Are there any ways to get American Airlines systemwide upgrades, apart from having Executive Platinum status?

I used to have American Airlines Executive Platinum status, which entitles one to eight systemwide upgrades each year. These are extremely valuable and were easily the best benefit (essentially they are "free" long-haul upgrades, subject to availability and some taxes). However, unfortunately this year, I've been downgraded to Platinum status.

Are there any other lesser-known ways to obtain Systemwide Upgrades, or an equivalent? I am aware I can upgrade long-haul tickets using miles, but that costs real money also, unless you are flying on an expensive full-price ticket.

Best Answer

Are there any other lesser-known ways to obtain Systemwide Upgrades, or an equivalent? I am aware I can upgrade long-haul tickets using miles, but that costs real money also, unless you are flying on an expensive full-price ticket.

The short answer is that the alternative ways of obtaining SWUs will also cost you real money and usually also time and effort (e.g., flying more). So, your best bet is to upgrade using miles plus the cash copay, or try to find discount business class tickets.

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How do I get systemwide upgrades?

You can search systemwide upgrade availability directly on aa.com. Just search the flight you want, and if there's any confirmable upgrade space you'll see \u201cSystemwide upgrades\u201d written at the bottom left of the flight details.

How often does Executive Platinum get upgraded?

Upgrades on AmericanOn AmericanAAdvantage Executive Platinum\xaeAAdvantage Platinum Pro\xaeComplimentary upgrades on award ticketsavailableNot availableUpgrade one companion traveling with you on the same flight with 500-mile upgrades*availableavailableUpgrades confirmed before departure (as early as)100 hours72 hours1 more row

How can I get a free upgrade on American Airlines?

Request an upgrade

When booking your flight on aa.com, look for the Systemwide upgrades link to find flights with upgrade seats available.

Call your AAdvantage\xae status service desk to confirm your upgrade.

Do American systemwide upgrades expire?

Do AA systemwide upgrades expire? Systemwide upgrades on American Airlines do expire, traditionally 1 year after the date they're issued. However, you are able to use an upgrade for a flight after this date, so long as you can confirm the upgrade before the certificate expires.

American Airlines Systemwide Upgrades | Points PhD | The Points Guy

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