Every traveler wants to fly in maximum comfort and luxury. That’s why American Airlines allows you to upgrade. So, grab American Airlines Business Class Upgrade to transform your regular journey into a premium experience.

Enjoy the best features and services along with several benefits by going for an upgrade to business class. Get extra legroom, an added bag allowance, and faster boarding with upgrades.

So, go through the following account to know AA's flexible and customer-oriented business class upgrade approach for a streamlined experience.

How Can I Upgrade to Business Class on American Airlines?

If you are traveling on an American Airlines flight and want to get an upgrade to business class, find the SWUs link to find seat availability while booking on the AA website. You can also call the AAdvantage® status service desk to request your upgrade. The upgrades required will be deducted from your balance, if available.

Now, take a look at some methods to grab your upgrades. Select what suits you the best.

Earn an Elite Status

Undoubtedly, having an elite status is the smartest way to get complimentary upgrades. Be it with upgrade certificates, upgrading with miles, or systemwide upgrade certificates, AA prioritizes elite members over non-status holders.

Let’s see how AA provides you with upgrades when you are an elite status holder.

  • Domestic and regional upgrades

All American AAdvantage elite members receive complimentary upgrades.

  • International Flight Upgrades

For Business Class international upgrades, Executive Platinum elite members can earn up to 8 systemwide upgrade certificates annually. These can be obtained on American-marketed and operated flights -

  • Within and between the U.S. (including Hawaii)
  • Between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central America

Upgrade With Miles

Grab a business class upgrade at the time of booking. Get upgrades with Miles or Miles/Co-pay when you buy your flight tickets.

Buy an Upgrade

You can get hold of upgrades whether you are an elite status holder or not. Buy your AA Business Class Upgrade on the day of departure as per the upgrade availability.

Use Miles on Partner Airlines for Upgrades

Upgrade your reservation (made with cash) with AAdvantage miles as per the eligibility. You can use Systemwide upgrades on some British Airways flights. Make sure to pay in both miles and cash as per your fare class to secure upgrades.

Be a Traveling Companion to Get Upgraded

To enjoy business class upgrades on flights with American Airlines, you can fly with an elite member having companion upgrade benefits. Thereby, you can upgrade without having an elite status.

Call AA Reservations for more details.

Please note

  • Non-elites can enjoy upgrades only by getting AAdvantage miles.
  • Your fare class, flight route, and upgrade availability decide the number of miles required for an upgrade.
  • SWUs are available to:
    • AAdvantage status membership holders at Loyalty Point Rewards of 175,000 or more
    • Million Miler members who have 4 SWUs at 2 million miles

What is the American Airlines Business Class Upgrade Cost?

To know what is the American Airlines business class upgrade cost, go through the table here.

To/FromFrom Full-Fare BusinessFrom Discount BusinessFrom Full-Fare Economy / Premium EconomyFrom Discount Economy / Premium Economy
Contiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, CanadaContiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada15,00015,000 + $1755,00015,000 + $75
North AmericaCentral America15,000-8,00015,000 + $75
Contiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, CaribbeanContiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean15,000-8,00015,000 + $75
North AmericaColombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname15,000-8,00015,000 + $150
Contiguous 48 U.S. states, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, CaribbeanHawaii15,000-8,00015,000 + $175
North AmericaHong Kong, Japan, South Korea, China, Indian Subcontinent, Australia, New Zealand25,00025,000 + $55015,00025,000 + $350
North AmericaEurope, the Middle East, and Africa25,00025,000 + $55015,00025,000 + $350
North AmericaArgentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay25,00025,000 + $55015,00025,000 + $350

Source: https://www.aa.com/web/i18n/aadvantage-program/use-miles/upgrades.html

Please note

The business class upgrade charges vary as per various factors such as the route, availability, and fare class.

Does American Airlines Allow Free Upgrades?

Yes, a free (complimentary) upgrade to business class on flights of American Airlines is provided to AAdvantage® status members as per the space availability.

Such upgrades are available from any eligible purchased, published fare in the Main Cabin or Premium Economy to the next service class (Business or domestic First) to fly within North America.

In Conclusion

Therefore, you can easily enjoy American Airlines Business Class Upgrade for an enhanced flight journey. With business-class seating, you can be assured of a luxury trip.

Select from any of the options to upgrade and proceed accordingly. Upgrade on a one-way trip with up to 3 flight segments. For any assistance, contact American Airlines customer service.

So wait no more. Get ready to immerse in luxe air travel with an upgrade to business class on your next AA trip. Get your AA business-class upgrade now!

Read More Blog:

American Airlines Seat Upgrade

American Airlines Seat Selection

Frequently Asked Questions

You can upgrade to Business class with your AAdvantage miles, and SWUs, or get complimentary upgrades.

Depending on the fare class, you might have to pay for an upgrade in both miles and cash. Your route and ticket type decide the upgrade amount.

Log in to AA website, check your SWUs, find flights with upgrade availability, & call the AAdvantage customer service team for upgrade confirmation.

The American Airlines Flagship Business class offers the highest service level such as 90 degrees reclining into fully-flat seats.

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