AAdvantage Gold - The unofficial membership guide

AAdvantage Gold is first elite status tier in the AAdvantage FF program.  While it may seem that there are a lot of PLTs and EXPs out there ahead of you, don't worry.  Having Gold status puts you ahead of all non-elite flyers and does give you several important benefits.  (Especially being able to jump the queue at check-in!)  Enjoy!

The Gold welcome kit When you qualify for Gold, you will receive a kit containing: Letter welcoming you to Gold GLD card GLD membership guide

The card

Here's a scan of an old AAdvantage Gold card.  On it, you can see in the lower right the oneworld Ruby (red) symbol, and on the left, this particular GLD's Million Mile status is also shown.  The words "AAdvantage Gold" are printed in tiny type in the background.

Other recognition

Boarding pass - Shown below. You can see 1) the "AADVANTAGE GOLD" watermark; 2) "GLD" printed after the FF number on the stub; 3) "RUBY" printed on both parts, reflecting oneworld status.  This boarding pass also shows a "COUPON REQUIRED" watermark as this person was using paper tickets.  R class means upgraded to business on a three-class flight.

Flight booking

• Priority phone line - Access to the AAdvantage Gold Hot Line for fast service
• Priority seating - On AA flights, elites have access to seats blocked off as "premium" seating (e.g. bulkhead, exit rows).  On flights that are non-completely full, the middle seat next to your chosen aisle or window is also blocked off.
• Priority standby and waitlisting - Priority ahead of regular AAdvantage members for standby and waitlisting.

Upgrades

• Advance upgrade request - Automated electronic upgrade requests up to 24 hours (1 day) before departure
• Earned threshold upgrades - Earn four 500-mile electronic upgrades (domestic, any published fare) for each 10,000 Q-miles flown as an elite
• Discount purchased upgrades - Purchase electronic upgrades at discounted prices or redeem miles for upgrades

Airport service

• Priority check-in - Check in at any AA Business Class check-in position, even when flying in economy class.
• Priority boarding - Pre-boarding for elites lets you beat the crowds and gives you first crack at overhead bin space!  Pre-boarding does not exist in Europe!

Other benefits

• Elite status bonus - Earn a 25% bonus on base miles flown on AA, Eagle, and oneworld alliance partners.
• Discount Admiral's Club membership - Small discount on membership (approx 20-25%)
• Special offers on hotels, cars, etc. - Special offers from AAdvantage hotel and car rental partners; Exclusive offers from other AAdvantage partners; No annual limit on mileage accrual on AA Citibank credit cards

oneworld Ruby benefits

• Priority check-in - Check-in at any oneworld business class check-in desk, even if flying economy.
• Preferred seating
• Priority at airport - Priority standby and waitlisting

The 25% GLD elite status bonus is earned when flying all oneworld alliance partner airlines on eligible fares.  A big plus of the oneworld alliance.