Originally Posted by reft

Start here: https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/r...radeAwards.jsp

If you won't fly unless you get upgraded, check availability first as these upgrades are capacity limited.

You book your flight, then call AA right after, give them the reservation information, and if there's a seat, they take the points, charge your credit card, and you're in the pointy part of the airplane.