Quantcast

American Airlines tests online systemwide upgrade redemptions

Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines tests online systemwide upgrade redemptions
Research
Webp ktseb0vqb9ebxthascxggswvj0xm
Daisy Hernandez Credit cards editor | The Points Guy

American Airlines has initiated a limited beta test for online redemption of systemwide upgrade certificates, fulfilling a promise made earlier this year. The trial began on Monday and is available to select AAdvantage members who were notified via email. This test will last two to three weeks and aims to assess the need for adjustments before broader implementation.

A company spokesperson stated, "This feature is something our members have requested for some time, so we're eager for the results of this test to inform how we can continue to make engaging with the AAdvantage program easy for our members."

Despite not specifying a global rollout date, American Airlines appears to be progressing towards making this functionality available to all AAdvantage members by year's end.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

For those participating in the beta test, the process involves accessing a linked website, entering their last name and confirmation number, and selecting which flight they wish to prioritize for an upgrade. American advises choosing the longest flight in one's itinerary for maximum comfort.

If an upgrade is immediately available, it will be confirmed instantly; otherwise, the flight will be waitlisted. Additionally, American Airlines will attempt to confirm or waitlist upgrades on shorter connecting flights once the preferred segment is upgraded.

The ability to redeem upgrades online could simplify processes that previously required lengthy phone calls with service desks. However, even participants in the beta are advised to call American Airlines if they have complex upgrade requests.

In comparison with competitors like Delta and United Airlines, American's technology lags behind. United has been a leader in providing user-friendly web and mobile interfaces for redeeming PlusPoints. Delta introduced online redemption of upgrade certificates at the end of 2022.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025