Jul 28, 2015, 12:06 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
Mileage and copayment upgrades on American Airlines
As of May 20, 2017 upgrade prioritization is:
Enjoy a higher cabin of service Link.
Use your AAdvantage miles to upgrade on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or American Eagle for yourself or anyone you designate.
Upgrades are valid to the next cabin of service* and are valid for a single one-way trip with a maximum of three segments. Upgrades are subject to capacity controls. Excluding award tickets, the following eligible fare types can be upgraded:
*E.g. Economy to Business, Business to three class First. At this time Premium Economy is treated as Economy for upgrade purposes.
See the chart here for cost in miles and dollars.
NOTE: The most expensive fare classes, full fare Economy Y, full fare Premium Economy W, and full fare Business J, may be upgraded without copay and at a lower cost in miles. See here.
Taxes and carrier-imposed fees:
Co-payment is non-refundable and inclusive of U.S. excise tax where applicable.
Mileage upgrade award tickets are subject to applicable taxes and security fees and may incur additional taxes as a result of upgrading to a higher class cabin (includes higher U.K. Air Passenger Duty If Flight originates in the UK or is a connecting flight with a connection time of 24:00 or more)..)
NOTE:
Miles and copay upgrades are to the next available cabin of service, are based on inventory being available, usable on AA marketed and operated flights (not codeshares operated by other airlines, not on other airlines' prime flights - BA and IB allow miles upgrades with AA miles but are very different and therefore not treated here).
See AA Participating Airline Upgrade Award - BA, IB, including codeshares (master thd), and note “one class of service” means Y to PE, PE to J, J to F where available on BA.
If the required inventory exists, they can be booked positively (i.e. upgraded immediately); if not, the request is wait listed. Wait list clearance is by status (EXP highest, no status lowest), and within status priority is by rolling 12 month EQD spend. Elites can have one traveling companion on the same PNR "borrow" their status for upgrade wait list purposes, until the request goes to the airport list, where you may want to assure your travel companion continues to hold your “borrowed” status for upgrade purposes.
Copays are waived for CK on all flights.
Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ:
Q. It says the upgrade fees are nonrefundable. Do I lose my miles and money if I'm not upgraded?
If your upgrade request does not go through, miles and copay are in fact refunded.
Q. If I am waitlisted, in what priority order are upgrades processed?
Upgrades are processed first by AAdvantage status tier, secondarily by type of upgrade, thirdly by the previous rolling 12 month EQD spend.
Q. Which has higher priority if all other preceding factors are the same? An upgraded with miles + copay, or an upgraded with SWU?
They have equal priority. A few reports state copay + upgrade have been given priority at some overseas stations.
Q. How soon will I know if my upgrade came through?
It can happen anytime inventory opens, from the time you book until the time you board. (Your request, including date and time of request, should carry over automatically to the airport list.)
Q. How soon will I know if my upgrade came through?
It can happen anytime inventory opens, from the time you book until the time you board. (Your request, including date and time of request, should carry over automatically to the airport list.)
Q. What happens to my booked seat whilst I'm waitlisted? If my upgrade doesn't come through, do I lose my reserved seat?
You normally retain your booked seat until (if) your upgrade comes through.
Q. How many flights can I upgrade with a single miles plus copay upgrade?
You may (assuming available inventory) upgrade up to three segments on the same ticketed itinerary (e.g. LHR-ORD-MIA-EZE, as long as they are on the same PNR).
Q. Can I look at AAnytime or MileSAAver award space to determine upgrade availability?
No. MileSAAver availability may be a good indication upgrade space may become available, but SAAver and upgrade inventories are separate.
Q. What fare inventory do I need to upgrade?
You need available "C" inventory to upgrade to two class domestic First and three class Business, "A" to three class First. These are not shown on aa.com, but some services (e.g. ExpertFlyer) do show them. The only way to reliably search for upgrade space on Expertflyer or other services is segment by segment. The reason for this is that by rule if C is available on the stand alone segment then the upgrade is allowed.
Q. I'm Executive Platinum. If I purchase an upgrade for someone without status, will they "borrow" my status for upgrade purposes?
They will if they are flying as your single traveling companion on the same flights. Otherwise, their status will determine their position on the upgrade wait list. This "borrowed" status was previously lost once the flight has gone to airport control; it doesn’t now, but it pays to check and see if it has been mismanaged by software - it can be restored when it has passed to airport control.
