So I flew the sectors.

ORD-LAX (AA): They had not automatically updated my status and the BP printed out Ruby. After asking them to update it (and they didn't immediately know how - I suggested that they remove and add again the number) they managed to print out with Sapphire instead.

On another topic, the new AA lounge in ORD T3 is very nice and has excellent showers, as good as a 5 star hotel. Never thought that Admiral's Club would be so good.

LAX-HKG (CX): They already had my Gold status on record. Interesting as I got both my BPs at ORD, my first BP said Ruby and my second said Sapphire (and I then asked them to change the first, as above).

This flight (my first CX flight after qualifying as Gold) was severely underwhelming. Although the service was quite satisfactory there was absolutely no mention or recognition at any point (during boarding or inflight). Perhaps that's reserved for DM only.

LAX boarding is terrible anyway, the line for J boarding was as long as the Economy line as there are a huge number of MPC members on the flight. As they also allow GR members priority boarding (WHY!?), it gets pretty crazy.