75K/100K AA (SWU-Like) International Upgrades on a Very Limited Number of AA Routes
 

A code for 2 one-way AA upgrades just hit my inbox.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a1967aefd8.png

It says these are "space-available upgrades". Are these truly space available, or award inventory available? Also, they don't appear to be SWU (system-wide) upgrades; they are only valid on 6 routes.

Same, although it's hardly a "systemwide upgrade" when it can only be used on an extremely select number of routes, most of which are not even allowing entry to Americans right now...

Anyone know / think we'll get an actual SWU later in the year, or is this it? For reference, actual AA elite SWUs are valid on *any* route so long as it is AA metal.

For upgrades from business to first, AA uses A inventory. for upgrades from economy to business, they use C inventory. (First standard award inventory is Z, and business U).

A and C fare bases are also revenue fare buckets, so you have to use EF to search for upgrade inventory specifically.

That's a pretty strict SWU, and you need to be at those specific cities first. Just curious, have you already qualified for 75k status on 2022?
I did received an email yesterday about the partnership, and at the end of the page, it says

International upgrades

Also, coming in late 2021, MVP Gold 75K members qualifying for status for 2022 will receive an upgrade certificate valid for travel on eligible American Airlines international routes. Look for more details this Fall.

In AA language "Space Available" means that the appropriate inventory code is available on a given AA flight either from Y to J, or J to F. Not if there is generally available seats for purchase and an upgrade is guaranteed due to this type of open seat availability. Not familiar with AS routes that these are applicable to.

No, I'm a few thousand miles away from requalifying. The email I received yesterday said "And to celebrate our enhanced partnership, American would also like to take your global experience to the next level by offering you a limited-time international upgrade opportunity. Watch your email inbox for details."

Received as well and It's a far cry from an actual SWU, but a nice gesture on an extremely limited basis.

Thanks for the information. Just to clarify, can these process at the time of booking, or is inventory only released at a certain upgrade window before departure?

If the inventory is there, time of booking.

75K AA exclusive route upgrades
 

Just got an email. Does anyone know how to check upgrades are available before booking?

"Good news travels fast. As an MVP® Gold 75K, you're now eligible for complimentary domestic upgrades* on American Airlines. And to celebrate our enhanced partnership, American would also like to take your global experience to the next level by offering you a limited-time international upgrade opportunity.

Enjoy 2 one-way space available upgrades and experience personalized service and elevated amenities in American Airlines Flagship® First or Flagship® Business.

Upgrades are valid on nonstop flights between:
Los Angeles (LAX) and London (LHR)**
Los Angeles (LAX) and Sydney (SYD)
Los Angeles (LAX) and Tokyo (HND)
Seattle (SEA) and Bangalore (BLR) flights starting 10/30/2021
Seattle (SEA) and London (LHR)**
Seattle (SEA) and Shanghai (PVG) flights starting 6/3/2021
Book by September 30, 2021 for travel through December 31, 2021 — additional restrictions apply.†

No idea how to check. Was wondering the same.

it's better than nothing, but those 6 routes are not easy to upgrade even for AA EP I assume? And AA is not always price-competitive on those routes either.
I feel like this is the preview for whatever they will be offering in the fall. Hopefully it is a larger selection, especially China and Brazil routes.

I just called AA and the woman was baffled. Maybe its so new it hasn't made the way over to agents. She was very nice and was checking AA's usual "C" class updates from economy to business, but wasn't sure if that was what was needed.

Imagine this books into whatever AA's SWU's book into.
JY1024 may be able to provide us a primer...