Originally Posted by
RichardNixon
I'm still new to the pro-tier flyer thing, so I'm stumped by basic thing like 'how do I upgrade my ticket'.
My partner is flying to a funeral in a week and had their ticket booked by a family member. I'd like to upgrade them to first as a comfort gesture, but I'm not sure how to prep adequately. Maybe the simple answer is just 'call AA' but I've learned enough from the forums and other dealings with call centers that I should know exactly what I want to ask for before getting a phone monkey.
The flights booked are roundtrip AUS-BOS, departing Feb 1st on flights 2012 & 1812 and returning Feb 4th on flights 2607 & 1221.
I know the first thing I need to do is find out what the booking code is, but I can't find it anywhere. I have the record locator and I've accessed the flight online so I can see seat assignments and enter traveler info but I can't find the booking codes other than "economy". Could it be because someone else booked the ticket? The person who did book it isn't available to ask so I can't get an original receipt.
The booking code doesnt matter unless its a Basic Econ fare or a Full Fare, for all other fares you'd use miles+co-pay unless you happen to have SWUs (though this would not be considered a good use of a SWU IMO). One thing to check, the co-pay is $75 each way plus 15K miles so ask about the price to up-fare to paid F as AA does waive any change fees for this and depending upon the cost it might make more sense to pay $ vs 30K miles + $150 co-pay (for r/t) if the price to upfare to paid-F isn't that much more also now that miles upgrades book to C vs A its quite likely you'll find that confirmable upgrade space is not available.