A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,575
No way I'd buy Gold for $500.
If I planned to fly more than a handful of AA segments next year, I'd go one of two routes:
- Best mileage-bonus AA credit card if you want an option that nets out better than free. There are often promos that waive first year fees and kick in 50k miles or so.
- One of the two premium Citi cards (Prestige or Exec) if you're willing to outlay a few hundred bucks. Long threads here comparing/contrasting the pros and cons of these two cards. Someone with no AA elite status might prefer the richer AA benefits of the Exec card.