American Airlines continues selling paid upgrades until shortly before boarding, even when elite frequent flyer members are waiting for those same seats. The practice reveals a tension between airline revenue goals and the upgrade promises that drive loyalty spending.
In one recent example, American offered upgrades from Philadelphia to Los Angeles for $242 just 28 minutes before boarding. Another passenger paid $640 to upgrade from economy to business class on a New York to Delhi flight, despite being third on the upgrade list and having waited two months for a systemwide upgrade. An Executive Platinum member purchased an upgrade on a New York LaGuardia to Dallas flight, moving ahead of two higher-ranking elite members on the upgrade list.
American's published upgrade rules do not guarantee any elite member will receive a complimentary upgrade. The carrier seeks to return to profitability and sells upgrades at rates that the author describes as better than offers from Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, or Delta Air Lines.
The practice raises a question for frequent flyers organizing their travel around elite status. If passengers can purchase attractive upgrades without spending a year chasing status, that alternative may prove more economical. The author notes that an occasional traveler buying an upgrade plus economy fare can cost less than purchasing first class outright, making the math work without loyalty spending. Meanwhile, elite members who concentrate flying and credit card spending with American to earn status benefits increasingly find those benefits unavailable when seats sell to paying customers instead.