Are you looking forward to upgrading your seat on an AA flight? Look up to the American Airlines Seat Upgrade approach that allows you to switch to a higher cabin with more comfortable seats. Moreover, you get incredible benefits with this upgrade that enhance your trip experience. Enjoy world-class entertainment, meals, drinks, and Internet connectivity throughout your flight. However, you can jump straight away to much higher travel classes than your existing one. You can upgrade your seats from one travel class to the next one only. So, if you want to upgrade your seat while traveling with AA, go through the account below. Here, you will get information about the methods to get upgrades, the seat upgrade cost, and more.
Does American Airlines Allow Seat Upgrade after Booking?
Yes, when traveling with American Airlines, you can upgrade your seat after the ticket purchase. It is applicable to a maximum of three flight segments that operate in the same direction. So, when you are purchasing your flight tickets with AA or checking in, request the airline’s customer service representative for an upgrade.
How Can I Upgrade Seats on American Airlines?
If you want to upgrade your American Airlines seat, resort to the following methods –
Upgrade with miles
- This is the only way that offers benefits to non-elite members. If you are one of these members, redeem AAdvantage miles.
- Bookings made with cash (not award tickets) might qualify for upgrade with AAdvantage miles. Your fare class decides if you will pay in miles and cash both for the upgrade.
Use Systemwide upgrades (SWUs)
- You get 2 SWUs. Other rewards that this level gives you include bonus miles, Admirals Club access, or a trip credit.
- As Loyalty Points Rewards are now revamped, several levels from 250,000 to 5,000,000 have SWUs as a reward option.
With Complimentary upgrades
Elite members of AAdvantage program are eligible for complimentary upgrades on all flights within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You can have one companion traveling on the same flight with these upgrades.
Upgrades through Business Extra
- AA has a program for small businesses – Business Extra. The American Airlines program offers upgrade certificates as an award option for preferred seats.
- Small scale entrepreneurs and their travelers can avail of this. Check if your company can join the American Airlines Business Extra website.
Upgrade with British Airways Avios
- Use Avios to upgrade your booking made with cash to the next class.
- You can get an upgrade only to the immediate next travel class. Direct upgrade to business class from basic economy is not possible.
- You get upgrade confirmation according to the seat availability.
What is American Airlines Seat Upgrade Cost?
As you go for seat upgrades, you have to shell out an amount. So, let’s take a look at how much does American Airlines charge when you upgrade a seat. So, to know American Airlines seat upgrade cost, scroll down.
| Flights To / From | Flights To / From | Discount Economy / Premium Economy | Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy | Discount Business | Full-Fare Business |
| Contiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada | Contiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada | 15,000 plus $75 | 5,000 | 15,000 plus $175 | 15,000 |
| Contiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean | Contiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean | 8,000 |
NA |
||
| Hawaii | 15,000 plus $175 | ||||
|
North America |
Central America | 15,000 plus $75 | |||
| Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname | 15,000 plus $150 | ||||
| Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, China, Indian Subcontinent, Australia, New Zealand | 25,000 plus $350 | 15,000 | 25,000 plus $550 | 25,000 | |
| Europe, Middle East, Africa | |||||
| Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay |
Source: https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/miles/redeem/award-travel/upgrade-with-miles.jsp
Now that you know about the American Airlines charges for a seat upgrade, let’s see how to get an upgrade if you have purchased a ticket in basic economy.
Can I Get an AA Seat Upgrade from Basic Economy?
If you have purchased an American Airlines seat in basic economy and want to upgrade your selection, the airline allows you. Those having an elite status with AA can easily get an upgrade from this cheapest travel class. With your AAdvantage elite status, use your current travel perks on all ticket types that includes even basic economy.
Your benefits include –
- Upgrade privileges
- Same-day flight change
- Elite seat benefits such as Main Cabin Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats access
In Conclusion
You have an American Airlines ticket. However, you are looking forward to getting an upgrade on the seat you have selected. So, count on the methods through which the airline facilitates you with a seat upgrade. With American Airlines Seat Upgrade feature elite members and those having a non-elite status can get upgrades. Thereby, every traveler with American Airlines can have a comfortable journey, thanks to its streamlined seat upgrade approach. So, don’t worry if you don’t have your favorite seat on the flight. AA helps you get seated on the preferred one and assure that you have a pleasurable trip.
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