Arabic version: أمريكان تقيّد الترقيات المجانية إلى درجة رجال الأعمال على الرحلات الداخلية الطويلة

According to Cnbc, American Airlines will stop allowing some elite frequent flyers to move from coach to business class through complimentary upgrades on several of its longest domestic routes. The change takes effect Aug. 25.

Elite-status customers flying on affected transcontinental and Hawaii services will instead be placed on the complimentary upgrade list for premium economy. American said elite flyers who bought a premium economy ticket or paid for an upgrade to that cabin after purchasing a coach ticket will remain eligible for a complimentary business-class upgrade.

The routes affected include New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles; Boston to San Francisco; Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Honolulu, Kona and Maui; Phoenix to Honolulu; and Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Honolulu and Maui.

American said it will do its best to accommodate seating preferences, but options can vary by aircraft type and availability. The carrier noted that premium economy on some aircraft includes middle seats, meaning customers could be assigned one when other seating options are unavailable.

The policy is the latest indication that airlines are giving away fewer of their most expensive seats as premium travel demand grows. Upgrades have become harder to secure on many flights as more travelers pay for roomier, higher-priced seating.