How To Get Free Upgrades and Points on American Airlines

I received an email from American Airlines letting me know that I had some Business Extra points that were going to expire on 12/31/21. I’ve never used or paid much attention to the Business Extra program but I signed up for it since I love free miles and points and I run a small business.

Not paying much attention to them was obviously a mistake but I’m happy I didn’t just delete the email that came in looking like a promotional email. TIP: Always read airline emails to make sure they’re not telling you something important like your miles are expiring or your trip has changed.

I logged into my Business Extra account at businessextra.com and see I have 1,300 points expiring. I checked out the award chart and noticed that an upgrade, including AA’s plush lie-flat seat on transcons, are just 650 points each way.

I called the number between business hours (in the United States and Canada, call American Airlines Meeting Services at 800-433-1790, 7:00 a.m.. – 10:30 p.m.. (CT), Monday through Friday and 7:00 a.m.. – 8:00 p.m.. (CT), Saturday and Sunday.) listed on the site and the agent said the upgrade wasn’t available (even though the cabin is wide open) but I could waitlist for it. I asked if there was a way to extend the life of the miles but she didn’t know. She said I had to call Business Extra (I thought I was already speaking to them but I apparently wasn’t).

Since the points are expiring, I figured I might as well go for it. She said that for her to tie the upgrade to my reservation, I first have to log on to businessextra.com and redeem an upgrade certificate, then give her the number of the cert. It’s all pretty easy (see screenshot below) or watch their demo here. Once you redeem, you will receive an upgrade certificate via email so don’t worry about taking a screenshot.

I then had the agent transfer me to Business Extra where I didn’t have to wait more than 30 seconds.

I asked the agent all kinds of questions including whether or not you can extend the life of your miles. He said you can’t technically but you can redeem them for flights, upgrades, donate them or convert each point to six AAdvantage miles. Just do it all online.

I asked what if my Business Extra upgrade doesn’t go through and he said you have a year to use it on another flight or you can convert it to one of the redeemable gifts mentioned above.

It’s good information, which is why I’m sharing it with you. If you fly American Airlines, run a business and don’t have a Business Extra account, you might as well sign up. If you do have a Business Extra account, then check your balance and if, like me, you have points expiring, take action.