With the current Double Elite Qualifying Mile promotion there is some confusion regarding earned miles for redeeming awards (RDM) versus the miles used to qualify for elite status (EQM). From a listener:

"I was planning on going for Executive Platinum (EXP) this year.  Question: I have just completed the challenge, and am now a Platinum (PLT), there's a 100% bonus on all miles flown, correct?  Does that mean that I have to fly

50,000 miles * 100% bonus = ...

In the next few posts I will be explaining some technical differences in the way American Airlines counts miles towards status and rewards.

The American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flyer program uses two different counting systems to reach elite status. First, there is the traditional miles flown (or butt in seat miles) the mileage accrued while flying in any class of service. Second is the less common mileage points based on the fare class paid. Points have class of service ...