Jan 1, 2015, 3:04 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
What are AAdvantage Gold Benefits? Are they worth it?
C/Y 2019 Gold status requirements: $3,000 EQD* earned, AND 30 segments or 25,000 EQ Miles
*See FT: Earning EQD / Elite Qualifying Dollars on AA and partner airlines (2017 on)
Members no longer must fly at least 4 segments on American during the qualifying year to receive AA elite status. This requirement ended in 2017.
Status will last the status year when status is earned and the following status year. E.g. Status earned in 2020 will end 31 Jan 2022.
American Airlines AAdvantage Gold benefits, as stated on aa.com (chart), as of September 2015:
Preferred benefits:
Link to aa.com guide to AAdvantage Elite benefits (all levels)
Link to archive of older posts from this thread.
C/Y 2019 Gold status requirements: $3,000 EQD* earned, AND 30 segments or 25,000 EQ Miles
*See FT: Earning EQD / Elite Qualifying Dollars on AA and partner airlines (2017 on)
Members no longer must fly at least 4 segments on American during the qualifying year to receive AA elite status. This requirement ended in 2017.
Status will last the status year when status is earned and the following status year. E.g. Status earned in 2020 will end 31 Jan 2022.
American Airlines AAdvantage Gold benefits, as stated on aa.com (chart), as of September 2015:
Preferred benefits:
- Half price Main Cabin Extra or Free within 24 hours (extends to up to 8 traveling companions) (NOTE: 50% discount ends 5 Sep 2018)
- Courtesy Preferred Seats
- One (1) free checked bag (extends to all traveling companions same PNR)
- Minimum mileage guarantee (as of 1 Aug 2016, only applies to EQM)
- 25% elite mileage bonus (7 miles per "fare dollar" (base fare plus carrier fees, not taxes) spent as of 1 Aug 2016)
- Priority through the airport at check-in, security and boarding
- Checked bag fee waived for one (1) bags
- Complimentary same-day standby
- Discounted Admirals Club® membership
- NOTE Complimentary same-day flight change on American Airlines NOT available
- 24-hour upgrade window
- Flights 500 miles or less: Unlimited, auto-requested complimentary upgrades*
- Flights over 500 miles: Use earned or purchased 500-mile upgrades*
- Upgrade one companion traveling with you on the same flight with 500-mile upgrades*
- Upgrades confirmed before departure (as early as) 24 hours
- *Upgrades on American are valid on American marketed and operated flights, within and between the U.S. (including Hawaii) and between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central America (based on availability). Upgrades are valid from the Main Cabin to the next class of service.
- Gold and Platinum members will get four 500-mile upgrades for every 12,500 elite-qualifying miles you earn during the membership year after you achieve status.
- "Exclusive service desk" (actual prioritized number to Reservations lines)
- Complimentary preferred seats (extends to up to 8 traveling companions)
- Complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats 24 hours prior to departure; 50% discounted otherwise (extends to up to 8 traveling companions)
- Exclusive partner offers
- Award processing charge waived (awards within 21 days of travel)
- Special discounts on hotel and car awards
- NOTE: Extended award availability is only an Executive Platinum benefit
- oneworld priority check-in and standby
- oneworld priority boarding
Link to aa.com guide to AAdvantage Elite benefits (all levels)
Link to archive of older posts from this thread.
What are AA ♦️Gold / GLD Benefits? Are they worth it? (Master thd)
Feb 6, 2017, 11:45 pm
#46
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,204
Hard to say without knowing the cost of diverting that 50k EQM to AA, your willingness/ability to have an AA credit card at the $95/year level, and how much you would actually fly AA/OW afterwards.
Feb 7, 2017, 12:13 am
#47
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: AA GOLD
Posts: 86
Variation on @callerandolph's question: I'm about 50K miles from 1MM on AA, but I've been a UA native for the past 15 years due to work and travel patterns. Retiring soon; is AA Gold worth chasing (ie diverting 50K of EQD from Star Alliance to Oneworld?)? Will probably still fly 40-60K miles/year in retirement.
Feb 7, 2017, 1:46 pm
#48
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Central CT
Programs: UA MM/1K, SPG Lifetime Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Diamond, HH Gold, Natl Exec Elite
Posts: 1,490
The good news at the moment, with both AA and United, is that EQD are only tied to fare$ in a positive way: you get miles flown even on a really inexpensive fare. So I could spend a few thousand $'s to get AA lifetime gold and maybe $10-15K to get 200K on United...but I don't see a great reason to MR the United miles, I'll just fly them wherever and whenever it makes sense. Which, I'm sorry to say, isn't as many places as it used to be.
