American Airlines To Charge New Fees to Upgrade With Miles

American Airlines sent the follow e-mail this morning announcing their new fees (aka co-pays) to upgrade one-way to business or first class with miles (upgrades using stickers or vips are still fee-free):

Effective October 1, 2008, Upgrade awards from most Discount Economy fares will change as follows:

• Upgrade within the continental U.S. and Canada, within and between the continental U.S. / Canada / Mexico / The Caribbean or between North America and Central America will require 15,000 miles plus a $50 co-payment.
• Upgrade between North America and Europe, Japan, China, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile or Uruguay will require 25,000 plus a $350 co-payment
• Upgrade between North America and India will require 40,000 miles plus a $350 co-payment

The current award structure will apply to members who request upgrade awards prior to October 1. For complete information regarding award changes, visit www.aa.com/awardchanges.

Gary from a View from the Wing speculates that United may be next:

Personally I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop on my program of choice, United, they still don’t have online minimum award booking fees, award fuel surcharges, upgrade cash co-pays, and it’s been a couple of years since they’ve increased mileage redemption levels.

Comments

[Mira's Desk]

As with everyting in life it is best to be prepared. Here is a link to the CDC for information on the Travel restrictions. http://pfx.me/NP