How to Upgrade to Business Class on American Airlines?

Upgrading to business class on American Airlines can be an exciting way to elevate your travel experience. From using miles to utilizing your AAdvantage membership perks, the process can be simple if you know how to approach it, it is all explained on this page by WingsTravo.

Can you Upgrade Seats on American after purchase?

Yes, you can upgrade your seat on American Airlines after making your initial purchase. If you're an elite member with AAdvantage status, you have the potential to receive a complimentary upgrade to business or first class, depending on seat availability. This upgrade is automatically applied when space opens up in those cabins.

For non-elite passengers, upgrading is still possible, but it requires redeeming AAdvantage miles. To upgrade, your flight must be marketed and operated by American Airlines or American Eagle. You can use your miles to move up to the next class of service, with the option to combine miles and cash for the upgrade, especially on discounted tickets. For example, upgrading a discounted economy ticket on a domestic flight might require 15,000 miles and $75. However, if you booked a full-fare economy ticket, only 5,000 miles are needed for the upgrade, without any additional cash payment.

While elite status offers more automatic opportunities, non-elite members still have ways to secure an upgrade using miles, offering a great alternative to paying for a higher class ticket outright. You can reach out to American Airlines at +1-800-433-7300 or +1-888-413-6950 for more details.

How to Request an Upgrade on American Airlines?

• If you have AAdvantage elite status, you’re automatically in line for complimentary upgrades when available. For non-elite passengers, you’ll need to use AAdvantage miles to request an upgrade, or combine miles with cash, depending on your fare class.
• Head to the American Airlines website or app and sign into your AAdvantage account. You’ll need to have an account to request upgrades using miles or check upgrade eligibility for elite members.
• Find your booking and see if an upgrade is available. For non-elite members, check if you can use miles for an upgrade. If you're booking a new ticket, consider purchasing a higher fare class that’s eligible for fewer miles and lower upgrade costs.
• If upgrades are available, choose how you want to use your miles. For example, a discounted economy ticket may require more miles and some cash to upgrade, while full-fare tickets might only need a smaller number of miles.
• Once you’ve reviewed the terms and are satisfied, submit your upgrade request. American Airlines will process it based on availability and your status.
• Keep an eye on your booking to see if your upgrade is confirmed. If you're an elite member, it could happen automatically. For others, it might take a little while, so checking closer to your departure can help. Call AA customer service at +1-800-433-7300 or +1-888-413-6950 to get the upgrade done.

How much does it Cost to Upgrade to Business Class on American Airlines?

The cost to upgrade to business class on American Airlines varies depending on your ticket and the availability of upgrades. For non-elite members, the typical route is using AAdvantage miles to request an upgrade. The number of miles needed can change based on the fare class purchased and the destination. For instance, upgrading from a discounted economy ticket on a domestic flight might require 15,000 miles and an additional $75. On the other hand, if you’ve purchased a full-fare economy ticket, the upgrade may only require 5,000 miles, with no extra charge.

If you're lucky enough to hold elite status with American Airlines, you can enjoy complimentary upgrades if space is available, making your journey even more comfortable. However, for those without status, using miles is the primary option for securing that upgrade. You can even consider to book American Airlines business class before that.

Upgrading to business class with American Airlines at +1-800-433-7300 or +1-888-413-6950 offers a more luxurious flying experience, with options tailored to both loyal customers and newcomers. For those without elite status, the ability to use miles for upgrades ensures that a premium seat is still within reach. Taking advantage of your AAdvantage membership or purchasing an upgrade with miles and cash can make all the difference in your travel comfort.