Questions and Answers

I have 2 trips coming up and am using a combination of points and cash to go on both. I have enough to go business class 1 way on each flight and will be paying cash for the other way. My question is, how likely are 500 mile upgrades to work on these flights? I’m Gold status on American.

For the first flight, I’m aiming to use points from LAX to JFK in business and cash on the return in economy. The return is May 29th early morning so I can do economy if needed but I’d rather not. I have enough 500 mile upgrades to do it, but was curious if anyone has any experience with the clearing on this flight.

As for Hawaii, I have enough points for business 1 direction and cash the other, but does anyone know which direction is more likely to clear, again with 500 mile upgrades? I leave at 5pm on a Wednesday and return 10 pm overnight on Sunday evening. I’m leaning towards confirming the business on the return portion just to be sure I have it.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Hey there,

I’m 1 for 1 on SFO to JFK as a Platinum, but it was a mid-day Thursday flight 2 years ago using 500 mile upgrades. And I cleared at boarding at the gate, so a bit stressful.

I wouldn’t bet too much on it clearing on May 29th. That’s the first day back to work after Memorial Day weekend, so I’d imagine there will be tons of higher status people flying and/or people actually paying for business.

For Hawaii – that’s a leisure destination so I’d say your chances would be pretty high. I think you’re on the right track though, I’d confirm business on the return since that’s a red-eye overnight flight. I’d definitely want that locked down before a 5pm Wednesday evening flight.

Good luck!