Summary
- AAdvantage miles can be used for upgrades on British Airways, Iberia, and Alaska Airlines, with varying miles required based on route and cabin.
- AAdvantage members with elite status can enjoy upgrades on Qantas flights, including benefits like premium seating, food, and priority services.
- AAdvantage miles cannot be directly used for upgrades on oneworld partner airlines like Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific, but they can be used to book award tickets.
American Airlines’ AAdvantage program is one of the most popular (and oldest) frequent flyer programs. While earning miles for flights, hotel stays, and everyday purchases is straightforward, many travelers wonder about the flexibility of these miles, particularly when it comes to upgrades on other airlines. Can AAdvantage Miles be used for upgrades on other carriers – and if so, how?
Understanding AAdvantage upgrades
Before diving into the specifics of using AAdvantage miles for upgrades on other carriers, it’s essential to understand how upgrades work within the American Airlines network. AAdvantage members can use their miles to upgrade to business or first class on American Airlines flights.
Photo: American Airlines
Upgrades can be achieved using miles or holding elite status. According to NerdWallet, American Airlines offers the following types of upgrades:
Type of Upgrade |
Eligibility |
Miles and co-pay: upgrades using miles or a combination of miles and cash. |
This is the only upgrade method for those without elite status. |
Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs) |
AAdvantage members who reach select Loyalty Point Reward levels starting at 175,000 Loyalty Points and Million Miler members, who receive 4 systemwide upgrades when reaching 2 million miles and for every Million Mile level after. |
Complimentary upgrades |
AAdvantage members with elite status and one travel companion. |
American Airlines Business Extra |
Small business owners and their travelers. |
Upgrade from any cabin: British Airways and Iberia
Now that we’re aware of the different avenues through which upgrades can be achieved on American Airlines, comes the big question: can these methods be applied for upgrades on other airlines?
Photo: Tom Boon | Simple Flying
According to American Airlines, passengers can use their AAdvantage Miles to secure upgrades on select one-way British Airways and Iberia flights, with up to three flight segments. This includes travel on codeshare flights marketed by American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia, operated by any of the three carriers.
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AAdvantage Miles required to upgrade on British Airways and Iberia
Given the extensive combined network of American Airlines, British Airways, and Iberia, the number of points required for an upgrade varies by the route and, of course, the cabin of the original ticket.
Photo: Iberia
For the purpose of this article, we’ll focus on routes originating from American Airlines’ home base in North America. For upgrades on flights from North America to Europe, the miles required are:
Original Cabin |
AAdvantage Miles Required |
Discount Economy / Premium Economy |
12,500 |
Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy |
12,500 |
Discount Business |
25,000 |
Full-Fare Business |
35,000 |
Photo: British Airways
From North America to Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East:
Original Cabin |
AAdvantage Miles Required |
Discount Economy / Premium Economy |
20,000 |
Full-Fare Economy / Premium Economy |
20,000 |
Discount Business |
40,000 |
Full-Fare Business |
50,000 |
Upgrade to first class and premium class seats: Alaska Airlines
Besides British Airways and Iberia, American Airlines has arrangements with fellow oneworld member Alaska Airlines that allow AAdvantage members to enjoy upgrades.
Photo: Alaska Airlines
AAdvantage elite status members are offered the opportunity to upgrade to first class on eligible Alaska Airlines flights, per American Airlines. A first class upgrade will automatically be requested for members who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be an AAdvantage status member
- Have booked and ticketed a reservation on a qualifying fare class (Saver Fares are not eligible) on Alaska Airlines
- Have your AAdvantage number listed on your reservation
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AAdvantage status members also receive immediate access to premium class seats on Alaska Airlines, subject to availability. When booking on Alaska Airlines’ website, simply select the following options:
AAdvantage Status |
Option to Select |
Gold |
MVP |
Platinum |
MVP Gold |
Executive Platinum / Platinum Pro |
MVP Gold 75k |
Another participating oneworld member: Qantas
Australia’s Qantas is another oneworld member airline that offers upgrades to American Airlines members. According to American Airlines, the following benefits may be enjoyed:
- An upgraded seat in a premium cabin
- Complimentary food and drinks
- Priority check-in
- Priority baggage handling
- Priority boarding
Photo: Qantas
The upgrade is eligible on select Qantas flights, including codeshare services, and can be paid for using AAdvantage miles or a combination of miles and cash. You can request an upgrade by logging into your AAdvantage account. Note that sale fares with Qantas on international flights are not eligible for upgrades.
When you can’t use AAdvantage Miles for upgrades
As a member of the oneworld alliance, American Airlines partners with fellow members that include prestigious airlines like Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific. Passengers often wonder if they can use their AAdvantage miles for upgrades on these partner airlines.
Photo: oneworld alliance
Unfortunately, at present, AAdvantage miles cannot be directly used to upgrade flights on oneworld partner airlines. Each airline within the alliance has its own upgrade policies and mileage requirements. While AAdvantage miles cannot be used for upgrades, they can be used to book award tickets on select partner airlines, which is a valuable benefit for those looking to fly internationally.
More to come
While the opportunities to use American Airlines AAdvantage miles for direct upgrades on partner carriers are limited, there are still numerous ways to leverage these miles for premium travel experiences. Plus, according to American Airlines, it will be introducing system-wide updates across the AAdvantage platform later this year, unlocking access to even more benefits.
Photo: American Airlines
By staying informed about the policies of both American Airlines and its partner carriers, frequent flyers can make the most of their miles and enjoy comfortable, luxurious flights across the globe. Although the direct upgrade path is restricted, the flexibility and opportunities provided by the AAdvantage program and its partners ensure that premium travel remains within reach for savvy travelers.