How to get free fisrt class upgrade on AA

How do I request an upgrade? How can I improve my chances of getting confirmed?


free upgrades from Economy Class to the first class seats (sometimes referred to as 500-mile upgrades), are available to you on ALL purchased, published fares for domestic flights and between North America and Central America on American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection flights*.

Step 1: Make your request. Request your upgrade when you book your trip, whether you use AA.com, a travel agent or the American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum® Service Desk.

Here's a Tip
The earlier you request your upgrade, the better. AAdvantage Executive Platinum members are given priority over all other members. Within each elite level, Full-Fare Economy Class tickets booked in Y or B are confirmed first, then all other fares, in the order in which the upgrade request was received.

Step 2: Wait for confirmation. We will begin processing AAdvantage Executive Platinum requests 100 hours before departure if upgrade seating is available on your requested flight. Once your upgrade is confirmed, we will notify you via email or voicemail.

Please Note
While you are waiting for your upgrade to be confirmed, you may notice that First or Business Class seats are available. That is because, we hold some First or Business Class seats for sale on the day of departure. Be assured, though, that as an
AAdvantage Executive Platinum member, you will be at the top of the list for upgrade requests.

Step 3: Standby at the airport. If your upgrade has not been confirmed by the time you check-in for your flight, you will be given the option to be added to the airport upgrade standby list. This will occur regardless of how you check-in, whether on AA.com, via your mobile device, or at the airport, using the Self-Service Check-In machine or with an agent. This option is not available via Curbside Check-In.

Here's a Tip
The date and time of your original upgrade request will also determine your position on the airport upgrade standby list. Of course, your AAdvantage Executive Platinum status puts you ahead of everyone else, but elite status being equal, your original request date and time will determine your priority.

Step 4: Go to the gate. The gate agents will process your upgrade requests within 30 minutes of departure. Watch the monitors or listen for your name to be called.

Step 5: Enjoy! Stretch out, relax or work — the extra space and comfort is yours to enjoy.

Traveling with a companion? Just follow the same steps defined above to upgrade your companion. If your companion is traveling on a fare booked in Y or B (excluding military/government fares), their upgrade will also be complimentary. For all other fares, one upgrade unit will be deducted from your account for every 500 miles flown.

How do I check my balance?

To check your 500-mile upgrade balance, login to AA.com and go to www.aa.com/MyAccount. Then select the "View My Upgrades" tab.

How can I get more?

AAdvantage Executive Platinum members get free and unlimited domestic first class upgrade. However, should you need to upgrade a companion, who is not traveling on a fare booked in Y or B (excluding military/government fares), you can purchase additional 500-mile upgrades in advance at a discounted price, through either AA.com or during check-in at the Self-Service Check-In machine. Regular pricing applies if purchased through an American Airlines representative.