What are “500 Mile Upgrades”?

Question

On my American Airlines AAdvantage account, I see a lot of references to "500 Mile Upgrades".

I don't quite understand how these work. Can someone explain what these are for (and what does the "500 Mile" part mean)?

Answer 1

As to the reason for the name, from the Terms and Conditions:

Each upgrade is valid for 500 miles of travel. Each flight segment requires at least one upgrade.

Thus, if you wish to upgrade your seat on a flight which is 1500 miles long, you would need to use three of these 500-mile upgrades.

Answer 2

AAdavntage has a section on their site explaining what the 500 Mile Upgrade is:

500-mile upgrades allow you to upgrade from Economy Class to the next class of service for travel on American Airlines or American Eagle:

• Within and between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Bermuda
• Between the U.S. and Central America

What your account must be showing are the '500 Miles' you have earned:

AAdvantage Platinum and AAdvantage Gold members earn four 500-mile electronic upgrades for every 10,000 qualifying base miles flown (including guaranteed minimum miles) during your membership year (March 1 or the date you qualify for elite status, through the last day of February).

Answer 3

From FlyerGuide.com:

An e500 (also known as a “500 miler”) is an upgrade certificate that allows a one-cabin upgrade on a flight of 500 miles or less within Region 1. They can be combined to upgrade longer flights (details below). Mileage Plus elite members who are Premier or above earn 4 e500s for every 10,000 miles flown on revenue tickets on flights operated by United or United Express (also referred to as "BIS" or "butt-in-seat" miles). e500s may also be purchased.

The page goes on to explain how to earn them, purchase them, use them, and calculate the requirements for them based on mileage.