American Airlines is widely known for offering a premium flying experience to passengers. It offers a range of services to make your journey a bit special and memorable. So, if you have made an American Airlines booking and are looking for how to upgrade seats on american airlines?, simply follow some steps to get this advantage.
The seat upgrade process depends on your eligibility, fare type, and membership status. Elite members can enjoy complimentary seat upgrades on American Airlines flights, while others may have to spend some dollars to enjoy this service. Wish to know more? Here’s everything about the AA seat upgrade process, terms and conditions, and the associated fee. Let’s have a look.
The Different Ways to Upgrade Seats on American Airlines Flights
You must be thinking about how to upgrade seats on American Airlines. Don’t look further, as we’ve compiled the detailed step-by-step instructions to help readers. Passengers can request upgrades in several ways, based on their convenience. Here’s how to do so.
Purchase Seat Upgrades
Are you ready to spend dollars to upgrade your experience on American Airlines? Wait no more and purchase your seat upgrades either online or offline, as per your convenience. Here’s how.
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Online Method
- Go to American Airlines’ official site.
- Further, click on the Manage Booking tab and retrieve your trip details using your Booking Confirmation Code and Last Name.
- Select your American Airlines flight for which you want an upgrade.
- Click the “Upgrade” option and browse the seat map to check the availability.
- Select the desired seat and proceed to make a payment.
- You can also use miles to get an upgrade.
- Once done, you’ll get an email confirmation about a seat upgrade.
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Offline Method
- Passengers can contact the customer support number to upgrade their seats on AA flights.
- Connect with the IVR menu and select your preferred language.
- Choose the right prompt to speak to the live representative.
- Once connected, share your account details and booking information.
- The travel expert will then find your seat upgrade eligibility and assist you throughout the process.
- To confirm your upgrade, complete the payment instantly.
- The airline will then send you a confirmation email regarding the seat upgrade.
Use Systemwide Upgrade
AAdvantage and Million Miler members with a specific status level are eligible for systemwide upgrades. You can request the systemwide upgrade in the following ways.
- At the time of flight bookings, check the systemwide upgrade link to find cabins with upgrades.
- By logging in to your account at the official website or the American app and check if the systemwide upgrade option is available on your account.
- You can also request or waitlist for systemwide upgrades on the official website or the American app.
Enjoy complimentary upgrades
AAdvantage members may receive complementary upgrades if seats are available on eligible flights. The airline automatically requests the upgrade for eligible passengers. You can get complimentary upgrades for the following.
- For travel within North America
- For up to one companion on the same flight
- On an eligible American Airlines-operated and marketed flight
Can You Use American Airlines Miles for Seat Upgrades?
Sure, you can. Passengers can easily upgrade their seats with miles and enjoy a comfortable journey without spending a fortune. Upgrades can offer additional legroom, faster boarding, and an added baggage allowance. Here’s how to do so.
- Visit the official website or open the American Airlines app.
- Log into your account.
- Go to the Manage Trips section and find your booking info.
- Select the Seat Upgrade option.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
- Pay with miles and get a confirmation email.
How to Request a Seat Upgrade on an American Airlines Flight?
Now that you are aware of different ways to upgrade your seats, let’s outline the step-by-step guide to request a seat upgrade. Be mindful that if an upgrade isn’t available, the airline will automatically waitlist your request. Here’s how to request a seat upgrade on American Airlines flights.
- Check upgrade availability
First of all, you must log into your AAdvantage account and see if seat upgrades, whether systemwide or others, are available on your flight.
- Request an upgrade
If upgrades are available, you can request an upgrade to improve your travel experience.
- Confirm upgrades
The airline will then check your eligibility and provide a seat upgrade. Once your upgrade is confirmed, the airline will deduct miles or upgrade balance from your account.
- Standby/ Waitlist
If your upgrade is not confirmed by check-in, you’ll be added to the standby list. Make sure you have requested an upgrade at least 48 hours before departure.
Understand American Airlines Seat Upgrade Policy & Fee
Before you upgrade seats on American Airlines flights, it’s advised to understand the key terms and conditions first to avoid any last-minute surprises. Here’s everything you might be looking for.
- Seat upgrades are subject to the availability of seats at the time of upgrade and are not applicable on all flights.
- Elite members can request the complimentary upgrade, and other travelers mut pay the fare difference between their new and existing seats.
- In case your upgrade hasn’t been confirmed then the airline will automatically add you to the Airport upgrade standby list.
- Passengers must pay the carrier fee to upgrade American Airlines seats from Basic Economy to Business Class, dispensing on the route.
- Complimentary upgrades are valid for travel within North America on eligible American Airlines-operated flights.
- The airline may take some time, ranging from 24 to 100 hours, to confirm your complimentary upgrade. The time depends on your AAdvantage status.
- Upgrade requests on American Airlines will be prioritized as follows.
- AAdvantage Status Tier
- Type of upgrade
- Loyalty points earned in the last 12 months
How Much Does an American Airlines Seat Upgrade Cost?
Wondering, how much a seat upgrade fee on American Airlines flights? Well, the exact price depends on the cabin or seat you are choosing and the flight route. For example, passengers traveling on AA Business Class from Mexico to Hawaii can expect to pay 15,000 miles or $75.
Similarly, those traveling from North America to Brazil, Chile, or Paraguay may have to spend around 25,000 miles or $550. You’ll find the exact seat upgrade price when you initiate the process.
Can I Upgrade on AA from Basic Economy?
Flying with Basic Economy tickets and looking for an upgrade? Well, it’s only possible if you are an AAdvantage member. Basic Economy travelers with an AAdvantage status can request an upgrade for themselves and for one of their companions traveling in the same flight.
However, be sure that passengers must have booked American Airlines flight at least 24 hours before the departure to request such an upgrade.
Summing Up
American Airlines allows seat upgrades to all eligible passengers flying on American Airlines or its partner flights. Passengers can either opt for a systemwide upgrade or request a complimentary upgrade depending on their membership status. Those who are not eligible for a complimentary upgrade must pay the fare difference either in dollars or miles to confirm the process. Do you want to know more? Connect with our travel experts now to fix your queries.
