American Airlines AAdvantage has announced two new ways to requalify for elite status (for 2022).

Perhaps the most important element to emphasize right from the start is that:

• These shortcuts are only valid for elite members with status on January 1, 2021 – if you have earned status through some other promotion or fast track during 2021, you won’t be able to participate
• You can only re-qualify for your January 1st status – not to qualify for a higher tier
• If you re-qualify for Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum through these shortcuts, you won’t receive the Elite Choice Rewards – i.e. SWUs, etc.

If that hasn’t put you off, then existing Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members can read on…

Credit Card Spend

You can retain your AAdvantage status by spending $15,000 on an American Airlines co-branded credit card. This covers both the Citi and Barclays cards, as well as any AA co-branded cards issued outside of the United States.

You must spend the $15,000 between July 15th and November 15th, 2021.  You can also split it across two credit cards, if you happen to hold more than one AA co-branded card.

Earn 2,000 EQDs

You can also requalify for elite status by earning 2,000 EQDs on flights between September 1st and December 31st, 2021. Besides flying on American Airlines, you can also fly on partner airlines. (often an easier way to pick up cheaper EQDs)

The Bottom Line

If you currently have elite status with American Airlines AAdvantage, it is clear that they want you to retain your current level of status. Even if you aren’t flying, you can push some spend through a co-branded credit card and renew your elite status for 2022.  Kudos to AA…