American Expands Elite Upgrades to Premium Economy, Phasing Out Double Upgrades to Business Class

American AAdvantage elites will be eligible for complimentary upgrades to Premium Economy on nine North American routes that offer Premium Economy, starting August 25, 2026, replacing the previous practice of double upgrades to Business Class. Upgrades are space‑available and limited to routes with Premium Economy; those in economy can upgrade to Premium Economy and then to Business Class, while Premium Economy passengers can upgrade to Business Class. Routes without Premium Economy or markets outside North America are unaffected. Paid or systemwide upgrades remain available, and overall this shifts upgrade paths toward Premium Economy as the ladder.