An unconfirmed story is floating around that as of Jan. 15, American AAdvantage will reintroduce its elite-purchase offer.

If the rumor is true, current Gold members who flew at least 15,000 elite miles in 2003 will be able to purchase a Gold extension for $395; Platinum members who flew at least 30,000 elite miles in 2003 will be able to purchase a Platinum extension for $595. Those are the same levels that were available last year, as well.

Sources indicate that the program is expected to last until mid-April.

A significant caveat: Elite status purchase is a one-time deal. Members who took advantage of the offer last year will not be eligible to participate this year.

Keep an eye on American’s Web site for details, which should appear sometime in the middle of the month.