Why Does American Airlines Upgrade Pilots To First Class Before Paying Passengers?

For frequent flyers, free upgrades are one of the most tangible rewards of airline loyalty. After years of flying with the same carrier, holding elite status can mean the difference between squeezing into a tight economy class seat and stretching out in a spacious first class recliner seat or even a flat bed. That expectation, however, has recently been challenged onAmerican Airlines, as some passengers have noticed pilots being seated in first class ahead of elite customers.