How To Become An Air Miles Gold Collector
I have been an Air Miles Gold collector for years, but I didn’t really understand much about how the program worked and what benefits I could take advantage of. My normal routine is to simply redeem Air Miles for products like gas gift certificates from Shell. With the Air Miles Gold program you get exclusive benefits, savings and bonus offers.
Becoming An Air Miles Gold Collector
When you earn 1,000 Air Miles in a calendar year with at least 5 different Air Miles sponsors you will automatically become an Air Miles Gold collector. I regularly purchase groceries at Safeway and buy gas at Shell, and I also use my Air Miles credit card whenever possible. That leaves me with just two sponsors to earn Air Miles rewards with during the remainder of the year. Since there are over 100 sponsors to choose from, it’s never a problem for me to reach Gold status.
What Benefits do Air Miles Gold Collectors Receive?
Air Miles Gold collectors receive many exclusive, time-limited offers and rewards designed specifically for Gold collectors only, plus:
- Great Flight Specials and discounts
- 10% off a companion ticket on selected flights (Air Canada)
- Exclusive 7-day advance booking privileges (instead of the usual 15 days) for car rentals and hotel stays
- Priority phone service on your calls to 1-888-AIR MILES (1-888-247-6453)
- Double Air Miles reward miles for buying Gold Fuel at Shell
Other benefits include up to 40% off reward miles for selected flights and special savings on package vacations and cruises. Gold collectors can also save up to 25% off on selected merchandise redemptions.
Final Thoughts on Air Miles Gold
When the program was first introduced back in 1995, becoming a Air Miles Gold collector was a status symbol for loyal Air Miles members. They even sent you a shiny Gold card in the mail. As technology progressed they could automatically upgrade your account status online, so they no longer send out Gold cards but members can still enjoy all of the perks that come along with Gold status.
For me, becoming an Air Miles Gold collector hasn’t been much of a benefit since I don’t redeem my reward miles for flights or purchase any merchandise from the online store. I prefer to use my Air Miles for gift card rewards, which unfortunately they don’t give any deals on for preferred members.
I wouldn’t go out of my way to try and become an Air Miles Gold collector, but if you are a frequent traveller and find that 1,000 Air Miles at 5 sponsors is easy to attain, then by all means, go for the Gold!