Why doesnt AA allow upgrades on award flights?
#31
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA LT Gold
Posts: 3,637
I don't understand this question.
The question was: cash upgrades are not being offered for aaward travel, why?
My edited answer: It is definitively because of EITER an IT issue or AA does not want to (or a combo of both).
Why I think it might be an IT issue? Because AA has a lot of IT issues and it would not surprise me this one is one more.
Example: not being able to request an SWU upgrade online/app with no human interaction.
The question was: cash upgrades are not being offered for aaward travel, why?
My edited answer: It is definitively because of EITER an IT issue or AA does not want to (or a combo of both).
Why I think it might be an IT issue? Because AA has a lot of IT issues and it would not surprise me this one is one more.
Example: not being able to request an SWU upgrade online/app with no human interaction.
#33
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,686
Hopefully o can clarify although i am going off of memory so take it all with a grain of salt
The award system could handle cash upgrades think taxes or carrier imposed charges that have to be paid IT could handle a a charge for an upgrade. The only small issue is that the RBC used would prob be J so there need a way to differentiate a web special from the upgrade and/or going from T to U.
it is, like u mentioned, a strategy decision. AA wants PAX to buy up with miles especially now that the difference between Y and F has become so great. Secondly, upgrading on an award ticket wa specifically targeted at EPs as they continue to try and differentiate EP from PP.
The award system could handle cash upgrades think taxes or carrier imposed charges that have to be paid IT could handle a a charge for an upgrade. The only small issue is that the RBC used would prob be J so there need a way to differentiate a web special from the upgrade and/or going from T to U.
it is, like u mentioned, a strategy decision. AA wants PAX to buy up with miles especially now that the difference between Y and F has become so great. Secondly, upgrading on an award ticket wa specifically targeted at EPs as they continue to try and differentiate EP from PP.
I don't understand this question.
The question was: cash upgrades are not being offered for aaward travel, why?
My edited answer: It is definitively because of EITER an IT issue or AA does not want to (or a combo of both).
Why I think it might be an IT issue? Because AA has a lot of IT issues and it would not surprise me this one is one more.
Example: not being able to request an SWU upgrade online/app with no human interaction.
The question was: cash upgrades are not being offered for aaward travel, why?
My edited answer: It is definitively because of EITER an IT issue or AA does not want to (or a combo of both).
Why I think it might be an IT issue? Because AA has a lot of IT issues and it would not surprise me this one is one more.
Example: not being able to request an SWU upgrade online/app with no human interaction.
#34
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,300
That's not accurate. AA's purchased upgrades are priced based on a flat fee differential to F, which may or may not be discounted. They are not dependent on your ticket price.
#35
Join Date: Oct 2019
Programs: Flying Blue, Hilton Honors, Amtrak Guest Rewards
Posts: 2,345
DL yes, at least for awards booked with SkyPesos (and possibly other SkyTeam programs assuming one is an elite/elite+ in that other program).