How Do I Upgrade To First Class On American Airlines?

American Airlines can upgrade you to first class or business class on many occasions. Some of these include holding elite status or buying an upgrade with cash or certificates.

Upgrade priority for American Airlines

Your AAdvantage status is the most crucial factor that will determine your upgrade eligibility.

In 2021, American Airlines reduced the number of elite status levels. If you're thinking of upgrading, book with the airline.

After getting first dibs on available upgrades, those who use a systemwide or AAdvantage miles will have their chances reduced.

Executive Platinum and Concierge Key members are the only elite members who can use 500-mile upgrades on tickets purchased with miles.

Unfortunately, American Airlines doesn't allow members to see their 12-month Elite Rewards data online. Instead, it shows the details of their account each calendar year.

The most crucial factor that American Airlines uses to determine the likelihood of an upgrade is the code printed on the ticket you purchased.

The code is then prioritized according to the status of the flight. For upgrades from first to business, the priority order is J, R, D, I, and C. This tool will give you a sense of how likely it is that you'll be upgraded to a higher class.

What if you don’t have elite status with American Airlines?

There are several ways to get American Airlines miles, but the fastest way to get them is by getting a co-branded card.

This is a cheaper option to upgrade to a better flight. Just use miles and cash to pay for the ticket.

If you don't have elite status, the best bet is to book a first class or business class award ticket using miles.

How elite members can get domestic upgrades

If your flight is less than 500 miles and you have elite status, all elite members will be upgraded automatically.

Depending on your status level, you can get up to 500 miles upgrades. For instance, a flight with 1,500 miles can get three 500-mile upgrades.

If you have elite status, you can get 500 miles worth of upgrades for each trip. This includes unlimited upgrades for flights to Central American, Caribbean, and domestic flights.

Depending on your status, you may be upgraded up to 24 hours before your flight. Platinum members may get word about it 48 hours before their departure.

If you want to add a companion to your elite upgrades, make sure they're on the same reservation as you. Just make sure that they're both on the same list.

What if you booked a seat in basic economy?

If you're an American Airlines AAdvantage member and want to save money, but still want to enjoy the benefits of the program, there's a chance that you'll be upgraded.

Members who reach the two million-mile mark will receive four systemwide upgrades.

Southwest upgrades can be used on any type of flight. For instance, if you're flying from Charlotte to Philadelphia, an upgrade would be applied to both flights.

Not all flights have seats that are available for systemwide upgrades. To search for flights, go to your account and search for "systemwide upgrades".

Finding upgrade availability

American Airlines also offers Business Extra, which is a program for small businesses. This is only available to those who are eligible to participate.

If you have elite status with American Airlines, then holding this status is the best bet to increase your chances of getting upgraded. However, using miles may be better to purchase a ticket in a premium cabin instead of cash.

Getting an upgrade is one of the best feelings in the world. But, before you can score one, you need to know how to use American Airlines’ various upgrade options and certificates.

Elite members need to know about 500-mile upgrades and Systemwide upgrades. Non-elites should learn about paid upgrades and mileage upgrades.

Related: American Airlines Boarding Policy

American Airlines 500-Mile Upgrades

Platinum and AAdvantage Gold elites can get unlimited upgrades on paid flights. However, they need to use 500-mile upgrade certificates to do so.

Not every elite member has to check the miles of their flights. For instance, Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro members can get unlimited upgrades on all paid flights.

Each 500 miles is enough to upgrade a flight to 500 miles. For instance, a flight from Chicago to Houston requires 2 certificates.

500-mile upgrades are valid on certain domestic and international routes. To use them, you need to book an approved American Airlines-operated flight and a code-sharing transaction with another airline.

The main upgrade system for AAdvantage members is the 500-mile upgrade. This involves using 500-mile certificates to upgrade from economy to business class.

American Airlines Systemwide Upgrades

If you book a flight with American Airlines, you'll be upgraded to the next class of service once your reservation is made. If you're not sure, check with the airlines to see if upgrading is included in your ticket.

Systemwide upgrades can be performed on any AA flight, including long-haul flights to Los Angeles, Dallas, and Hong Kong.

To receive a free upgrade on a long-haul flight, simply select one of the following options: AAdvantage, Executive Platinum, or Million Miler.

Related: Does American Airlines Charge Change Fees?

Types of American Airlines Upgrades

American Airlines' AAdvantage loyalty program gives its elite members free upgrades on flights. At the lower-tier level, members can earn up to 500 miles on each flight.

Complimentary Upgrades

Members of the Platinum, Concierge, and Executive Platinum tier can receive upgraded flights on selected international routes.

All AAdvantage elite members can receive upgrades on flights with a length of less than 500 miles.

Systemwide Upgrades

Systemwide upgrades are chosen annually as part of a selection rewards system that allows members of the Platinum and Executive Platinum tier to earn points. Each member can choose up to four upgrades.

These upgrades are available for up to 3 segments in a flight depending on the direction of travel.

500-Mile Upgrades

Members of the Platinum and Gold AAdvantage Elite can earn up to 4 500-mile upgrades on each qualifying flight they take. These upgrades can be purchased by all members for $40 each.

Mileage Upgrade Awards

Depending on the destination you're traveling to, you can use miles and a cash co-pay to upgrade flights worldwide.

Conclusion

There are many ways to upgrade your American Airlines flight. Just sign up for a free day-of-travel upgrade. A Gold and Platinum elite members can get upgraded on shorter flights and long-haul flights with 500-mile upgrades.