The Ultimate Guide to Transferring IHG Points to American Airlines AAdvantage Miles
Ever dreamt of flying on American Airlines, perhaps in a luxurious business class seat, but your points balance is mostly with IHG One Rewards? You're in luck! While not always the most direct or valuable transfer, converting your IHG points to American Airlines AAdvantage miles is absolutely possible. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you understand the process, the implications, and how to maximize your travel dreams.
Let's dive in and turn those hotel stays into flights!
 |
| How To Transfer Ihg Points To American Airlines |
Understanding the Landscape: Why (or Why Not) Transfer?
Before we jump into the "how," it's crucial to understand the "why." Transferring points between loyalty programs often involves a "conversion rate," and it's rarely 1:1.
IHG One Rewards points are generally valued lower than American Airlines AAdvantage miles. NerdWallet estimates IHG points at around 0.5 cents per point, while American Airlines AAdvantage miles are valued around 1.6 cents per mile. This means you'll typically get less value from your points when converting them this way.
The standard transfer ratio from IHG to American Airlines is 5 IHG One Rewards points to 1 AAdvantage mile. So, if you transfer 10,000 IHG points, you'll receive 2,000 AAdvantage miles. This is a significant devaluation, but for some, it might be the only way to top off an account for a specific redemption.
Why would you still do it?
To top off an AAdvantage account: If you're just a few thousand miles short of an incredible American Airlines award flight, this transfer could be a lifesaver.
To prevent AAdvantage miles from expiring: A qualifying activity, such as earning miles, can extend the expiration date of your AAdvantage miles. A small transfer could keep your miles active.
If you have a surplus of IHG points and no immediate hotel plans: Sometimes, it's better to get some value than let points sit unused.
Now that you're armed with this knowledge, let's get to the practical steps!
Step 1: Confirm Your IHG One Rewards and American Airlines AAdvantage Accounts
Have you ever tried to build a house without a foundation? Similarly, you need to ensure you have active accounts with both IHG One Rewards and American Airlines AAdvantage before you begin.
Sub-heading: Verifying Your IHG One Rewards Account
Do you have an IHG One Rewards account? If not, it's simple to sign up on the IHG website (
ihg.com/onerewards Locate your IHG One Rewards member number. You'll need this to initiate the transfer. It's usually visible when you log into your account online or on any correspondence from IHG.
Check your current IHG point balance. Make sure you have enough points to meet the minimum transfer requirement (typically 10,000 IHG points for American Airlines).
Sub-heading: Verifying Your American Airlines AAdvantage Account
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Do you have an American Airlines AAdvantage account? If not, visit
aa.com/aadvantage Find your AAdvantage member number. This is equally crucial for the transfer. You'll find it by logging into your AAdvantage account.
Note your current AAdvantage miles balance. This will help you track if the transferred miles have posted correctly.
Step 2: The Crucial Step – Calling IHG One Rewards Customer Service
Unlike many other points transfers, IHG does not allow online conversions of points to airline miles. This means you'll need to pick up the phone!
Sub-heading: Gathering Necessary Information
Before you call, have the following readily available:
Your IHG One Rewards member number
Your American Airlines AAdvantage member number
The exact number of IHG points you wish to transfer (remember the 5:1 ratio for American Airlines, and the minimum transfer increment is usually 10,000 IHG points).
Your personal details (name, address, phone number, email) associated with your IHG account for verification purposes.
Sub-heading: Making the Call
Dial the IHG One Rewards Service Center. For members in the U.S. and Canada, the number is 1-888-211-9874. If you're in Mexico, dial 800-272-9273. For other locations, check the "Customer Care" section on the IHG website for your regional number.
Navigate the automated menu. You'll likely need to select options related to "points," "rewards," or "account inquiries." Be patient, as it might take a moment to get to the right department.
Speak to a representative. Clearly state your intention to transfer IHG One Rewards points to American Airlines AAdvantage miles.
Provide your account details and transfer request. The representative will ask for your IHG One Rewards number and then your American Airlines AAdvantage number. They will also confirm the amount of IHG points you wish to transfer.
Confirm the transfer ratio and estimated processing time. The representative should confirm the 5:1 transfer ratio and provide an estimated timeframe for the miles to appear in your AAdvantage account. Typically, these transfers can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to process, so plan accordingly.
