How do I upgrade from economy to first-class in America?

Request an upgrade
  1. Log in to aa.com and make sure you have systemwide upgrades available in your AAdvantage® account.
  2. When booking your flight on aa.com, look for the Systemwide upgrades link to find flights with upgrade seats available.
  3. Call your AAdvantage® status service desk to confirm your upgrade.




People Also Ask

In order to apply a systemwide upgrade, seats must be available and you must be flying an eligible fare. Unlike other airlines, AA doesn't restrict cheap fare classes from being upgraded. Even basic economy fares can be upgraded as long as you have AAdvantage elite status.

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Airlines sometimes offer upgrades to passengers who have booked economy-class tickets to ensure these seats are used. Booking flights during off-peak times will not only boost your chances of earning an upgrade, but it will also save you money on your ticket.

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American Airlines upgrades with miles Depending on the fare class, you might have to pay for an upgrade in both miles and cash. For example, if you bought a discount economy ticket on a domestic flight, you'll pay 15,000 miles plus $75 to upgrade to the next class of service.

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If space is available, AAdvantage® status members will automatically receive a complimentary upgrade: From any eligible purchased, published fare in the Main Cabin or Premium Economy to the next class of service (Business or domestic First) For travel within North America.

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Request an upgrade Log in to aa.com and make sure you have systemwide upgrades available in your AAdvantage? account. When booking your flight on aa.com, look for the Systemwide upgrades link to find flights with upgrade seats available. If an upgrade isn't available at the time of booking, we'll waitlist your request.

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Upgrade with AAdvantage miles For domestic flights within the 48 contiguous states, an upgrade from discount economy to premium economy will cost 15,000 AAdvantage miles plus $75. On long international flights, that same discount-to-premium economy upgrade could cost you 25,000 miles plus $350.

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AAdvantage® members AAdvantage® status members can upgrade from Basic Economy fares for themselves plus 1 companion traveling on the same flight, if they bought their ticket at least 24 hours before departure.

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Booking American Airlines first class gets you a lot more than just a nicer seat than economy. Benefits of flying in American Airlines domestic first class include priority airport check-in, priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, a better seat, free drinks, snacks on shorter routes, and meals on longer routes.

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The answer is yes, but it depends. Airlines are always looking to fill empty seats and may offer an upgrade if available. However, it's not a guarantee, and it's best to ask at the check-in counter or gate agent.

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Airlines are always looking to fill empty seats and may offer an upgrade if available. However, it's not a guarantee, and it's best to ask at the check-in counter or gate agent. If you're a frequent flyer or have elite status with the airline, your chances of getting upgraded increase significantly.

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On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

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You can also pay to upgrade your seat to first class, anywhere from $29-$199 one way depending on the distance of your flight.

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Hold AAdvantage, Oneworld or JetBlue elite status No matter what tier of elite status you have, you'll get to board the flight during priority boarding — even if you're flying in economy. Executive Platinum members can board in Group 1, while Platinum Pro (and Oneworld Emerald) members may board in Group 2.

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If luxury and extra legroom is really important to you, book it in advance. However, if you're perfectly willing to fly economy class, and willing to roll the dice, a last-minute upgrade can be the cheapest option. You may even get lucky and score a free upgrade.

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You can buy Main Cabin Extra through Reservations, select travel agencies and airport self-service kiosks. If you have a credit card stored in your AAdvantage® profile, you can also buy on our mobile app.

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Economy Plus and upgrades: Travelers with Basic Economy fares are only eligible to purchase Economy Plus seating at check-in and are not eligible to purchase premium cabin upgrades, use their Economy Plus subscription benefits or purchase United Travel Options packages.

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It depends on a variety of factors, including the airline, the route, the time of year, and the availability of seats. In some cases, upgrading at the airport can be a cost-effective way to experience Business Class perks without paying full price. In other cases, it may end up being more expensive.

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Upgrade Your Air Travel: 10 Tips to Score a First-Class Seat
  1. Join airline loyalty programs.
  2. Volunteer to be bumped.
  3. Use offers from your credit cards.
  4. Book flights during off-peak times.
  5. Check for available upgrades online.
  6. Consider late flight offers.
  7. Arrive early for check-in.
  8. Bid for an upgrade.


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Let's get started on how to secure an upgrade with your favorite airline!
  1. Achieve Airline Elite Status. ...
  2. Receive Instant Upgrades When Purchasing Certain Fare Class Tickets. ...
  3. Upgrade Your Flight With Miles. ...
  4. Buy an Upgrade. ...
  5. Buy Discounted Business and First Class Fares. ...
  6. Upgrade With Miles on Partner Airlines.


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Request an upgrade
  1. Log in to aa.com and make sure you have systemwide upgrades available in your AAdvantage® account.
  2. When booking your flight on aa.com, look for the Systemwide upgrades link to find flights with upgrade seats available.
  3. Call your AAdvantage® status service desk to confirm your upgrade.


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It is possible to ask for an upgrade at the airport gate, even if you have already checked-in online and booked a seat.

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Don't worry, it's not too late! Upgrade your existing reservation to First/Business Class within 24 hours up until the minimum check-in time prior to departure via a guest services agent at the airport. Please note that an upgrade fee will apply. Day of Departure upgrades are offered on a space-available basis.

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