How to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles? Answer is – There are many ways to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles, including flying on American Airlines or partner airlines, using an American Airlines AAdvantage credit card, staying at partner hotels, renting cars from partner companies, and shopping through the AAdvantage eShopping portal. You can also transfer points from other loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and Bilt Rewards.

How to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles?

What are American Airlines AAdvantage miles?

American Airlines AAdvantage miles are the airline’s frequent flyer rewards currency. These miles can be earned through various activities, such as flying on American Airlines or its partner airlines, using an AAdvantage credit card, or making purchases through American Airlines’ partners.

The accumulated miles can then be redeemed for a variety of rewards, most notably flights, but also upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

According to Zach Griff, a senior reporter at The Points Guy, AAdvantage miles are “some of the most valuable airline miles out there.” This is due to the wide range of redemption options available, as well as the ability to earn miles through a variety of partners.

Why should you earn AAdvantage miles?

Earning AAdvantage miles can significantly reduce your travel expenses or even allow you to travel for free.

With a well-planned strategy, you can accumulate miles quickly and redeem them for flights, upgrades, or other rewards. AAdvantage miles can also be used to cover taxes and fees on award tickets, making them even more valuable.

Furthermore, American Airlines offers several co-branded credit cards that provide additional benefits, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access.

These benefits can enhance your travel experience and make earning AAdvantage miles even more rewarding.

Earning AAdvantage Miles Through Flying

1. Earning miles on American Airlines flights

The most straightforward way to earn AAdvantage miles is by flying on American Airlines. The number of miles earned per flight depends on the fare class and distance flown. Generally, the more expensive the fare and the longer the flight, the more miles you’ll earn.

American Airlines recently revamped its AAdvantage program, introducing Loyalty Points alongside miles. Loyalty Points are earned in addition to miles and contribute to achieving elite status.

Summer Hull, founder of the travel blog Mommy Points, notes that this change “makes it easier for frequent flyers to earn status and unlock additional benefits.”

To earn miles on American Airlines flights, ensure your AAdvantage number is included in your booking.

2. Earning miles on partner airlines

American Airlines is a member of the oneworld alliance, a global network of airlines that allows you to earn and redeem miles across all member airlines.

This means you can earn AAdvantage miles not only by flying on American Airlines but also by flying on any of its partner airlines, such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.

The number of miles earned on partner airlines varies depending on the airline, fare class, and distance flown. To ensure you earn AAdvantage miles, provide your AAdvantage number when booking your flight.

3. Bonus miles for elite status members

American Airlines offers an elite status program with four tiers: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum. Each tier offers a range of benefits, including bonus miles on flights. The higher your elite status, the more bonus miles you’ll earn.

For example, Gold members earn a 40% bonus on base miles, while Executive Platinum members earn a 120% bonus. These bonus miles can add up quickly, especially for frequent flyers.

Earning AAdvantage Miles Through Credit Cards

Earning AAdvantage miles through credit cards is one of the most efficient and quickest ways to accumulate miles, especially for individuals who may not travel frequently.

According to The Points Guy, “The best way to earn a ton of American Airlines miles is by opening a new AAdvantage credit card and earning the welcome bonus.”

1. Welcome bonuses

American Airlines offers several co-branded credit cards through both Citibank and Barclays. These cards often come with lucrative welcome bonuses, which can range from 40,000 to 75,000 miles or more after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening.

For example, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® currently offers a welcome bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. It’s important to note that welcome bonuses are typically only available to new cardholders.

2. Spending categories

In addition to welcome bonuses, AAdvantage credit cards offer bonus miles on spending in specific categories. The most common categories include:

• American Airlines purchases: Most AAdvantage credit cards offer 2 miles per dollar spent on American Airlines flights and other eligible purchases.
• Everyday spending categories: Depending on the card, you might earn bonus miles on groceries, gas, dining, or other everyday purchases.
• Other bonus categories: Some cards offer bonus miles on specific types of purchases, such as hotels, car rentals, or entertainment.

