No, American won’t extend systemwide upgrades again
Top-tier elites with American Airlines can choose from a selection of gifts after qualifying for status.
One of those gifts — and perhaps the most popular pick — is a pack of systemwide upgrades. These certificates allow you to upgrade any American Airlines-operated flight (including long-haul routes) from economy or premium economy to business class (or from business to first).
You can confirm the upgrade if you find availability, and if you can't, then you can be placed on a waitlist.
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, travel essentially came to a halt. The elite status hamster wheel stopped spinning, and many airlines such as American, were quick to extend status perks and lower qualifying tiers.
Systemwide upgrades was one of the perks the carrier extended.
American initially gave travelers a six-month extension, followed by another year-long extension that it announced in June 2021. This meant that unused upgrades earned in 2019 and 2020 wouldn't expire until July 31, 2022.
Now, more than two years since the outset of the pandemic, American is saying enough is enough. The airline confirmed to TPG that it'll indeed expire unused systemwide upgrades on July 31, as planned.
Related: How to use American systemwide upgrades
Why American's move is surprising
American's move to now expire systemwide upgrades might surprise some travelers. After all, United Airlines recently made headlines for giving travelers an additional six months to redeem PlusPoints (the airline's upgrade currency).
Plus, roughly a year ago, Delta Air Lines extended Medallion elite status, as well as existing Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates, through Jan. 31, 2023.
Though travel demand has indeed returned, there are still some flyers who haven't taken to the skies. Plus, many travelers prefer to use their systemwide upgrades on long-haul flights to cities in Europe, South America and Asia — places that have generally been slower to reopen (especially the latter two continents).
Aside from the slower rebound in travel to South America and Asia, travelers looking to redeem systemwide upgrades on flights to Europe this summer have likely run into issues finding availability.
There's been an uptick in the number of premium leisure bookings, which leads to fewer business-class seats available for upgrades.
This is great for American's bottom line, but it's likely led many elites to save their systemwide upgrades for more exciting redemption opportunities down the line (when there would hopefully be more upgrade availability).
While the loyalty industry is sometimes compared to a game of "follow the leader," American is seemingly charting its own path in this case. The airline isn't extending systemwide upgrades any longer, and that's sure to bother some of the airline's top spenders.
In fact, TPG checked in with some loyal American flyers to hear their takes. Gary Spence, a TPG reader based in Florida, shared that he's not happy with American because the airline isn't extending systemwide upgrades. Spence is also a Delta 360 and United Global Services member (two invite-only tiers), and his upgrades on both of those carriers have been extended.
Lee Goldberg, a principal at a global technology consulting organization, told TPG that he has two systemwide upgrades that "I just can't use this month. I only use them for international travel," he told TPG. Goldberg's upgrades will likely go unused.
Six-year Concierge Key member and super-frequent-flyer Steve Giordano shared his frustration with American's systemwide upgrades in a Twitter response. "If I’m able to use or successfully give away two a year, it’s a good year. I’ve watched probably 30 of them expire over the last few years," he wrote. Giordano is a partner at the Nomadic Aviation Group, which specializes in complex flight operations; he also runs the popular Cockpit Casual YouTube series.
Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on American Airlines
How to redeem expiring systemwide upgrades
If you have expiring systemwide upgrades, it's best to make plans to redeem them as soon as possible.
The easiest way would be to apply them to a flight in the future. Though they expire on July 31, you can use them for travel beyond the expiration, as long as the upgrade is confirmed before the expiration date.
This means you need to find confirmable upgrade space, which is quite challenging nowadays given that many flights are filling up in all cabins.
That said, there are certainly some seats out there, so be sure to do your research before booking.
Another alternative is to offer an upgrade to a friend or family member who might be traveling before the end of the month. You can waitlist that upgrade then hope for the best.
Lastly, you can petition American to follow Delta and United's lead by extending the deadline for upgrades. You can reach the airline's customer care department via the web form here, and you can submit feedback to the AAdvantange team by emailing them.
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Rewards
| 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
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
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
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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.