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There are few things you can't do online in the world of award travel. For the longest time, applying American Airlines Systemwide Upgrades to flights you've booked has been one of those things. But we're happy to report that the online application of SWUs has gone digital — for good.
Here's what you need to know about this exciting development to the AAdvantage® program.
Now Permanent: Apply AA Systemwide Upgrades Online
After a month of beta testing the online application of Systemwide Upgrades, American Airlines has opted to make the feature permanent. Gone are the days of having to call American to redeem your hard-earned SWUs!
Starting today, all AAdvantage members can apply Systemwide Upgrade certificates online. But it's worth noting that this feature is reserved to those with at least one available upgrade in their account.
To apply your Systemwide Upgrade online, you'll need to go to a dedicated landing page and enter your last name and confirmation code. If there's upgrade availability, you can confirm the upgrade right away. Otherwise, you can waitlist your request for when upgrade space opens up.
Related: A Complete Guide to American Airlines AAdvantage Elite Status
What are American Airlines Systemwide Upgrades Anyways?
American Airlines Systemwide Upgrades are powerful tools to help you upgrade your American Airlines flight. In short, you can use one of these certificates to upgrade to business or first class.
Once tied to earning Executive Platinum elite status, Systemwide Upgrades are now earned through American Airlines Loyalty Point Rewards. Currently, AAdvantage members can choose their first Systemwide Upgrades upon earning 175,000 Loyalty Points.
The catch: American Airlines must open upgrade availability before you can clear an upgrade using a Systemwide Upgrade. This dedicated upgrade space may never be available on long-haul flights where the airline can fill the front cabin with paying passengers — or other AAdvantage members with a higher tie-breaker.
Besides availability, the only other gripe with using Systemwide Upgrades is that you've had to call to apply them. We're happy to see this isn't the case anymore.
Final Thoughts
If you have American Airlines Systemwide Upgrades and an upcoming reservation, you can now apply for them online. This is now a permanent feature of the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Some travelers may feel this development is long overdue. But as the saying goes, better late than never.
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