Originally Posted by
pnak
I am a AAEXP. Have miles that I decided to try to use for upgrades. Am flying HNL-IAD or DCA in July, then to LGA a few days later, then LGA-HNL a few days after that. Trying to upgrade to business in lie flat seats. Now you need an itinerary with a confirmation code and you need to call, but I called with the itinerary on hold and the person at AA told me that they price upgrades per leg. I was told that the upgrade for HNL-DFW from main cabin to business would be 150,000 miles. On the return, DFW-HNL would be 165,000. This is just for the upgrade! Any help for strategies to lower this outrageous mile cost would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, unfortunately this is now the only way to upgrade with miles on AA flights. Upgrades are priced dynamically, segment by segment, and the pricing can change frequently from day to day.
The only way to check the upgrade price is after you book the ticket, just pull up your reservation at aa.com or in the AA app, you will see the upgrade offer.
The usefulness of upgrading with miles on AA flights has largely gone away as the pricing is now completely out of whack and outrageously high (your flights are a prime example). See below for lots of discussion on this devaluation:
American Airlines 2025 Overhaul: Upgrade with Miles