The only accurate way for the public to view inventory used for upgrades is through ExpertFlyer.com. This applies to using instruments such as MPG (Miles & Co-pay) or SWU (System Wide Upgrades). This method does not work for codeshares or on partners.
When contacting AA reservations to request the upgrade, ask the agent to only waitlist the international segments to avoid burning an upgrade on a domestic segment. Once the international segment clears, you can contact AA reservations again to extend the upgrade to the domestic segment.
After logging in to Expert Flyer, navigate to Awards & Upgrades.
Award & Upgrade Availability Search
Enter the specific segment that you would like to check availability on. For example, if you are flying STL-LHR through ORD, you will need to check inventory between STL-ORD and ORD-LHR separately.
Enter the Depart Date. Optionally, change Exact Date to +/- 3 days.
Select American Airlines – AA for Airline.
Except for flights with more than one premium cabin, you are looking for Business – Upgrade (Including 2-Cabin Domestic First) (C).
Select Direct/Non-Stop Only for Connection Preference.
Check the Exclude Codeshares field.
Optionally toggle the Results Page to Show tabbed results by date if you wish to see +/- 3 days in a week view.
Award & Upgrade Availability Results
On the result page, the available space will be displayed.
If browsing with multiple days, toggle the Filter Search Results and uncheck Show Flights with No Availability.
Lastly, even if there is space available, upgrades are cleared based on status. See How are upgrades cleared?
Learn more about the available upgrades here.
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You may want to add that this can only be done with the paid, not free, version