Passengers Express Outrage Over American Pilots Being “Upgraded” Ahead of Them

In recent years, pilots at nearly every major US airline have secured new labor contracts. American Airlines’ 2023 agreement stands out for more than just its nearly $10 billion price tag. One of the most debated provisions gives American pilots priority access to First Class seats under certain circumstances (sometimes even ahead of the airline’s most loyal customers).

The policy has generated confusion and frustration among frequent flyers because many travelers don’t understand when it applies or how it affects the upgrade list. A closer look at how it works (and American doing a better job of explaining it) helps clarify what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

When travelers see pilots in uniform seated in the cabin, it’s usually for one of two reasons. Pilots may be commuting, meaning they live in one city but are based in another and travel as passengers to get to work. Pilots may also be deadheading, which occurs when they are traveling as passengers as part of their work assignment to position for a flight. This is often due to scheduling changes, operational needs, or weather disruptions.

How often pilots commute versus deadhead varies widely. Some pilots live in their base city and rarely commute, while others travel every time they work. Deadheading can be sporadic (especially during severe weather or peak travel periods).

American’s contract outlines different rules depending on the route. Pilots who are deadheading on long-haul international flights, flights to Hawaii or Alaska, or routes crossing the equator are assigned the highest available class of service from the start. On most other domestic routes, pilots are initially seated in Economy Class. Their seating priority follows a specific order, starting with exit-row aisle seats, then exit-row window seats, followed by regular aisle seats and window seats. For these domestic flights, pilots are placed at the top of the upgrade list at check-in if First Class seats are available.

American offers complimentary space-available upgrades to elite members. Under the current contract, deadheading pilots move ahead of all elites, including ConciergeKey® and Executive Platinum® members within 24 hours of departure. This represents a major change from previous agreements, when pilots only cleared into First Class after all customer upgrades had been processed, which rarely resulted in upgrades for pilots on busy domestic routes.

There are important limitations to the policy. Revenue passengers can still clear upgrades more than 24 hours before departure, meaning travelers whose upgrades confirm early are unaffected. Passengers already confirmed in First Class are not removed to make room for pilots. It’s also worth noting that not every pilot seen in First Class works for American. Pilots from other airlines, cargo carriers, or private aviation may be flying as paid customers or using their own elite status benefits. I recently flew with a Delta pilot who was also Diamond Medallion with the airline.

The debate around pilot upgrades is loud in frequent flyer circles, but the reality is straightforward. This provision is part of a negotiated labor contract between American and its pilots. It will remain in effect for the duration of the agreement. Regardless of customer sentiment, it isn’t something the airline can simply reverse.

Anthony’s Take: While the policy can feel frustrating for elite travelers watching their upgrade position slip closer to departure, it reflects the growing leverage pilot groups have gained in recent contract negotiations. I support the current provision as I would like rested pilots flying the aircraft. If you really want to guarantee First Class, the reality is that you have to buy it.