Free “In-Class Upgrade” on American

Just know which routes and aircraft have the carrier’s new seats.

American is slated to complete its Business Class seat upgrade on most seats in 2017, replacing angled-flat seats with bona fide flatbeds. Until then, it pays to know which routes and flights have the new seats, so you get the most for your money.

Let’s take Chicago-London on May 1 as an example. Flight AA86/AA90 is a B767-300 and AA46/AA98 a B777-200. The fares and miles required for an award are identical, but only AA86/AA90 have the new seat.