There are various upgrades that are available.
- Complimentary Upgrades (formerly known as 500-mile upgrades)
- Mileage Upgrades
- Mileage Upgrades for Partners
- Award Travel Upgrades
- System Wide Upgrades (SWU)
- Operational Upgrade (Op-up)
Upgrades are not guaranteed
You will be placed on an upgrade list and it will clear once inventory becomes available. Learn more here.
Complimentary Upgrades (formerly known as 500-mile upgrades)
Also known as “stickers,” these upgrades are used for upgrading on domestic routes. Domestic includes “within and between the U.S. (including Hawaii) and between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central America.” This type of upgrade includes 1 companion traveling with the AAdvantage member. It does not have to be requested as it is automatic.
See more: How can my companion inherit my status for upgrades?
Mileage Upgrades
Follow the upgrade chart at aa.com.
When requesting the upgrade, an agent will request a credit card number. Once your upgrade clears, your mileage will be deducted from your AAdvantage account. If applicable, the copay and any taxes will be charged to your card at the time of departure.
Mileage Upgrades cannot be used on any type travel awards, free tickets, military or government fares or infant tickets.
You request mileage upgrades by calling AA reservations.
Mileage Upgrades for Partners
You can use AAdvantage miles to upgrade certain flights on British Airways and Iberia flights. Follow the upgrade charts on AA.com.
Award Travel Upgrades
Effective June 9, 2023, all AAdvantage members (plus companion) are eligible for upgrades on domestic award tickets.
See the “Upgrades on award tickets” section at aa.com.
System Wide Upgrades (SWU)
Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, Concierge Key, and Million Milers can earn System Wide Upgrades to be used on revenue tickets on travel with American Airlines. These can be applied to any person traveling on AA flights. You must call reservations to apply a SWU.
System Wide Upgrades cannot be used on any type travel awards, free tickets, military or government fares or infant tickets.
You request a system wide upgrade by calling AA reservations.
Learn more about System Wide Upgrades at aa.com.
Operational Upgrade (Op-up)
In extremely rare circumstances, such as economy being oversold, AA may provide an operational upgrade. These are complimentary and typically occur within a day of departure or at the gate. A common op-up occurs on transcon flights from business to first.
AAdvantage members with OneWorld Emerald status traveling on a OneWorld partner have also seen operational upgrades.
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