If I'm AA platinum, does flying AA give me better upgrade chances than JAL?
May 9, 2023, 6:56 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SNA
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 9
If I'm AA platinum, does flying AA give me better upgrade chances than JAL?
I am a Platinum member on American Airlines. I’m going LAX to Tokyo in July. My work will only pay for Economy Class, but I really want to get an upgrade for this trip. I'm thinking that since I'm AA Platinum, I'd have a better chance at an upgrade than if I fly on Oneworld partner Japan Airlines. Is this the case?
I'm especially torn because I know that Japan Airlines has a way better experience in Economy class than American. What should I do?
Book a flight operated by American, with far inferior economy class in the hopes that I’ll get upgraded?
Book a flight operated by Japan Airlines, with far superior economy class but possibly a lesser chance of getting upgraded?
Also, (c) if I do go with JAL, should I book directly with JAL? Or is it fine to book on American’s website with the "operated by Japan Airlines" indication? Does that affect my chances for an upgrade?
Thank you, kind flyers!
- JL
I'm especially torn because I know that Japan Airlines has a way better experience in Economy class than American. What should I do?
Book a flight operated by American, with far inferior economy class in the hopes that I’ll get upgraded?
Book a flight operated by Japan Airlines, with far superior economy class but possibly a lesser chance of getting upgraded?
Also, (c) if I do go with JAL, should I book directly with JAL? Or is it fine to book on American’s website with the "operated by Japan Airlines" indication? Does that affect my chances for an upgrade?
Thank you, kind flyers!
- JL
Last edited by jl555; May 9, 2023 at 6:58 pm Reason: formatting got messed up
May 9, 2023, 7:02 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, WOH Globalist
Posts: 1,160
Are you attempting to use miles+copay for an upgrade? Willing to pay cash if AA gives you an offer to upgrade? Or are you just crossing your fingers and hoping for a free upgrade?
If it's either of the former two options, book AA. If it's the latter, just book JL for the better Y experience. You won't be getting a free upgrade.
If it's either of the former two options, book AA. If it's the latter, just book JL for the better Y experience. You won't be getting a free upgrade.
May 9, 2023, 7:28 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL, NYC
Programs: AA PLT, DL SLV, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH DIA
Posts: 10,060
None of the elite AA statuses publish a free upgrade as a benefit on long haul international trips.
if you have enough points, request a mileage + points upgrade for the AA flight. If you don’t have enough points, you can call to ask about up-faring, or just get a good coach exit row seat and enjoy the lounges.
if you have enough points, request a mileage + points upgrade for the AA flight. If you don’t have enough points, you can call to ask about up-faring, or just get a good coach exit row seat and enjoy the lounges.
May 9, 2023, 7:56 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SNA
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 9
May 9, 2023, 8:04 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SNA
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 9
None of the elite AA statuses publish a free upgrade as a benefit on long haul international trips.
if you have enough points, request a mileage + points upgrade for the AA flight. If you don’t have enough points, you can call to ask about up-faring, or just get a good coach exit row seat and enjoy the lounges.
if you have enough points, request a mileage + points upgrade for the AA flight. If you don’t have enough points, you can call to ask about up-faring, or just get a good coach exit row seat and enjoy the lounges.
May 9, 2023, 8:06 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,442
You can always just buy the economy ticket then watch online or in the app for what kind of buy-up upgrade offers AA has.
May 9, 2023, 9:26 pm
#10
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2023
Posts: 169
I find this mild but frequent post history doxxing to be a bit creepy(not singling you out specifically). I really doubt it's done solely to identify and welcome new members, so what is it you're looking for? Genuinely curious.
Last edited by SkyLich; May 9, 2023 at 9:43 pm
May 9, 2023, 9:42 pm
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2023
Posts: 169
1. Book directly with JL. In my experience, AA has a very hard time dealing with any issues that arise with tickets they issue for JL flights.
2. You may be able to bid in advance for an upgrade.
https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/se...al/bidupgrade/
3. You may be able to purchase an upgrade at the airport, but only to PE (vs bidding which allows you to go for J).
https://www.jal.co.jp/en/info/inter/apopyug.html
On such a long flight, especially with JL, I would be doing whatever I could to upgrade, it'll be well worth it.
2. You may be able to bid in advance for an upgrade.
https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/se...al/bidupgrade/
3. You may be able to purchase an upgrade at the airport, but only to PE (vs bidding which allows you to go for J).
https://www.jal.co.jp/en/info/inter/apopyug.html
On such a long flight, especially with JL, I would be doing whatever I could to upgrade, it'll be well worth it.
May 9, 2023, 10:15 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 341
I can't speak to the person who posted, but perhaps it's some sort of amazement that someone can lurk here for 15 years without posting at all. I'm also at a bit of a loss as to why it's creepy, given that both join date and post count are immediately under the poster's name (though it's never crossed my mind to mention either point).
May 9, 2023, 11:26 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,219
If someone scoured FT for this info, maybe. Number of posts and join date are literally right there presented to you, no effort needed.
May 9, 2023, 11:53 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 765
Another possibility: refuse to go to Japan unless it’s in business class. Especially if your trip will add significant value to your company or not going would cost them a lot. An executive flying 10+ hours to close a 6 figure deal should not be flying coach
May 10, 2023, 4:03 am
#15
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Bonvoy LT Titanium ANA Diamond
Posts: 763
And if they let you go a day before then its really not such a big deal.