At least on the surface, upgrades rank among the top benefits of airline elite status, and if you’re flying with someone, then companion upgrades also hold a certain significance (after all, it’s not exactly preferable to leave your partner in economy).
Anyway, in this article, I’d like to elaborate on how American’s companion upgrade policy functions, both regarding complimentary upgrades and upgrades utilizing other methods, such as systemwide upgrades.
Complimentary American elite companion upgrades
American Airlines provides AAdvantage elite members with complimentary upgrades when traveling within North America. This applies not only to the elite member but also to one travel companion. How does this exactly work?
- If you’re on the same reservation as your companion, the upgrade request should be made automatically (just ensure you only have one companion, or you’ll need to split the record); if you’re on separate reservations, you must get in touch with American Airlines to connect your reservations
- The companion will receive their upgrade based on your priority, whether before the flight or at the airport; this correct priority is automatically applied, so no manual intervention is necessary
- If a single upgrade seat becomes available in advance, be aware that you’ll be moved down the upgrade waitlist if traveling with a companion
As a reminder, complimentary AAdvantage elite upgrades are prioritized as follows:
Is American’s elite companion upgrade benefit fair?
American only introduced complimentary elite companion upgrades in 2022, so they remain a relatively recent addition to the AAdvantage program.
On the face of it, unlimited complimentary companion upgrades appear to be a benefit. After all, sometimes you travel with a partner or friend, and it’s nice to be able to provide them with a more pleasant experience as well.
The drawback is that first-class upgrades operate on a zero-sum basis. American has improved significantly at selling first-class seats, leaving fewer available for upgrades. Companion upgrades may favor the highest priority elites (Executive Platinum and Concierge Key members with high Loyalty Points totals), but they likely aren’t as advantageous for most others.
For instance, imagine there are two first-class seats left on a flight, and:
- The first individual on the upgrade waitlist is an Executive Platinum with 250,000 Loyalty Points and a companion
- The second individual on the upgrade waitlist is an Executive Platinum with 240,000 Loyalty Points and no companion
- The third individual on the upgrade waitlist is an Executive Platinum with 230,000 Loyalty Points and no companion
In this situation, the Executive Platinum and their companion would receive the upgrade, leaving the other two Executive Platinum members in economy. That’s not a system that appeals to everyone, though it can work in both directions. On the following itinerary, the top Executive Platinum on the list may find themselves in economy when a Concierge Key member clears with a companion.
What about systemwide upgrade priority for companions?
Through the American AAdvantage <a href="https://onem