Do you dream of stretching out in a lie-flat seat, enjoying elevated dining, or simply having more space to breathe on your next American Airlines flight? Upgrading your experience can transform a standard journey into something truly memorable. And the best part? The American Airlines app makes the process surprisingly simple and convenient.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of requesting an upgrade on the American Airlines app, from understanding your eligibility to confirming your new seat. Let's get started on making your next flight a more comfortable one!
Getting Started: Your American Airlines App & AAdvantage Account
Before we dive into the specifics of requesting an upgrade, there are a few essential things you'll need in place. If you're new to the American Airlines app or haven't explored its full potential, this is your foundational step.
Step 1: Download and Log In to the American Airlines App
First things first – do you have the American Airlines app installed on your smartphone or tablet? If not, head over to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS) and download it. It's a free download and your gateway to managing your entire American Airlines travel experience.
Once downloaded, launch the app.
If you already have an AAdvantage® account: Tap on "Log In" and enter your AAdvantage® number or username and password. This is crucial for upgrade eligibility, as most upgrades are tied to your AAdvantage® status.
If you don't have an AAdvantage® account: You should definitely sign up! Membership is free and unlocks a world of benefits, including eligibility for upgrades. You can sign up directly through the app or on the American Airlines website (aa.com). After signing up, log in with your new credentials.
Why is logging in so important? The app dynamically pulls information from your AAdvantage® account, including your elite status and any available upgrade instruments (like systemwide upgrades or 500-mile upgrades), which directly impact your upgrade options and priority.
Understanding Upgrade Eligibility and Types
Before you even think about tapping that "Upgrade" button, it's vital to understand the different types of upgrades American Airlines offers and what makes you eligible for them. This will help manage your expectations and guide your strategy.
Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with American Airlines Upgrade Options
American Airlines offers several ways to upgrade, each with its own criteria. The app will generally present you with the options you're eligible for, but knowing them beforehand is powerful.
2.1: Complimentary Upgrades (for AAdvantage® Status Members)
This is the holy grail for many frequent flyers! If you hold AAdvantage® elite status (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, or ConciergeKey®), you and a companion (on the same reservation or linked reservations, in most cases) are often eligible for complimentary upgrades on qualifying flights. These upgrades are automatically requested for eligible segments and confirmed based on availability and your status level, typically within a specific window before departure.
Key takeaway: The higher your status, the earlier your upgrade window opens and the higher you are on the priority list.
AAdvantage Gold®: Up to 24 hours before departure
AAdvantage Platinum®: Up to 48 hours before departure
AAdvantage Platinum Pro®: Up to 72 hours before departure
AAdvantage Executive Platinum®/ConciergeKey®: Up to 100 hours before departure
2.2: Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs)
These are highly coveted upgrade instruments often earned as Loyalty Point Rewards for top-tier AAdvantage® members (Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, and ConciergeKey®).
What they do: SWUs allow you to upgrade one cabin class (e.g., from Economy to Business Class, or Business to First Class) on most American Airlines and American Eagle flights worldwide, regardless of the fare you purchased (though some very basic economy fares might have restrictions).
How they're used: You can request these through the app or website, and they are deducted from your balance only when confirmed. If an upgrade isn't immediately available, you can be waitlisted.
2.3: Mileage Upgrade Awards
You can use your hard-earned AAdvantage® miles to upgrade on eligible flights.
How they work: This often involves a co-payment in addition to the miles, which varies depending on your original fare class and the route.
Important Update: As of August 12, 2025, new requests using the traditional mileage upgrade award chart will no longer be accepted. American Airlines is shifting to an "Instant Upgrade" model for cash and miles. However, existing confirmed or waitlisted mileage upgrades will still be honored. For any new requests until August 11, 2025, travel must be completed by December 31, 2025.
2.4: Instant Upgrades (Cash or Miles)
This is the newer, more dynamic option available on select flights.
How it works: If an upgrade-eligible seat is available, you'll see an offer to upgrade for a set cash amount or a specific number of miles. These are confirmed instantly if available.
Availability: These offers are often presented closer to departure and are highly dependent on real-time availability. You'll find these offers within your trip details on the app.
2.5: Paid Upgrades at Check-in or at the Gate
Sometimes, if seats are still available in a higher cabin closer to departure, American Airlines may offer paid upgrades at a discounted rate during online check-in, via the app, or at the airport kiosk/gate. These are typically cash upgrades and are not tied to AAdvantage® status or miles.