Q. Which miles earning and fare conditions will apply to my upgraded flights?
You will earn miles (award miles -- RDM -- and EQM) and EQ Dollars credit as determined by your originally purchased fare, and the applicable fare rules will also be determined by your originally purchased fare.
Older posts can be read in ARCHIVE: FAQ: Miles + Copay Upgrade / Upgrades (consolidated)
As of May 20, 2017 upgrade prioritization is:
- Elite status
- Concierge Key
- Executive Platinum
- Platinum Pro
- Platinum
- Gold
- Platinum
- Platinum Pro
- Executive Platinum
- Upgrade type
- Miles and copay award upgrades and systemwide upgrades (SWU)
- 500 mile upgrades on purchased tickets (including EXP complimentary UDU)
- 500 mile upgrades on upgrade eligible awards (including EXP complimentary UDU)
- 500 mile upgrades on purchased tickets (including EXP complimentary UDU)
- Elite qualifying dollars* in the past 12 months
- Booking class (in order, J, D, I, W, P, Y, H, K, M, L, V, G, S, N, Q, O, T)
- Time of request
- Booking class (in order, J, D, I, W, P, Y, H, K, M, L, V, G, S, N, Q, O, T)
- Miles and copay award upgrades and systemwide upgrades (SWU)
- Concierge Key
Enjoy a higher cabin of service Link.
Use your AAdvantage miles to upgrade on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or American Eagle for yourself or anyone you designate.
Upgrades are valid to the next cabin of service* and are valid for a single one-way trip with a maximum of three segments. Upgrades are subject to capacity controls. Excluding award tickets, the following eligible fare types can be upgraded:
- Discount Economy with published fares booked in H,K,M,L,W,V,G,Q,N,O,S and
- Military or Government fares booked in Y
- Full-Fare Economy with published fares booked in Y
- Discount Premium Economy with published fares booked in P
- Full-Fare Premium Economy with published fares booked in W
- Discount Business with published fares booked in I
- Full-Fare Business with published fares booked in J, D or R
- Basic Economy fares booked in B are not upgradable
- Full-Fare Business with published fares booked in J, D or R
- Discount Business with published fares booked in I
- Full-Fare Premium Economy with published fares booked in W
- Discount Premium Economy with published fares booked in P
- Full-Fare Economy with published fares booked in Y
- Military or Government fares booked in Y
*E.g. Economy to Business, Business to three class First. At this time Premium Economy is treated as Economy for upgrade purposes.
See the chart here for cost in miles and dollars.
NOTE: The most expensive fare classes, full fare Economy Y, full fare Premium Economy W, and full fare Business J, may be upgraded without copay and at a lower cost in miles. See here.
Taxes and carrier-imposed fees:
Co-payment is non-refundable and inclusive of U.S. excise tax where applicable.
Mileage upgrade award tickets are subject to applicable taxes and security fees and may incur additional taxes as a result of upgrading to a higher class cabin (includes higher U.K. Air Passenger Duty If Flight originates in the UK or is a connecting flight with a connection time of 24:00 or more)..)
- Upgrading from Economy Class to Business Class or First Class may result in additional premium cabin taxes and carrier-imposed fees, including but not limited to flights originating in Great Britain and France.
- If the ticket is priced in USD, the additional taxes and carrier-imposed fees will be converted to USD at the time of ticketing.
- Please contact American Airlines Reservations to obtain applicable taxes and carrier-imposed fees for specific itineraries.
- If the ticket is priced in USD, the additional taxes and carrier-imposed fees will be converted to USD at the time of ticketing.
NOTE:
Miles and copay upgrades are to the next available cabin of service, are based on inventory being available, usable on AA marketed and operated flights (not codeshares operated by other airlines, not on other airlines' prime flights - BA and IB allow miles upgrades with AA miles but are very different and therefore not treated here).
See AA Participating Airline Upgrade Award - BA, IB, including codeshares (master thd), and note “one class of service” means Y to PE, PE to J, J to F where available on BA.
If the required inventory exists, they can be booked positively (i.e. upgraded immediately); if not, the request is wait listed. Wait list clearance is by status (EXP highest, no status lowest), and within status priority is by rolling 12 month EQD spend. Elites can have one traveling companion on the same PNR "borrow" their status for upgrade wait list purposes, until the request goes to the airport list, where you may want to assure your travel companion continues to hold your “borrowed” status for upgrade purposes.
