Questions and Answers

Hello. My question of the day is- if I requested to use a SWU on AA 206 MIA-MXP next month, do I have the best/ same chance/ or worst chance to get one of (5) available seats in the upgraded Biz class…… compared to someone who is using miles to upgrade? Is there a hierarchy when those seats open up?
(Obviously, someone paying the full cash fare will be first in line for one of those five seats.)

I think the best option for you is to monitor award space and call AA when it opens up.

In my own experience, my miles & cash upgrade was processed instantly. I flew JFK-MXP round trip back in September. Months before my flight, I checked out upgrade inventory and found space on my return leg. I called AA to request it and they processed it instantly and my ticket was updated to show my return in Business.

Hi Rob,

To add to what David said, SWU still have priority over cash and miles copays. What changed in 2017 is it no longer matters when you request, but the amount of EQDs you’ve earned in the past year. So if you’ve spent $5,000 you’ll be ahead of an EXP who requests tomorrow and only has spent $2,000. But, you’ll be behind an EXP who has spent $10,000 and requests the day before the flight. Make sense?

[USER=1436]@rickyw[/USER]- thank you. I was wondering how the “cash and miles copay” worked as I was thinking of doing that….. calling them…… saying that I know I requested a SWU but now (at last minute) would like the get a leg-up= pay cash to use miles and upgrade. Now, I feel that is not necessary. I am in a quiet line….. with the prospect that someone else may have spent more EQD this year than me. 5 empty seats. Not the worst situation. – thanks

You could also check the seat map in coach and see how many Main Cabin Extra seats are still open. Could give you a rough estimate of how many elites are already booked and potentially also waiting for upgrades (since elites select those for free).

It’s of no issue, now. But, all the info has been nice to learn. Today, the equipment changed to a 2-Cabin 767-200.