You can now apply American systemwide upgrade certificates online

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.

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.

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:

• American Airlines elite status: What it is and how to earn it
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• American Airlines basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more