LFBUs are available on award inventory. They are a very rare animal, but it *could* happen.
This has definitely been true in the past. Indeed, I upgraded myself from a T award into first using this option ~3 years ago. Is it still the case I wonder?
Here is what it used to say on aa.com (
source Flyertalk post by dstan, quoting aa.com). I remember that this used to be on aa.com,
but I can't find it anywhere at this point in time.
Q: As an AAdvantage elite member traveling on an award
ticket, can I use the Confirmed Upgrade option?
A: If the Confirmed Upgrade option is available on a flight for
which you are using an AAdvantage award ticket, then it will be
offered when you check in using the Self-Service machine.
Here is what
aa.com says now:
Originally Posted by aa.com
Q: Can I confirm another flight with Self-Service Check-In?
A: Yes! Self-Service Check-In will allow eligible customers to confirm an alternate domestic flight to the same destination on the same date of travel. If seats are available within 12 hours of departure of alternate flights, you can confirm flight changes for $75 when traveling on a discounted fare.
Q: Can I upgrade to the next class of service using Self-Service Check-In?
A: Yes! Self-Service Check-In will allow eligible customers to confirm an alternate domestic flight to the same destination on the same date of travel. You'll be given up to three flight options and if seats are available within 12 hours of departure of alternate flights, you can confirm flight changes for a charge when traveling on a discounted fare. Learn more about confirmed flight change.
Note in the current FAQ on aa.com, it appears that the answer to the kiosk upgrade question isn't about upgrades at all. Rather, it appears to answer the question above about CFC.
Has a change been made, or is this a bad cut-and-paste job by the folks running aa.com?