Requesting Your Upgrade via the App: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Now that you're armed with knowledge, let's get to the practical steps of requesting that upgrade within the American Airlines app.
Step 3: Access Your Trip in the App
Open the American Airlines app and ensure you are logged into your AAdvantage® account.
3.1: Navigate to Your Upcoming Trips On the app's home screen, you'll typically see a section for "Upcoming Trips" or similar. Tap on the specific flight reservation you wish to upgrade. If your flight is within 72 hours, it should be prominently displayed. Otherwise, you might need to tap "Find a trip" and enter your confirmation code and last name.
3.2: Locate Upgrade Options Once you've selected your trip, scroll through the details. American Airlines has designed its app to be intuitive, so upgrade options should be relatively easy to find. Look for sections or buttons labeled:
"Upgrade Your Seat"
"Upgrade"
"Change Seats" (sometimes an upgrade option is within the seat map)
"Trip Details" (and then look for upgrade-related links)
The exact phrasing might vary slightly based on the app version and your eligibility.
Step 4: Evaluate Available Upgrade Offers
Once you've tapped on an upgrade-related option, the app will present you with the choices available for your specific flight and eligibility.
4.1: Review Complimentary Upgrade Status (for Status Members) If you're an AAdvantage® elite status member, the app will show you the status of your complimentary upgrade request. It will typically indicate:
"Upgrade Requested": Your request has been received, and you are on the waitlist.
"Upgrade Confirmed": Congratulations! Your upgrade has gone through, and your new seat assignment should be visible.
"Not Yet Available": The upgrade window for your status tier may not have opened yet, or there are no eligible seats currently available.
Tip: Keep an eye on this in the days leading up to your flight, especially as your upgrade window approaches.
4.2: Explore Instant Upgrade Offers (Cash or Miles) If Instant Upgrades are available for your flight, you'll see concrete offers presented with a price in cash or a mileage amount (plus any applicable taxes/fees).
Compare options: If multiple cabins are available (e.g., Premium Economy, Business, First), you might see offers for each. Consider the value proposition for each.
Review terms: Always quickly review any small print regarding the offer, though Instant Upgrades are generally straightforward.
4.3: Check for Systemwide Upgrade (SWU) Availability If you have available Systemwide Upgrades in your AAdvantage® account and your flight is eligible, you'll typically see an option to apply an SWU.
The app will show you if an SWU upgrade is immediately confirmable or if it will place you on the waitlist. Remember, SWUs are only deducted from your balance if confirmed.
4.4: Mileage Upgrade Award (Pre-August 12, 2025) If you are attempting a mileage upgrade award before the August 12, 2025, cutoff, the app may guide you through the process, potentially linking you to a section for mileage redemptions. Be aware of the miles required and any cash co-payment.
Step 5: Select Your Desired Upgrade and Confirm
Once you've decided on an upgrade option, it's time to confirm your choice.
5.1: For Instant Upgrades (Cash/Miles)
Tap on the desired offer (e.g., "Upgrade to Business Class for $X" or "Upgrade for Y Miles + $Z").
You'll be prompted to confirm the selection and provide payment details if it's a cash upgrade, or confirm the mileage deduction from your AAdvantage® account.
Review carefully before finalizing! Once confirmed, the change is usually instant.
5.2: For Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs)
If an SWU is immediately confirmable, tap to apply it. The app will confirm the deduction from your SWU balance and update your reservation.
If you're opting to waitlist, the app will confirm your request has been added to the upgrade list.
5.3: For Complimentary Upgrades For complimentary upgrades, there's usually no active "request" button within the app once your status is recognized. The system automatically requests it for you. Your role here is simply to monitor the status.
Step 6: Monitor Your Upgrade Status
The upgrade journey doesn't always end with a single tap. Especially for complimentary upgrades or waitlisted SWUs, monitoring your status is key.
6.1: Check Your Reservation Regularly
Go back to "Upcoming Trips" in the app and select your flight. The updated cabin class and seat assignment (if confirmed) should be displayed.
The app also typically shows your position on the upgrade standby list within four hours of your scheduled departure. This is invaluable for knowing your chances at the gate.
