Last time I did paid upgrade the conditions said non-refundable.
Yes, non-refundable, but you don't lose the value. It becomes a trip credit.
From the T&Cs:
- If you change your trip and maintain the origin and destination, upgrades will not transfer to your new flight, we will issue you a refund to the original form of payment.
- If you buy an upgrade within 24 hours of booking and cancel your trip, we will issue you a refund to the original form of payment.
- If you cancel your trip and your upgrade was purchased with a credit or debit card, you can request a refund to Trip Credit for the value of your upgrade.
- If you cancel your trip and your upgrade was purchased with AAdvantageŽ miles, the miles will be deposited back into your AAdvantageŽ account.