You can earn American Airline miles and loyalty points when you upgrade your seat – What you should know

Getting an upgrade just got better.

American Airlines passengers will be pleased to know that they can now earn AAdvantage miles and loyalty points for paid upgrades.

The airline made the news official this week after hinting at the potential change in January. Until now, passengers flying with American who upgraded to the next cabin did not receive additional loyalty points or AAdvantage miles.

AAdvantage members earn miles and points on paid upgrades just like they would on any other American Airlines ticket – a base of 5 miles and loyalty points per dollar spent.

Members of American Airlines’ AAdvantage elite status receive an additional bonus of 5 miles per $1 of base earnings at the following rate:

• AAdvantage Gold Member: 7x miles

• AAdvantage Platinum member: 8x miles

• AAdvantage Platinum Pro Member: 9x miles

• AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Concierge Key members: 11x miles

This policy change is intended to encourage travelers to consider paying for an upgrade on their next American Airlines flight.

In the coming months, the airline will provide further updates on planned changes for AAdvantage members. Other planned updates include the ability to upgrade on additional Oneworld alliance and partner airlines.

Currently, AAdvantage members can use their miles to upgrade to a higher class of service on select fares on some partner airlines such as Qantas, British Airways and Iberia.

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.