More American Airlines AAdvantage Elite Members Will Be Eligible for Complimentary Upgrades on Award Flights

If you're a frequent flier who is brand loyal, achieving elite status with your favorite airline can be beneficial because it allows you to take advantage of extra perks that improve your flying experience. American Airlines has a new benefit available to all AAdvantage loyalty program elite members. If you're already an elite member or are on your way toward becoming one, you'll want to know about this perk. 

More elite members now qualify for complimentary upgrades 

On June 9, American Airlines made some updates to how complimentary award ticket upgrades work for AAdvantage elite status members. Previously, only select elite status members qualified for a free upgrade when traveling to select destinations on award tickets. 

Now that's no longer the case. All AAdvantage elite status members will be eligible for a complimentary upgrade when traveling to select destinations on an award ticket. A complimentary upgrade can be a win for your checking account and travel experience. 

This benefit applies to American-operated flights within and between the U.S. (including Hawaii), the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central America. Upgrades are valid from the Main cabin to the next class of service. Award tickets issued by partner airlines aren't eligible for complimentary upgrades.

This perk will also apply to elite members flying with a companion. You and your companion will be upgraded if seats are available. If your companion is booked on a different reservation, you can link the reservations by calling American Airlines. 

Keep in mind that all upgrades are based on availability. If a complimentary upgrade is confirmed to be available for your flight, you'll receive an email confirming the upgrade. Now all elite fliers will be eligible for upgrades on cash fare and award ticket flights. Another change worth noting is award travel will no longer be prioritized below paid travel for upgrades.

If you're an elite AAdvantage member, you can feel confident knowing that upgrade opportunities exist when flying with American Airlines, regardless of whether you paid the cash price for your ticket or used your American Airlines miles to book an award flight. 

Elite status can provide value

This is great news, as elite AAdvantage members will get more value from being loyal fliers. If you like to travel and take flights often, you may want to consider working toward achieving elite status. You can track your progress by logging into your AAdvantage member account.

When flying with American Airlines, elite fliers enjoy benefits such as free checked bag perks, priority check-in, priority boarding, and status mileage bonuses. Exact benefits vary depending on your status tier level. Becoming an elite flier is an excellent way to upgrade your travel experience. 

Before booking your next American flight, you may want to add one of the best American Airlines credit cards to your wallet. You can access additional perks and earn miles on your spending so you can get closer to your award flight redemption goals. 

If you're not an American Airlines loyalist, check out our list of the best travel rewards credit cards instead. A travel card with flexible earning and redemption options may be best for you.