American Airlines Prioritizes Pilots for First Class Upgrades Over Passengers

FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) has updated its policy to give deadheading pilots, those repositioning for work without operating the flight, top priority for first class upgrades.

Effective December 2, 2023, these pilots are listed ahead of all loyalty members at check-in, regardless of elite status.

The decision stems from the airline’s 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.

Photo: Clément Alloing

American Airlines Pilot Priority Over Passengers

According to View From The Wing, 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.

These pilots, coded with A1DP/A3DP status in the airline’s system, are added to the top of the upgrade list at check-in.

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.

The policy ensures unsold first-class seats are allocated to these pilots before loyal customers, even those with elite status like ConciergeKey.

The standard process for clearing revenue customers remains, but upgrades requested within 24 hours stay in place.

Notably, if a customer is already cleared for an upgrade, adding a pilot to the list does not reverse that upgrade.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Impact on Elite Flyers

Elite flyers have voiced frustration over the policy, with some witnessing pilots receiving upgrades while they remain in coach.

A frequent flyer considered switching to Delta Air Lines (DL), unaware that only 13% of Delta’s first-class seats typically go to upgrades.

The sentiment reflects a broader challenge in the airline industry, where upgrades have become increasingly rare.

American Airlines promotes upgrades as a loyalty perk for frequent flyers and co-brand credit card holders, yet this policy undermines that promise, leaving loyal customers feeling sidelined.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Operational Need

The decision to prioritize pilots for upgrades lacks a clear safety or operational basis. Deadheading flights count as duty hours, meaning pilots spend this time in the cabin rather than the cockpit, which is more restful than flying.

American Airlines’ safety record was strong before this policy, indicating no pressing need for such a change to ensure pilot freshness or safety.

Critics argue that while pilots negotiated this perk in their contract, it does not align with the airline’s financial practices, as most companies, including American Airlines, rarely fund first-class domestic travel for employees.

Photo: Cado Photo

American’s Misaligned Priorities

The policy highlights a disconnect between American Airlines’ management and its customer base.

Upgrades are a key incentive for loyal flyers, yet the airline struggles to meet demand for premium seats.

This scarcity, combined with prioritizing pilots, creates a perception of mismanagement. Customers see pilots clearing upgrades ahead of them, which damages the airline’s image, especially when upgrades are marketed as a loyalty benefit.

Management’s focus on pilot perks over customer satisfaction has fueled dissatisfaction among elite flyers, who feel their loyalty is undervalued.

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