American Airlines Upgrade Using Service-Wide Upgrades (SWUs)

Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs) are special upgrade certificates offered by American Airlines to AAdvantage elite members, typically at the Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum level. These upgrades allow you to move from Economy to Business or Business to First Class on eligible flights. You earn SWUs by reaching specific Loyalty Point milestones, starting at 175,000 points. Each SWU can be used for one-way travel on American Airlines-operated flights, even for international routes. To use an SWU, your ticket must be in an eligible fare class—Basic Economy and deeply discounted fares are not allowed. You can apply an SWU during booking or after, through the American Airlines website or app. If upgrade space is available, it confirms right away; otherwise, you’re placed on a waitlist. SWUs are valid through the elite year in which they are earned. These upgrades are valuable for long flights, offering significant comfort and service enhancements.