Jul 29, 2017, 10:53 am
#49
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: HH Gold (again), US/UA/DL non-elite, ZE Presidents Circle, WN reluctant no fee convert.
Posts: 1,449
The most likely threads to pose my question were this one and the Help Desk thread.
As my info says, I am a reluctant WN flyer as they most frequently offer me nonstops to my destinations and they are cheap, plus I have a miles account with them that I use to fly my children around when in need. And, of course, the two bag solution without fees.
But, then this happened:
Thanks for registering for our AAdvantage® Gold status promotion. Here’s how it works:
Enjoy benefits now
*Travel before September 22, 2017, and enjoy all the benefits of Gold status.*
*Extend your status through January 2019*
*Earn 7,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) and 1,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) before September 22, 2017, on American or other eligible airlines.*
I would like some advice on how to do that, please.
I do have three trips planned for August. They are the short version and I actually already have WN booked on at least one, possibly two. I have AA on the cheap-o fare for the other.
Here are my required itineraries:
SAT-BNA, BNA-SRQ (TPA alternate), SRQ-SAT. Rental car in BNA only.
I would need 7K EQM and more importantly, 1K EQD, for which I need a definition. Is it simply, spend 1K in fares only?
Would really appreciate some helpful insight. Thank you, FT.
As my info says, I am a reluctant WN flyer as they most frequently offer me nonstops to my destinations and they are cheap, plus I have a miles account with them that I use to fly my children around when in need. And, of course, the two bag solution without fees.
But, then this happened:
Thanks for registering for our AAdvantage® Gold status promotion. Here’s how it works:
Enjoy benefits now
*Travel before September 22, 2017, and enjoy all the benefits of Gold status.*
*Extend your status through January 2019*
*Earn 7,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) and 1,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) before September 22, 2017, on American or other eligible airlines.*
I would like some advice on how to do that, please.
I do have three trips planned for August. They are the short version and I actually already have WN booked on at least one, possibly two. I have AA on the cheap-o fare for the other.
Here are my required itineraries:
SAT-BNA, BNA-SRQ (TPA alternate), SRQ-SAT. Rental car in BNA only.
I would need 7K EQM and more importantly, 1K EQD, for which I need a definition. Is it simply, spend 1K in fares only?
Would really appreciate some helpful insight. Thank you, FT.
Last edited by jan_believes; Aug 1, 2017 at 4:08 pm
Jul 29, 2017, 5:19 pm
#50
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: SNA/LAX, PHL
Programs: AA Gold, AS MVP, WN A-List, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Exp, Hertz PC
Posts: 449
$1k in fare less gov't taxes and fees.
The most likely threads to pose my question were this one and the Help Desk thread. I don't know if my post will be seen much as the last post here was in Feb.
As my info says, I am a reluctant WN flyer as they most frequently offer me nonstops to my destinations and they are cheap, plus I have a miles account with them that I use to fly my children around when in need. And, of course, the two bag solution without fees.
But, then this happened:
Thanks for registering for our AAdvantage® Gold status promotion. Here’s how it works:
Enjoy benefits now
*Travel before September 22, 2017, and enjoy all the benefits of Gold status.*
*Extend your status through January 2019*
*Earn 7,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) and 1,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) before September 22, 2017, on American or other eligible airlines.*
I would like some advice on how to do that, please.
I do have three trips planned for August. They are the short version and I actually already have WN booked on at least one, possibly two. I have AA on the cheap-o fare for the other.
Here are my required itineraries:
SAT-BNA, BNA-SRQ (TPA alternate), SRQ-SAT. Rental car in BNA only.
I would need 7K EQM and more importantly, 1K EQD, for which I need a definition. Is it simply, spend 1K in fares only?
Not a lot of mileage unless I find another trip to make in Sept before deadline and that IS possible. Would extra segments help or other purchases?
I admit it. I got a bit spoiled in FC while recently traveling on a miles ticket and the airport granted me an off the books type upgrade out of their city.
