Just because you're EXP does not mean, in any way whatsoever, that you'll invariably be upgraded at T-100 or anytime thereafter. And in any event, merely because there are 6 seats available doesn't translate to actual seat availability- there might be someone who didn't choose a seat yet. But more generally, many have indicated that AA's algorithm has been more aggressive, waiting for those to purchase upgrades instead of upgrading elites.

https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...y-upgrades.jsp the website makes clear that complimentary upgrades are only for AAdvantage award tickets. Not those through BAEC.

Just reviewed the webpage you linked in that next post. I see the “as early as”. Well, for f-sake! All my hopes and dreams are crushed! LOL I don’t know when that was added or maybe I missed it before, but I was all set on the 100hr upgrade. Dang-it, darn it. What a game it is. Thanks for the help.

You'll see everyone of those remaining 6 seats disappear to app upgrades available right until check in. If there are any F seats left you'll be in line to grab what's left.

Sunday, SAT-ORD had 11/20 open seats in First Class, selling upgrades for $143. I am platinum, cleared around T-8 for some reason. They left 3 FC seats until boarding - trying to sell them till the last moment!
Similar issue ORD-SAT on Thursday, 9/20 FC open until T-18 or thereabouts, when all but 3 disappeared in an instant. I wonder if another flight was delayed or cancelled and a lot of people moved to this one... Who knows. But in any event, I must say the charcuterie board on the SAT-ORD flight was very good and the seat was better than I remembered.

I am not a big AA flyer, and usually book with the competition, but curious during booking if I can select the correct class for an upgrade award, or do I just book any class (even Basic Econ?)

This is for EZE-DFW so per my reading there are no complimentary upgrades between SA and NA.

(With UA one can toggle a box, upgrade eligible)

I did search, but was unable to find a guide for this specific query.

Upgrade award as in SWU?

Who knows how the algorithm works. EXP, I have a flight on Friday (now minus 72) on a domestic 777 that shows 13 seats (I know, someone could have yet to pick a seat, but...) and C/J/R/D/I 7 on Expert Flyer, and I have not been upgraded (yet), however for the following day I have been upgraded at t-100 on a 737 also C/J/R/D/I 7. Certainly they are more aggressive trying to sell upgrades on lie-flat 777

So here's a new one (at least to me)...

Just booked/purchased a flight next month - MCI-DFW-LHR. DFW-LHR was instantaneously confirmable per AA.com and EF... and so when I called in to apply the SWU, all went well and the agent collected payment and applied the SWU. In making small talk I said something to the effect of "I know the first segment will waitlist, and thats fine - and assume the second segment over the water will clear now?"

The agent said "yes, the DFW-LHR is confirmed - and I'll add you to the waitlist for a complimentary upgrade MCI-DFW"... I remarked "Complimentary? I assume it just waitlists with the SWU I used on the second segment, no?"

The agent then went on to tell me that if she added the first segment as a waitlist using my SWU - it would pull ANOTHER SWU from my wallet...
I confirmed with her that SWU's are good for up to three segments each on a single PNR and she stated "yes, but not once one segment clears, then the waitlist will take another SWU if additional segments clear"

Sure as the world 20 mins later looking at my record on AA.com - the bottom states that the second segment has cleared with a SWU and the first is "requested" using "complimentary."

Oh brilliant minds of FT... did I just get pushed down the clearance chart for an upgrade? Is this even correct? I was half tempted to HUCB, but felt I needed to secure the TATL upgrade before it vanished.

Advice anyone?! TIA!

This is nonsense. Call back.

The only case where you don't request it on the shorthaul flight is if you are waitlisting for the longhaul. That way, if the SH leg clears and the LH doesn't, you don't burn a SWU. In your case, since the LH has cleared and is used, you absolutely can and should request it on the SH leg.

With miles.

Pay Base Fare; then Co-Pay+Miles. Trying to see which base fare to purchase.

First time trying the upgrade game. I will be able to get to Gold Status in Oct. Family of 3 flying SFO-HND 12/14/23-1/5/24. Bought PE and using miles + copays to try for the Polaris class seats. This is done for the outbound flight only as for inbound flight, we have decided to stay with ANA's PE.
What is the chance? I know there are so many elites based in SFO so I suspect the chance must be very low?

Pretty sure this is for the UA forum?

AA doesn't have polaris and isn't an ANA partner

Sorry wrong forum! I did not realize that!

update. LAX-LAS cleared at T-100. HNL-LAX just cleared T-26. There was C6 in U&A in EF. And 8 seats open. EF showed C7 in U&A @ T-36. Prior to that it was C0.