I travel twice a month on average, and usually have to book one-way tickets:

Jetblue non-stop: HPN to FLL
AA non-stop: MIA to LGA

Unfortunately, AA does not fly directly to FLL from HPN, so I'm finding it impossible to make it to AA Gold Status using one-way's!! Does anyone have any tips on how to maximize my one-way flights? I've been an AA Advantage member since 1998, but I've only been a frequent flyer for about a year or so. The AA Amex card and the AA Mastercard are the only 2 credit cards I use. It's frustrating that I've been loyal to AA for so long, yet I'm still not eligible for automatic upgrades if there is room in first.

Aside from the fact that being loyal to these 2 brands doesn't do much for me, if I have to change my flight dates I'm paying $100 for Jetblue and $150 for AA..what's up with that!!