Free Upgrades for AAdvantage Elite Members on US Airways

Earlier today the new American Airlines sent out an email keeping AAdvantage members updated on the status of the merger integration of the two airlines. In the email American announced that AAdvantage elite members will now be able to upgrade to First Class on US Airways operated flights free of charge within 24 hours of departure. This benefit is set to begin June 11, 2014.

This is a great perk, I’ve flown on US Airways a lot since reciprocal mileage earning began but have always tried to avoid them due to not having the ability to upgrade, which I almost always try to do. I also like that for a limited time (at least) AAdvantage elite members will get free upgrades on US Airways operated flights.

American also announced that they expect the US Airways Dividend Miles program and the AAdvantage frequent flyer program to combine in 2015.

See the full email below:

We promised to keep you updated during our integration journey and want to take this opportunity to bring you the latest news. We’re combining our airlines and doing this with you in mind. In January, we brought you the first merger benefits – the ability to earn and redeem miles with US Airways, along with select reciprocal elite status benefits. Here’s more on what’s ahead.

Upgrade on US Airways

Until we integrate our programs, we will introduce the ability for AAdvantage elite status members to upgrade to First Class on US Airways within 24 hours of departure, beginning June 11, 2014. If available, an opportunity to upgrade will be presented at check-in for US Airways-operated flights within and between the U.S. (excluding Hawaii) and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central America and will be provided on a first come, first served basis. If a seat is not available, you can also choose to add yourself to the upgrade standby list.

These upgrades are complimentary for elite status members and one companion traveling in the same reservation – just as they are on US Airways today for Dividend Miles elite members.

Other updates

We’re excited to announce that all flights scheduled between New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport and Los Angeles and San Francisco are flying on American’s new A321 Transcontinental aircraft – delivering the only three-class service coast-to-coast. And, we’re continuing to expand our global network with new service from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Shanghai and Hong Kong beginning June 11, 2014.

In preparation for the busy summer travel season, be sure to review our carry-on baggage policy, where you will see new items on the approved list like duty-free items.

Loyalty program integration

We plan to bring current Dividend Miles accounts into the AAdvantage program in 2015. That means we will combine your award mileage balances, your Million MilerTM balances and your elite-qualifying activity from both programs. In the meantime, continue to book travel and earn miles as you normally would. We will follow up with you when we begin the process of integrating accounts, but rest assured your miles and elite status are safe as we work to combine the two programs.

As we continue down the path of integration, we hope you’re taking advantage of these benefits. We’ll continue to keep you informed as we make progress and encourage you to check aa.com/arriving for updates.

Thank you for flying with us.

Regards,
Suzanne L. Rubin
President
AAdvantage Loyalty Program