{"id":98946,"date":"2025-06-10T04:57:41","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T23:27:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=98946"},"modified":"2025-06-10T21:38:48","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T16:08:48","slug":"american-airlines-prioritizes-pilots-for-first-class-upgrades-over-passengers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/10\/american-airlines-prioritizes-pilots-for-first-class-upgrades-over-passengers\/","title":{"rendered":"American Airlines Prioritizes Pilots for First Class Upgrades Over Passengers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

FORT WORTH-<\/strong> American Airlines (AA)<\/a> has updated its policy to give deadheading pilots, those repositioning for work without operating the flight, top priority for first class upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective December 2, 2023, these pilots are listed ahead of all loyalty members at check-in, regardless of elite status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision stems from the airline\u2019s newly ratified pilot agreement. This shift has stirred frustration among frequent flyers, particularly Executive Platinum and ConciergeKey members, who now face increased competition for limited premium cabin seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"American
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

American Airlines Pilot Priority Over Passengers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to View From The Wing<\/a>, as part of the 2023 pilot contract, American Airlines (AA) now assigns deadheading pilots, those traveling between flight segments but not flying the aircraft, higher priority for upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These pilots, coded with A1DP\/A3DP status in the airline\u2019s system, are added to the top of the upgrade list at check-in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The internal memo details that pilots checking in via Travel Planner or American Essentials are automatically placed on the list with the UPGO code, while those using the American Airlines mobile app or its own website require manual addition by Customer Care teams using the same UPGO code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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@AmericanAir<\/a> same old story- got a systemwide upgrade to use and your crew\/staff has always proritynover the paying customers (exec platinum in my case, not sure for how longer) pic.twitter.com\/cNPVY55T2w<\/a><\/p>— Unbelievable (@un_believable00) January 12, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>