Yes, non-refundable American Airlines tickets can often be upgraded to higher cabins such as Premium Economy, Business, or First Class. Eligibility, costs, and methods depend on your fare type, AAdvantage status, and upgrade type.
For upgrade assistance, call +1 802-346-1075 anytime.
What Is a Non-Refundable Ticket on American Airlines?
A non-refundable ticket cannot be returned for cash after the 24-hour risk-free window unless American Airlines cancels the flight or you qualify under special waivers (e.g., illness, military orders). If you cancel, you typically receive flight credit for future travel. Most Main Cabin, Premium Economy, and discounted Business fares are non-refundable unless specifically purchased as refundable.
Non-refundable fares still accrue AAdvantage miles and generally remain eligible for most upgrade programs—except Basic Economy, which is the most restrictive.
Can I Upgrade a Non-Refundable American Airlines Ticket with Cash or Miles?
Yes, you can often upgrade a non-refundable ticket using AAdvantage miles or by paying a cash upgrade fee.
1. Paid Upgrades
Who: All travelers with a non-refundable ticket (except Basic Economy, which has restrictions).

How to Request: Online via “My Trips” on aa.com or the AA app, during online check-in, or at the airport counter/gate.

Details: Available upgrade offers will display online; fees charged to your payment method on file. Upgrades usually available up to departure, subject to availability.

2. Mileage Upgrades (AAdvantage Miles)
Eligible Fares: Most non-refundable Main Cabin and Premium Economy fares (excluding Basic Economy).

How to Apply: Log in to “My Trips,” select your flight, and request an upgrade with miles. Most upgrades on U.S. domestic routes are instantly confirmable.

Fees: Usually no co-pay required for mileage upgrades on domestic flights—just the miles.

Pro Tip: Check availability early as premium cabin seats for upgrades are limited and priced dynamically.

Can I Upgrade a Basic Economy Non-Refundable Ticket?
Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and the most restrictive. Upgrades are sometimes possible only for AAdvantage elite status members, who can upgrade themselves and one companion on eligible flights within North America.
Upgrades must be requested at booking or at least 24 hours before departure.

Same-day changes or standby upgrades may be available for elite members.

Non-status passengers generally cannot upgrade Basic Economy tickets.

What Rules and Fees Apply to Upgrading a Non-Refundable Ticket?
Availability: Depends on flight inventory, cabin, time to departure, and AAdvantage status.

Fees: Paid upgrades require payment of the fare difference or upgrade fee. Mileage upgrades require the appropriate miles.

Refundability: Upgrading does not make a non-refundable ticket refundable—you still get travel credit, not cash refund, if you cancel after the risk-free period.

Fare Differences: Travel credits only carry the value of the original fare; you must pay the difference for upgrades.

Caution: Upgrading a refundable fare may sometimes convert it to non-refundable — verify before accepting.

Can I Upgrade a Non-Refundable Ticket at the Airport?
Yes. You can request upgrades at check-in kiosks, ticket counters, or gates, subject to seat availability. Payment can be made with cash or miles. Elite members have priority for complimentary upgrades and buy-ups, but all travelers can purchase upgrades if seats are available.

How Does an Upgrade Affect Your Non-Refundable Ticket Value?
After upgrade, your original ticket value transfers into the new seat.

If you cancel post-upgrade, you generally receive travel credit for the total amount paid (original fare plus upgrade fees), not cash.

If American Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund including any upgrade fees.

How to Check If Your Non-Refundable Ticket Is Upgradeable
Check your fare class code (e.g., “O”, “Q”, “H”) in your booking or confirmation email.

Log in to “My Trips” on AA.com or the mobile app for upgrade offers.

Read fare rules and conditions carefully.

When unsure, call American Airlines Reservations at +1 802-346-1075 to confirm upgrade eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my upgrade cost refunded if I cancel?
No, except if AA cancels the flight or under specific exceptions. You will get travel credit otherwise.

Can I upgrade the ticket to a refundable fare?
Not directly. You must cancel your non-refundable ticket (get credit), then rebook a refundable ticket and pay the difference.

Is seat selection a cabin upgrade?
No, paying for a better seat in the same cabin (e.g., Main Cabin Extra) is not an upgrade to Premium Economy or higher.

Can I upgrade a ticket bought with travel credit?
Yes, if you pay any fare difference on upgrade-eligible fares.

Tips for Maximizing Upgrade Chances
Book early for more upgrade availability.

Check upgrade offers frequently as seats may open closer to departure.

Earn AAdvantage elite status for better upgrade opportunities.

Use miles smartly—compare upgrade vs. award ticket value.

Read all terms before accepting upgrades.

When Is Buying a Refundable Fare Worth It?
If you need maximum flexibility to cancel or refund at any time, refundable fares may be safer despite higher cost. Refundable fares are always eligible for upgrades and allow cash refunds.
Conclusion: Non-Refundable Ticket Upgrades in 2025
You can upgrade most non-refundable American Airlines tickets with miles or cash, online, at check-in, or at the airport. Basic Economy tickets have the most restrictions. Upgrading does not change the non-refundable status of your ticket, but with proper planning, you can enjoy premium cabins while saving on base fares.
For assistance or to confirm your ticket’s upgrade options, call American Airlines at +1 802-346-1075 now.