American Airlines, the flag carrier of America, offers passengers the best option for upgrading seats. Your desire for a luxurious and relaxing travel can be fulfilled only if you upgrade your seat to the best available class on American Airlines. If you have booked a lower-class ticket but want to travel in a higher-class cabin, upgrade now!
If you need a more spacious seat, complimentary upgrades, or upgrading via miles, American Airlines has you covered. Without any delay, we will learn everything about the American Airlines seat upgrade policy, methods to upgrade, fees involved in upgrading, and tips on when to upgrade your booking.
Upgrade Options on American Airlines
American Airlines offers several tempting upgrade options to cater to different preferences and needs. If you wisely follow the American Airlines seat upgrade policy, you will have no trouble upgrading your seats to a better class. Let’s check out all the upgrade options available to you-
Systemwide Upgrades
Most confirmed upgrades, from business fares to first-class upgrades, are classified as systemwide upgrades. Also, you can upgrade from most Economy or Premium Economy fares to the next class of service, such as Business or Domestic First. These upgrades are applicable on American Airlines’ marketed and operated flights. For up to three flight segments, you are allowed to enjoy your seat upgrades. To enjoy this benefit, at least one American Airlines-marketed flight must be included in your itinerary.
Systemwide upgrades allow you to enjoy a confirmed upgrade from most Business fares to First Class. Also, you can upgrade from most Economy or Premium Economy fares to the next class of service, such as Business or Domestic First. These upgrades are applicable on American Airlines’ marketed and operated flights. With these upgrades, you can enjoy an elevated travel experience on up to three flight segments. To enjoy this benefit, at least one American Airlines-marketed flight must be included in your itinerary.
Complimentary Upgrades
American Airlines offers complimentary upgrades to eligible passengers. This provides an opportunity to experience an enhanced level of comfort in a seat at no extra cost. Complimentary upgrades are available to AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum Pro®, and AAdvantage Platinum® members. Additionally, oneworld® Sapphire and Emerald members with elite status on select partner airlines, such as Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Qatar Airways, or Japan Airlines, can also enjoy complimentary access. Eligible members can even extend this benefit to up to eight traveling companions on the same reservation.
Upgrades with Miles
If you prefer to use your miles to upgrade your seats, American Airlines allows you to do so. AAdvantage® members can reserve Main Cabin Extra seats using their miles. Miles upgrade provides flexibility for those who wish to use the miles accumulated in the account. By accessing your AAdvantage® account, you can check your upgrade balance. Also, check available systemwide upgrades and expiration dates. Here you will be displayed with the summary of upgrades used or planned for use.
Fare Prices For Miles Upgrade
If you are doing a Miles Upgrade, you will need to use miles as well as certain American Airlines fees for seat upgrades. Here is the list of prices displaying the miles and fees you need to pay for different upgrades in different classes-
To / From Contiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada
- From Discount Economy / Premium Economy:15,000 + $75
- From Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy:5,000
- From Discount Business:15,000 + $175
- From Full-Fare Business:15,000
To / From Contiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean
- From Discount Economy / Premium Economy:15,000 + $75
- From Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy:8,000
- From Full-Fare Business:15,000
To / From Contiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean – Hawaii
- From Discount Economy / Premium Economy:15,000 + $175
- From Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy:8,000
- From Full-Fare Business:15,000
To / From North America – Central America
- From Discount Economy / Premium Economy:15,000 + $175
- From Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy:8,000
- From Full-Fare Business:15,000
To / From North America – Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname
- From Discount Economy / Premium Economy:15,000 + $175
- From Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy:8,000
- From Full-Fare Business:15,000
To / From North America – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay
- From Discount Economy / Premium Economy:25,000 + $350
- From Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy:15,000
- From Discount Business:25,000 + $550
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From Full-Fare Business:25,000
To / From North America – Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, China, Indian Subcontinent, Australia, New Zealand
- From Discount Economy / Premium Economy:25,000 + $350
- From Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy:15,000
- From Discount Business:25,000 + $550
- From Full-Fare Business:25,000
To / From North America – Europe, Middle East, Africa
- From Discount Economy / Premium Economy:25,000 + $350
- From Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy:15,000
- From Discount Business:25,000 + $550
- From Full-Fare Business:25,000
How to Upgrade Seats on American Airlines?
