Originally Posted by Adelphos

In a lot of ways, AA Gold is the most valuable of all of the "first rung" elite status

1) Same-day standby - Has saved me hundreds of dollars, and is one of the most valuable standby policies because of the ability to standby for later flights
2) Elite check-in and security - many limit that to the 50,000 mile tier
3) Waived $75 close-in award booking fee - again a money saver
4) Free bags
5) MCE at check-in
6) High upgrade percentage on regional fllights
7) Increased earnings for paid flights