If I shop for a cheap FC fare, that would help in the EQM accumulation but would it help much with EQD since the found FC fare would be less than $300. I would only do this to have the Gold status for an entire year, not just the extra three months to 2017 year end. It's the only reason I would pursue this. I also have the Barclay Arrival to "write off' these fares thru their redemption program.
Would really appreciate some helpful insight. Thank you, FT.
As my info says, I am a reluctant WN flyer as they most frequently offer me nonstops to my destinations and they are cheap, plus I have a miles account with them that I use to fly my children around when in need. And, of course, the two bag solution without fees.
But, then this happened:
Thanks for registering for our AAdvantage® Gold status promotion. Here’s how it works:
Enjoy benefits now
*Travel before September 22, 2017, and enjoy all the benefits of Gold status.*
*Extend your status through January 2019*
*Earn 7,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) and 1,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) before September 22, 2017, on American or other eligible airlines.*
I would like some advice on how to do that, please.
I do have three trips planned for August. They are the short version and I actually already have WN booked on at least one, possibly two. I have AA on the cheap-o fare for the other.
Here are my required itineraries:
SAT-BNA, BNA-SRQ (TPA alternate), SRQ-SAT. Rental car in BNA only.
I would need 7K EQM and more importantly, 1K EQD, for which I need a definition. Is it simply, spend 1K in fares only?
Not a lot of mileage unless I find another trip to make in Sept before deadline and that IS possible. Would extra segments help or other purchases?
I admit it. I got a bit spoiled in FC while recently traveling on a miles ticket and the airport granted me an off the books type upgrade out of their city.
If I shop for a cheap FC fare, that would help in the EQM accumulation but would it help much with EQD since the found FC fare would be less than $300. I would only do this to have the Gold status for an entire year, not just the extra three months to 2017 year end. It's the only reason I would pursue this. I also have the Barclay Arrival to "write off' these fares thru their redemption program.
Would really appreciate some helpful insight. Thank you, FT.
Aug 1, 2017, 4:07 pm
#51
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: HH Gold (again), US/UA/DL non-elite, ZE Presidents Circle, WN reluctant no fee convert.
Posts: 1,449
Aug 19, 2017, 10:00 am
#52
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 1,006
Is it really worth it?
I have no status on AA. When I fly (2-3 times a year), it is always upfront - discounted. I have a TPA-DFW-LAX-MEL-SYD; AUK-LAX-DFW-TPA routing scheduled for Oct. -- all in discounted F or J. In reading the various posts about the value of the Challenge, I get the impression that the ability to upgrade is the primary attraction. Am I wrong? On my upcoming itinerary, I'm already getting whatever mileage bonuses exist per my purchased tickets, right? My take is that it would not be worth my while to pay the Challenge fee.....given my travel pattern; am I correct? Thanks for anyone's comments in advance.
Aug 19, 2017, 10:26 am
#53
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: SNA/LAX, PHL
Programs: AA Gold, AS MVP, WN A-List, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Exp, Hertz PC
Posts: 449
I have no status on AA. When I fly (2-3 times a year), it is always upfront - discounted. I have a TPA-DFW-LAX-MEL-SYD; AUK-LAX-DFW-TPA routing scheduled for Oct. -- all in discounted F or J. In reading the various posts about the value of the Challenge, I get the impression that the ability to upgrade is the primary attraction. Am I wrong? On my upcoming itinerary, I'm already getting whatever mileage bonuses exist per my purchased tickets, right? My take is that it would not be worth my while to pay the Challenge fee.....given my travel pattern; am I correct? Thanks for anyone's comments in advance.
Aug 19, 2017, 11:08 am
#54
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,976
I have no status on AA. When I fly (2-3 times a year), it is always upfront - discounted. I have a TPA-DFW-LAX-MEL-SYD; AUK-LAX-DFW-TPA routing scheduled for Oct. -- all in discounted F or J. In reading the various posts about the value of the Challenge, I get the impression that the ability to upgrade is the primary attraction. Am I wrong? On my upcoming itinerary, I'm already getting whatever mileage bonuses exist per my purchased tickets, right? My take is that it would not be worth my while to pay the Challenge fee.....given my travel pattern; am I correct? Thanks for anyone's comments in advance.
- Domestic upgrades - irrelevant for your travel pattern and rare for Golds in any case.
- Priority check-in and boarding - you're already ahead of the Golds.
- Free checked bag - you already get this when buying J or F. I think you may get one extra free bag on international flights.
