Elite travelers on select transcontinental and Hawaii flights will be moved into premium economy instead, unless they already bought that cabin or paid to upgrade into it.
American Airlines will stop offering complimentary coach-to-business-class upgrades to elite frequent flyers on several long-haul domestic routes starting Aug. 25, shifting those travelers to the premium economy upgrade list instead. The change applies on select transcontinental and Hawaii services, including John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles, Boston to San Francisco, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Honolulu, Kona and Maui, Phoenix to Honolulu, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Honolulu and Maui. Elite customers who already purchased a premium economy ticket or paid to move up from coach will remain eligible for a complimentary upgrade to business class. The move underscores a broader airline industry push to give away fewer high-fare seats as demand for premium travel remains strong and more passengers pay for roomier cabins.