Important Note: Be prepared for the representative to perhaps gently suggest alternative ways to use your IHG points, given the less-than-ideal transfer ratio. Reiterate your desire to proceed with the transfer.
Step 3: Patience is a Virtue – Waiting for Your Miles to Post
Once you've hung up, the waiting game begins. This is often the longest part of the process.
Sub-heading: Tracking Your Transfer
Regularly check your American Airlines AAdvantage account online. While they say 2-6 weeks, sometimes transfers can process faster. Don't expect instant gratification.
Keep a record of your call. Note the date and time of your call, the name of the representative you spoke with, and any reference numbers provided. This information will be invaluable if there are any issues with the transfer.
Monitor your IHG One Rewards account. Ensure the points have been deducted as requested. If they haven't after a reasonable period (e.g., a week), you might consider calling IHG again.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
 |
Sub-heading: What if the Miles Don't Appear?
If the estimated processing time has passed and your American Airlines miles still haven't posted:
Contact IHG One Rewards customer service again. Refer to your previous call details. They should be able to track the transfer status.
Be prepared to escalate. If the initial representative can't resolve the issue, politely request to speak with a supervisor.
Contact American Airlines AAdvantage customer service as a last resort. While IHG initiates the transfer, American Airlines is the recipient. They might be able to confirm if a transfer is pending or if there's an issue on their end, though this is less common for point transfers initiated by a partner.
Step 4: Utilizing Your Newly Acquired AAdvantage Miles
Congratulations! Your IHG points have successfully transformed into American Airlines AAdvantage miles. Now, it's time to put them to good use.
Sub-heading: Redeeming AAdvantage Miles
Book award flights on American Airlines: This is the most common and often the best use of AAdvantage miles. Search for award availability on AA.com.
Book award flights on American Airlines' Oneworld partners: American Airlines is part of the Oneworld alliance, meaning you can use your miles to book flights on partner airlines like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and more.
Upgrade existing flights: Depending on your fare class and availability, you might be able to use miles to upgrade your seat to a higher cabin.
Other redemption options: While generally not recommended for best value, AAdvantage miles can also be redeemed for things like car rentals, hotel stays, or magazine subscriptions.
Sub-heading: Maximizing Your AAdvantage Miles Value
Be flexible with your travel dates. Award availability varies greatly, and being open to different dates can significantly increase your chances of finding a great deal.
Book in advance. Award seats, especially in premium cabins, are often released well in advance.
Consider off-peak travel. American Airlines sometimes offers lower mileage requirements for off-peak travel to certain destinations.
Look for "Web Special" awards. These dynamically priced awards can sometimes offer excellent value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about transferring IHG points to American Airlines, with quick answers:
How to initiate the transfer of IHG points to American Airlines?
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
You must call the IHG One Rewards Service Center to initiate the transfer; it cannot be done online.
How to find the phone number for IHG One Rewards customer service?
For the U.S. and Canada, call 1-888-211-9874. For other regions, check the "Customer Care" section on the IHG website.
How to determine the transfer ratio for IHG points to American Airlines miles?
The standard transfer ratio is 5 IHG One Rewards points to 1 American Airlines AAdvantage mile.
How to check if my IHG points have been deducted after the transfer request?
Log in to your IHG One Rewards account online and review your transaction history to see if the points have been removed.
How to track the posting of American Airlines AAdvantage miles after the transfer?
Log in to your American Airlines AAdvantage account online and check your mileage summary.
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
How long does it typically take for the miles to appear in my AAdvantage account?
Transfers can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to process.
How to prevent my American Airlines AAdvantage miles from expiring using IHG points?
Transferring even a small amount of IHG points (e.g., 10,000 IHG points for 2,000 AAdvantage miles) constitutes a qualifying activity, extending your AAdvantage miles' expiration by 24 months.
How to find my American Airlines AAdvantage member number?
Log in to your AAdvantage account on AA.com; your member number will be displayed on your account summary.
How to use the AAdvantage miles once they are in my account?
You can use AAdvantage miles to book award flights on American Airlines or its Oneworld alliance partners, or for upgrades on American Airlines flights.
How to get assistance if the miles don't appear after the stated processing time?
First, contact IHG One Rewards customer service with your call details. If necessary, follow up with American Airlines AAdvantage customer service.
 |