- Free same day standby - comes with F tickets anyway.
- Free preferred seats and MCE seats within 24 hours of departure - irrelevant if you're in F.
- Small discount on Admirals Club membership - best to get this via the AA CC anyway.
- Minimum EQM guarantee - if you travel on many sub-500 mile flights this could be a benefit if you're shooting for higher status.
- More earned miles - Golds get 7X the fare paid versus 5X for non-status members.
- No extra fee for awards booked within 21 days of departure.
Aug 19, 2017, 8:27 pm
#55
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 1,006
I'm not sure it's worth paying $ for the challenge in your case. The Gold benefits...
- Domestic upgrades - irrelevant for your travel pattern and rare for Golds in any case.
- Priority check-in and boarding - you're already ahead of the Golds.
- Free checked bag - you already get this when buying J or F. I think you may get one extra free bag on international flights.
- Free same day standby - comes with F tickets anyway.
- Free preferred seats and MCE seats within 24 hours of departure - irrelevant if you're in F.
- Small discount on Admirals Club membership - best to get this via the AA CC anyway.
- Minimum EQM guarantee - if you travel on many sub-500 mile flights this could be a benefit if you're shooting for higher status.
- More earned miles - Golds get 7X the fare paid versus 5X for non-status members.
- No extra fee for awards booked within 21 days of departure.
Aug 21, 2017, 9:05 pm
#56
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Gold is nice to have if you end up flying into airports with only single class planes. You'll get the priority boarding, better seating on the planes and ability to standby that you won't have if you can't buy F.
Frankly, I think it's always better to have some status than no status. Even if you're buying F/J all the time.
Frankly, I think it's always better to have some status than no status. Even if you're buying F/J all the time.
Aug 21, 2017, 10:42 pm
#57
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SAN
Programs: AS GOLD
Posts: 403
I just recently become Gold. Thanks to their mistake on my award travel. On the day of travel, my LAX-SFO got delayed and i will be missing my CX F to HKG. The angel in the first class lounge got me rebooked to LAX-HKG direct in F. I got miles and credit for this flight. Because of this. I also got the FREE Platinum offer in the email. I registered it and got 20 stickers but did not fly enough to keep the Platinum. lol..... Anyway, I flew to Dallas last weekend and that flights pushed me over to Gold. So i have Gold until early 2019 now. Yay!
Because of this. I also got the FREE Platinum offer in the email. I registered it and got 20 stickers but did not fly enough to keep the Platinum. lol..... Anyway, I flew to Dallas last weekend and that flights pushed me over to Gold. So i have Gold until early 2019 now. Yay!
Oct 31, 2017, 8:30 am
#58
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: Whoever Has the Best Bonus
Posts: 5,183
I was looking for the verbiage on AA's checked baggage policy to confirm that Gold members travelling with a non status member get 1 bag each, but I don't see that anymore. Does the free checked bag now only apply to the actual Gold member, and not the traveling party (assuming same PNR)?
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...age-policy.jsp
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...age-policy.jsp
Oct 31, 2017, 9:50 am
#59
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
I was looking for the verbiage on AA's checked baggage policy to confirm that Gold members travelling with a non status member get 1 bag each, but I don't see that anymore. Does the free checked bag now only apply to the actual Gold member, and not the traveling party (assuming same PNR)?
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...age-policy.jsp
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...age-policy.jsp
Checked bag fee waived
The checked bag fees will be waived for all elite members and guests traveling on the same reservation (excluding group reservations) for travel in the Main Cabin on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or marketed by American or American Eagle. The number of waived bag fees depends on your elite status.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...s-benefits.jsp
Oct 31, 2017, 12:32 pm
#60
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: Whoever Has the Best Bonus
Posts: 5,183
It still applies to your party. On the elite status page it states:
Checked bag fee waived
The checked bag fees will be waived for all elite members and guests traveling on the same reservation (excluding group reservations) for travel in the Main Cabin on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or marketed by American or American Eagle. The number of waived bag fees depends on your elite status.
Checked bag fee waived
The checked bag fees will be waived for all elite members and guests traveling on the same reservation (excluding group reservations) for travel in the Main Cabin on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or marketed by American or American Eagle. The number of waived bag fees depends on your elite status.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ic-economy.jsp
Does this also extend to a companion if booked on a basic economy PNR for the group?