How To Use Upgrades On American Airlines?

If you’re a frequent flyer with American Airlines, you might be wondering how to make the most of your travel experience. Luckily, American Airlines offers a variety of upgrades that can help you travel more comfortably and efficiently.

From upgrading your seat to accessing airport lounges, there are many ways to enhance your travel experience with American Airlines. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using upgrades on American Airlines, so you can take your travel experience to the next level.

How to Use Upgrades on American Airlines?

Are you looking for ways to upgrade your travel experience on American Airlines? Upgrades can be a great way to enjoy more comfortable seating, additional amenities, and other perks. In this article, we’ll explore how to use upgrades on American Airlines to enhance your travel experience.

1. Understand the Different Upgrade Types

Before you begin, it’s important to understand the different types of upgrades available on American Airlines. The airline offers several options, including:

• Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs)


• 500-Mile Upgrades


• Miles Upgrades


• Upgrade Stickers

Systemwide upgrades are the most valuable and can be used to upgrade to any class of service, including international flights. 500-mile upgrades are used for shorter flights within the US and Mexico, while miles upgrades require a certain number of miles to be redeemed for upgrades. Upgrade stickers are only available to elite members of the AAdvantage program.

Once you understand the different types of upgrades, you can decide which option is best for your needs.

2. Check Your Eligibility

To use upgrades on American Airlines, you must first be eligible. Eligibility is determined by your AAdvantage status and the fare class of your ticket. Elite members of the AAdvantage program have priority for upgrades, so it’s important to maintain your status if you want to take advantage of this benefit.

Also, keep in mind that some fare classes are not eligible for upgrades. Basic Economy fares, for example, cannot be upgraded. Before purchasing your ticket, check the fare rules to ensure that you’re eligible for upgrades.

3. Request Upgrades

Once you’ve determined your eligibility and chosen the type of upgrade you want to use, it’s time to request the upgrade. You can do this through the American Airlines website, mobile app, or by calling the reservations department.

When requesting upgrades, make sure to do so as early as possible. Elite members have priority for upgrades, so the earlier you request the upgrade, the better chance you have of securing it.

4. Check Upgrade Availability

After requesting an upgrade, it’s important to check the availability of upgrades. This can be done through the American Airlines website, mobile app, or by calling the reservations department.

If the upgrade is not available, you can choose to be added to the waitlist. Waitlists are processed in order of priority, so if you’re a higher tier member of the AAdvantage program, you’ll have a better chance of getting the upgrade.

5. Pay for Upgrades

If you’re using a miles upgrade, you’ll need to have enough miles in your account to cover the cost of the upgrade. The cost of the upgrade will vary depending on the type of upgrade and the flight.

If you’re using a systemwide upgrade or 500-mile upgrade, there is no additional cost. However, if you’re using upgrade stickers, you’ll need to purchase them in advance.

6. Enjoy the Upgrade

Once your upgrade is confirmed, it’s time to enjoy the benefits. Upgrades can include better seating, more legroom, complimentary food and drinks, and other amenities depending on the class of service.

Make sure to arrive at the airport early to take advantage of any lounge access or priority boarding that comes with your upgrade.

7. Compare Upgrades

Before using upgrades on American Airlines, it’s important to compare the different options available. This can help you determine which type of upgrade is best for your needs and budget.

Consider factors such as the cost of the upgrade, the type of flight, and the benefits included with the upgrade. You may find that one type of upgrade is better suited to your needs than another.

8. Plan Ahead

To increase your chances of getting an upgrade, it’s important to plan ahead. This means booking your flight well in advance, choosing flights that are less likely to be crowded, and requesting upgrades as early as possible.

Additionally, maintaining your elite status with the AAdvantage program can increase your chances of getting upgrades.

9. Benefits of Upgrades

Upgrades on American Airlines can offer many benefits, including:

• Better seating


• More legroom


• Complimentary food and drinks


• Lounge access


• Priority boarding

These benefits can make your travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable, especially on longer flights.

10. Upgrades vs. Other Options

While upgrades can be a great way to enhance your travel experience, they’re not the only option. Other ways to improve your travel experience on American Airlines include:

• Booking premium cabin seats


• Purchasing extra legroom seats


• Using credit card benefits


• Choosing flights with fewer passengers

Consider your budget and travel preferences when deciding which option is best for you.

In conclusion, using upgrades on American Airlines can be a great way to enhance your travel experience. By understanding the different types of upgrades, checking your eligibility, and requesting upgrades early, you can increase your chances of securing an upgrade. And with benefits like better seating, more legroom, and complimentary food and drinks, upgrades can make your travel experience more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to using upgrades on American Airlines.

What are upgrades on American Airlines?

Upgrades on American Airlines are a way to move to a higher class of service. You can use miles, certificates, or systemwide upgrades to upgrade from a purchased ticket in Main Cabin or Premium Economy to Business or First Class.

To use upgrades, a few conditions must be met. You need to have enough miles or certificates, your ticket must be eligible for upgrades, and there must be upgrade availability on your flight.

How can I check if my ticket is eligible for upgrades?

Your ticket is eligible for upgrades if it is in an eligible fare class. You can check the fare class of your ticket on your reservation or ticket receipt. To be eligible, you must have purchased a ticket in Y, B, or H fare classes for domestic flights, or C, D, I, P, or Z fare classes for international flights.

You can also check your eligibility for upgrades on the American Airlines website or app when you view your reservation.

How can I use miles to upgrade my ticket?

To use miles to upgrade your ticket, you can either use the automatic upgrade option or request an upgrade. The automatic upgrade option is available when you book your ticket and allows you to use your miles to confirm an upgrade immediately if space is available.

If you don’t use the automatic upgrade option, you can request an upgrade by logging in to your AAdvantage account, going to your reservation, and selecting the upgrade option. You can then select the type of upgrade you want to use and submit your request.

What are systemwide upgrades on American Airlines?

Systemwide upgrades are a type of upgrade that can be used to upgrade any eligible ticket to the next class of service. They are a benefit for Executive Platinum members and can also be earned by other elite members as a reward for reaching certain milestones.

To use a systemwide upgrade, you need to have one available in your account and submit a request for upgrade. If space is available, your ticket will be upgraded to the next class of service.

Can I use upgrades on codeshare flights?

Upgrades on codeshare flights are subject to availability and the policies of the operating carrier. If you are flying on a codeshare flight operated by American Airlines, you can use your upgrades if your ticket is eligible. If you are flying on a codeshare flight operated by another airline, you will need to check with that airline’s policies to see if upgrades are available.

You can check your eligibility for upgrades on any flight by logging in to your AAdvantage account and viewing your reservation.

American Airlines Mileage Upgrades | Points PhD | The Points Guy

In conclusion, upgrading your American Airlines flight is a great way to enhance your travel experience. By following these simple steps, you can increase your chances of securing an upgrade and enjoy the perks of flying in a higher class. Remember to check your eligibility, utilize your loyalty program benefits, and keep an eye out for promotional offers.

Whether you’re looking for more legroom, better amenities, or a more luxurious travel experience, American Airlines has upgrade options to suit your needs. From premium economy to business class and even first class, you can enjoy a range of benefits that will make your flight more comfortable and enjoyable.

So why wait? Start exploring your upgrade options on American Airlines today and discover a whole new world of travel. With a little planning and some insider tips, you can elevate your flight experience and make your next trip one to remember. Happy travels!