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Should I Upgrade to First Class on a Transcon Flight?

June 19, 2016
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3 min read
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Should I Upgrade to First Class on a Transcon Flight?
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TPG reader Lucas sent me a message on Facebook to ask about upgrades:

“Is it worth paying 15,000 AAdvantage miles and a $175 copay to move from business to first on American's A321T transcontinental service? Alternately, I could pay a $515 fare difference.”

Domestic first-class service can be pretty lackluster, especially in comparison to the impressive premium cabins available internationally. However, there are a handful of transcontinental routes that offer a genuine first-class experience, including lie-flat seats, private suites and other amenities that can make the extra cost worthwhile.

American's first class on the A321T is one example, and the difference between first and economy is huge. However, the business-class service on those three-cabin flights is also pretty impressive — certainly better than first class on most two-cabin domestic flights. Upgrading from business to first might be worthwhile depending on your itinerary, but I don't think it's necessary.

The first class seat is a few inches longer and wider than the one in business class, but you'll get a lie-flat seat in either case. The biggest difference between the two is the amount of privacy. Business class on the A321T actually does give you a fair amount of privacy, since the seats in each row are slightly offset from one another and there's a small divider between them. However, you'll still be sharing a row with another passenger. If you really want space to yourself, first class is the way to go, since those seats are in a 1-1 reverse-herringbone configuration.

You'll get Admirals Club access in both cabins, but you'll only get Flagship Lounge access in first class. There are a few other small perks you won't get in business class (like an amenity kit and access to the onboard cappuccino machine), but I don't think any of them justify the upgrade. If you'd be content with the business-class seat, then save your money and miles for another time.

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Business class on the A31T isn't a big step down from first.

If you opt for first class, I would definitely choose to upgrade with miles (assuming that $515 fare difference was for a one-way flight only). You'd essentially be spending 15,000 miles to save $340, which works out to nearly 2.3 cents per mile. That's about 50% higher than my current valuation for AAdvantage miles, so you'd be getting a very good return.

For more on American's transcon service, check out these posts:

If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • 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.
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  • $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.
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