By strategically using your AAdvantage credit card for everyday spending and taking advantage of bonus categories, you can accumulate miles quickly.

3. Transferring points from other programs

American Airlines partners with several hotel and car rental loyalty programs, allowing you to transfer points from these programs to AAdvantage miles.

For example, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to AAdvantage miles at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred.

Other transfer partners include Bilt Rewards, World of Hyatt, and IHG One Rewards. Transferring points can be a valuable strategy for topping up your AAdvantage balance or reaching a specific redemption goal. However, it’s crucial to compare the transfer ratios and any associated fees before initiating a transfer.

By combining welcome bonuses, strategic spending in bonus categories, and transferring points from other programs, you can maximize your AAdvantage mile earnings through credit cards and achieve your travel goals faster.

Earning AAdvantage Miles Through Hotel Stays

1. Partner Hotels

Earning AAdvantage miles isn’t limited to just flying. American Airlines partners with a wide array of hotel chains worldwide, enabling you to earn miles during your stays.

This can be a great way to accumulate miles, especially for those who travel frequently for leisure or business.

American Airlines’ hotel partners include renowned names such as:

• Hyatt: Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on qualifying stays and experiences. You also get access to exclusive offers and elite status benefits.
• Marriott Bonvoy: Transfer points to AAdvantage miles at a 3:1 ratio.
• IHG One Rewards: Transfer points to AAdvantage miles at a 10:1 ratio.
• Wyndham Rewards: Transfer points to AAdvantage miles at a 1:1 ratio.
• Choice Privileges: Transfer points to AAdvantage miles at a 5:1 ratio.

Remember, to earn AAdvantage miles for your hotel stay, you’ll need to provide your AAdvantage number at the time of booking or check-in.

Gilbert Ott, a travel expert and founder of God Save the Points, advises, “Always make sure you’re crediting your stays to your AAdvantage account to maximize your earnings.”

For the complete list of partner hotels and earning rates, you can refer to the American Airlines website.

2. Bonus Offers and Promotions

American Airlines and its hotel partners frequently offer bonus promotions that can significantly boost your mileage earnings. These promotions may include:

• Double or triple miles on stays at specific hotel brands or locations.
• Bonus miles for booking through the AAdvantage eShopping portal or the hotel’s website.
• Limited-time offers for new members or targeted promotions.

It’s always a good idea to check for current promotions before booking your hotel stay.

Earning AAdvantage Miles Through Car Rentals

Car rentals present another avenue for accruing AAdvantage miles, particularly beneficial for those who frequently rent cars for work or leisure.

1. Partner Rental Car Companies

American Airlines has partnered with several renowned car rental companies, allowing you to earn AAdvantage miles on your rentals. Their primary partners include:

• Avis: Earn a minimum of 500 miles per rental.
• Budget: Earn a minimum of 500 miles per rental.

The number of miles earned usually depends on the rental duration and the type of car.

According to Gary Leff, a travel expert and founder of View from the Wing, “Avis and Budget are great options for earning AAdvantage miles because they often offer bonus mile promotions.”

In addition to Avis and Budget, American Airlines also partners with other car rental companies such as Payless, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, and Sixt. Earning rates may vary, so it’s advisable to check the specific terms and conditions for each company.

To ensure you earn miles, remember to provide your AAdvantage number at the time of booking or when picking up your rental car.

2. Bonus Offers and Promotions

American Airlines and its car rental partners often run bonus promotions, which can significantly increase your mileage earnings. These promotions might include:

• Double or triple miles on rentals.
• Bonus miles for specific car types or rental durations.
• Discounts on rental rates.

It’s recommended to keep an eye on these promotions to maximize your mileage earnings. You can typically find them on the American Airlines website or through their email newsletters.

Earning AAdvantage Miles Through Shopping

Beyond travel and hospitality, your everyday shopping can contribute to your AAdvantage mileage balance. American Airlines provides several platforms and partnerships that turn your shopping sprees into rewarding experiences.

