An upcoming policy change at American Airlines means elite status may no longer earn you a direct upgrade to business class.
Currently, AAdvantage members who buy main cabin tickets on flights with three cabin classes can receive complimentary upgrades directly to business class when available. Beginning Aug. 25, those complimentary upgrades will be limited to premium economy, American Airlines said.
“As American Airlines expands its offering of Premium Economy on more domestic routes, we are streamlining our complimentary upgrade process to deliver a more consistent customer experience,” a spokesperson for the Texas-based airline told USA TODAY in a statement.
Routes Affected by the Change
The change affects nine domestic routes, including transcontinental flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, John F. Kennedy and San Francisco International Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport and Los Angeles. It also applies to select flights to Hawaii.
When elite status flyers are on domestic flights with only two cabin classes, they are still eligible for upgrades from main cabin to first class, the airline said.
Other Airline Policy Changes
This change is one of several that airlines have made in 2026. Earlier this year, major U.S. carriers increased checked bag fees amid rising operational costs. Industry experts previously told USA TODAY that airlines are looking for ways to generate more revenue without raising ticket prices, in part to offset economic effects linked to the war in Iran.
American Airlines also tweaked its basic economy policy, requiring passengers who bought tickets on or after May 18 to pay a fee to select a seat. Even if a basic economy ticket-holder has status with the airline, they’re ineligible for upgrades.
Reporting by Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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