If there is upgrade inventory available, upgrades will generally1 be processed automatically as follows:
FIRST by Elite Status
- Concierge Key
- Executive Platinum
- Platinum Pro
- Platinum
- Gold
THEN by Upgrade Type
- MPG (Miles & co-pay) & SWU (System Wide Upgrade) (both are equal priority)
- Complimentary domestic upgrades on purchased tickets
- Complimentary domestic upgrades on eligible awards
THEN by Earned Loyalty Points (rolling 12-month period)2
THEN by Booking Class
THEN by Time of Request
If the upgrade does not clear 24 hours before departure, the list will then go to airport control — meaning that only agents at the departure airport can process/clear upgrades.
Example Flight
| Passenger | Elite Status | Upgrade Type | Loyalty Points2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| George | Executive Platinum | Complimentary domestic upgrade | 81,620 |
| Marion | Platinum | Complimentary domestic upgrade | 42,786 |
| Claudia | Executive Platinum | System Wide Upgrade | 10,472 |
| Stephen | Gold | Complimentary domestic upgrade | 7,350 |
| William | Platinum | Complimentary domestic upgrade | 53,081 |
| Michelle | Gold | System Wide Upgrade | 2,108 |
Upgrade List
Based on the example list above, the upgrade list at the airport would look be:
| Position | Passenger |
|---|---|
| 1 | Claudia |
| 2 | George |
| 3 | William |
| 4 | Marion |
| 5 | Michelle |
| 6 | Stephen |
This list only uses the first three categories for upgrade priority as it’s extremely rare to break ties further.
1 There are situations where other passengers will appear higher on the list. For example, a passenger that had purchased first but was involuntarily rebooked will be higher.
2 As of March 1, 2022, rolling 12 month total of Loyalty Points is used. Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) have been converted to Loyalty Points.
See “What order are upgrades confirmed?” section on https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/miles/redeem/award-travel/complimentary-upgrades.jsp
See also: How can my companion inherit my status for upgrades?
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