American Upgrades Information

[fostrmom2mny]

I fly American all the time and I see and hear folks being called up to the counter for an uprade. Are they upgrading to 1st class? (I think that's what happens) How do you get an upgrade? Do you just ask when you check in, or when? What charge is involved and how soon can an upgrade be requested? Thanks so much. I'm sure others are wondering about this and haven't asked.

 

[Pakey]

When you achieve frequent flier status, you can request upgrades at the time you purchase tickets. If seats are available, upgrades are done in order by miles- the more miles you have, the better your chances.

 

[DebbieB]

http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/eliteStatus/upgrades/500mileUpgrades.jsp?from=Nav

 

[TinkWink]

When I flew AA from Houston to Miami and back once, when we checked in at the kiosk a 1st class upgrade was offered. I waffled and didn't choose it, but wished I had later! By the time we got to the gate, it was no longer available. It was a pretty good deal, like maybe $180 for 2 people? So if at any point it is offered, take it!!

 

[happiestgrl]

Some of the people being called to the counter are also waiting for seat assignments or re-assignments. Those of us flying standby will take whatever seat we can get! The last time I flew TUL-DFW, there were over 50 people on the standby list.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I fly American all the time and I see and hear folks being called up to the counter for an uprade.

Is your AAdvantage level non-elite, Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum?

The link that DebbieB posted is excellent.

You also might want to read more about AA's elite status requirement at http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/eliteStatus/main.jsp

 

[dudspizza]

Some of the people being called to the counter are also waiting for seat assignments or re-assignments. Those of us flying standby will take whatever seat we can get! The last time I flew TUL-DFW, there were over 50 people on the standby list.

I would guess this is what is happening more often....... typically the board has many more standbys than people on the upgrade list........

 

[MAH4546]

When you achieve frequent flier status, you can request upgrades at the time you purchase tickets. If seats are available, upgrades are done in order by miles- the more miles you have, the better your chances.

The number of miles you have is irrelevant.

What matters is your status, which is earned based on miles, segments or points flown in a calendar year.

The higher your status, the higher you are on the wait list. The tiebreaker between people with the same status is the time they requested the upgrade. First to request gets priority.

If all status fliers have been upgraded, and empty seats remain, they are offered for $45 per 500 miles, not exceeding $500 or €350.