I've always been asked for a serial number when redeeming, so I just presumed it was to prevent you from re-using it when you fail to present it at check-in.

You can't sell your upgrades, and there's a whole thread dedicated to people who try to do something similar. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...arter-etc.html

Interesting.
I have never been asked for a serial number when I called.
They asked just for "Star File" number, though.
My last call was last summer, so it was a while ago. Maybe things have changed since then?
Last three times I didn't even submit the paper certs at the airports which happened last fall and last month.
I don't really know what to do with the (un)used certs...

I believe the serial number requirement is new in 2017. Agent told me specifically that it was to prevent re-use when not collected since many agents were not doing so at the airport.

That makes the most sense. I had it with me but nobody asked for it. If the serial number requirement means that I don't have to stop by the ticket counter for a paper ticket, then I'm all for the change. Yeah it stinks losing out on the occasional double dip BXP1...but it's about time they caught up with this loophole.

It's not a loophole per se. When you book with BXP1, you are instructed to surrender the certificate at check-in or you will lose your seat assignment. Some people thought check-in was at the gate, and completely by-passed the ticketing agent.

I forgot (yes, forgot) to turn in my BXP1 once. They deducted an eVIP instead. Now I make extra sure not to forget. If there was a loophole, it must have missed me :confused:

Ouch.

I got two freebies when the GA either didn't know what to do with my BXP1 or didn't want to deal with it (I presented it, GA looked at it, handed it back as though it was a drugstore receipt for chewing gum). Wasn't EXP at the time so thankfully didn't lose eVIPs. Recently, I haven't had the same glitch where I was formerly able to check in via the app without tendering the cert at check-in. I've been getting the "see an agent" message, and the agent has taken the cert.

I just called to upgrade JFK-SFO-JFK from I to A, and I was asked for the serial numbers. Definitely a deterrent to anyone who would willfully fail to tender the certificates along the way.

I had that happen once as well, but a call to AAdvantage Customer Service got the eVIP reinstated.

Whenever I have used one, I am not able to check in in advance and have to go to the ticketing agent to check in (and turn in the certificate).

I guess I'll be a guinea pig on this later in the year. I'll first try to re-use the same serial number and see what they say. I have 3 or 4 more that are unused but figure it's worth seeing what happens.

Business Extra Anniversary Promotion-650 miles
 

In today's monthly account update:

Welcome 236Dakota,
Business Extra® account number: XXXXXXX

Dear 236 Dakota,

This year is the Business Extra® program’s 20th anniversary, and we want you to help celebrate with 650 bonus points. Just register using code BX20UPG and take one flight within 30 days of registering, that’s it. Register by March 30 and that next flight could earn you points for a one-segment upgrade within and between North America and Hawaii or the Caribbean. It's just our way of saying thank you to our members for 20 years of truly rewarding travel. Register now »

Just added, thanks. And I have a flight in a couple days, perfect timing.

Thanks ^

Here is a direct link. Thanks for the heads up. https://businessextra.com/i18n/conte...ers/20YEAR.jsp