American Airlines Elites Now Receive Status Benefits When Flying Gol
American Airlines took a $200 million stake in Brazilian carrier Gol, after Delta stole LATAM from oneworld and a pending joint venture. Delta had to divest its ownership position in Gol to pull this off.
Gol is American’s exclusive codeshare partner in Brazil, and American is Gol’s exclusive codeshare partner in the U.S. And the relationship doesn’t just come with reciprocal earning and redemption of miles. Elite customers receive benefits across the two carriers.
Effective this past Tuesday, American’s elite members (American now refers to these as status members, and not ‘elite’) now receive extra legroom coach seats.
- This is available at booking for Platinum members and above (though specific status level determines how many companions this extends to).
- Golds receive this if available at check-in.
- All elites receive priority boarding on Gol as well.
Gol Smiles Diamond members now receive preferred seats at booking, Main Cabin Extra seats if available at check-in, and priority airport services (check-in, boarding, and baggage).
Gol allows American to sell more connections for its Brazil services, and also to sell more local flights to its Brazilian customers – and two-thirds of American’s customers on South America routes are based there and not the U.S.
