Best way to upgrade on AA?

[Joy6328]

Hi!

Just wondering what the general consensus is on the best way (ie. cheapest!) to upgrade from Economy to Business on AA. Only a short flight DFW-YYC but have investigated the 500m certificates or the instant upgrade fare... There's no mileage calculator that I can find but estimate the distance to be 1300 milesso need 3 certificates each...

Is that the best way? Any other suggestions we should look into? We are both Silver QFF and have just joined AAdvantage but yet to fly with them - mainly want / need the upgrade for the luggage allowance... But also comfort after BNE-SYD-DFW

Thank you in advance

Joy.

 

[serfty]

Canada generally costs more for some reason.

Are you travelling direct?

In any case PS is oneworld ruby and AA recognises this for free checked luggage allowance.

American Airlines Checked Baggage Charge Exceptions | AA.com

 

[drron]

Without status in Aadvantage the 500 mile coupons would be a bad deal.Without status you have to buy a full fare economy ticket to be able to use the coupons.Just checked a random day in March-full Y is $2752 and a business special(ie no change or refunds) is $852.Go with the business special.
Unfortunately flying to Canada(or carribean,mexico) the 2 classes are Y and J-no f for really good SC earn.The distance by Great circle Mapper is 1523 miles so with your QFF number in the booking you would earn 80 SCs for that sector.
here is your mileage link-
Great Circle Mapper=

 

[Joy6328]

Thanks Serfty and drron -
yes flying direct, on 1 Nov they seem to be the only ones doing it... Everyone else has a stopover.

Tickets are about $360 each one way economy, $800 business

We are coming off J QF7 and wanted to maintain the luggage allowance - we are relocating with suitcases only so every bag is a bonus

Would we better off just swallowing the $150 excess baggage fee for another 23kg bag?

 

[arraitch]

Another thought to throw into the mix ... subject to award inventory (it might be wise to check!), you can fly DFW-YYC-DFW in J for 50,000 AA miles per pax. Until 31st January, 40,000 + 15,000 bonus miles will set you back $1,100+ USD.

 

[cove]

Can I ask why you have so many bags? After many years of taking the kitchen sink we now have one 23 kg bag each plus about 7 to 10 kgs of carry on that includes my Resmed sleep machine and 2 lithium batteries.
The long haul run to Dallas is where you might want to concentrate on for the comfort.
We just go Expedia for sub 3 hour runs in the US and put the points earn to SQ or QF. Sure it is like a bus service but that is for a very short run!

 

[Hvr]

Can I ask why you have so many bags?

It may be because he is relocating with bags only? I.e. if not taken then it will be sold/disposed of or given away.

 

[cove]

Provided it is not alcohol you can truck the baggage rather than fly it.

 

[Joy6328]

Thank you
ive gotten my packing down to a fine art - regional qld sales rep - but we are relocating from Brisbane to Calgary on a 2 year visa with a baby and scuba gear... Could probably truck the scuba gear but everything else will be "essentials"

I might have a look at the points option

 

[grussellt]

If you have to switch to Y on the YYC leg remember that you can purchase a 30 day pass to Admiral's Club for $100 that will allow access for all of you. You may need a shower after a long trip with a baby (and maybe a drink or two!)

 

[Joy6328]

Thanks grussellt - yes, I was pretty excited about the lounge pass option. The shower will be essential - you should see meal times now!!