I tried a search of the forum, but really didn't know how to find what I'm looking for (if there's a thread discussing this, please post link?):
My folks have lifetime AA Gold, and no AS status. My understanding is that they only get the crossover elite benefits if they use their AA #?
In the past I'd had luck effectively double-dipping by booking with the AA# for the benefits, and then asking at the gate (or even upon arrival) for them to swap out the number for the other airline's program. Does this sort of stunt still work? And if so, I wonder how cumbersome it is to use it on a r/t booking? Any anecdotal data points would be greatly appreciated here. In the past I know that AA is reticent to move the miles back to AS, citing elite benefits enjoyed by virtue of the AA status...
Thanks!