1. AAdvantage eShopping portal

The AAdvantage eShopping portal serves as a gateway to hundreds of online retailers, from popular brands like Apple and Macy’s to niche stores. By accessing these retailers through the portal, you earn a designated number of miles per dollar spent.

According to Ben Schlappig, founder of One Mile at a Time, a popular travel blog, “The AAdvantage eShopping portal is a fantastic way to earn miles on purchases you’d be making anyway. It’s like getting a rebate on your spending in the form of miles.”

The earning rates vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. It’s not uncommon to find offers for 5 miles or more per dollar spent.

2. SimplyMiles

SimplyMiles is another platform where you can earn AAdvantage miles on online and in-store purchases.

It functions as a browser extension that automatically activates earning opportunities when you shop at participating retailers.

You can also earn miles by dining at select restaurants or booking activities through the platform.

SimplyMiles often runs bonus promotions, such as double or triple miles on specific purchases or retailers.

3. Other shopping partners

Besides the AAdvantage eShopping portal and SimplyMiles, American Airlines also partners with several other brands and platforms that offer opportunities to earn miles. These include:

• Points.com: Buy or transfer miles from other loyalty programs.
• Magazine subscriptions: Earn miles when you subscribe to your favorite magazines.
• Wine clubs: Enjoy fine wines and earn miles at the same time.

Other Ways to Earn AAdvantage Miles

The versatility of the AAdvantage program extends beyond the conventional methods of earning miles. There are numerous other avenues to explore, allowing you to accumulate miles while enjoying various activities and services.

1. Take a Vacation

Booking vacation packages through American Airlines Vacations can be a rewarding experience for your AAdvantage account. These packages often bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals, and may offer bonus miles as an incentive.

Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, suggests, “Booking a vacation package can be a great way to save money and earn a significant number of miles in one go.”

2. Take a Cruise

Embarking on a cruise with one of American Airlines’ cruise partners can be another fulfilling way to earn AAdvantage miles. Several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, participate in the program.

The number of miles earned varies depending on the cruise line, itinerary, and cabin category.

Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, states, “Cruise lines often offer bonus miles for booking certain itineraries or during promotional periods, so it’s worth checking for those deals before you book.”

3. Sign Up with American AAdvantage Dining

The AAdvantage Dining program is a convenient way to earn miles for dining out or ordering food delivery.

By linking your credit or debit card to your AAdvantage Dining account and using it at participating restaurants, you can earn miles for each eligible transaction.

The earning rates typically range from 1 to 5 miles per dollar spent, depending on your membership level in the AAdvantage Dining program.

The Points Guy highlights that “AAdvantage Dining is a great way to earn bonus miles on dining expenses, especially if you frequently eat out or order takeout.”

4. Use Business Partners of American Airlines

American Airlines’ partnership network extends beyond airlines, hotels, and car rentals. They have collaborations with various businesses that allow you to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday expenses. These partners include:

• Telecommunications: Providers like AT&T and Verizon offer miles for new service activations or upgrades.
• Financial services: Companies like Rocket Mortgage and life insurance providers offer miles for using their services.
• Retailers: Certain retailers offer miles for purchases made through their AAdvantage shopping portals.

According to Julian Mark Kheel, a senior editor at Thrifty Traveler, “Taking advantage of American Airlines’ diverse partner network is a smart way to earn miles on purchases you’d be making anyway.”

5. Use American HomeMiles

American Airlines’ HomeMiles program allows you to earn miles on real estate transactions, such as buying, selling, or refinancing a home.

By using a participating real estate agent or mortgage lender, you can earn thousands of miles, depending on the value of the transaction.

“The HomeMiles program can be a game-changer for those looking to earn a large chunk of miles at once,” says Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy.

6. Open an Account with Bask Bank

Bask Bank is a unique online bank that offers a savings account where interest is paid in AAdvantage miles instead of cash. This is an excellent option for those who want to earn miles passively while saving for the future.

