American Airlines is making changes to how AAdvantage members use their miles for upgrades. The airline will retire its mileage upgrade award chart effective August 12, 2025, at midnight CT and has introduced a new instant point upgrade system. While the new process is fully automated and much more convenient, frequent flyers are already noticing signs that it may come with a hidden cost.
Saying Goodbye to the Upgrade Chart
American relied on a fixed award chart that outlined how many miles were needed to upgrade between cabins. Although the chart had its complexities, it gave travelers a clear idea of what to expect. The actual upgrade process, however, was not as smooth. Passengers often had to call American’s reservations line to request an upgrade, even if they had enough miles and eligible fares. This made the process slow and cumbersome. If there wasn’t any space, passengers would be put on a waitlist. As far as I can tell, there is no waitlist in the new system.
With this change, the airline has eliminated the need for phone calls. Upgrades can now be requested directly at the time of booking or later through the website or mobile app. If upgrade space is available, the miles are deducted instantly and the upgrade is confirmed on the spot.
What’s New: Instant, Automated Upgrades
The biggest difference is automation and the lack of a waitlist. Travelers no longer need to call in to apply their miles for an upgrade. Everything happens digitally, giving passengers more control and real-time responses.
However, pricing is now fully dynamic. There is no published chart showing how many miles are needed for a given route or cabin. Instead, the number of miles required will depend on demand, fare class, and other factors. This flexibility might open the door to more upgrade opportunities, but it also makes it harder to plan ahead or know what a good deal looks like.
Higher Prices and Potential Red Flags
Many frequent flyers have already noticed that the mileage cost for upgrades under this new system is significantly higher than what they used to pay. In some cases, it is even more expensive than booking a full award ticket for the same cabin.
This shift could be a sign of a broader trend toward the devaluation of AAdvantage miles. While American has not formally announced a devaluation, the removal of the upgrade chart and the introduction of dynamic pricing often foreshadow changes that make miles less valuable over time. A strong telltale sign is that upgrades with miles are significantly more expensive than simply buying an award ticket outright. Travelers should keep an eye on pricing patterns in the coming months to see how things evolve.
Analysis
American Airlines’ new instant point upgrade system is a clear improvement in terms of convenience and user experience. Removing the need to call for an upgrade is a step in the right direction, especially for those who prefer to manage everything online.
Still, the disappearance of fixed pricing and the early signs of much higher mileage costs are worth watching closely. What looks like an upgrade to the process may turn out to be a downgrade in value in the future.
