Upgrading Basic Economy Ticket with Platinum Status
 

I am Platinum status with AA. I am looking to book an international flight (Basic Economy). I understand that I am eligible for Main Cabin Extra seats and included checked bags, etc. based on my Platinum status. However, I am curious about by my ability to pay (either $$ or Miles) from Main Cabin Extra to First or Business. Is that possible? I'm concerned because I have a Basic Economy domestic flight and on the AA app, it doesn't show the pop-up offers to upgrade.

Do you have to call instead? Is it not possible?

DuckDuckGoing for you, from https://www.aa.com/web/i18n/aadvanta...upgrades.html:

I don't think elite status changes that condition for upgrading with miles.

From what I can find online, I agree. Just curious why the AA app doesn't prompt to upgrade to the next cabin like it does for all of my other non-Basic Economy reservations. I guess I'll have to call them and ask.

I'm EXP and was able to upgrade basic economy international tickets to business with points. Not sure if having platinum status and/or flying nationally makes a difference, though.

Are you talking about the in app offer? They only do this if there’s space, and other conditions their computer logic comes up with. In app offers constantly change and you’re not guaranteed to see one.

Yes. It just seems funny that I have 6 other trips pending that all show an offer and the only one that doesn’t is the Basic Economy trip…

The online/app upgrade offers are not available on BE fares. It's generally not possible to upgrade BE fares, although EXP's can upgrade BE with a SWU or miles/copay. Honestly not sure if this is possible for all elites or if it's just an EXP benefit.

I called AA. They stated that you can use miles to upgrade a BE fare (if available) but not $$.

A non status friend of mine took two trips to Europe in March in BE. He only saw upgrade offers in the app at the time of check in 24 hours prior to departure. It was a PE seat for just under $200.