Frequent Miler, a popular travel blog, describes Bask Bank as “a great way to earn AAdvantage miles without having to change your spending habits.”

7. Take Surveys with Miles for Opinions

Your opinions can translate into AAdvantage miles through Miles for Opinions, a platform that rewards you for completing surveys. While not a massive earner, it’s a simple, passive way to accrue miles over time.

Richard Kerr, a frequent flyer and travel blogger, notes that “Miles for Opinions is a good option for those who have some spare time and want to earn a few extra miles.”

8. Real Estate Services with Miles From Home

Buying or selling a home? The Miles from Home program can make the process more rewarding by offering AAdvantage miles for using participating real estate agents and mortgage lenders.

Spencer Howard, a real estate agent and frequent flyer, recommends the Miles from Home program as a way to “maximize the benefits of a significant life event like buying or selling a home.”

9. Park at the Airport with PreFlight

PreFlight Airport Parking offers a convenient way to earn AAdvantage miles while parking your car at the airport. By booking your parking through PreFlight, you can earn miles based on the duration of your stay.

This is a particularly useful option for frequent travelers or those going on longer trips.

As Summer Hull, founder of the travel blog Mommy Points, suggests, “If you’re already parking at the airport, why not earn some miles in the process?”

10. Book an Airport Shuttle

Several airport shuttle services partner with American Airlines to offer AAdvantage miles on bookings.

Companies like SuperShuttle and GO Airport Shuttle participate in the program, allowing you to earn miles while conveniently traveling to and from the airport.

11. Use Utility Providers NRG, Reliant, or Xoom

Did you know you could earn AAdvantage miles by simply paying your electricity bills or sending money abroad?

American Airlines partners with utility providers like NRG and Reliant, as well as international money transfer service Xoom, to offer miles for using their services.

Holly Johnson, a personal finance expert and frequent traveler, points out, “These partnerships can be a good way to earn a few extra miles without much effort, especially if you’re already using these services.”

For example, new NRG customers can earn up to 10,000 AAdvantage miles when signing up for a new electricity plan.

12. Buy Tickets to Events Through Vivid Seats

Vivid Seats, an online marketplace for event tickets, partners with American Airlines to offer AAdvantage miles on ticket purchases. This can be a great way to earn miles while enjoying concerts, sporting events, or theater performances.

To earn miles, simply book your tickets through the Vivid Seats website or app and enter your AAdvantage number at checkout. The number of miles earned varies depending on the event and ticket price.

13. Join Fuel Rewards and Buy Gas at Shell

The Fuel Rewards program allows you to earn cents-off per gallon at Shell gas stations by linking your AAdvantage account and making qualifying purchases.

In addition to fuel savings, you can also earn AAdvantage miles on your gas purchases.

14. Donate to Charity

American Airlines’ Miles for Social Good program allows you to donate your AAdvantage miles to various charitable organizations.

While you won’t earn miles for donating, it’s a meaningful way to support causes you care about and put your miles to good use.

Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large for The Points Guy, says, “Donating miles to charity can be a rewarding experience, knowing that your miles are helping to make a positive impact.”

15. Convert Points from Hotels to American Airlines

Many hotel loyalty programs allow you to convert their points into AAdvantage miles. This can be a strategic way to boost your miles balance, especially if you have points from hotel stays that you don’t plan to use for hotel redemptions.

Tiffany Funk, a travel expert and founder of One Mile at a Time, advises, “If you have hotel points that are going unused, consider converting them to AAdvantage miles. It’s a great way to consolidate your rewards and use them for flights or upgrades.”

American Airlines partners with several hotel programs, including Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt. However, the conversion ratios vary depending on the program.

For example, Marriott Bonvoy points can be converted to AAdvantage miles at a 3:1 ratio, while World of Hyatt points can be converted at a 2.5:1 ratio.

16. Stay at Hyatt Hotels

Hyatt is a preferred hotel partner of American Airlines, offering AAdvantage members the opportunity to earn miles on eligible stays.

