Everything you need to know about using miles to upgrade on partner airlines
Here at TPG, we primarily use points and miles to book business and first-class class awards. This is partly because those redemptions offer great value and also because premium seats make a huge difference on longer flights. However, there are opportunities to sit up front even if you don't have enough miles to book those awards outright.
Most airlines allow you to use miles to upgrade paid fares on their own flights, but some will also let you redeem for upgrades on partner airlines. That gives you a lot more flexibility since you might not have enough miles to book a premium award with the airline you're flying, especially on international flights.
Today, we're going to take a look at which airlines allow you to use miles to upgrade seats on partner airlines. We're also going to analyze whether these redemptions are even a good use of your miles.
Star Alliance
Star Alliance carriers are the most generous when it comes to cross-airline mileage upgrades. For instance, you can redeem United miles for one-cabin upgrades on most partners. Each partner has a different set of rules associated with these upgrades and typically, upgrades are only available on expensive economy, premium economy or business-class tickets. United pulled its Star Alliance award chart, but in the past, upgrading on partner airlines cost between 10,000 - 60,000 miles each way.
Upgrade requests can be made through United's website. Most partners allow upgrades beginning 331 days before departure. ANA allows upgrades up to 365 days in advance and Ethiopian allows them beginning 330 days before departure. Upgrade requests must be made at least 24 hours before departure.
Here's the full list of Star Alliance carriers you could request upgrades on using United miles:
- Aegean
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air India
- Air New Zealand
- ANA (including waitlist functionality)
- Asiana Airlines
- Austrian
- Avianca
- Brussels Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- EgyptAir
- Ethiopian Airlines
- EVA Airways
- LOT
- Lufthansa
- SAS
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- SWISS
- THAI
- TAP
- Turkish Airlines
Related: United makes upgrading to business class on Turkish Airlines cheaper
Oneworld
American Airlines currently lets you upgrade on paid codeshare flights with British Airways and Iberia, but not on other partners. Like United, there is lots of fine print associated with these upgrades. For instance, American only lets you upgrade if you have a full-fare, premium economy or business class ticket. These upgrades range in cost from 12,500 to 70,000 American miles each way.
Likewise, you can upgrade American Airlines flights using British Airways and Iberia Avios. Avios are a great option for upgrading American miles since both programs are transfer partners of Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy. However, these upgrades come with the same fare restrictions.
In July 2020, Oneworld's CEO confirmed that alliance-wide upgrades are coming. While the feature was expected to roll out around the time Alaska Airlines joined the alliance, it hasn't been launched yet.
It’s not yet clear exactly how the upgrades will work, but Qantas has proposed that they be made available within one day of departure. It's also likely that the fare class will determine both whether a ticket is eligible for an upgrade and how much it would cost.
Related: Upgrade your Oneworld flight with miles from any airline partner
SkyTeam
Delta allows you to upgrade certain paid international Virgin Atlantic, Air France/KLM and Aeromexico-operated flights. Upgrades are not available on other SkyTeam partners.
For flights marketed and/or operated by Air France-KLM, Mileage Upgrade Awards may be used for a one-class upgrade when the paid fare class is Y, B, or M.
For Air France-operated flights, Mileage Upgrade Awards are available on transatlantic joint venture flights between U.S. cities and Paris (CDG and ORY). Upgrades are not available on Air France flights operated by a Boeing 747.
Meanwhile, for Delta-marketed flights operated by Virgin Atlantic, Mileage Upgrade Awards are available from Y, B, M, H, Q economy fares and P, A, and G premium economy fares.
For Delta-marketed flights operated by Aeromexico, Mileage Upgrade Awards are available on fare classes in Y, B, M, H, Q, K, L, U or T for travel between the U.S. and Mexico.
You must contact Delta to request a mileage upgrade award. If there's no upgrade available, you may request to be placed on an upgrade waitlist.
Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta
Is it worth using miles to upgrade on partner airlines?
At first glance, upgrade award rates tend to be fairly reasonable. Additionally, unlike many mileage upgrades, there's typically no copay on partner upgrade awards.
However, typically only the most expensive paid fares are eligible for upgrades using miles. So that $200 basic economy deal to Europe can't be upgraded. As a result, these upgrades tend to be a lot less attractive.
If you're going to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a ticket, you might as well book the premium cabin outright and save your miles for another redemption. On the other hand, if your company booked your flight for you and the fare is eligible for a mileage upgrade, then this option could be worth considering.
Related: Your ultimate guide to upgrading with miles
Bottom line
Being able to redeem miles to upgrade partner flights is a nice option to have if you want to score a better seat on your next flight. However, these upgrades tend to come with a lot of restrictions and aren't the best use of your miles.
If you want to upgrade a flight using miles, try to lock in the upgrade as soon as possible. Like regular award flights, upgrade award space is limited. Just because there's a premium-cabin seat bookable with cash or miles doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be able to use miles to upgrade to it.
Featured image by Zach Honig/The Points Guy.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.