Has any one successfully completed the american airlines platinum status challenge?

Has any one successfully completed the american airlines platinum status challenge? Looking for some feedback/experiences... is there anything to look out for?

Cheers

Yes I have in 2012! Best thing ever! Do you have any specific questions you would like addressed?

Completed it nine months ago, alnd Platinum card in my hot little hand!

Thanks guys.. notthing in particular... just wanted to make sure that they don't exclude Australian Residents. Its a great deal especially after what Qantas has done to the earning rates on Oneworld partners. I won't be chasing QF status again! Thanks American. 

No they do not exclude Australian Residents.

I also find that if you travel on Qantas domestically, you're not short changed, given the minimum 500 miles rule for Aadvantage Elites. This translates to 1,000 miles, which in some cases is better than what Qantas is offering since it reduced minimum points to 800. The only exception is booking Qantas Red-e deal (E booking inventory). You do not earn any EQP/EQM and miles on those.

I'm also heartened that equity for Aadvantage members will continue to be preserved when travelling on Qantas (unlike QFF flying on BA). Given QF's precarious position in Oneworld due to its courtship by Emirates, Qantas will be very keen to maintain favourable ties to American Airlines.

The only risk to Aadvantage membership is the future, and as some pundits suggests, likely revenue-based elite qualification changes. At this stage it is anyone's guess. All I can say is have a Plan B!

As TRB says, definitely no exclusion for AU residents; the Americans will take our money happily! If you take it now, your anniversary will be the end of February 2016. The fee is variable depending on their whim and the time of the year - generally anywhere from at least $200-295.

My experience with AA staff has been superlative. They really do look after passengers, even non-elite Y pax, but elites they tend to bend over backwards for. I have had AA staff re-reroute me at no cost onto more direct flights, free "first class" upgrades etc. My experience with QF staff has been amazing too. When I thought I wasn't entitled to something once in BNE, the QF staff member actually berated me (politely, and being funny) - "You're American PLATINUM; of COURSE you're entitled to it!".

Definitely worth it! Any questions specifically and I'm happy to answer!