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.

Several Seats of an American Airlines widebody aircraft Flagship Business cabin.

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?

British Airways Boeing 777 flying

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.

Related

5 Ways To Upgrade To First Class On American Airlines

First class on American Airlines is available on flights within North America.

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.

Iberia A350

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

Two British Airways Airbus A380 First Class seats.

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.

Inside the Alaska Airlines First Class Cabin.

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

Related

5 Ways To Get Upgraded On Your Next Alaska Airlines Flight

Fancy a more comfortable seat for your next trip with Alaska Airlines?

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
Qantas 787 Business Class Cabin

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.

American airlines oneworld aircraft

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.

Inside American Airlines' New Flagship Business Class Cabin.

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.


  • AAdvantage Tall - Logo Center-1

    AAdvantage

    Participating Airlines:
    American Airlines

    Owner:
    American Airlines

    Region:
    North America

    Countries:
    United States

    Established Date:
    1981-05-01

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