American Airlines is making its best free upgrade harder to get

American Airlines is making it harder for frequent elite flyers to receive complimentary upgrades from economy to business class. DCA American Airlines is making it harder for elite flyers to receive an upgrade from economy to business class. The new policy affects some of the longest domestic routes, including trips to Hawaii. An aviation expert said the airline is trying to capture revenue it previously left on the table. American Airlines is making it harder for its most loyal customers to score one of its most coveted perks. American Airlines said on Thursday that beginning August 25, elite AAdvantage members traveling on several of American's longest domestic routes, including select transcontinental flights and trips to Hawaii, will no longer receive complimentary upgrades from economy to business class . Instead, eligible travelers will be upgraded to premium economy when seats are available.