US Airways Chairman’s Preferred Now Eligible for Standby Upgrades on AA

With the merger between US Airways and American Airlines, upgrades are a “touchy subject.” Currently, US Airways elites flying on an American Airlines operated plane can check for upgrades on AA.com, but are unable to be placed on the airport standby list. Lower tier elites will pay the usual $30/500-mile upgrade ticket price, while Chairman’s Preferred will be able to upgrade for free, as is the same with American’s Executive Platinum members.

Now, US Airway’s Chairman’s Preferred members will be able to added to the airport standby list for upgrades, a major improvement which will offer more opportunities to sit up front.

Here are some notes:

• If a Chairman’s Preferred is not offered an upgrade on AA.com, they will automatically be placed on the airport standby. If it is not automatically added, an agent can add the member manually.
• This process is only for Chairman’s Preferred. Lower tier elites cannot use the airport standby process.
• If there are multiple travelers on the one record locator, all must be Chairman’s Preferred – so, no companion upgrades.
• If you’re connecting from another airline, you’ll be placed on the list as a thru passenger, which gives higher upgrade priority.

Hat Tip: JonNYC on TravelingBetter