Members earn 1 AAdvantage mile for every eligible dollar spent at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide.

In addition to earning miles, AAdvantage members can also enjoy exclusive benefits like elite status matching and special offers.

As Ben Schlappig, founder of One Mile at a Time, puts it, “The Hyatt partnership is a win-win for AAdvantage members, offering both valuable miles and elite perks.”

17. Earn on All Alaska Airlines Flights

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have a partnership that allows AAdvantage members to earn miles on all Alaska Airlines flights. The number of miles earned depends on the fare class and distance flown.

This partnership is particularly beneficial for those who live in or travel to the West Coast, where Alaska Airlines has a strong presence.

According to Zach Griff, a senior reporter at The Points Guy, “The Alaska Airlines partnership provides AAdvantage members with a valuable way to earn miles on flights to and from the West Coast.”

To earn AAdvantage miles on Alaska Airlines flights, simply provide your AAdvantage number when booking your flight.

18. Purchase American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

If you’re short on miles and need to top off your account for a specific redemption, you can purchase AAdvantage miles directly from American Airlines.

However, this option is usually not the most cost-effective way to earn miles.

The Points Guy recommends only buying miles “if you have a specific redemption in mind and the price of the miles is less than what you would pay for the flight or upgrade.”

Maximizing Your AAdvantage Miles Earnings

To truly get the most out of the AAdvantage program, it’s essential to adopt strategies that maximize your mileage earnings.

By understanding how to leverage bonus categories, promotions, and stacking opportunities, you can accelerate your progress towards your desired rewards.

1. Utilizing Bonus Categories and Promotions

Most AAdvantage credit cards offer bonus miles on spending in specific categories. To optimize your earnings, concentrate your spending on these categories whenever possible. Common bonus categories include:

• American Airlines purchases: Utilize your AAdvantage credit card for flights, upgrades, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases to earn a higher mileage rate.
• Everyday spending: Look for cards that offer bonus miles on groceries, gas, dining, and other everyday purchases.
• Travel and entertainment: Some cards offer bonus miles on hotel stays, car rentals, and entertainment expenses.

Additionally, keep an eye out for limited-time promotions offered by American Airlines and its partners. These promotions can provide bonus miles for specific activities, such as booking flights or hotel stays within a certain timeframe, or reaching a spending threshold on your credit card.

“By staying informed about bonus categories and promotions, you can strategically time your spending and travel to earn significantly more miles,” advises Tiffany Funk, founder of One Mile at a Time.

2. Stacking Earning Opportunities

Stacking refers to the practice of combining multiple earning opportunities to maximize your mileage accrual. For instance, you could:

• Book a flight on American Airlines using your AAdvantage credit card: This allows you to earn miles for both the flight itself and the credit card spending.
• Stay at a partner hotel and pay with your AAdvantage credit card: This allows you to earn miles for the hotel stay, the credit card spending, and potentially through any ongoing bonus promotions.
• Rent a car from a partner company and pay with your AAdvantage credit card: This follows the same principle as the hotel stay, allowing you to earn miles from multiple sources.

By stacking earning opportunities, you can rapidly accumulate miles and reach your redemption goals faster.

“Stacking is a powerful tool that can significantly increase your mileage earnings, especially for frequent travelers,” says Summer Hull, founder of Mommy Points.

Redeeming Your AAdvantage Miles

The true value of AAdvantage miles lies in their redemption potential. While flights are the most common redemption option, your miles can unlock a world of other travel experiences, including upgrades and hotel stays.

1. Flights

Redeeming AAdvantage miles for flights is undoubtedly the most popular choice. The number of miles required for a flight depends on several factors, including:

• Destination: Flights to different regions may have varying mileage requirements.
• Travel dates: Peak travel dates often require more miles.
• Cabin class: Economy, premium economy, business, and first class have different mileage thresholds.
• Award availability: Limited award seats may necessitate higher mileage redemption.

