs, EQSs, and EQDs earned based on flights taken from October 1 – December 31, 2020, will also count toward your 2021 requirements. They will automatically roll over after January 1, 2021. BUT bonus elite qualifying credits, such as those earned from an AAdvantage credit card, will not roll over.

4. Waiving the EQD requirement for select elite levels if you spend $30,000 on purchases with your eligible AAdvantage credit card

See above for the EQD levels. But, for 2021, AA will waive the EQD requirement to qualify for Gold, Platinum or Platinum Pro status if you spend $30,000 on net purchases with an eligible AAdvantage credit card that posts to your account between January 1 – December 31, 2021. The cards include all Citi / AAdvantage cards, and all AAdvantage Aviator cards.

5. Adjusting EQM thresholds for Executive Platinum rewards

Previously, members who qualified for Executive Platinum status received a choice of 1 reward upon reaching 150,000, 200,000 and 250,000 EQMs.

For 2021, AA will adjust the levels required to earn these rewards to 120,000, 160,000 and 200,000 EQMs.

6. AA has also updated some of the elite benefits.

You can read about that here.

7. Being able to maintain your existing status thru January 31, 2023

Elite members who have not yet re-qualified for their current elite status or higher will have 2 new opportunities to retain their existing status. They can 1. spend on an eligible AAdvantage credit card or 2. fly on eligible tickets.

Spend $15,000 on an AAdvantage credit card

You’ll retain your AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum status through January 31, 2023, if you spend at least $15,000 on eligible purchases with an eligible AAdvantage credit card between July 15 – November 15, 2021.

Fly on American or one of our partner airlines

You’ll retain your AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum status through January 31, 2023, if you earn at least $2,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) on eligible airline tickets flown between September 1 – December 31, 2021.