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I call this strategy "upgrading without going for an upgrade."
It enables you to mysteriously get a free Business Class upgrade on American Airlines’ routes on which the carrier uses Boeing 777s and 767-200s configured with three cabins (coach, Business, and First Class).
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The little-known secret of this discount Business Class airfare strategy is that only two classes are actually sold on these specific flights. These are mostly transcontinental flights, but also include some Miami-Dallas flights and others.
Although the computer reservation system views the middle cabin -- with Business Class seats -- as coach, there's still a velvet rope to get around.
In order to sit in this section, you need to be either an elite American Airlines AAdvantage member, a full-fare coach passenger, a Oneworld elite (for instance, a member of BA's elite program), or a ‘preferred corporate customer’ of American Airlines.
If you qualify, this is the best free Business Class upgrade strategy on American.
Applicable routes change often, and are updated often in First Class Flyer.
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This is a great point. However, go for the full benefit on these flights. Most of us will never see a Flagship Suite on international flights, but on the domestic short haul 777 flights these seats are the "upgrade" from coach. Any AAdvantage member who is Platinum or higher stands a good chance to get these seats. Despite it being a sub 3 hour flight, it's worth it to experience the incredible amenities of this cabin. I've flown in the Flagship Suite 8 times so far this year!
I am an Executive Platinum member of AA. I made reservations [by phone] in coach on AA299, Boeing 777, MIA-LAX. I am unable to get the business class seat selection, only economy seats. Any suggestions? Many thanks Grant Smith
re: aa299 mia-lax I checked the seat map and this is not one of the flights talked about. This is a 3 class cabin with actual 3 classes of service. So, your best bet is to get the exit row 31ab or 31gf and upgrade to biz that way. No way for an upgrade to 1st.
I should have emphasized that it's on SHORT HAUL flights, not transcontinental (a mistake mentioned in the original article). Basically there are only 3 flights I know of that you can do this on: 777 flights from MIA-DFW 777 flights from DFW-MIA 777 flights from ORD-MIA (unfortunately, this is switching to 767-300 service soon, if not already) The reasoning behind it is that it's impossible to sell three class service domestically unless it's completely transcontinental, with city pairs like JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO, and MIA-LAX. We reap the benefits of this by being able to book a business class seat with economy fares and being able to upgrade from economy to first class (mostly Flagship suites). Unfortunately, on the transcontinental flights, an upgrade to business class is the best we can do. Also, keep in mind one other trick. On all American 767-300 aircraft (listed as 763's) row 17 is a flight attendant rest row from the manufacturer. All four seats are in their own little "mini" cabin. Although we can no longer close the drapes post 9/11, we still get the benefits of a hybrid business-economy seat. The seat reclines the same as the business class and has the extending foot rest. However, it's only slightly wider than the economy class seat. Still, for a 5 hour trip across country it isn't too bad, and they give you the big pillow and down duvet. ***IMPORTANT. Before you jump online and try to book this seat you must know that they never list it on the website and it's blocked from the phone agents. It's only available to elite members and is assigned by airport ticketing agents and gate agents only. The best bet for row 17 is to show up early for your flight and request it at the elite check in counter. Most likely it will be available.
I haven't been able to book 4 seats from atl to san, on line...pLS HELP.
Hello, I moved back to my homecountry The Netherlands. I am still reading your highly interesting articles and I am a member of your club. KLM has announced a non stop flight starting somewhere in March 08 from Amsterdam to DFW. Is there a way to get an upgrade with miles without paying the full fare economy class fare which is prohibitive especially because they use Euro's here.?? Thanks Antony Boom
I'm one of those AA Executive Platinum that spends lots of time on AA. Looking for easier upgrades.
i NEED to fly to Barcelona or Madrid on May 27/28th...... returning around June 9th...... I have been trying and trying to find a Business Class or upgrade to FC for weeks with no luck. If anyone could help I would greatly appreciate it!
I need to fly from DFW to SJC on march 21 and return on March 23, 2008. What is the best first class fare that can be readily confirmed on American Airlines?
I have a question for anyone out there, I was wondering how I can upgrade from a economy seat to a bussiness class seat,I'm leaving from Dallas FT Worth, TX to Tokyo Narita Japan.
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