What criteria determine the selection for American Airlines’ on-board upgrades?

The criteria for selecting passengers for onboard upgrades with American Airlines primarily involve loyalty status, fare class, and availability.

Loyalty status is crucial because passengers who are part of American Airlines' frequent flyer programs, such as AAdvantage, often receive priority for upgrades based on their level of membership. The higher the loyalty status, the more likely a passenger will be considered for an upgrade, as airlines aim to reward their most dedicated customers.

Fare class plays a significant role as well. Different booking classes come with varying eligibility for upgrades; generally, higher-priced tickets have a better chance of being upgraded, compared to lower fare classes that may be excluded from upgrade possibilities.

Lastly, availability is a practical consideration in the selection process. Even if a passenger has a high loyalty status and a premium fare class, if there are no available seats in the cabin to which they might be upgraded, they cannot be given an upgrade.

In contrast, the other options focus on criteria that do not align with American Airlines’ systematic approach to upgrades. For example, passenger requests and flight duration do not typically influence upgrade decisions; upgrades are based on the established criteria mentioned. Random selection among travelers is not a strategy employed by airlines as it does not reward loyalty or ticket value.