Can I Use Points To Upgrade On American Airlines?

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As a frequent flyer, you may be wondering if you can use your points to upgrade on American Airlines. The good news is that American Airlines offers a variety of options for using your points to upgrade your flight experience!

Whether you have accumulated points through American Airlines’ AAdvantage program or through a partner airline, you can use them to upgrade your seat, purchase a higher fare class, or even upgrade your entire itinerary. In this article, we will explore the different ways you can use your points to upgrade on American Airlines and how to make the most of your rewards.

Can I Use Points to Upgrade on American Airlines?

Can I Use Points to Upgrade on American Airlines?

American Airlines offers a variety of ways for its customers to use their points, including upgrading from a lower class to a higher class. But can you use points to upgrade on American Airlines? The answer is yes! Here’s everything you need to know about using your points for upgrades.

How to Use Points for Upgrades

To use your points for upgrades on American Airlines, you must have an eligible ticket and be a member of the AAdvantage program. You can request an upgrade by logging into your AAdvantage account and selecting the “Request Upgrade” option. Alternatively, you can call American Airlines reservations or visit one of their airport ticket counters to request an upgrade.

There are different types of upgrades available on American Airlines, and the number of points required will depend on the type of upgrade you want. Some upgrades may only be available on certain flights or routes, so it’s important to check the availability and terms before making a request.

Types of Upgrades

American Airlines offers several types of upgrades, including:

  1. Systemwide Upgrades: These upgrades can be used on any American Airlines flight, regardless of the class of service. They can be used to upgrade from economy to business or from business to first class.
  2. Mileage Upgrades: These upgrades can be used to upgrade from economy to business or from business to first class on flights within the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
  3. 500-Mile Upgrades: These upgrades can be used to upgrade from economy to business or from business to first class on flights within the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America that are less than 500 miles in length.

How Many Points Do You Need for Upgrades?

The number of points required for an upgrade will depend on several factors, including the type of upgrade, the route, and the availability. Generally, the number of points required for an upgrade will be higher for longer routes or for higher classes of service.

For example, a systemwide upgrade from economy to business class on a flight from New York to London might require 50,000 points, while a mileage upgrade from economy to business class on a flight from Los Angeles to New York might require 15,000 points.

Benefits of Using Points for Upgrades

Using points for upgrades on American Airlines can provide several benefits, including:

  • Access to higher classes of service with more amenities and comfort
  • Potentially saving money on purchasing a higher class ticket
  • Using points that may expire soon or that you don’t plan to use for other rewards

Using Points for Upgrades vs. Other Rewards

There are many ways to use your points on American Airlines, including for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. However, using your points for upgrades may be a better option if you want to:

  • Maximize your travel experience by upgrading to a higher class of service
  • Save money on purchasing a higher class ticket
  • Use points that may expire soon or that you don’t plan to use for other rewards

Overall, using your points for upgrades on American Airlines can be a great way to enhance your travel experience and get more value from your rewards. Just be sure to check the availability and terms before making a request, and consider the different types of upgrades available to find the best option for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are American Airlines AAdvantage miles?

American Airlines AAdvantage miles are loyalty reward points that can be earned and redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related benefits. Members can earn miles by flying with American Airlines or its partner airlines, or by using American Airlines credit cards or other partner services. These miles can then be used to upgrade a flight or purchase a ticket outright.

How do I check if I have enough miles to upgrade my American Airlines flight?

To check if you have enough miles to upgrade your American Airlines flight, log in to your AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website or mobile app. From there, navigate to the “Redeem Miles” section and select “Upgrade.” You will be able to see the available upgrade options for your flight, as well as the number of miles required for each upgrade.

Can I use American Airlines miles to upgrade a flight booked with a partner airline?

No, American Airlines miles cannot be used to upgrade a flight booked with a partner airline. However, members can still earn miles for flights on partner airlines and use those miles to book flights with American Airlines or its other partners. Additionally, American Airlines offers reciprocal upgrade benefits with some partner airlines for elite members.

Can I use American Airlines miles to upgrade from economy to first class?

Yes, American Airlines miles can be used to upgrade from economy to first class on select flights. The number of miles required for the upgrade will vary based on the specific flight and time of booking. Members can check the American Airlines website or contact customer service for more information on upgrade options and availability.

Are there any other options for upgrading my American Airlines flight besides using miles?

Yes, American Airlines offers several other options for upgrading a flight, including paying for an upgrade at check-in or using a system-wide upgrade certificate. Additionally, elite members of the AAdvantage program may be eligible for complimentary upgrades based on availability and their status level. Members can visit the American Airlines website or contact customer service for more information on upgrade options.

American Airlines Mileage Upgrades | Points PhD | The Points Guy


In conclusion, using your points to upgrade on American Airlines is definitely possible. It’s a great way to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all tickets are eligible for upgrades, so it’s best to check with the airline before making any plans.

Another thing to consider is the number of points required for an upgrade. The amount of points required varies depending on the route, time of year, and other factors. It’s always a good idea to check the airline’s website or talk to a representative to get an idea of how many points you’ll need for your specific upgrade.

Overall, if you have points to spare, using them for an upgrade on American Airlines can be a smart move. Just make sure to do your research, check the eligibility of your ticket, and plan ahead to make the most of your travel experience. Happy travels!

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