If you’re a frequent flyer of American Airlines, you might be wondering if you can use Avios to upgrade your seating class. The good news is that American Airlines and British Airways have a partnership that allows you to use Avios to upgrade your flight.
Avios is the currency used by British Airways and its partners, including American Airlines. By redeeming your Avios points, you can experience the luxury of business or first class without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of using Avios to upgrade your American Airlines flight and guide you through the process.
Contents
- Can I Use Avios to Upgrade on American Airlines?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Avios?
- How do I check if I am eligible to use Avios to upgrade on American Airlines?
- How many Avios do I need to upgrade on American Airlines?
- Can I use Avios to upgrade on American Airlines if I booked through a travel agent?
- What are the benefits of using Avios to upgrade on American Airlines?
- [June Update] How to use Avios to fly on American
- How To Print A Boarding Pass For United Airlines?
- Are American Airline Tickets Cheaper At The Airport?
- How To Sign Up For American Airlines Frequent Flyer?
Can I Use Avios to Upgrade on American Airlines?
American Airlines is a popular airline that offers a range of travel classes, including economy, premium economy, business, and first class. If you are a frequent flyer on American Airlines, you may be wondering if you can use Avios to upgrade your travel class. In this article, we will explore if it is possible to use Avios to upgrade on American Airlines and how you can do it.
What are Avios?
Avios are a type of reward points that you can earn and redeem with British Airways and its partner airlines, including American Airlines. You can earn Avios by flying with British Airways or its partners, using a co-branded credit card, or shopping with Avios partners.
Can I Use Avios to Upgrade on American Airlines?
Yes, you can use Avios to upgrade your travel class on American Airlines. However, there are certain restrictions and rules that you need to follow.
First, you need to have a booking in eligible fare classes, which are usually higher-priced tickets. You can check if your fare class is eligible for upgrades on the American Airlines website or by contacting their customer service.
Second, you need to have enough Avios to cover the upgrade cost. The number of Avios you need depends on the distance of your flight and the travel class you want to upgrade to. You can use the Avios calculator on the British Airways website to determine the required Avios for your upgrade.
Third, you need to book your upgrade at least 24 hours before your flight departure. You can do this online through the British Airways website or by contacting their customer service.
How to Use Avios to Upgrade on American Airlines?
To use Avios to upgrade on American Airlines, follow these steps:
1. Check if your fare class is eligible for upgrades on the American Airlines website or by contacting their customer service.
2. Determine the required Avios for your upgrade using the Avios calculator on the British Airways website.
3. Log in to your British Airways Executive Club account and select the “Book with Avios” option.
4. Enter your flight details and select the travel class you want to upgrade to.
5. Confirm your upgrade and pay with your Avios.
6. Receive your new ticket and enjoy your upgraded travel class.
Benefits of Upgrading with Avios on American Airlines
Using Avios to upgrade your travel class on American Airlines has several benefits, including:
1. Saving money: Upgrading with Avios is usually cheaper than buying a ticket in a higher travel class.
2. Enhancing your travel experience: Upgrading to a higher travel class can provide you with more comfort, space, and amenities.
3. Earning more miles: When you upgrade with Avios, you will earn miles based on your new travel class.
Avios Upgrade vs. Cash Upgrade
When it comes to upgrading your travel class on American Airlines, you have two options: Avios upgrade or cash upgrade. Here are the key differences between them:
Avios Upgrade:
– Requires enough Avios to cover the upgrade cost.
– Can only be used on eligible fare classes.
– Usually cheaper than cash upgrade.
– Earns miles based on the new travel class.
Cash Upgrade:
– Requires paying the difference between your original fare and the upgraded fare.
– Can be used on any fare class.
– Usually more expensive than Avios upgrade.
– Earns miles based on the original fare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are a frequent flyer on American Airlines and have enough Avios, you can use them to upgrade your travel class and enjoy a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience. However, make sure to check if your fare class is eligible for upgrades and book your upgrade at least 24 hours before your flight departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people ask about using Avios to upgrade on American Airlines:
What is Avios?
Avios is a travel rewards currency that can be used to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. It is the loyalty program of British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus. You can earn Avios by flying with these airlines or their partners, or by using an Avios credit card or shopping portal.
Avios can be redeemed for travel rewards, such as free flights or upgrades, or for non-travel rewards, such as merchandise or experiences. The number of Avios required for a reward varies depending on the airline, route, date, and class of service.
How do I check if I am eligible to use Avios to upgrade on American Airlines?
To use Avios to upgrade on American Airlines, you must have a qualifying ticket, be a member of the British Airways Executive Club or Iberia Plus program, and have enough Avios in your account to cover the upgrade. You can check your eligibility by logging into your account on the British Airways or Iberia website and searching for your flight itinerary.
You can also check the upgrade options and Avios pricing on the American Airlines website or by calling their reservations center. Keep in mind that upgrades are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or routes.
How many Avios do I need to upgrade on American Airlines?
The number of Avios required to upgrade on American Airlines depends on the route, fare class, and cabin you are upgrading to. In general, upgrades from economy to premium economy or business class require more Avios than upgrades from premium economy to business class or from business class to first class.
You can use the Avios calculator on the British Airways or Iberia website to estimate how many Avios you will need for your upgrade. Alternatively, you can check the upgrade options and Avios pricing on the American Airlines website or by calling their reservations center.
Can I use Avios to upgrade on American Airlines if I booked through a travel agent?
If you booked your American Airlines flight through a travel agent, you may still be able to use Avios to upgrade, depending on the fare class and ticket type. However, you will need to contact the travel agent or American Airlines directly to inquire about upgrade options and Avios pricing.
Keep in mind that upgrades are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or routes. Also, if you use Avios to upgrade, you may not earn as many frequent flyer miles as you would if you had paid for the higher fare class.
What are the benefits of using Avios to upgrade on American Airlines?
The main benefits of using Avios to upgrade on American Airlines are that you can enjoy a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience, while saving money on the cost of a premium ticket. Upgrades can include more legroom, better meals and drinks, priority boarding and baggage handling, and access to premium lounges.
In addition, using Avios to upgrade can be a good way to use up your Avios balance if you don’t have enough for a free flight or other reward. However, keep in mind that upgrades are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or routes.
[June Update] How to use Avios to fly on American
In conclusion, while American Airlines and British Airways are both part of the same oneworld alliance, the ability to use Avios to upgrade on American Airlines flights is somewhat limited. However, it is still possible to use Avios to upgrade on select international flights operated by American Airlines.
If you are looking to maximize the value of your Avios points, it may be worth considering other redemption options such as award flights or hotel stays. However, if upgrading on American Airlines is a priority for you, it is important to check the availability and cost of upgrades using Avios well in advance of your travel date.
Overall, while using Avios to upgrade on American Airlines may not be the most straightforward process, it is still worth exploring if you are a frequent traveler looking to make the most of your loyalty points.