American tightens business-class upgrade policy: Now, you'll get premium economy

American Airlines is beginning to offer premium economy on a growing number of domestic flights. As a result, the carrier is changing its complimentary upgrade policy.On certain domestic routes, the airline will limit business-class upgrades for AAdvantage elite status membersBeginning Aug. 25, if you're booked in economy, you can get upgraded to a premium economy seat — but not a lie-flat, business-class seat, as the carrier currently allows.To be fair, this move will affect a relatively small number of routes: The changes will apply to domestic flights that offer premium economy.But if you regularly fly American coast-to-coast or to Hawaii, you'll likely find it more challenging to get into business class once the new policy takes effect.Most notably? AAdvantage elite members flying on the carrier's new Airbus A321XLR won't get into AA's new Flagship Suites quite as easily on top cross-country routes.Review: American Airlines A321XLR Flagship Suites business class from JFK-LAXSEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYHere's how American framed the changes:"As American Airlines expands its offering of Premium Economy on more domestic routes," the carrier said in a statement. "We are streamlining ...