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.
Anyone able to successfully book any award segments on Gol, outisde of the Rio/Sao corridor?. I’ve not seen either Gol or Latam make award seats available for their respective partners for interior Brazil. They want the earnings without the redemptions.
Seems to me that point to point cash fares in Brazil are some of the highest in the world based on distance traveled.
People think American mean the US, they are truly an airline for the whole of the Americas. 3rd largest international carrier out of South American, number 1 in the Caribbean and US, and a strong central American and Mexico service. They need to beef up Canada, but their OW partner was absorbed by Air Canada.
Regardless of the actions by DL and UA, AA will be and continue out play both of them in the Americas.
That’s BS. AA cannot even assign seats for GOL flights. I have tried 10 times. GOL’s website or app doesnt work at all.
Do you have the link to the american Airlines website that says it? They are not allowing me to use it.
As an Exec Plat I an unable to enjoy the benefit of checking 3 pieces of luggage on Gol . Their system integration is a complete joke with check in agents unable to add Advantage numbers to Gol reservations. AA needs to do a better job