Copays are waived for CK on all flights.
Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ:
Q. It says the upgrade fees are nonrefundable. Do I lose my miles and money if I'm not upgraded?
If your upgrade request does not go through, miles and copay are in fact refunded.
Q. If I am waitlisted, in what priority order are upgrades processed?
Upgrades are processed first by AAdvantage status tier, secondarily by type of upgrade, thirdly by the previous rolling 12 month EQD spend.
Q. Which has higher priority if all other preceding factors are the same? An upgraded with miles + copay, or an upgraded with SWU?
They have equal priority. A few reports state copay + upgrade have been given priority at some overseas stations.
Q. How soon will I know if my upgrade came through?
It can happen anytime inventory opens, from the time you book until the time you board. (Your request, including date and time of request, should carry over automatically to the airport list.)
Q. How soon will I know if my upgrade came through?
It can happen anytime inventory opens, from the time you book until the time you board. (Your request, including date and time of request, should carry over automatically to the airport list.)
Q. What happens to my booked seat whilst I'm waitlisted? If my upgrade doesn't come through, do I lose my reserved seat?
You normally retain your booked seat until (if) your upgrade comes through.
Q. How many flights can I upgrade with a single miles plus copay upgrade?
You may (assuming available inventory) upgrade up to three segments on the same ticketed itinerary (e.g. LHR-ORD-MIA-EZE, as long as they are on the same PNR).
Q. Can I look at AAnytime or MileSAAver award space to determine upgrade availability?
No. MileSAAver availability may be a good indication upgrade space may become available, but SAAver and upgrade inventories are separate.
Q. What fare inventory do I need to upgrade?
You need available "C" inventory to upgrade to two class domestic First and three class Business, "A" to three class First. These are not shown on aa.com, but some services (e.g. ExpertFlyer) do show them. The only way to reliably search for upgrade space on Expertflyer or other services is segment by segment. The reason for this is that by rule if C is available on the stand alone segment then the upgrade is allowed.
Q. I'm Executive Platinum. If I purchase an upgrade for someone without status, will they "borrow" my status for upgrade purposes?
They will if they are flying as your single traveling companion on the same flights. Otherwise, their status will determine their position on the upgrade wait list. This "borrowed" status was previously lost once the flight has gone to airport control; it doesn’t now, but it pays to check and see if it has been mismanaged by software - it can be restored when it has passed to airport control.
Q. Which miles earning and fare conditions will apply to my upgraded flights?
You will earn miles (award miles -- RDM -- and EQM) and EQ Dollars credit as determined by your originally purchased fare, and the applicable fare rules will also be determined by your originally purchased fare.
Older posts can be read in ARCHIVE: FAQ: Miles + Copay Upgrade / Upgrades (consolidated)
FAQ: Miles + Copay Upgrade / Upgrades (master thread)
Jan 25, 2019, 11:32 am
#586
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,040
Question for miles & co-pay experts: I am an EXP traveling with 3 no-status family members on the same PNR and all booked in PE W Class to LAX-NRT. Currently no C space available on flight in May 2019. I have EF alerts set up in case any C space opens up between now and departure. My intent is to put all 4 of us on wait list and If C space opens up to use 15K mile upgrades given we are in W (I have plenty of miles). Ideally all 4 of us get upgrades, but I am focused on trying to get at least 2 seats upgraded.
Regards
Jan 25, 2019, 12:53 pm
#587
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHL, LHR
Posts: 219
Anyone know how often Expert Flyer updates their info/data to show if any C seats are available on a flight? Is there any value in refreshing every hour or two to see if anything changes/opens up? Or does it update during overnight processing and you only need to check once in the AM? (I dont have the fancy account that lets me set the alerts)
Jan 25, 2019, 12:56 pm
#588
Join Date: Oct 2015
Programs: AA: EXP, 1MM Marriott: Ambassador, LTT
Posts: 407
Anyone know how often Expert Flyer updates their info/data to show if any C seats are available on a flight? Is there any value in refreshing every hour or two to see if anything changes/opens up? Or does it update during overnight processing and you only need to check once in the AM? (I dont have the fancy account that lets me set the alerts)
One other thing, the release of C inventory is very route specific. My understanding is that rules that govern the release of upgrade/award space on each route are set by the person/team in revenue management that owns that route. I could be totally off base but that's what I have read before and it does appear as though the pattern of releasing upgrade/award space varies by route but is pretty consistent for any given route.
