Hi!

I'm usually a Delta flyer and not so familiar with AA procedures.
I'm flying with my family from JFK-PUJ in a few weeks. I'm considering upgrading with points for the 3 of us as a special treat.
We purchased as N fare tickets.

Some questions:

1. If I upgrade to business, do we get lounge access?
2. Can I do this easily on the website? I only seem to see an option to upgrade with $.
3. Is there some possibility of using Chase ultimate rewards or AMEX points to upgrade?

Thanks so much!!

1. No.
2. No, you have to call.
3. No.

It would appear so if the web site is still accurate that they grant access to business class travelers flying to the Caribbean
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...lub-access.jsp
For a limited time: Starting April 1, 2021, qualifying international flights will include flights between the U.S. and Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico

No. You have to call, and there needs to be upgradable inventory into "C" class. The agent can tell you, or if you have a subscription to ExpertFlyer you can search specific award inventory.

No. AA North American upgrades from discount coach fares are typically 15,000 points plus $75 each way, per person. You may find that this is not a great value on a trip of this nature on a narrow body. I believe the 737-MAX is currently flying the route. If it were a widebody, on the other hand, it might be of better value. You'd do better by paying extra to book into Main Cabin Extra (AA's version of DL Comfort+). You can do that online by just selecting the orange seats and seeing what the price is.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...with-miles.jsp

Thanks so much for the detailed help. Much appreciated!