EXP / Executive Platinum Upgrade Questions
Apr 14, 2015, 10:27 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Sun Prairie, WI
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, HH Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 1,786
EXP / Executive Platinum Upgrade Questions
As an EXP how are upgrades working now on the new AA? I see 3 ways to upgrade:
1. SWU - Can be used if available on up to 3 segments. Is this only one direction?
2. Automatic Upgrades - These are free for EXP, correct? If we book a non-codeshare when does this become available? Are we still being notified via e-mail? If it is a codeshare we have to request it at check-in, correct? How does one do that? Are companions able to get free upgrades still?
3. 500 Mile Upgrades - What do EXPs use these for and how are they used? Can I use it for a companion?
TIA
1. SWU - Can be used if available on up to 3 segments. Is this only one direction?
2. Automatic Upgrades - These are free for EXP, correct? If we book a non-codeshare when does this become available? Are we still being notified via e-mail? If it is a codeshare we have to request it at check-in, correct? How does one do that? Are companions able to get free upgrades still?
3. 500 Mile Upgrades - What do EXPs use these for and how are they used? Can I use it for a companion?
TIA
Apr 14, 2015, 10:59 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New York
Programs: AAdvantage EP
Posts: 368
1 - One way up to 3 segments
2 - Yes, they are complimentary. For an EXP you get an e-mail (sometimes) from t-100 hours to 15 min before departure. You can use the AA app at t-4 to see where you are on the list or if you cleared.
3- You use them for a companion or when you drop down from EXP to PLT or GLD. I have had 44 upgrades in my account for years. They don't expire.
2 - Yes, they are complimentary. For an EXP you get an e-mail (sometimes) from t-100 hours to 15 min before departure. You can use the AA app at t-4 to see where you are on the list or if you cleared.
3- You use them for a companion or when you drop down from EXP to PLT or GLD. I have had 44 upgrades in my account for years. They don't expire.
Apr 14, 2015, 11:01 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: St. Louis, MO - AA PLT/2.98MM (Lifetime PLT), Delta PM, SPG Gold, AMEX Plat
Programs: TW Elite (RIP), CO OnePass
Posts: 1,923
2. Automatic Upgrades - These are free for EXP, correct? If we book a non-codeshare when does this become available? Are we still being notified via e-mail? If it is a codeshare we have to request it at check-in, correct? How does one do that? Are companions able to get free upgrades still?
3. 500 Mile Upgrades - What do EXPs use these for and how are they used? Can I use it for a companion?
Greg
Apr 14, 2015, 3:27 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Sun Prairie, WI
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, HH Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 1,786
Thank you both - two follow up questions.
With companions - do the old US rules still apply on US flights or is it standard across the board?
How do I actually use the 500 mile upgrades?
With companions - do the old US rules still apply on US flights or is it standard across the board?
How do I actually use the 500 mile upgrades?
Apr 14, 2015, 3:33 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, UA *S, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Exp, IHG Plat, National EE, Sixt Plat
Posts: 648
Also, regarding #2 - unlike US, AA's system does not always send an upgrade email at T-100 with a thumbs up/down. You'll only get an email if your upgrade clears, and that will happen starting within T-100. There's no such thing as a 'upgrade not yet available' email with AA.
Apr 14, 2015, 8:03 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 140
Yes, they are complementary, but no more upgrades for companions (EXP did not have, but US Chairman's did). I will be booking travel with my 4 year old DD (just the 2 of us, domestic). After about 10 minutes of checking, the preferred line told me that if the travel is on AA metal I can use my upgrades to upgrade us both, but getting her upgraded (using any type of upgrade in my "bank") is not an option on US operated flights. In order to be sure we are seated together I have to call after booking and have them block me from being upgraded.
From what I was told the 500 mile upgrades can only be used on AA operated flights indefinitely (was told this by gate agent and preferred desk).
From what I was told the 500 mile upgrades can only be used on AA operated flights indefinitely (was told this by gate agent and preferred desk).
Apr 15, 2015, 10:10 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180