Do you dream of jet-setting across the globe, perhaps exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean, or experiencing the rich history of Europe – all on the dime of your accumulated points? Well, if American Airlines is your carrier of choice, then unlocking the power of AAdvantage miles is your golden ticket!
Getting American Airlines points, also known as AAdvantage miles, is like mastering a secret language of travel hacking. It opens doors to free flights, upgrades, and a host of other fantastic benefits. But how exactly do you go about accumulating these precious points? Don't worry, we're about to embark on a comprehensive, step-by-step journey to turn you into an AAdvantage points pro!
Your Ultimate Guide to Earning American Airlines Points
Step 1: Are you already an AAdvantage Member? Let's check!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of earning, the very first thing you need is an American Airlines AAdvantage account. It's completely free to join and serves as the central hub for all your accumulated miles and Loyalty Points.
Action: If you don't have one, head over to the American Airlines website (aa.com) and click on "Join" in the top right corner. Fill in your basic information – name, date of birth, address – making sure it matches your government-issued ID to avoid any future hassles. Trust us, this is a crucial first step!
Tip: Once you've registered, you'll receive your unique AAdvantage number. Keep this number handy, as you'll need it for practically every earning opportunity we're about to discuss.
Step 2: Flying High – Earning Miles Through Air Travel
The most traditional, and often most rewarding, way to earn American Airlines points is by flying with American Airlines and its partners.
Sub-heading 2.1: Earning on American Airlines Flights
When you fly directly with American Airlines, your mileage earnings are based on the price of your ticket (excluding government-imposed taxes and fees).
Base Earning Rate: As a standard AAdvantage member, you'll earn 5 miles per dollar spent on eligible tickets.
Basic Economy Exception: Be aware that Basic Economy fares typically earn a lower rate, often around 2 miles per dollar.
Elite Status Multiplier: This is where things get exciting! If you achieve AAdvantage elite status, you'll earn a significant bonus on your base miles:
AAdvantage Gold®: Earns a 40% bonus (7 miles per dollar).
AAdvantage Platinum®: Earns a 60% bonus (8 miles per dollar).
AAdvantage Platinum Pro®: Earns an 80% bonus (9 miles per dollar).
AAdvantage Executive Platinum®: Earns a whopping 120% bonus (11 miles per dollar)!
Action: Always ensure your AAdvantage number is included on your reservation before you fly. You can usually add it during booking, online check-in, or even at the airport.
Sub-heading 2.2: Earning on Oneworld® and Partner Airlines
American Airlines is a proud member of the oneworld® alliance, which means you can earn AAdvantage miles when flying with any of their alliance partners, as well as American's other non-alliance partners. This significantly expands your earning potential globally!
oneworld® Alliance Members include: Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, and SriLankan Airlines.
Other Key Partners include: Aer Lingus, Air Tahiti Nui, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fiji Airways, GOL Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, IndiGo, JetBlue, JetSMART, and Silver Airways.
Important Note: The miles you earn on partner airlines can vary based on the flight distance and fare class. It's always a good idea to check the specific earning chart for the partner airline on the American Airlines website if you want to be precise.
Action: When booking with a partner airline, make sure to enter your American Airlines AAdvantage number in the frequent flyer field. Don't miss out on these miles!
Step 3: Unleashing the Power of Credit Cards
For many, co-branded American Airlines credit cards are the fastest and most efficient way to rack up a substantial amount of AAdvantage miles, especially through their generous welcome bonuses.
Sub-heading 3.1: Co-Branded American Airlines Credit Cards
American Airlines partners with Citi and Barclays to offer a range of co-branded credit cards. These cards not only earn AAdvantage miles on everyday spending but also come with valuable perks.
Key Cards and Features (Examples):
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Often offers a significant welcome bonus after meeting a spending requirement. Earns 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases, at restaurants, and at gas stations. Also includes a complimentary checked bag and preferred boarding.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: A premium option with a higher annual fee but offers 4 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases, Admirals Club lounge access, and a faster path to elite status.
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card: A no-annual-fee option that earns 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines and grocery store purchases.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® (Barclays): Similar earning structure to the Platinum Select, often with a simple sign-up bonus.
Welcome Bonuses: These are your golden tickets! Credit card welcome bonuses can range from tens of thousands to over 75,000 miles, providing an immediate boost to your AAdvantage balance. Always read the terms and conditions carefully to understand the spending requirements to earn the bonus.
Everyday Spending: Beyond the welcome bonus, use your American Airlines credit card for your daily purchases to continuously accrue miles. Many cards offer bonus categories (like dining, gas, or groceries) where you can earn accelerated miles.
Action: Research the current offers from Citi and Barclays for American Airlines co-branded cards. Consider your spending habits and travel goals to choose the card that best fits your needs. Applying for a new card with a substantial welcome bonus can significantly jumpstart your mileage earning!
Sub-heading 3.2: Transferring Points from Hotel Programs
While American Airlines isn't a direct transfer partner for major transferable points programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards, you can transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy to AAdvantage.
