• 31 Jul, 2024
  • Travel tips

How can I upgrade to first class on American Airlines?

When it comes to traveling with this American-based airline, you will have a good flying experience, but if you think of taking your flying experience to the next level, then you will be required to upgrade your ticket. If you are wondering how one can upgrade to first class on American Airlines, then you have reached the right page where you will find the best ways to upgrade. American Airlines normally offers online and online approaches, which are explained below.

Online Method: In the online method, you go to your Booking Management page, where you have to follow the upgrade process steps online in order to complete it. Here, it can be done via reaching and logging into American Airlines' official website or its mobile app. Here, you will get online confirmation about your fare upgrade through email.

Offline Method: When you are unable to process your upgrade online, you have alternate options. These are either making a phone call directly to the American Airlines customer service agent or going to the airport service counter and asking the agent for assistance. Here, if you are looking to make a call, you can try dialing 1 800 433 7300, and then you will soon be talking with the agent. 

Apart from that, there are a few upgrade types that can be availed at American Airlines easily, and you must be aware of it. 

  • Complimentary upgrades: These are free upgrades given to selected travelers.
  • Paid Upgrades: You are allowed to pay for the upgrade by bidding for that.  
  • Elite Status Upgrades: Only for AAdvantage Loyalty members.
  • Upgrades with Miles: Good for non-elite travelers to experience luxury. 

Can I pay for an upgrade on American Airlines?

Of course, you can pay for an upgrade on American Airlines easily through various options. One can use their Bank Credit and Debit Card to pay for the upgrade. They can also use their miles points to complete the upgrade purchase. Normally, when you pay using miles, you may be charged 15k miles plus $75 in case of upgrading from a discount economy or premium economy. You will be charged 5000 miles when upgrading from full-fare economy or premium economy, which will be 15,000 miles plus $175, and from full-fare business, it will be around 15 miles only.

How to get first class on American Airlines?

To get the first class on American Airlines, there are normally two ways: either make the bookings into the first class cabin or simply upgrade to first class. The booking into the first class may cost you expensive so the upgrade to first class may be the cheaper option because here you can have chances to be upgraded to first class. The best option will be using your miles plus cash. And here's how it will be done.

  • You can reach the official website by browsing aa.com. 
  • Go to the manga by booking portal and by jumping to the My Trip tab.
  • Using the credentials, retrieve your flight details and then select it.
  • You will find the class upgrade option, use it, and then kindly select your seat in the first-class cabin using the seat map option.
  • Once selected, save your choice, and you'll find a fare difference. 
  • Review and pay the applicable fees using both miles plus cash, and once the process finishes, your ticket will be upgraded. 

Do airlines ever upgrade you for free?

Yes, when you are traveling with American Airlines and want to be upgraded for free, then it would be good news for all American Airlines passengers that they are allowed to have a complimentary upgrade. There are certain criteria that you must need to meet, and thus, you will be upgraded for free. Kindly contact American Airlines to ask about the process and criteria for getting a complimentary upgrade. The free upgrade is assigned to travelers based on their tier or membership level. 

How much does first class cost?

Since American Airlines is not a low-cost carrier hence you may not find the cost to upgrade cheap. Normally, when you go to upgrade your fare in American Airlines, then, it will cost you a fee that varies on your traveling route and destinations. Typically the cost for upgrading fare from economy to higher class will be in the range from $75 to up to $550 plus the applicable AAdvantage points.