American AAdvantage has four published elite tiers (in addition to Concierge Key status, which is invitation-only). In separate posts I’ve written guides to Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum status, and in this post, I want to look at Gold status, which is the entry-level tier in the AAdvantage program.
Continue reading: Guide To American AAdvantage Gold Status
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I mostly achieve Gold status through business travel, along with the occasional personal trip booked through AA but flown on its partners. This usually brings me to around 41K-43K loyalty points. Reaching 75K or more for the next tier is simply not a desire I have as I do not find it feasible, as it would require a significant personal financial outlay, and I don't see the value in heavily investing in loyalty programs.
Since AA is my company's preferred carrier, I already enjoy some Platinum-tier benefits. The main exceptions are complimentary upgrades and boarding in Groups 2 or 3. We typically board in Group 4 and have access to preferred seating at time of booking, which is good enough for me. As a Gold member, I’ve never received an upgrade, but I don't miss it—I typically purchase upgrades when I feel they're worth the investment.
Go Gold!
Advantage Gold also lets you select a seat 7 days in advance when travelling on British Airways. Otherwise seat selection opens on check in 24 hours before departure.
It's unfortunate that an eight-figure earner and former partner at Paul, Weiss—who pivoted to Skadden and now works at Davis Polk—is unable to rise above Gold. I guess work travel isn't what it used to be.
For us folks who live in the real world, do not invest in Gold status with AA. I was actually Gold for years in the 2000s when it meant gate upgrades, easy usage of stickers and help from the AAdvantage desk during IRROPs. Those days are long gone.
Been gold for 10+ years. here is why i still go for gold, mostly for family travel not upgrades (got 5 ug in 10 years). not an amazing value, but better than not going for it.
- aa hub based, so i like checking in at the priority lines when flying with the family
- i can book BE fares and still select seats for everyone early on
- when timing changes or Ops issues happen i have access to the elite lines, and are at the top of any standby lists
- group 4 still gets access to bins, for carry-ons,
- free luggage check in for flights to MX, Caribbean - pretty much worth it alone for me
- Do get a fair amount of MCE seats at 24 hours, even with the family of 4
- i'm getting really good value on my aa mile redemption so i keep up my cc spend to make sure i hit that 40k
- bonus miles on flights and upgrades are very low value
I have had some pretty decent luck with Gold Status. I would say that my upgrades to first class hovers above the 20% stated in the article. I don't live near an AA hub, but my personal travels have been blessed with some nice upgrades on a fairly regular basis and not only on weekends. That plus the free bag, priority check-in plus Global Entry/TSA precheck makes travel a breeze in most cases.