Marriott Bonvoy Transfer Ratio: Marriott Bonvoy points convert to AAdvantage miles at a 3:1 ratio.
Bonus Tip: Marriott Bonvoy used to offer a 5,000-point bonus when you transferred 60,000 points to certain airlines, resulting in 25,000 airline miles. However, American Airlines is no longer consistently included in this bonus offer, so always double-check.
Action: If you frequently stay at Marriott properties or have a substantial Marriott Bonvoy point balance, consider transferring them to American Airlines AAdvantage.
Step 4: Shop, Dine, and Earn – Leveraging Lifestyle Programs
American Airlines offers several ways to earn miles through your everyday shopping and dining habits.
Sub-heading 4.1: AAdvantage eShopping Portal
This is an incredibly easy way to earn extra miles on purchases you're already making online.
How it Works: The AAdvantage eShopping portal is an online mall where you can earn miles by clicking through to your favorite retailers.
Vast Selection: With over 1,200 participating stores, you're likely to find many of your go-to online shops.
Bonus Promotions: The portal frequently offers bonus promotions, where you can earn increased miles per dollar spent at certain retailers for a limited time.
Stacking: The beauty of shopping portals is that you stack your earnings! You earn miles from the portal and whatever rewards your credit card offers for the purchase.
Action: Before making any online purchase, always check the AAdvantage eShopping portal first. It only takes a few seconds and can result in significant mileage earnings over time. Consider installing the AAdvantage eShopping browser extension to ensure you never miss out.
Sub-heading 4.2: AAdvantage Dining Program
Who doesn't love to eat out? With AAdvantage Dining, you can earn miles simply by dining at participating restaurants.
How it Works: Link your credit or debit cards to your AAdvantage Dining account. When you use a linked card at a participating restaurant, you automatically earn miles.
Earning Tiers: The program often has tiers (Basic, Select, VIP) that offer higher earning rates (e.g., 1 mile per dollar up to 5 miles per dollar) based on your dining activity.
Bonus Miles: New member bonuses are common, where you can earn extra miles for your first qualifying dine.
Action: Sign up for AAdvantage Dining and link all your frequently used credit and debit cards. Search for participating restaurants in your area and make a point to dine there. It's literally earning miles for eating!
Sub-heading 4.3: SimplyMiles®
SimplyMiles is another program that allows you to earn AAdvantage miles by activating personalized offers on your Mastercard.
How it Works: Link your Mastercard(s) to your SimplyMiles account, activate offers from participating merchants, and earn miles when you make qualifying purchases.
Action: If you have a Mastercard, sign up for SimplyMiles and keep an eye on the offers available.
Step 5: Beyond Flights and Cards – Other Earning Opportunities
The AAdvantage program offers a surprising array of other ways to earn miles, often overlooked by many.
Sub-heading 5.1: Hotel Stays
American Airlines partners with various hotel chains, allowing you to earn AAdvantage miles on your stays.
AAdvantage Hotels Portal: Book hotels through aadvantagehotels.com and earn miles (and often Loyalty Points) on your reservations. The earning rate varies by property.
Direct with Partners: You can also earn miles by setting your earning preference to AAdvantage miles with certain hotel loyalty programs, such as World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG One Rewards. Earning rates vary (e.g., 1-2 miles per dollar spent or a flat number of miles per stay).
Action: Before booking your next hotel, compare options through the AAdvantage Hotels portal and also check if you can earn miles by booking directly with American's hotel partners.
Sub-heading 5.2: Car Rentals
Just like with hotels, you can earn AAdvantage miles when you rent a car.
Preferred Partners: Avis and Budget are preferred rental partners. You can often earn 1-5 miles per dollar spent, depending on your AAdvantage elite status.
Booking Process: Book through the American Airlines website or by using specific discount codes and providing your AAdvantage number when booking directly with the car rental company.
Action: Always check American Airlines' car rental partners before reserving your next vehicle.
Sub-heading 5.3: Cruises and Vacation Packages
Planning a cruise or a full vacation package? You can often earn a substantial number of AAdvantage miles.
AA Cruises: Book your cruise through American Airlines' dedicated cruise booking platform to earn at least 1 mile per dollar spent. Promotions often offer thousands of bonus miles.
AA Vacations: When booking flight and hotel packages through American Airlines Vacations, you can earn additional miles, often with a minimum earning of 1,000 miles per package.
Action: If a cruise or vacation package is on your horizon, explore the American Airlines platforms to maximize your mileage earning.
Sub-heading 5.4: Fuel Rewards
American Airlines has a partnership with Shell's Fuel Rewards program.
How it Works: Link your AAdvantage account to your Fuel Rewards account. You can earn 3 miles for every gallon of gas purchased at Shell stations, plus a bonus for your first fill-up after linking accounts.
Action: If you frequent Shell stations, link your accounts to earn easy miles on your gas purchases.
Sub-heading 5.5: Other Niche Earning Opportunities
Bask Bank: This online bank allows you to earn AAdvantage miles as interest on your savings account instead of cash interest.
Donating to Charity: Some charitable organizations, like Stand Up To Cancer, partner with AAdvantage, allowing you to earn miles for donations (e.g., 10 miles per dollar for donations over $25).
