As a regular member of American’s AAdvantage frequent flier program, for each mile flown, one ReDeemable mile (RDM), one Elite Qualifying Mile (EQM) and one Elite Qualifying Segment (EQS) is earned. Also, a variable number of Elite Qualifying Points (EQP) based on the fare bucket/class is earned when flying on American Airlines and oneWorld Partners.

One can qualify for elite status in three different ways: via EQM, or EQS, or EQP. The elite qualification year starts January 1st and ends on December 31st each year, and therefore one must meet the qualifying thresholds within this time period.

When considering earning elite status for on American Airlines, it helps to choose a qualifying method. While qualifying on EQS is fairly simple, it requires many flights. The decision that must be made is whether to focus on earning elite status on EQP or EQM, as they are two independent ways to qualify.

Qualifying on EQP:

When qualifying on EQP, fare classes are an important consideration. Each flight mile earns anywhere from 0.5 – 1.5 EQP depending on the fare bucket and class of service. You’ll earn more EQP on higher fare classes, and you’ll qualify quicker when purchasing premium cabin fares.

Qualifying on EQM:

When qualifying on EQM, the base miles column is more important. This indicates that for each flight, you’ll earn 100% elite qualifying miles for the distance of the flight. It is a much more straightforward qualification method, and one we will focus on for the rest of the article.

All American and ticketed and operated flights earn 100% EQM and 100% RDM when you purchase a ticket through the American Airlines website. The class of service bonus only applies to RDM when you book a Business or First class fare and does not provide a bonus EQM earning.

Elite status can also be earned when flying American’s oneWorld Member airlines or other partner airlines, the earning charts are listed at the bottom of the Codeshare Partners Page.

These are the easiest partners to earn 100% EQM and RDM:

• US Airways (until October 17th, 2015)
  • No restrictions (can ticket with American Airlines or Alaska Airlines)
• Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air
  • No restrictions (can ticket with American Airlines or Alaska Airlines)
• British Airways
  • No restrictions (can ticket with American Airlines or British Airways)
• Finnair
  • No restrictions (can ticket with American Airlines or Finnair)
• Hawaiian Airlines
• • Inter-island Hawaiian flights and between Hawaii & Australia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Tahiti, Taiwan, earn 100% EQM and RDM.
  • Tickets booked on Hawaiian Airlines in K, L, O, Z fare class don’t earn any mileage credit.
• Iberia
  • Flights between Spain & US/Puerto Rico one can ticket with American Airlines or Iberia and earn 100% EQM and RDM.
  • Iberia flights to other destinations in Discount & Deep Discount economy classes earn 80% EQM and RDM.

Earning less than 100% EQM & RDM is likely when flying oneWorld Alliance and partner airlines not listed above. Each airlines restrictions and exceptions are unique. These details are listed on each partner page.

Shortcut to Elite Status

Historically, FoundersCard, as a promotional benefit offers a shortcut to elite status with lower qualification thresholds. (The last time this was offered was July 2015). You can also enroll in a status challenge through American Airlines at a cost of $200. Both provide you the opportunity to gain Platinum status over a 90 day period, allowing you to earn elite status for the coming year, and in some cases up to 18 months! More details on this in the next post!