chapdaddy33

Hey guys,

Can you tell me all the best tips and tricks on how to get complimentary upgrades from the airline before departure?? I'm currently not an elite status member but I am apart of the AA Advantage program. I know I can't just go to the desk and straight up ask for an upgrade, so I wanted to hear what you guys know what the best way is to get an upgrade. Thanks!!

MSPeconomist

Realistically, without status there's no chance. Strategy doesn't matter.

ClimbingCook

Without elite status I suspect you're hosed.

rjw242

For complementary upgrades, definitely. With enough miles and a copay, OP might have a decent chance at a non-free upgrade.

Doc Savage

The best way is to pay for the seat you want.

Safe Travels!

jcatman

You could marry someone with Executive Platinum status, and then travel with your new spouse.

C17PSGR

Have you considered the Army?

If everyone on the upgrade list has cleared and first class seats are still available, gate agents will sometimes upgrade those in uniform.

josmul123

This actually seems to be a pretty common question with answers that vary based on airline. When I was trying to figure out the upgrade rules for BA as an AA elite, I stumbled across a page where people claimed they were upgraded because they were "dressed smartly" and asked for it. I've heard personal stories from family members who were upgraded to first (on a different airline) when they told the gate agent they were on their honeymoon.

Whether those stories are true or not, no such thing will happen on AA. Assuming there are 0 elites, 0 deadheading crew, a surplus of first class seats, and an overbooked coach cabin, they could op-up you to first for free... But I'd venture to say your odds are better playing the Mega Millions.

SDQBound

I have a friend who doesn't really understand the concept of Elite Status and always thinks I'm lucky because I get upgraded. She has tried all sorts of excuses (honeymoon, birthday, dressing smartly) and, as expected, never works.

ericdabbs

Thank goodness, no GA is stupid enough to upgrade her to the next class who claims its because of their honeymoon, birthday, etc. I can't imagine all on the desperate people on every flight trying to pull that same crap hoping to get lucky.

millionmiler

While not common I have seen gate agents do exactly that many times including most recently last November.

wetrat0

I once saw someone who got upgraded because he was (to use the Southwest terminology) a Customer of Size, and could not fit into a regular seat. However, I wouldn't go buy a fat suit for this purpose since this was highly unusual (I've only seen it once).

I have seen non-status pax upgraded due to weight and balance issues on an Embraer 170, but this is again rare and there's no strategy for an individual passenger to use.

Both of the above presuppose factors that are generally beyond your control. The biggest one is that for any chance of a non-status upgrade, you need to start with a lightly loaded flight up front-- so it's not as much about you as about which flight you're on. Then you need to add some reason on top of that why they can't seat you in Y. Of course, if the flight is lightly loaded, sitting in your own row in Y is pretty nice anyway, and domestic F isn't much of an upgrade outside food/booze if you race about that.

If you really want to get an upgrade, as others have stated, buy the Y-UP fare (usually labeled "discounted First") or use miles + copay.

Dallas49er

Red highlighting mine

Here are 2 strategies ("tips and tricks") for free upgrades:

1. During 2017, fly more than 100,000 miles BIS (Butt In Seat) OR 120+ segments AND spend more than $12,000 on American Airlines tickets. After that, the gates to heaven will open up, and all domestic upgrades will be both AUTOMATICALLY be requested and free.

2. Actually ... Heaven forbid ... PURCHASE a F or J ticket. The upgrade comes with it. Who knew?

IMHO-Looking for ways to get free upgrades is the airport version of welfare-One is looking for a benefit, without ONE having worked for, or earned it. YMMV

Uzzar

Just adding that even being EXP is no guarantee, especially on CLT/PHX/PHL/DFW flights during peak business times. My upgrade percentage for January is only 15% (2 out of 13 segments). Still hoping this will change for the better once EQD starts to affect, since i book last minute.

ChrL

If you want an upgrade from a middle seat to an aisle then ask the gate agent nicely and when they are not busy. Don't refer to it as an upgrade and don't get picky about the specific aisle seat.

If there are only bad seats available then don't choose one. Could be that the nice exit row seat is available (but hidden from you) and may be assigned at check in.

As others have said: an actual class of service upgrade is unlikely. If you look on the AA app at any flight departing within 4 hrs you can see how many people are on the upgrade list. For short flights it may be as much as 1/3 of the plane.