Originally Posted by BlooJoo

Have they figured out how to apply SWUs to Nexgen tickets yet? When it first launched, they couldn't, because Nexgen tickets can't be "changed" (only refunded and repurchased), but that can't be the final outcome, right? Basically, looking to buy J and upgrade to F on JFK-LAX, to use one of my soon-expiring SWUs.

Originally Posted by HaleiwaFlyer

Last I discussed with the AirPass rep in May 2022, can't apply SWU to Airpass tickets.

Originally Posted by HaleiwaFlyer

Last I discussed with the AirPass rep in May 2022, can't apply SWU to Airpass tickets.

Originally Posted by JetAway

Deal killer right there.

Originally Posted by BlooJoo

Airpass allows this type of purchasing. Normal ticket buyers are not officially allowed to purchase tickets in this way.

Originally Posted by tismfu

the below quote from Concierge Key thread
I didn’t realize this was allowed. Not doubting you, but is it somewhere in the fine print? I couldn’t find it in the Airpass FAQ.

I would love to avail myself to this benefit but don’t want to do anything that runs awry of program rules.

Originally Posted by scott56

Hearing Airpass may be doing some “enhancements” soon. Not sure what they are but will try and find out

Originally Posted by BlooJoo

Like, in what area?

Originally Posted by metallo

Yes. Involuntary changes and SDFC are the same as other tickets. I actually really like Airpass for several reasons, particularly for the fixed pricing, which has netted me significant discounts off full fare last minute tickets. I renewed my contract this year, but yes, do realize that not everything is perfect, including occasional IT and refund issues.

Originally Posted by BlooJoo

Has anyone gotten their free annual wifi?

https://airpass.aa.com/airpass-faqs/

What are the complimentary in-flight amenities?

Members enjoy a complimentary snack or fresh meal and two standard alcoholic beverages when traveling on AirPass. When traveling on AirPass with a companion, you each enjoy a complimentary snack or fresh meal and one standard alcoholic beverage. Complimentary domestic Wi-Fi is also available to you through an individual annual AirPass Wi-Fi code.

Originally Posted by Centurion

So could someone clarify or verify the other poster who state you do not get your elite benefits if I buy a non air-pass ticket or on a award ticket?

Originally Posted by FleyeSkyHigh

I should have been more specific. I was only talking about Airpass tickets. For other rev or miles tickets normal elite benefits are unchanged. Just for clarification though, AA is no longer allowing EP or CK members to use SWU upgrades for Airpass tickets. It use to be you could book a Y=UP to J Airpass reservation and then use your SWU to from from Business (D) to F (Flagship First) on routes that offered first class. SWUs are arguably the most valuable EP and CK benefit. The new contract also is vague on whether economy Airpass tickets are even eligible for 500 miles upgrades for themselves and companion travelrss. I have told by AA they they should not be allowed but in practice so far they are working on NextGen tickets allow the Airpass holder to upgrade but not the companion. Sticker/500 miles upgrades are another elite benefit that most likely will not apply to Airpass issued tickets once the dust settles. Business Extra upgrades which once worked (albeit barely) with Airpass tickets are also now prohibited.

Originally Posted by BlooJoo

Is this confirmed and official? A YUP/D cannot be upgraded to three-class F? Is this stated anywhere? Sucks because I do that a lot. Edit to add: I do not have a new contract; I've just been forced onto NexGen portal. I always called the CK desk to upgrade my YUP/D's with a SWU or miles. Would CK even know they're not upgradeable?

Originally Posted by metallo

Take a look at my post above (#726) where I described what happened when I spoke with the CK desk about my J to F SWU never re-ticketing. That’s how I found out it’s no longer allowed on Airpass tickets.

When I called in to apply the SWU, the CK agent did it (apparently not being aware of the new rule). The ticket was never re-issued, so I contacted them again (did it via email and got the policy in writing from the CK “manager on duty” that SWUs are no longer allowed for Airpass).

Basically, if you want three class F, you have to buy the full fare F, or you could buy full fare J and get the F instant upgrade for the same price that books into A. You can’t book instant upgrade J and use a SWU for F anymore, though.

Originally Posted by FleyeSkyHigh

Yes, this is confirmed. It has nothing to do with agent/representative knowledge or willingness to help. In fact, read up thread a few days. CK/EP agents (which are the same agents that handle Airpass calls) apparently have mistakenly applied SWU/Mileage upgrade instruments to new NextGen tickets and despite the reservation showing the first class cabin the ticket will never re-issue and the upgrade never actually occurs because a new ticket number cannot be generated. These new NextGen Airpass tickets are automatically flagged as non-reissue-able and non-changeable by the ticketing system. To use a SWU or mileage upgrade (ie to book into A class) a reissue is required. No re-issue means no new ticket with the upgraded cabin which means no boarding pass in the ground control system which means no flying in the first class cabin. The original issued ticket in business class will prevail. It really sucks.

This is not spelled out anywhere in the new or old contracts but the internal AA M&Ps said that legacy Airpass reservations were upgradable up to issuance (which usually occurred a day prior to travel) either by miles, SWU or BizExtra (BE upgrades actually happen after issuance via a backend sabre loop process which has also now be fully automated/locked down by AA) but the AA M&Ps for the NextGen tickets say upgrades and/or changes/reissues are not allowed (which really defeats the original intention of Airpass which was suppose to be selling flexibility at a premium). The reason 500 miles/sticker upgrades (for non Y-UP economy to business upgrades) are still working (at least for the cardholder) is because those types of upgrades are handled quite differently and do not require a re-issued ticket (they are handled by the ground operations or 'day of travel' systems which actually kick in at around T-120ish prior to departure).

Any AA program (whether it be Airpass, Business Extra or AAdvantage) is based on mutual trust between the company and the customer to do the right thing. Sadly I think AA has severely breached that trust with the changes it's forced upon its once valuable Airpass customers.