As a fairly new American Airlines flier and having aadvantage elite status, I am still learning my way around the AA webpage and mobile application being very different from both the data loaded United application that I love and the troublesome Delta app. I’ve started to navigate my way successfully between the AA’s recently redesigned webpage and mobile application. Yet, one thing I had the hardest time finding and understanding is how to find the upgrade list on the smartphone application. Therefore, I thought I would share with my readers a quick guide to the American Airlines upgrade list application upgrade list.
First log into the mobile application
Second, click on the small airplane in the top left corner of the screen. This will display your trips and future itineraries
After selecting the itinerary you want to view, scroll to the flight you want to view the upgrade list. If the flight is not within 4 hours of departures of that flight, the upgrade list will not display.
If it is within 8 hours of scheduled departure, you’ll be able to view the upgrade requests and see the cleared list by clicking the green banner that reads “view upgrade list for flight xxxx”
Those who have cleared the airport standby upgrade list will have a check mark next to their name as shown below.
Although the AA application is not nearly as advanced as the United application, it’s always handy to be able to see the priority list for upgrades. A major flaw to the upgrade list is that it does not inform passengers of how many first class seats remain.
To determine the number of first class seats, I either log into AA.com and try to buy a first class seat and check the seat map and count first class seats or use ExpertFlyer. ExpetFlyer provides a more exact number of seats available for purchase and gives me a better idea if I’ll clear the upgrade list, however ExpertFlyer also comes with an annual subscription which is not useful to people who do not fly or book a lot of award trips each year.
Remember, there are different types of upgrades and they are available only to American Airlines elites and Alaska Airlines Elites. Plus those traveling on instruments, such as systemwide and mileage award upgrades.
Upgrade priority is by elite status level. Meaning an aadvantage platinum pro will be upgraded before a gold member. Executive platinum members have top priority after concierge key members. Complimentary upgrades on award tickets are only valid on domestic flights and those within North America, unless using an instrument. Complimentary upgrades are valid to the next class of service, but oftentimes one can upgrade from economy to business and skip over Premium economy.
Looking for the upgrade list, just remember to check in within 24 hours before departure and then check back 8 hours before departure. That is the only time you will be able to see the full upgrade priority list.
