I’m a bit late to the party, but American announced the official changes to their million miler policy.
Currently, all redeemable miles with American count towards the million mile thresholds. This is inclusive of credit card bonuses, elite bonuses, and other promotions. On December 1, 2011, further progress towards these goals will be limited to butt-in-seat miles flown on AA or earned on its partners. Additionally, to further push the Citi AAdvantage World Elite Mastercard, cards opened by December will continue to earn miles which count towards million miler status.
The benefits are mostly unchanged. Gold (low tier) at 1MM, Platinum (midtier) at 2MM. The bonus for achieving 1MM is now 35k bonus miles, exchangeable for eight 500mi upgrade stickers. Previously, stickers were awarded to those reaching the threshold with domestic addresses; those with international addresses were awarded four systemwide upgrades.
While United’s policy appears to be more “generous” by giving Premier Executive (midtier) status at 1MM, its miles must be earned from purely butt-in-seat miles flown on United metal. Until the lifetime policy is clarified as the merger continues, Continental lfietime miles do not count towards this threshold.