Upgrading AA Fare Code or Class of Service - Upfare / Upfaring (master thd)
 

Is there a fee you can pay to upgrade the code on your fare? If so how does this work and what does it cost? Is there any info I can read on this?

Are you looking to upfare your economy ticket (i.e. stay in economy) or upgrade to business or first?

Ha ha No I am talking about buying a change to the code on the flight not buying 500 mile upgrades for first class. Like from a code fare O to V. Sorry if I did not explain my question properly

To upfare you need to call AA directly.

Is there any way of knowing what the cost will be to do this? Or you just have to call and try your luck?

You can use a tool like www.expertflyer.com to research fare buckets and availability.

Thanks for the gem of info.

Usually people will put a reservation on hold on aa.com and then call in to Reservations with the PNR and as for the upfare. If it's already ticketed, I'm not sure if they'll charge you a fee.

I tried to upfare Q -> N on an LAX-NRT a few weeks ago (shortly before eVIPs were allowed on Q fares, arg) and was told it was a $250 change fee, plus fare difference (I was already ticketed). I didn't bother. As was just mentioned, putting it on hold and calling before ticketing is the way to go.

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the value in changing the code? Is this just meant to help your chances in getting a comp upgrade on a flight? What is the value of upgrading the code vs. eVIP (assuming you have them) or using miles and paying the fee?

Anyone?

Might be useful if the OP is doing a challenge. O would earn 0.5 EQP/mile, while V would earn 1.0 EQP/mile. That would be my guess.

But, since the OP gave so few details, it's hard to say why...

Make sense. Thanks.

Ahh, good catch, miamigrad! That's the only thing that makes sense now that all fares are upgradeable.

BN2B, here is the key thread on how to specify fare codes in the ITA search engine so you can find out how much your upfare is going to cost. It's also still linked as a historical thread from this FAQ entry.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milea...-code-ita.html

Or perhaps wishing to apply the miles earned to another OW partner - fare codes can mean the difference between no credit and full credit! ;)

Given all the legacy carriers recent predisposition to nickel-and-diming, they'll probably charge you the change fee (which technically they can).

Two or so years ago, I had an agent do this and waive the fee (but only after I asked, and only on the 2nd agent). Putting the res on hold (as was mentioned) is the way to go. Explain up front that you're willing to pay the fare difference...