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 a seat upgrade, 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.
What is the American Airlines Seat Upgrade Policy?
Before you upgrade seats on American Airlines flights, it’s advised to check 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 to Make a Seat Upgrade 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 online or offline, based on their convenience. Here’s how to do so.
Online Method
- Go to American Airlines’ official site.
- Log into your account and check for Systemwide Upgrades. You are eligible only if your account shows this option.
- 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.
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.
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 Much Does an American Airlines Seat Upgrade Cost?
Wondering how much a seat upgrade costs 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.
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 at Fareasky now to fix your queries.
