British Airways Customers to Get Upgrades on American Airlines Flights

If you're one of those members of British Airways Executive Club who have raked in thousands of Avios points, it's time to put them to better use or, perhaps, more use. British Airways has revised how customers can make upgrades using Avios points.

What changed?

With effect from19 May 2022, British Airways Executive Club members with Gold Upgrade vouchers can now also use them to upgrade to higher classes on flights operated by American Airlines. This is in addition to their ability to use them for upgrades on British Airways flights.

In turn, American Airlines AAdvantage members will also be able to use their System Side Upgrades on flights operated by British Airways. The new changes mean greater flexibility and more opportunities for members to redeem their points.

Before now, members of British Airways Executive Club could only use their Avios points for upgrades on British Airways flights. This limited passengers choices, considering the reduced route network of British Airways due to the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

But things have now changed for the benefit of BA passengers. For example, if you're flying to Hawaii with British Airways on BA-AA code shared flights, you can use your Avios voucher to get upgrade on British Airways flights as well as on the sectors operated by American Airlines.

Upgrading using Avios points for flights operated by British Airways and American Airlines can only be made online at Ba.com or directly with British Airways. Customers cannot upgrade on bookings made through travel agents.

Customers can upgrade existing bookings up until check in online at Ba.com or by contacting their local service centre or sales office. Upgrading using Avios on British Airways and American Airlines flights cannot be made at airport ticket desks.

The upgrade is a single cabin upgrade from the cabin booked to the next cabin, and may vary depending on whether British Airways or American Airlines operates the flight. Upgrading using Avios points on AA are permitted on eligible published fares only. Eligible fare classes to upgrade on AA are J, C, D and Y.

Upgrades using Avios points are not permitted where flights are sold as part of a package holiday or where flights and ground arrangements, such as prepaid hotels, cars, transfers and experiences, are booked and paid for in the same transaction.

To benefit from British Airways Executive Club, please join here and begin collecting Avios to help you pay for upgrades on your next flight. If you want to upgrade, book your flight now at ba.com.