American Airlines to End Free Business Class Upgrades on Some Transcontinental and Hawaii Routes From Aug 2026
American Airlines will discontinue complimentary upgrades from economy to business class for elite members on select long-haul domestic routes starting August 25, 2026. Affected routes include New York Kennedy to Los Angeles, Boston to San Francisco, Dallas Fort Worth to Honolulu, Kona and Maui, Phoenix to Honolulu, and Chicago O'Hare to Honolulu and Maui. Elite members will instead receive free upgrades to premium economy. Those purchasing premium economy tickets or paid upgrades remain eligible for complimentary upgrades.
Effective August 25, 2026, American Airlines will stop offering its elite members complimentary upgrades from economy to business class on select long-haul domestic flights. Elite members will no longer be placed on the complimentary business class upgrade list for these routes; instead, they will receive free upgrades to premium economy.
The affected routes include New York John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles, Boston to San Francisco, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Honolulu, Kona, and Maui in Hawaii, Phoenix to Honolulu, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Honolulu and Maui.
Elite members who purchase a premium economy ticket or buy an upgrade service will still be eligible for a complimentary upgrade.
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