Do you have a stash of American Airlines AAdvantage miles burning a hole in your virtual pocket, and your heart is set on exploring the stunning landscapes Alaska Airlines serves? You're in luck! Despite operating separate loyalty programs, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are partners within the oneworld Alliance, meaning you can indeed use your AAdvantage miles to book flights on Alaska.
But how exactly do you navigate this process? Don't worry, we're about to embark on a detailed, step-by-step journey to help you unlock the value of your AAdvantage miles for an Alaska Airlines adventure. Ready to turn those miles into memories? Let's dive in!
Redeeming American Airlines Miles on Alaska Airlines: Your Step-by-Step Guide
The key to remember here is that while you're flying on Alaska Airlines, the booking is done through American Airlines. Think of American as your gateway to Alaska's network.
Step 1: Confirm Your AAdvantage Account and Mile Balance
Before you even begin searching, it's crucial to know what you're working with.
1.1 Access Your AAdvantage Account:
Head over to the official American Airlines website:
aa.com.Locate the "Log In" or "AAdvantage" section, usually found in the top right corner of the homepage.
Enter your AAdvantage number and password to log in.
If you've forgotten your details, don't fret! There are "Forgot password" or "Forgot AAdvantage number" options available to help you recover them.
1.2 Verify Your Mile Balance:
Once logged in, you should see your current AAdvantage mile balance displayed prominently on your account summary page.
It's always a good idea to ensure you have enough miles for your desired redemption. While some redemptions can be as low as 12,500 miles each way for economy within the contiguous US/Canada, flights to Alaska or Hawaii will require more.
Step 2: Navigate to the American Airlines Award Travel Search
This is where the magic begins! You'll initiate your search for Alaska Airlines flights directly on the American Airlines website.
2.1 Start a Flight Search:
From your AAdvantage account dashboard or the main American Airlines homepage, look for the "Book" or "Flights" tab.
Select the "Redeem Miles" or "Award Travel" option. This is critical! If you don't select this, you'll be searching for cash tickets.
2.2 Enter Your Travel Details:
Input your desired departure and arrival airports. Make sure to choose airports that Alaska Airlines serves!
Select your preferred travel dates. Being flexible with dates can significantly increase your chances of finding award availability.
Choose the number of passengers.
Select your desired cabin class (Economy, Business, or First Class). Keep in mind that First Class on Alaska is generally treated as Business Class for award redemptions via AAdvantage.
Step 3: Filter for Alaska Airlines Flights
Once your initial search results populate, you'll need to refine them to specifically show Alaska Airlines options.
3.1 Look for Partner Airline Filters:
On the search results page, you should see various filters on the left-hand side or at the top.
Look for filters related to "Airlines" or "Operating Carrier."
Select "Alaska Airlines" (AS) from the list of available carriers. This will narrow down your results to only show flights operated by Alaska.
3.2 Understand Award Availability:
Award availability, especially on partner airlines, can be limited and vary greatly.
Don't be discouraged if your initial search doesn't show exactly what you want. Try adjusting your dates, considering nearby airports, or even looking at different times of day.
American Airlines often releases "MileSAAver" awards, which offer the best value, but these are generally the most limited.
Step 4: Select Your Alaska Airlines Flight and Review Details
Once you've found a suitable Alaska Airlines flight, it's time to review the specifics.
4.1 Choose Your Flight Segments:
Click on the desired Alaska Airlines flight. If your itinerary involves connections, ensure all segments are operated by Alaska Airlines or a oneworld partner you're comfortable with.
Pay close attention to the number of miles required for the redemption. This will be clearly displayed for each option.
4.2 Review Taxes and Fees:
In addition to miles, you'll be responsible for paying taxes and carrier-imposed fees. These will be shown before you confirm your booking.
These fees can vary significantly based on your origin, destination, and the specific route. For domestic flights within the US, they are typically quite low ($5.60 per person, per award is a common starting point). International redemptions might incur higher fees.
Step 5: Complete Your Booking
The final step is to confirm and pay for your award ticket.
