American Airlines shifts elite upgrades to Premium Economy on select domestic routes
American Airlines will start upgrading eligible economy passengers to Premium Economy—not lie-flat business class—on domestic routes that offer Premium Economy, effective Aug. 25; upgrades will follow the usual status-based queue, making coast-to-coast and Hawaii flights harder for elites to reach a true business-class seat. The change affects only domestic Premium Economy routes; Systemwide Upgrades and older A321T routes remain unchanged, and you can still reach business class by purchasing Premium Economy or via certain aircraft on eligible flights.
