For more than 35 years homeowners have benefited from the valuable features included in our basic home warranty coverage. AAnytime & MileSAAver awards are both award flight options. Fellow first class passengers may not appreciate the noise or distraction. Lower-level elite members receive complimentary upgrades on flights 500 miles or less and can earn (or purchase) additional 500-mile upgrades. If you don’t mind another question, I flew Alaska Airlines in early December and even though I had my preferred miles choice listed as AA, I never received the miles. Upgrades are valid for a single-class upgrade on up to 3 segments for the outbound or return journey and exclude award tickets. If you fly on one of Boeing United’s 777-300 aircraft, you’ll also have access to their Flagship First service. PN: Upgrades from full fare Y, B or M fare class tickets to first or business class, plus all Global Services upgrades. One possible sweet spot here is the British Airways Premium Economy to Business upgrade for 12,500 miles each way. If you purchased your ticket with miles then you would need to change your award ticket to premium economy. This is by far the easiest, most sure-fire way to get an upgrade. For each 12,500 Elite Qualifying Miles flown, the elite member receives 4 500-mile upgrades. As you mentioned, you could also just purchase economy and select main cabin extra seating. Unfortunately, you are correct. 8. You can … Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. Seats available for this promotion on each flight are limited and may be fully booked during peak periods, even though seats are still available in a different booking class in the same cabin. Keep in mind that there may be additional taxes and carrier-imposed fees for specific itineraries, such as flights originating in Great Britain and France. It is also not an award ticket or the same as having a companion fly on a paid ticket on the same reservation, both of which can be upgrade-eligible as mentioned in the article. May purchase additional 500-mile upgrades and can earn 4 500-mile upgrades for every 12,500 EQMs flown annually. Also make note of which fare classes qualify for upgrades. Upgrade chart/rules: https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/miles/redeem/award-travel/upgrade-with-miles-on-partner-airlines.jsp Article on upgrading with British Airways: https://upgradedpoints.com/how-to-upgrade-on-british-airways. Buy an upgrade at ticket purchase, check-in or at the gate. For example, a flight of 2,400 miles would require 5 500-mile upgrade certificates. AAdvantage elite members receive complimentary upgrades on flights less than 500 miles in length. 6. One of the key benefits of the Barclays AAdvantage Aviator® credit cards is that you can earn Elite Qualifying Dollars (as much as $6,000 per year) towards AAdvantage Elite status with American Airlines. Your example of a flight of 2,400 miles would require 5 500-mile upgrade certificates. [1] X Research sourceStep 2, Become a frequent flier. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. For more information on 500 mile upgrades: https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/aadvantage-terms-and-conditions.jsp#terms500mile. Opinions and product recommendations on this site are ours alone, and have not been influenced, reviewed or approved by the issuer. These upgrades allow for up to 3 flights in each direction of travel (outbound or return) to be upgraded from Basic Economy to business class or business class to first class. We are looking at booking for American economy tickets and want to ensure the highest chance of upgrade for my son my daughter my wife and I. But you can beat the system. This is the order in which upgrades are processed: 2. A 500-mile upgrade is a form of upgrade certificate that Platinum Elite and Gold Elite status members of American Airline’s AAdvantage frequent flier program can earn and elites can purchase. Then, you should book your reservations with American Airlines. For upgrades from economy or premium economy into business class — including domestic first class — you’ll need to find “C” availability. Hi Vicki. Hot Tip: You can find more information about systemwide upgrades in this detailed post: How Systemwide Upgrades Work on American Airlines [In-Depth]. Upgrades may be offered while you’re booking your ticket, when you check in, or offered at the gate before departure. Aa Upgrade To Business Class. If I book an Economy AAnytime flight to Europe using 65k miles with booking code Y, would I be eligible to upgrade with miles? Buy an upgrade at ticket purchase, check-in or at the gate. Flying in premium class can be accomplished quite easily by purchasing a business or first class award tickets with miles or with paid flights offered at discount prices. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. Hot Tip: Don’t let the upgrade priority list keep you from requesting a Mileage Award upgrade. All the upgrade benefits of Executive Platinum plus upgrade priority over all other elite members. Use miles to purchase business or first class award tickets. For American Airlines flights, if your upgrade hasn't been confirmed as of check-in, we will automatically add you to the airport upgrade standby list, using your original request date and time stamp. Hi Vanessa. It used to exist on the traveler reservation page. If you purchased a discount business class fare, you can upgrade your flight to some (but not all) of the aforementioned countries at the same mileage cost as a full-fare business class ticket – but you'll also have to pay an extra fee, which can range from $175 to $550. Thanks for a great post! From what I think I’ve gathered from your site is first, I should purchase these tickets with cash and not use award miles, and second, I should purchase premium economy, not just main cabin. Google Flights is an example of one website that allows you to narrow your flight search to American Airlines or even One World Alliance to find flights. However if I use miles and select Cabin Extra seats, I have no chance of a complimentary upgrade to anything higher, right? This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. You would not be able to upgrade an award flight with miles. This fare occasionally goes on sale, making it a good value for securing an upgrade. Unfortunately, only AA domestic flights are eligible for complimentary upgrades. You can view a complete upgrade chart with the cost for upgrading your ticket with miles and with miles and co-pays on aa.com. Any advice is greatly appreciated. How to upgrade an American Airlines flight with miles. I appreciate your help! Use your miles to upgrade American-marketed and operated flights worldwide. If I am traveling with my spouse, would I then need 10 500-mile upgrades for both of us or still just 5 regardless the number of companions traveling with me? Glad you found the article useful. There is no single price option for upgrading to first class on an American Airlines flight, as the price in cash or miles is based on the route you are flying and the fare class of the ticket you wish to upgrade. You may only use 500 mile upgrades on eligible purchased tickets. Companions do not have to be AAdvantage program members, and the upgrade can be deducted from any account. Achieving Platinum Pro earns complimentary upgrades on flights within the U.S. (including Hawaii), and between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Central America Platinum Pros will be eligible to earn SWUs in 2021. One of the most confusing things about trying to score an upgrade — with any carrier — involves inventory. For others, just like with any airline, directly purchasing premium class tickets to fly in premium class is becoming increasingly necessary. If you have the money, there are some serious perks to buying an American Airlines first class ticket for international flights. Others will have to call to find out if upgrade space is available and if it is possible to use miles or 500-mile certificates (elite members) to upgrade on a particular flight. The only option for non-elite members to secure an upgrade is with mileage award upgrades, and even then, all elite members will supersede your request on the upgrade waitlist. Free checked bag and preferred boarding for you and up to 8 traveling companions. For booking American Airlines first class, they can use miles for ticket reservations and upgrade economy class to first class on American Airlines. I would, however, make a call in to AA periodically to make sure you are still on the waitlist. I’m seeking clarification – I thought Barclaycard cut the EQD earning potential commencing 2019 with Red and Blue card holders no longer earn any EQD’s regardless of spend, and Silver card members only getting $3,000 EQDs when they spend $50,000? The Systemwide/500-mile upgrade can be deducted from any account according to the American Airline’s website. I put in a missing miles request to AA. Or should I break the booking and have my son in one booking with one parent, and my daughter in another booking with the other parent? 5,000 EQM after spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year, 5,000 additional EQM, for a total of 10,000, after spending $40,000. Enjoy a free adult beverage in first class. I have plenty of 500 mile upgrades available. Should I put one in with Alaska Airlines as well? If I have Emerald One World status from a different airline, will AA consider this for complimentary upgrades? Since discounted business class and premium economy tickets can occasionally be less expensive than economy, you can set up fare alerts with sites such as Google Flights to alert you when the route you’re looking for has a good business or first class deal. Considered as one of the major American Airlines, the airline offers its passengers with incredible services and offers.Further, for the passengers who frequently travel with American Airlines, they are offered with the upgrade Knowing a top elite member could equal an upgrade if you’re both traveling on the same eligible flight. Nor could I find any reference to this in the terms and conditions. Ask the ticket counter agent. If I book a paid flight (not award) through my American Express Platinum booking site to get the Amex points rather than directly with American, will I still get my Platinum Pro status recognized and be able to get upgraded for myself – and use miles to upgrade my mom as well after booking? Step 1, Buy an upgrade. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Securing an upgrade on American Airlines may be challenging. For example, if an Executive Platinum Elite Member is traveling with a companion on the same flight, the companion will be elevated to Executive Platinum priority for upgrades, regardless of whether the companion has status and regardless of which elite member is providing the upgrade. https://upgradedpoints.com/american-airlines-platinum-pro-status-value-upgrades/. Many folks upgrade to first-class seats via elite status (and may get lucky, based on rank and/or points or potluck). I am not picky on the flight company, but we flew to Kauai once in coach, and it was horrible! You are correct regarding the changes on Red and Blue Aviator cards no longer earning EQDs. Visit AA.com for complete descriptions of fare classes and zone definitions for these types of mileage upgrades. So what can I do with the 20+ 500 mile upgrades that are in my account? If you’re comfortable with the price of the business class outbound ticket, compared to the economy price, that seems like a logical (and fun) option. (Photo: Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images ), American Airlines: Upgrade With Miles on Partner Airlines, The Points Guy: Tricks to Avoid Being Skipped on an American Airlines Upgrade List, American Airlines: AAdvantage Elite Status, American Airlines: Flagship First – International, How to Upgrade to Business Class on Lufthansa, How to Use Alaska Airline Miles to Pay for Part or All of a Trip, How to Upgrade to First Class on American Airlines International, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. When you absolutely want to fly in a premium cabin, the easiest way is to use miles to secure business or first class tickets. The Importance of AAdvantage Elite Status, The Value of an American Airlines AAdvantage Credit Card, Barclays AAdvantage Credit Cards: A Faster Path to Elite Status, Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver World Elite Mastercard®, 10 Ways to Secure an Upgrade (or Increase Your Chances) With American Airlines. Thanks. Hi Brad. Best Credit Cards for Active Duty Military, Best Business Cards for Shipping Purchases, Best Business Cards for Advertising Purchases, Points & Miles for Business Owners [Get Started], How to Apply For a Small Business Credit Card, Maximize Rewards From Your Business Purchases, Comparing Top 3 Chase Business Credit Cards, 20 Best Ways To Earn Chase Rewards Points, 10 Best Ways to Earn Citi ThankYou Points, 33 Best Ways To Earn Marriott Rewards Points, 23 Best Ways to Earn American Airlines Miles, 19 Best Ways To Earn Delta Air Lines SkyMiles, 20 Best Ways To Earn Hilton Honors Points, 33 Best Ways To Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points, 16 Best Ways To Earn World of Hyatt Points, 16 Best Ways To Earn IHG Rewards Club Points, 42 Best Ways to Redeem Marriott Points [Flights], 36 Best Ways To Redeem British Airways Avios, 30 Best Ways to Redeem Marriott Points [Hotel Stays], Best Ways To Book Delta One Business Class, Best Ways to Fly to Europe With Points & Miles, Best Ways to Fly to London With Points & Miles, Best Ways to Fly to Paris With Points & Miles, Airline Change & Cancellation Fees (Non-Award), 101+ Virtual Tours of Popular Attractions, Tourist Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens, 33 Best Tips for Family Travels With Kids, Tips For Less Stressful Flights With Kids, How Systemwide Upgrades Work on American Airlines [In-Depth], best credit cards for airline elite status, descriptions of fare classes and zone definitions, The Top 20 Amusement Parks in North America in 2020 [Includes Map], The 32 Benefits of The Amex EveryDay Credit Card, https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/aadvantage-terms-and-conditions.jsp#terms500mile, https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/miles/redeem/award-travel/award-travel.jsp, https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/miles/redeem/award-travel/upgrade-with-miles-on-partner-airlines.jsp, https://upgradedpoints.com/how-to-upgrade-on-british-airways, https://upgradedpoints.com/american-airlines-main-cabin-extra-vs-preferred-seating/#Preferred-Seats, https://upgradedpoints.com/american-airlines-platinum-pro-status-value-upgrades/, American Airlines AAdvantage Loyalty Program Review, How to Upgrade to Business/First Class on United Airlines Flights, Business Green Rewards Card from American Express — Full Review [2021], American Express Business Gold Card – Full Review [2020], How to Use the New American Express Statement Credits [2021], Full List of Airport Lounges at Orlando International Airport [MCO], The 10 Best Travel Laptops and 2-in-1 Tablets – Buyer’s Guide [2021], The 22 Best InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to Book With Points for Maximum Value [2021]. Having an American Airlines AAdvantage credit card can also accelerate your progress towards earning AAdvantage Elite status as spending on the AAdvantage Aviator credit cards can earn you Elite Qualifying Dollars and Elite Qualifying Miles, both necessary to qualify for elite status. The upgrade hierarchy for American Airlines is similar to other airlines’ upgrade ranking in that Elite status is the most important factor. Flying to Venice for our 30th and would like to go business class. How American Express Upgrade With Points Works. All other elite members must use 500-mile upgrade certificates to upgrade themselves and their companions on flights greater than 500 miles in length. If you purchased them with cash then yes you can upgrade to premium economy with cash or with miles. Thanks for reading. The good news is even a discount economy ticket qualifies for an upgrade with miles. Most tickets are eligible to upgrade with miles, but there must be upgrade availability. My wife and I are flying to Paris next spring on rewards economy tickets. Miles and copay upgrades are based on paid fare classes including discount economy/business and full fare economy/business. Travelers in Business Class (even C class) have access to lounges when traveling Internationally to the following areas: Asia,Australia,Central America,Europe,Mexico City(MEX),New Zealand,and South America. Editorial Disclosure: The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been provided by the credit card companies mentioned. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. 4. I request the upgrade every time I fly and have yet to receive it (I’m usually #20 or so) and I’ve flown 25K miles and about 20 segments. Hi Jeffrey. I don’t want to spend miles or cash to guarantee it though, and they have some GREAT web specials right now to London. Hope this helps! I’m platinum and I called AA to use miles to upgrade a flight in December to business. You do not have to be 50 or older to join AARP. And just to add to my confliction, I’m planning on taking our two teen age kids with us, and if I put all of us on the same reservation I can get all Premium economy seats for the price of Main Cabin, which is a very large savings, but as I understand it that would negate any chance of an upgrade to business, is that correct? Even discount economy tickets are eligible for mileage upgrade awards if space is available. Take a look at the upgrade chart in this article or on AA web site to get an idea of how much it will cost to upgrade discounted economy/premium economy with miles/cash. Here are examples of how many miles it takes to upgrade flights on these partner airlines. First Class for Free: How to Get an Airline Upgrade Ed Hewitt Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. The article does not mention the Citi AAdvantage Companion Certificate and the corresponding $99 ticket. You need to have elite status to use your 500-mile upgrades. There is a greater chance that just one or two seats will be available in first class. Top elite members, for example, earn Systemwide Upgrade (SWU) certificates that, when used, out-rank any other upgrade requests. Say you’re traveling New York-Milan in mid-January. If that’s the case I’m a little conflicted because even when I buy just main cabin it allows me to select premium seats for free, so I’d be paying a pretty big price just to increase my odds at business class, but with no guarantee. These upgrades can also be purchased by all elite members for $40 each. Question, though, do the 500-mile upgrades expire/ have a time limit? Gold and Platinum AAdvantage Elite members earn 4 500-mile upgrades for every 12,500 Elite Qualifying Miles earned. Passengers can upgrade their seat to business or first class and experience its comfort and luxury. Hi Neil. It seems like American will only upgrade one companion in a booking. I’d like to maximize our chances of an upgrade to business class. I am booking her on the same reservation as me. If you have a full-fare business class ticket, upgrading to first class costs 15,000 miles for travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and some South American countries. A 500-mile upgrade costs $40, but it can only be purchased by an AAdvantage frequent flier program elite member. We have Gold status with American Airlines. Call your elite service desk in advance to request the upgrade.” Happy travels. Also, here is a related article: https://upgradedpoints.com/american-airlines-main-cabin-extra-vs-preferred-seating/#Preferred-Seats. Hi Christine – great article. 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