Originally Posted by
sjbsf
I was referring to Premium Economy on the flight from PHL to LIS. I wondered if the upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy was automatic for Oneworld Emerald. Sounds like the answer is no.
AA's entire widebody fleet of 777s and 787s is fitted with Premium Economy, but there are no free upgrades to oneworld elites on long-haul flights; the only passengers who qualify for free upgrades from Y to PE are CK and EXP elites using a systemwide upgrade to J and then if the upgrade doesn't clear, those pax qualify for a free PE upgrade. As a CK, I have gotten several free upgrades to PE without evening requesting a systemwide upgrade but that's technically not a published benefit.