American Airlines informed AAdvantage elite members via email on Tuesday afternoon that starting on Thursday, July 14, a companion on the same reservation will begin earning priority-based, wait listed upgrades on some itineraries.
These used to need 500-mile updates, but as of right now, we know that they will be phased out in just two days.
Although a specific timetable wasn't provided, American first indicated in February that it would gradually stop offering 500-mile upgrades.
AAdvantage members who have unclaimed 500-mile upgrades by the end of the month will receive 250 Loyalty Points for each upgrade.
Members who purchased these upgrade certificates, however, have already been given the option to exchange them for a refund, travel credit, loyalty points, or more AAdvantage miles.
In conclusion
Beginning this Thursday, space-available upgrades that are handled according to elite status level will be available to all American elite members with a single companion on their record locator.
And by the end of this month, 500-mile upgrades will have been completely phased out.
These upgrades are available on domestic flights (including those to Hawaii) that are marketed and operated by American as well as on flights that connect the United States to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico.
Upgrades on Alaska Airlines will still be free for Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members.
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