I just qualified for AA Gold today (returned yesterday from Africa). I'll be going in 12 days on BMI from ORD to Asia. Does anyone know how I might try getting a status match before then? I understand the AA Gold card and statement takes several weeks, which I can't wait for obviously. I understand the main advantage of having BMI elite for my trip is the possibility of class upgrade and the expedited security lines, which would be really great - anything else?

The first leg of my trip (ORD-LHR) is BMI operated by United -- would BMI elite status have any benefit for this?

Thanks for any suggestions how I might go about getting a status match before my trip.