5.1 Passenger Details:
Enter the full names, dates of birth, and any other required passenger information for all travelers. Ensure the name on the credit card used for taxes and fees matches the AAdvantage account holder's name.
5.2 Payment for Taxes and Fees:
Provide your credit card details to cover the applicable taxes and fees.
5.3 Confirm and Receive Itinerary:
Review all the details one last time: flight dates, times, passenger names, and the total miles and cash required.
Click "Confirm" or "Book" to finalize your redemption.
You should receive a confirmation email with your ticket number and itinerary shortly after. Keep this email safe!
Step 6: After Booking – Managing Your Reservation
Even after booking, there are a few things to keep in mind.
6.1 American Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines Confirmation Codes:
You will receive a confirmation code from American Airlines.
It's a good practice to take this American Airlines confirmation code and use it on the Alaska Airlines website's "Manage Trip" section to pull up your reservation there. Sometimes, a separate Alaska Airlines confirmation code (PNR) will be generated. This can be helpful for selecting seats directly on Alaska or for checking in via the Alaska Airlines app.
6.2 Seat Selection:
While you book through American, seat selection for Alaska-operated flights is often best done directly on the Alaska Airlines website or app using your Alaska Airlines confirmation code.
Elite status with either airline may offer preferred seating options.
6.3 Changes or Cancellations:
If you need to change or cancel your Alaska Airlines award flight booked with American Airlines miles, you generally need to do so through American Airlines.
American Airlines typically waives change fees for award tickets, though you may need to pay the difference in taxes or miles if the new itinerary is more expensive.
Miles are usually reinstated to your AAdvantage account upon cancellation, but allow up to 72 hours for processing.
10 Related FAQ Questions: Your Quick Answers
How to check American Airlines AAdvantage mile balance?
You can check your American Airlines AAdvantage mile balance by logging into your AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website (aa.com) or through their mobile app. Your balance will be prominently displayed on your account summary page.
How to find Alaska Airlines flights eligible for AAdvantage mile redemption?
To find eligible Alaska Airlines flights, you must search for "Award Travel" on the American Airlines website (aa.com) and then filter the results by "Operating Carrier" to select "Alaska Airlines."
How to know the mileage cost for an Alaska Airlines award flight?
The mileage cost for an Alaska Airlines award flight will be displayed during the search process on the American Airlines website. The rates are based on the AAdvantage award chart for oneworld partners.
How to pay for taxes and fees on an Alaska Airlines award ticket?
Taxes and fees for an Alaska Airlines award ticket booked with American Airlines miles are paid by credit card directly on the American Airlines website during the booking process.
How to select seats on an Alaska Airlines flight booked with AA miles?
After booking, it's recommended to take your American Airlines confirmation code and use it on the Alaska Airlines website or app's "Manage Trip" section to retrieve your reservation and select seats directly with Alaska Airlines.
How to change or cancel an Alaska Airlines award flight booked with AA miles?
To change or cancel an Alaska Airlines award flight booked with American Airlines miles, you must do so through American Airlines directly, either online or by contacting their customer service.
How to add my Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number to an AA award booking?
You cannot typically add your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number to an American Airlines award booking made with AAdvantage miles, as you are redeeming AAdvantage miles, not earning Mileage Plan miles on that specific redemption. The AAdvantage number associated with the redemption will be on the booking.
How to confirm if Alaska Airlines is a oneworld partner for American Airlines?
Yes, Alaska Airlines is a full member of the oneworld Alliance, which includes American Airlines. This partnership allows for reciprocal mileage earning and redemption.
How to find the best award availability for Alaska Airlines using AA miles?
The best award availability for Alaska Airlines flights using American Airlines miles is generally found when booking far in advance or by being flexible with your travel dates and times. Look for "MileSAAver" availability for the best value.
How to get a confirmation code from Alaska Airlines after booking with AA miles?
While your primary confirmation will be from American Airlines, you can often find a separate Alaska Airlines confirmation code (PNR) by taking your American Airlines confirmation and looking up your reservation on the Alaska Airlines website's "Manage Trip" section.
