American, GOL Announce Frequent Flyer, Codeshare Pacts

American Airlines has entered into a frequent-flyer agreement with GOL Airlines that will provide benefits to members of both American’s AAdvantage and GOL’s Smiles programs. Additionally, the two airlines intend to enter into a code-share agreement in the near future.

The frequent-flyer participation agreement will expand the opportunities to earn and redeem miles to new destinations for the more than 62 million members of American’s AAdvantage program and the 6 million members of GOL’s Smiles program.

Beginning Aug. 1, 2009, AAdvantage and Smiles members will be able to earn miles on all eligible GOL and American flights. Then, beginning in fall 2009, AAdvantage and Smiles members will be able to redeem their miles for travel on GOL and American flights worldwide.

Once the codeshare agreement is in effect, customers transferring from GOL to an American Airlines flight leaving Brazil or other points in South America will enjoy the convenience of being able to check their luggage to their ultimate American Airlines destination when they check in for their GOL flight.

Similarly, customers traveling to Brazil on American and transferring to a GOL flight within Brazil or elsewhere in South America can purchase a single ticket for their journey, rather than multiple tickets, and check their luggage to their final destination. As always, customers will still have to clear U.S. and Brazilian customs upon arrival.

Along with convenient ticketing and luggage arrangements, American and GOL also offer affordable interline fares for both premium class and economy class travel. Interline tickets for travel between American and GOL can be purchased through AA and its appointed agencies around the world, using electronic ticketing.