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You can now apply American systemwide upgrade certificates online

Nov. 12, 2024
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3 min read
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You can now apply American systemwide upgrade certificates online
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Earlier this year, American Airlines promised it would enable online redemptions for systemwide upgrade certificates. Then, in early October, American made good on its promise in a limited beta.

Now, as of Nov. 12, this functionality is available to any American Airlines AAdvantage member who has at least one unexpired systemwide upgrade in their account.

"After successfully testing the ability for select AAdvantage members to apply systemwide upgrades online (SWUs), American is rolling out the ability to apply SWUs online to all members who have SWUs in their account. Previously, SWUs were redeemable only through calling Reservations," said a company spokesperson.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

If you'd like to request a systemwide upgrade online, the redemption process is pretty simple.

You need to navigate to your account and then click the systemwide upgrade tab. You'll then click "Use systemwide upgrade" and input your last name and confirmation number. You’ll then be asked which flight you want to prioritize for an upgrade. American recommends that you select the longest flight in your itinerary to maximize your comfort in the pointy end of the plane.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

If the flight is available for immediate confirmation — here’s how to check — your itinerary should be upgraded instantly. If it’s not, American will place the flight on the waitlist. The airline said it will also attempt to confirm or waitlist any upgrades on shorter connecting flights after your preferred segment is upgraded.

It wasn’t immediately clear if you could select which systemwide upgrade would be pulled if your upgrade gets confirmed. (Presumably it’s the one that expires soonest.)

While this functionality might seem pretty basic, it’s actually quite powerful for elite members who have spent hours on the phone with the AAdvantage service desk over the years applying upgrades to upcoming reservations.

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Even with the new online functionality, I’d still recommend calling American if you have any complicated upgrade requests. Still, this is a long-awaited technical improvement, and I, for one, can’t wait to use it on an upcoming flight.

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It’s interesting to note that American’s upgrade tech still pales in comparison to what Delta Air Lines and United Airlines offer. United has long been the leader in this space with a fantastic web and mobile interface for using and redeeming PlusPoints.

Delta debuted the ability to redeem upgrade certificates online at the end of 2022, and that functionality is now live for any eligible elite traveler.

American's online system, meanwhile, doesn't let you manage and delete your upgrade requests, nor does it let you prioritize which certificate you want pulled from your account.

Related reading:

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Recommended Credit

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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.