American Airlines utilizes a dynamic award pricing model, meaning the mileage cost can fluctuate based on demand and other factors.

However, they also offer a handy award chart that provides a general idea of the miles needed for various destinations and cabin classes.

The Points Guy suggests, “To get the most value out of your AAdvantage miles, aim for premium cabin redemptions, such as business or first class, where the value of a mile can be significantly higher.”

2. Upgrades

You can use your AAdvantage miles to upgrade your flight experience. Upgrades are available for eligible flights on American Airlines and select partner airlines.

“Upgrading with miles can be a fantastic way to experience a higher level of service and comfort without paying the full fare,” says Ben Schlappig, founder of One Mile at a Time.

The number of miles required for an upgrade depends on the original fare class, the desired cabin class, and the specific flight route.

3. Hotel Stays

AAdvantage miles aren’t just for flights. You can also use them to book hotel stays through the AAdvantage Hotel platform. This platform features over 400,000 properties worldwide, giving you a wide range of options to choose from.

To book a hotel stay using AAdvantage miles, visit the AAdvantage Hotel platform. The number of miles required for a hotel stay varies depending on the hotel, location, and dates.

4. Car Rentals

Your AAdvantage miles can also get you on the road. American Airlines has partnered with several car rental companies, including Avis and Budget, allowing you to redeem miles for car rentals worldwide.

The Points Guy highlights that, “Redeeming miles for car rentals can be a great value, especially during peak travel times when rental rates are high.”

To redeem your miles for a car rental, you can book directly through the American Airlines website or app. The number of miles required will vary depending on the rental company, car type, location, and rental duration.

5. Merchandise

If you’re looking for something other than travel-related rewards, the AAdvantage program offers a diverse selection of merchandise that can be redeemed with miles.

From electronics and home goods to fashion and accessories, there’s something for everyone.

Katie Genter, a travel blogger at The Points Guy, suggests, “If you’re not planning on using your miles for travel anytime soon, redeeming them for merchandise can be a great way to get something you want or need.”

You can browse the available merchandise and redeem your miles through the AAdvantage eShopping mall.

6. Other Options

Beyond flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and merchandise, there are other ways to redeem your AAdvantage miles. Some of these options include:

• Admirals Club Membership or Day Pass: Use your miles to access American Airlines’ exclusive airport lounges.
• Charitable Donations: Donate your miles to various charities through the Miles for Social Good program.
• Magazine Subscriptions: Redeem miles for subscriptions to popular magazines.

While these redemption options may not offer the highest value per mile, they can still be a great way to use your miles for something you value.

Conclusion

Earning American Airlines AAdvantage miles is a journey with numerous paths, each offering unique rewards and benefits. Whether it’s through flying, credit card spending, hotel stays, car rentals, shopping, dining, or even taking surveys, the possibilities are vast and varied.

By understanding the different earning avenues and adopting strategic approaches, you can maximize your mileage accrual and unlock a world of travel experiences.

Remember, the key to success in any frequent flyer program lies in staying informed about the latest offers and promotions, optimizing your spending habits, and stacking earning opportunities whenever possible.

With diligence and a well-thought-out strategy, you can turn your everyday activities into valuable miles that bring you closer to your dream destinations.

FAQs

How long are AAdvantage miles valid for?

AAdvantage miles do not expire as long as you earn or redeem at least one mile every 24 months.

Can I transfer AAdvantage miles to another person?

Yes, you can transfer AAdvantage miles to another person for a fee.

Can I share my AAdvantage miles with family or friends?

Yes, you can pool your AAdvantage miles with up to six family members or friends through the AAdvantage Family Pooling program.

Can I use my AAdvantage miles for flights on other airlines?

Yes, you can use your AAdvantage miles for flights on American Airlines’ partner airlines, including those in the oneworld alliance.

What are the best ways to redeem AAdvantage miles?

The best redemption options depend on your individual preferences and travel goals. However, premium cabin redemptions, such as business or first class, generally offer the highest value per mile