Are you wondering how to upgrade your seat on American Airlines? The process is simple and can be done during or after booking your flight. Let’s explore the steps involved in seat upgrade on American Airlines-
During Booking
If you wish for American Airlines upgrade seats at the time of booking your flight, you will need to adhere to the American Airlines seat upgrade policy and follow the pathway mentioned below-
- During the booking process, select a fare class that allows upEconomygrades. The key fare codes to remember are:
- A: First-class upgrade inventory (for three-cabin aircraft).
- C: Business class/domestic first-class upgrade inventory (for two-cabin aircraft).
- Use ExpertFlyer’s “Award & Upgrade” search functionality.
- For example, if you’re flying from New York’s JFK to Los Angeles (LAX), search for “A” and “C” fare class inventory.
- If the resulting number is greater than zero, upgrades are available to the next cabin.
- Once you find an eligible flight, proceed with booking.
- During the reservation process, look for upgrade options. You can use miles, systemwide upgrades (SWUs), or other methods.
After Booking
Even if you have already booked your flight, there’s still a chance to make American Airlines upgrade seat after purchase. Here are the steps you need to undertake-
- Go to the American Airlines and log in to your AAdvantage account.
- Navigate to your booking details.
- Verify if your fare class allows upgrades.
- Proceed to the next step if you are eligible.
- Choose the “Upgrade” or “Request Upgrade” option.
- Select your preferred method (miles, SWUs, etc.).
- Ensure you follow every prompt to complete the request.
- Keep an eye on your reservation.
- Upgrades are processed based on availability and priority (elite status, fare class, etc.).
Best Time to Upgrade Seats on American Airlines
AA seat upgrade ensures your travel experience is elevated from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re eyeing the plush comfort of first-class or the added legroom in business class, strategic timing plays a crucial role. Let’s delve into the perfect timing to consider upgrading your seats.
Booking Early
Securing your ticket well in advance gives you a head start. Availability tends to decrease as the departure date approaches.
- Make sure to book the flight as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.
- Always check out for promotions or fare sales at American Airlines.
Elite Status Advantage
AAdvantage elite members receive priority upgrades. If you hold elite status (such as Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum, or Gold), your chances of snagging an upgrade improve significantly. Higher-tier elites have even better odds of receiving the best upgrades.
Off-Peak Travel
Flying during less busy periods increases your chances of getting better upgrades. Opt for midweek flights or travel during non-holiday seasons so as to see less crowd and get the best seats. Avoid peak travel times like major holidays or school breaks.
Summary:
Whether you opt for an upgrade or not, it is recommended that you keep a keen eye on the American Airlines seat upgrade policy. The allowance for you to make American Airlines’ preferred seat upgrade at minimal costs comes only if you are a member of the Airline’s elite-status program. So, you now have gone through all the policies, methods, and tips to upgrade your booking. If you still have any doubts or queries, you can directly contact the American Airlines upgrade helpline number via the number mentioned below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) How early can I get my Complimentary upgrades confirmed?
Depending on your membership, the time varies when you can get your upgrades confirmed. Here is the time before departure for different members of American Airlines-
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum- 100 hours before.
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro- 72 hours before.
- AAdvantage Platinum- 48 hours before.
- AAdvantage Gold- 24 hours before.
2) Can I get a complimentary upgrade for companion(s) if I have an AAdvantage membership?
Yes, the airlines will approach you to provide complimentary upgrades to you and your companion(s) if seats in higher classes are available.
3) How many flight segments can I upgrade in one direction?
You can upgrade a maximum of three flight segments that operate in the same direction.
4) What if I couldn’t choose seats during booking?
American Airlines withholds some seats until departure to accommodate passenger needs. You may get your seat during check-in.