There are three measurements used by AA for granting status:
Elite Qualifying Miles / EQM
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...es-2016-a.html (other than the new Basic Economy fares (they will earn 0.5 EQM per mile flown) , one EQM is earned per mile flown in Economy, 2.0 EQM per mile flown in discounted Business or First, and 3.0 EQM per mile flown in full non-discounted Business or First. (Fares shown above will earn 2 EQM per mile flown.)
OR
Elite Qualifying Segments / EQS are easier. Each flight with a discrete flight number accrues one EQS, with two exceptions:
Two (or more) flights with the same flight number, if they are not origin-destination-origin pairs, earn ONE EQS, and EQM as if the flights had been a nonstop flight.
New Basic Economy fares coming soon will earn 1/2 EQS per segment.
AND (required annual minima):
Elite Qualifying Dollars / EQD:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...es-2017-a.html
These GUIDE master threads will explain how these are accrued, and have extensive Wikiposts at the top of the thread.
For
award miles accrual,
see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ug-2016-a.html