HUCA & A. I've always been able to give AA more $$ for the same seat without a fee. Even for AA, this makes perfect sense!

It has always worked for me in the past as well, and I have done it several times The agent this morning tried to upfare into G, was blocked by the computer, put me on hold a long time while she tried to clear the upfare and then informed me that there was now a $200 per ticket change fee unless I was upfaring into first class, in which case there would be no change fee.
If there are recent data points to the contrary, I would be very interested in them.

Got the official email that upgrade certs are electronic just now. About time! ^

Are these treated similar to SWUs if it goes to upgrade list at airport? I.e. do these get you ahead of EXP complimentary upgrades domestically on the airport list?

The way I read it (and hope it works) is that you will still need to print the certificates and bring them to the airport. Which I prefer.

Yes. BXP's are at the same level as SWU's on the hierarchy of upgrade instruments.

Just had to call them about something else, so asked about the change to the BXP1s. Took about 20 minutes for the AAgent to get some answers, but she said it will all be electronic. You won't need to present a certificate at the airport, and can check in online, on your phone, or at the kiosk. If a flight is cancelled, she said to hang on to the email confirmation to reuse the certificate. Sounds like some improvements (not having to wait for the mail, OLCI available), but also greater accountability for use of the certificates.:D

Official Email Announcement on Paperless BXP1,2,3 Upgrades
 

Take flight with a paperless upgrade award

Upgrade awards are going paperless
Going forward, when you redeem points for an upgrade award, you'll receive the upgrade certificate via email – allowing you to request an upgrade immediately. No more waiting for paper certificates to arrive in the mail!

Is the process for requesting an upgrade changing?
Nope, American Airlines Meeting Services is still available to assist when you’re ready to apply your upgrade certificate to a ticketed reservation. Simply follow the instructions provided with your electronic upgrade certificate.

Unused Business Extra paper upgrade certificates
Previously issued paper upgrade certificates will remain valid through the expiration date printed on the certificate. If you or your travelers are holding on to expired paper upgrade certificates, it’s time to let them go. We recommend shredding then recycling, but they also make great paper airplanes.

Ready for an upgrade?
You currently have enough points to redeem for an upgrade award*, so take advantage of the new paperless upgrade process and redeem today.

Hi can anyone tell me how long it takes for flights to post to my account. I just joined last month and have not seen my travel post. And yes the BE account # is on the reservation. TIA.

They typically post around the 20th of the following month.

Thanks

a lot of people keep spreadsheets to track missing points. (not me)

Use points for AC membership
 

I am an EXP and am fortunate enough that most upgrades clear for me. I do a bit of international travel for work but try to keep my SWU’s for my own trips as opposed to work trips.

i have 3200 BE points and as I don’t have lounge access, was thinking of redeeming for that.

I know now it’s probably not the best redemption rate but since I have Priority Pass but rarely get to use them because of the locations and terminals, I was thinking mah e an AC membership is a good value.

i mostly travel alone but like that if I were to fly Southwest (w the companion pass) having the true AC membership would still allow me to use their lounge even when not flying AA.

i used to have lounge access with the Prestige and while I don’t think the lounge is anything to write home about, I was thinking it’s an easy way of getting some minor perks.

I don’t want to get an AA card for it and honestly, I’d probably get an Amex for the centurion lounge if I had to. Just curious to see what you thought on the AC redemption? I realize a long flight upgrade would be better, but seem to be going back and forth with what to do.

Thx!

If it was me I'd save those points for domestic BXP1 upgrades or a 1st class domestic (2-cabin) award. If you have more travel coming up and earn another 800 pts that's enough for two economy saver awards. Obviously AA award/upgrade space isn't what it used to be, but with some planning you will get way more value than $450, which is the Exec card's cost.

If your company buys Y fares for your Int'l travel a one-way upgrade is only 1300 pts i think, which would save two of your SWU. I'm not EXP so not sure where these awards fall on the waitlist vs a SWU. But if they have the same weight seems like they might be a decent option for you.