• Can I purchase elite status?
Not currently, however, in some previous years, AA has offered Prepaid Travel Cards (distinct from AAirpass) that carry instant status.
Also, members who hold a Citi Executive AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard receive some, but not all, benefits of Gold status, as well as Admirals Club membership.
Wiki:
Elite Status: Prepaid Travel Card
AA.com:
Prepaid Travel Card (expired 4/8/08)
FT:
No Prepaid Elite Travel Card for 2009
FT:
AA Citi Executive / AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard