Originally Posted by
Dr Jabadski
Please indulge an AA newbie question. Do AA elites all (potentially) get free upgrades or is it just EXPs? Per AA website “Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades” are for EXP only and “Complimentary Upgrades on full-fare tickets (booked in Fare Classes Y or B)” are for all elites. Is OP referring to operational upgrades? Is OP referring to using 500 mile upgrades? (Am I clueless on this one?
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Thanks.
EXPs are the only one that get complimentary free upgrades from any coach fares when available. GLDs and PLTs get free upgrades on Y or B fares but need to use stickers (500-mile upgrades) for other fares. You do earn some for free or you can buy them. Non-elites can also use stickers on Y or B fares.
Finally, you can buy coach fares that automatically upgrade at the time of purchase (called YUP fares) - this is what Upgraded! is referring to. It's really like buying a first class ticket, but typically counts as a coach fare for people whose corporate policy only allows them to fly coach.