Jan 25, 2019, 3:09 pm
#589
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,471
Anyone know how often Expert Flyer updates their info/data to show if any C seats are available on a flight? Is there any value in refreshing every hour or two to see if anything changes/opens up? Or does it update during overnight processing and you only need to check once in the AM? (I dont have the fancy account that lets me set the alerts)
EF updates are in real time, but AA only releases C inventory (at least as far as I can tell) on a daily batch basis. I think the update is at noon Dallas time each day, but that's just a guess based on what I have seen in the past.
One other thing, the release of C inventory is very route specific. My understanding is that rules that govern the release of upgrade/award space on each route are set by the person/team in revenue management that owns that route. I could be totally off base but that's what I have read before and it does appear as though the pattern of releasing upgrade/award space varies by route but is pretty consistent for any given route.
One other thing, the release of C inventory is very route specific. My understanding is that rules that govern the release of upgrade/award space on each route are set by the person/team in revenue management that owns that route. I could be totally off base but that's what I have read before and it does appear as though the pattern of releasing upgrade/award space varies by route but is pretty consistent for any given route.
And AA definitely does not have a predictable daily batch time for C space release, this can happen at any time. For flights far off in the future it can typically happen overnight when new inventory is loaded (though not always), and for flights closer in it can be at any time. It used to be quite predicable that at exactly T-24 hrs you would C space drop in. If I'm waiting on an upgrade that hasn't cleared and reach T-48 hrs before, I'm manually checking EF every hour or so.
Jan 25, 2019, 3:15 pm
#590
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,314
See here: https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...vel.jsp#making
AAdvantage award processing charge
AAdvantage award processing charge
- A $75 fee will be charged for award tickets booked or mileage upgrades requested less than 21 days prior to departure
- This charge will be waived for Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum and Gold members using miles from their account
Jan 25, 2019, 3:41 pm
#591
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
Thanks, however, I've always been able to find C space before, just surprised that nothing has opened up in the 7 months I've had these reservations.
Jan 25, 2019, 9:04 pm
#592
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: INT/GSO/CLT/RDU
Programs: AA EXP 1MM; HH Gold; Bonvoy Gold; Wynd Diamond
Posts: 228
For the 5 leg itinerary are all the flights AA flight numbers/AA operated?
Do you have AA status?
Do you have AA status?
Jan 26, 2019, 12:30 am
#594
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
Jan 27, 2019, 6:06 am
#595
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: INT/GSO/CLT/RDU
Programs: AA EXP 1MM; HH Gold; Bonvoy Gold; Wynd Diamond
Posts: 228
Update for anyone with an interest...
I'm currently waitlisted on the DFW-LAX and LAS-CLT segments.
There IS, presently, availability on the GSO-DFW leg but I'm thinking that moving from 5C to first on a CRJ9 isn't really worth the 15K miles if I still will have to get on the 789 in Dallas and turn right instead of left.
Thoughts?
I'm currently waitlisted on the DFW-LAX and LAS-CLT segments.
There IS, presently, availability on the GSO-DFW leg but I'm thinking that moving from 5C to first on a CRJ9 isn't really worth the 15K miles if I still will have to get on the 789 in Dallas and turn right instead of left.
Thoughts?
Jan 27, 2019, 7:30 am
#596
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,471
Update for anyone with an interest...
I'm currently waitlisted on the DFW-LAX and LAS-CLT segments.
There IS, presently, availability on the GSO-DFW leg but I'm thinking that moving from 5C to first on a CRJ9 isn't really worth the 15K miles if I still will have to get on the 789 in Dallas and turn right instead of left.
Thoughts?
I'm currently waitlisted on the DFW-LAX and LAS-CLT segments.
There IS, presently, availability on the GSO-DFW leg but I'm thinking that moving from 5C to first on a CRJ9 isn't really worth the 15K miles if I still will have to get on the 789 in Dallas and turn right instead of left.
Thoughts?
Jan 28, 2019, 2:16 pm
#597
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PHX
Posts: 4,787
I'm not sure my question is covered by the wiki. Apologies in advance if I missed it.
I've never waitlisted a mileage/co-pay upgrade. Usually I just set and alert in EF and then call in if it opens. But I'm thinking about waitlisting.
