Originally Posted by
KnownasEric
I called the AA EXP desk today, and they told me I need 500 mile upgrades for my companion, but my ticket would be complimentary as always.
My question to them was, how in the world am I supposed to earn 500 mile upgrades if I am EXP? I have one companion, we're both on the same record locator, and yet I need 500 milers for her and not for me?
Not only that, but she said only certain flights 'qualify' for upgrades. I redeemed anytime business PHL->MUN and I am ineligible to even request an upgrade to first.
What a joke.
I am guessing you mean MUC for Munich (MUN is in Venezuela and not served by AA). To begin with, there is no first class on the plane AA flies PHL-MUC. Moreover, while using 500-mile upgrades on awards is new, the process is similar to how 500-mile upgrades have worked on paid tickets for a long time. They can be used on North America flights only, from economy to next class, but never from business to first. EXPs do not earn 500-mile upgrades by flying, but may have them left over from when they were GLD or PLT (they don't expire), and can also purchase them for cash or miles if needed to upgrade a companion.