If you reached Million Miler status on American Airlines just prior to the Dec. 1, 2011 change to their new ruling that elite-status miles must be earned when flying only, you might be interested in the following information.

As a benefit to earning Million Miler status, members now receive 35,000 miles instead of the former eight 500-mile upgrade stickers. If you recently received the stickers when obtaining lifetime status in 2011, but would prefer the 35,000 miles, you can call the AAdvantage service center to politely ask if you can have the miles instead of the stickers. BoardingArea.com’s Deals We Like reports success when asking for this switch. As Deals We Like points out, the 35,000 miles can then be used to exchange for eight 500-mile stickers if you wish, but you’ll have the flexibility to spend the miles any way you wish. If the person you first talk to does not know of the ability to switch from the stickers to miles, ask for a supervisor.