American Airlines is making clear that it would rather sell first class seats than give them away as complimentary upgrades. That may make perfect business sense, but it also chips away at one of the core reasons travelers chase elite status in the first place. Is this a penny-wise, pound-foolish approach or does the “if you want first class pay first class” mantra win out? American Airlines Wants To Sell First Class Seats, Not Give Them Away To Elites American Airlines CEO Robert Isom is not exactly hiding the strategy: American wants to sell more premium seats and give away fewer of them as complimentary upgrades to AAdvantage elites. As flagged by View From The Wing , Isom recently spoke about American’s premium strategy and the airline’s belief that customers are increasingly willing to pay for first class, premium economy, and extra-legroom seating rather than relying on upgrades.…