Taking Surveys: Occasionally, you can find opportunities to earn a small number of miles by participating in online surveys. While not a huge earner, every mile counts!
Action: Explore these less common, but still valuable, earning methods if they align with your financial habits or philanthropic goals.
Step 6: Understanding Loyalty Points and Elite Status
While not directly "points" you can spend, Loyalty Points are crucial for unlocking higher earning rates and fantastic benefits within the AAdvantage program by achieving elite status.
What are Loyalty Points? Essentially, most eligible AAdvantage miles you earn also count as one Loyalty Point. This means that almost every activity that earns you redeemable miles (flying, credit card spending, shopping, dining) also contributes to your Loyalty Point balance.
Elite Status Tiers: American Airlines has several elite status tiers:
AAdvantage Gold®
AAdvantage Platinum®
AAdvantage Platinum Pro®
AAdvantage Executive Platinum®
Benefits of Elite Status: As you achieve higher tiers, you unlock a wealth of benefits, including:
Increased Mileage Earning: As mentioned in Step 2, elite members earn significant bonus miles on American Airlines flights.
Complimentary Upgrades: Space-available upgrades on North American flights.
Free Checked Bags: Reduced or eliminated baggage fees.
Priority Check-in, Boarding, and Security: A smoother airport experience.
Lounge Access: For higher tiers (Admirals Club, Flagship Lounge).
Loyalty Point Rewards: At various Loyalty Point thresholds, you can choose additional rewards like bonus miles, systemwide upgrades, trip credits, and more.
Action: Focus on earning eligible AAdvantage miles, as they will naturally convert into Loyalty Points. If elite status is a goal, strategically concentrate your spending and travel with American Airlines and its partners.
Maximizing Your AAdvantage Points Earning Strategy
Diversify Your Earning: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Combine flying, credit card spending, shopping portals, and dining programs to accelerate your mileage accumulation.
Stay Informed on Promotions: American Airlines and its partners frequently offer bonus mile promotions. Keep an eye on their website, email newsletters, and popular travel blogs for these limited-time opportunities.
Track Your Miles: Regularly check your AAdvantage account online to ensure all earned miles are posting correctly.
Understand Expiration Policies: Generally, AAdvantage miles expire if there's no activity in your account for 24 months. However, simply earning or redeeming even a small number of miles will reset the clock. Having an active American Airlines co-branded credit card also prevents miles from expiring.
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to accumulating a substantial stash of American Airlines AAdvantage points, unlocking a world of travel possibilities! Happy earning, and even happier travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my American Airlines AAdvantage balance?
You can check your AAdvantage mileage balance by logging into your account on the American Airlines website (aa.com) or through the American Airlines mobile app. Your current mile balance will be prominently displayed.
How to prevent my American Airlines points from expiring?
To prevent your AAdvantage miles from expiring, you need to have qualifying activity in your account at least once every 24 months. This can include earning miles from flights, credit card spending, shopping portals, or dining, or by redeeming miles. Having an active American Airlines co-branded credit card also keeps your miles from expiring.
How to use American Airlines points for flights?
You can use your AAdvantage miles to book award travel on American Airlines and many of its oneworld® and partner airlines directly on aa.com or through the American Airlines app. Search for "Award Travel" when looking for flights.
How to earn American Airlines Loyalty Points?
You earn Loyalty Points for almost every eligible AAdvantage mile you earn. This includes miles from flying American Airlines and partners, spending on American Airlines co-branded credit cards, using the AAdvantage eShopping portal, and participating in the AAdvantage Dining program.
How to earn American Airlines miles without flying?
You can earn AAdvantage miles without flying through various methods, including signing up for and using American Airlines co-branded credit cards, shopping through the AAdvantage eShopping portal, dining with AAdvantage Dining, booking hotels and car rentals with partners, and participating in programs like SimplyMiles or Bask Bank.
How to transfer points from other programs to American Airlines?
The primary transferable points program that allows transfers to American Airlines AAdvantage is Marriott Bonvoy, typically at a 3:1 ratio. Other bank points programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards do not directly transfer to AAdvantage.
How to get elite status with American Airlines AAdvantage?
Elite status with American Airlines AAdvantage is earned by accumulating Loyalty Points. The more Loyalty Points you earn within a qualification period (March 1st to the last day of February), the higher your elite status tier will be, unlocking various benefits.
How to use American Airlines points for upgrades?
You can use AAdvantage miles to request upgrades on eligible American Airlines flights. You'll need to contact American Airlines Reservations or visit a Travel Center to request a mileage upgrade award.
How to buy American Airlines points?
Yes, you can buy American Airlines miles directly from American Airlines through their website. However, this is generally not recommended as the cost per mile is usually quite high, and it's almost always a better value to earn miles through other methods.
How to find participating restaurants for AAdvantage Dining?
To find participating restaurants for AAdvantage Dining, visit the AAdvantage Dining program homepage. You can search by your city, zip code, or a specific restaurant name to see which establishments are part of the program.