The question is what happens with a companion? I understand from the wiki that my companion will take on my status for purpose of pre-airport clearance from the waitlist, but is it possible that one us us will clear but the other won't? In other words, is there a way to ensure we only get upgraded if there are 2 seats available?
I've never waitlisted a mileage/co-pay upgrade. Usually I just set and alert in EF and then call in if it opens. But I'm thinking about waitlisting.
The question is what happens with a companion? I understand from the wiki that my companion will take on my status for purpose of pre-airport clearance from the waitlist, but is it possible that one us us will clear but the other won't? In other words, is there a way to ensure we only get upgraded if there are 2 seats available?
Jan 29, 2019, 7:25 pm
#598
Join Date: Oct 2015
Programs: AA: EXP, 1MM Marriott: Ambassador, LTT
Posts: 407
The question is what happens with a companion? I understand from the wiki that my companion will take on my status for purpose of pre-airport clearance from the waitlist, but is it possible that one us us will clear but the other won't? In other words, is there a way to ensure we only get upgraded if there are 2 seats available?
Feb 12, 2019, 11:37 am
#599
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA EXP (CK/1MM)
Posts: 19
I don't think my question has been answered in this wiki, so apologies if I've overlooked it.
Situation: U.S. based AA FF. Purchased a ticket through Google Flights ICN-DFW-LGA / JFK-LAX-LAS . Google Flights sent me to the South Korean site to purchase, so ticket was booked and paid for in KRW. Confirmation email showed fare classes for the four flights as R, J, J, J respectively.
I called up AA to use miles to upgrade the JFK-LAX leg to A. It appeared from the award chart that there would be no copay due. However, phone agent insisted this was not the case and I just saw a charge come across for $175.
Question - I am assuming fare classes line up across regions, but am I incorrect? If they do, and I was booked in J, am I not entitled to a refund of the $175 co-pay? Any recommendations on best course of action to initiate this (and should I do this before or after I fly)?
Thanks in advance!
Situation: U.S. based AA FF. Purchased a ticket through Google Flights ICN-DFW-LGA / JFK-LAX-LAS . Google Flights sent me to the South Korean site to purchase, so ticket was booked and paid for in KRW. Confirmation email showed fare classes for the four flights as R, J, J, J respectively.
I called up AA to use miles to upgrade the JFK-LAX leg to A. It appeared from the award chart that there would be no copay due. However, phone agent insisted this was not the case and I just saw a charge come across for $175.
Question - I am assuming fare classes line up across regions, but am I incorrect? If they do, and I was booked in J, am I not entitled to a refund of the $175 co-pay? Any recommendations on best course of action to initiate this (and should I do this before or after I fly)?
Thanks in advance!
Feb 12, 2019, 11:49 am
#600
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,471
I don't think my question has been answered in this wiki, so apologies if I've overlooked it.
Situation: U.S. based AA FF. Purchased a ticket through Google Flights ICN-DFW-LGA / JFK-LAX-LAS . Google Flights sent me to the South Korean site to purchase, so ticket was booked and paid for in KRW. Confirmation email showed fare classes for the four flights as R, J, J, J respectively.
I called up AA to use miles to upgrade the JFK-LAX leg to A. It appeared from the award chart that there would be no copay due. However, phone agent insisted this was not the case and I just saw a charge come across for $175.
Question - I am assuming fare classes line up across regions, but am I incorrect? If they do, and I was booked in J, am I not entitled to a refund of the $175 co-pay? Any recommendations on best course of action to initiate this (and should I do this before or after I fly)?
Thanks in advance!
Situation: U.S. based AA FF. Purchased a ticket through Google Flights ICN-DFW-LGA / JFK-LAX-LAS . Google Flights sent me to the South Korean site to purchase, so ticket was booked and paid for in KRW. Confirmation email showed fare classes for the four flights as R, J, J, J respectively.
I called up AA to use miles to upgrade the JFK-LAX leg to A. It appeared from the award chart that there would be no copay due. However, phone agent insisted this was not the case and I just saw a charge come across for $175.
Question - I am assuming fare classes line up across regions, but am I incorrect? If they do, and I was booked in J, am I not entitled to a refund of the $175 co-pay? Any recommendations on best course of action to initiate this (and should I do this before or after I fly)?
Thanks in advance!