6.2: Enable App Notifications Make sure you have push notifications enabled for the American Airlines app. This way, you'll receive real-time alerts for:
Upgrade confirmations: A notification will pop up as soon as your upgrade is processed.
Gate changes, delays, etc.: Staying informed about your flight's overall status is always a good idea.
Step 7: Post-Upgrade Considerations
Once you've successfully upgraded, a few things might change.
7.1: New Boarding Pass If your upgrade is confirmed before you check in, your boarding pass will reflect the new cabin class. If it's confirmed after you've already checked in, you'll need to retrieve an updated boarding pass through the app (it usually updates automatically) or get a new one at the airport.
7.2: Enjoy Your Enhanced Experience! That's it! You've successfully navigated the American Airlines app to request and hopefully secure an upgrade. Now, you can look forward to a more comfortable and enjoyable flight experience.
Important Notes and Pro Tips
Fare Class Matters: While American Airlines automatically requests complimentary upgrades for status members, the original fare class you booked can sometimes influence upgrade priority or eligibility for certain mileage upgrades. Basic Economy fares, for example, are generally not eligible for complimentary upgrades for companions, and might have limitations on paid upgrades.
Call if Complex: If you have a complex situation (e.g., more than two passengers on a reservation, an infant in lap, or very specific upgrade scenarios), sometimes calling American Airlines Reservations is the best approach, as the app might have limitations for these cases.
Timing is Key: For complimentary upgrades, your status window is critical. For paid or Instant Upgrades, availability can be very dynamic and often opens up closer to departure.
Airport Upgrades: Don't forget that if an upgrade isn't confirmed before you get to the airport, you're usually automatically added to the airport upgrade list (for complimentary upgrades) or can inquire about paid upgrades at the check-in counter or gate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about American Airlines App Upgrades
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to help you further:
How to Check My Upgrade Eligibility on the American Airlines App?
Your eligibility for complimentary upgrades is automatically assessed when you book if you're an AAdvantage® status member. For paid or mileage upgrades, the app will present offers if you're eligible and if seats are available when you view your trip details.
How to See My Position on the Upgrade List in the American Airlines App?
Within four hours of your scheduled departure, the American Airlines app will display the upgrade standby list for your flight, showing your position (if you're on the list) and other travelers.
How to Use Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs) Through the American Airlines App?
If you have available SWUs, navigate to your trip in the app. If an SWU can be applied, you'll see an option to "Request Upgrade" or "Apply Systemwide Upgrade," and the app will guide you whether it's an immediate confirmation or a waitlist.
How to Pay for an Upgrade on the American Airlines App?
If a cash upgrade offer is available (an "Instant Upgrade"), the app will present the price. You'll simply tap on the offer and follow the prompts to enter your credit card details for payment.
How to Use Miles for an Upgrade on the American Airlines App?
For "Instant Upgrade" offers, if a mileage option is available, the app will show the number of miles required (plus any co-payment). You'll select this option, and the miles will be deducted from your AAdvantage® account. Note the upcoming change on August 12, 2025, for traditional mileage upgrade awards.
How to Know if My Complimentary Upgrade Was Confirmed via the App?
You'll typically receive a push notification from the app and/or an email to the address on your AAdvantage® profile. Additionally, when you view your trip details in the app, your new cabin class and seat assignment will be displayed.
How to Request an Upgrade for a Companion on the American Airlines App?
If your companion is on the same reservation as you (and you're an AAdvantage® status member), their complimentary upgrade request is usually automatically included with yours. If they are on a separate reservation, you might need to call American Airlines Reservations to link the reservations and ensure they are added to the upgrade list.
How to Upgrade from Basic Economy on the American Airlines App?
Basic Economy fares generally have strict limitations and are typically not eligible for complimentary upgrades or most mileage upgrades. However, you might occasionally see a paid "Instant Upgrade" offer closer to departure if seats are available.
How to Check the Status of a Waitlisted Upgrade on the American Airlines App?
Go to your "Upcoming Trips" in the app, select your flight, and look for the "Upgrade" section. It will show you if your request is waitlisted. Closer to departure (within 4 hours), you can view your position on the airport upgrade list.
How to Get Notified of Upgrade Offers on the American Airlines App?
Ensure push notifications are enabled for the American Airlines app in your phone's settings. American Airlines often sends alerts for confirmed upgrades, as well as potential "Instant Upgrade" offers as they become available.
