Where Can I Find the Official American Airlines Mileage Upgrade Chart?
If you’re planning to upgrade an AA flight using miles—whether it’s a short hop or a long-haul business-class treat—the
upgrade chart is the key to understanding how many miles you’ll actually need. The trouble is, the chart isn’t labeled boldly on the homepage. You have to know
exactly where to look.
Below is the full guide, plus a few helpful tips from my own trial-and-error.
Where the Official AA Mileage Upgrade Chart Actually Lives
American Airlines
does still publish a mileage upgrade chart. It’s just tucked deeper into AA.com than most travelers expect.
Here’s how to find it:
- Go to AA.com
- Open the AAdvantage® menu
- Click Redeem Miles
- Scroll to Miles Upgrade / Upgrade Awards
- Inside that page, AA lists the official chart with:
- Required miles
- Co-pays
- Eligible fare classes
- Route-based variations
Visual suggestion: Screenshot-style graphic of AA’s navigation path (mocked for usage).
If you’re on mobile, the path is similar—but the Redeem Miles menu may be collapsed, making it even easier to miss.
How the Upgrade Chart Works (And Why It Can Be Confusing)
The chart shows how many miles you’ll need based on:
- Route region (domestic, transcon, Europe, South America, Asia)
- Cabin upgrade (Economy → Premium Economy, Economy → Business, etc.)
- Fare class (some cheap fares cannot be upgraded)
- Co-pay requirement (common on long-haul flights)
American uses a
miles + co-pay structure for many international upgrades, so the chart is essential for planning if you’re trying to save money or miles.
Why I Called 844-734-0813 Again in the Middle of Trip Planning
Midway through planning a London trip, I noticed the upgrade cost fluctuated after an aircraft swap—from a 777 to a 787. Confused, I called
844-734-0813 again just to verify whether the mileage requirement had changed.
Spoiler: it had. And the agent walked me through the exact fare class rules and updated cost.
It saved me from making a very expensive mistake.
Quick Ways to Check Upgrade Prices If the Chart Isn’t Clear
Even with the official chart, AA occasionally adjusts prices or adds dynamic elements. Here’s how to double-check:
- AA app: After selecting a flight, tap “Upgrade Options.”
- Google Flights: Look for the “Upgrade” section inside fare details.
- ExpertFlyer: Check upgrade inventory (A, C, or Business inventory classes).
- AA phone support: Best for confirming fare class eligibility or odd route pairings.
Tips for Saving Miles on American Airlines Upgrades
- Avoid upgrading Basic Economy—not eligible.
- Choose flights with lower-demand cabins (midweek long-haul fares).
- Track fare class sales and targeted AAdvantage offers.
- Consider upgrading from Premium Economy → Business, which often requires fewer miles than Economy → Business.
Final Thoughts + Easy Next Steps
The official AA mileage upgrade chart isn’t impossible to find—it’s just buried. Once you know where it lives, it becomes a powerful tool for planning premium cabin travel without paying premium cabin prices.
