An American Airlines Boeing 737-823 passneger aircraft moves along the tarmac at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on August 23, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Daniel Slim | AFP | Getty Images
American Airlines elite frequent flyers have to say goodbye to the free coach-to-business leap on several long-haul domestic routes.
Starting Aug. 25, American said it will stop putting frequent flyers with elite status on the upgrade list for business class on some of its transcontinental and Hawaii routes. They’ll be put on the list for a complimentary upgrade to premium economy instead.
The change is the latest sign of how American and other airlines are working to give fewer high-fare seats away to increase revenue and profits. Getting an upgrade overall has become tougher on many flights with more and more customers paying up for pricier, roomier seats.
Routes that include the upgrade to premium economy instead of business class include…
