Ready to unlock a world of travel rewards? Earning Avios, the loyalty currency of several major airlines, might seem tricky when your go-to airline is American Airlines. After all, American Airlines has its own fantastic loyalty program, AAdvantage. However, thanks to the powerful Oneworld alliance and strategic partnerships, it's absolutely possible to rack up Avios even when flying American!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of earning Avios when your travel plans involve American Airlines, ensuring you maximize your rewards and get closer to those dream redemptions.
Understanding the Landscape: Avios, AAdvantage, and Oneworld
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's clarify a few key terms.
Avios: This is the common loyalty currency used by several airlines, primarily part of the International Airlines Group (IAG). These include British Airways (Executive Club), Iberia (Iberia Plus), Aer Lingus (AerClub), Qatar Airways (Privilege Club), and more recently, Finnair and Loganair.
American Airlines AAdvantage: This is American Airlines' own frequent flyer program, where you earn AAdvantage miles. You cannot directly "earn Avios on American Airlines" in the same way you earn AAdvantage miles.
Oneworld Alliance: This is a global airline alliance that includes American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Finnair, and many other reputable airlines. This alliance is the key to earning Avios when flying American Airlines.
The fundamental principle here is that while you can't directly earn Avios into your AAdvantage account, you can earn Avios when flying American Airlines by crediting those flights to a partner Oneworld airline's Avios program.
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| How To Earn Avios On American Airlines |
Step 1: Choose Your Avios Program Wisely!
This is perhaps the most crucial initial step. Since American Airlines doesn't directly award Avios, you need to decide which Avios-earning program you want to credit your flights to.
Which Avios Program Suits You Best?
British Airways Executive Club: This is often the most popular choice for many, especially those based in the UK or with frequent travel to Europe. British Airways has a vast network and a user-friendly platform.
Iberia Plus: If you frequently travel to or through Spain, Iberia Plus might be a better fit. They sometimes offer different redemption rates or promotions.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club: Qatar Airways has rapidly expanded its network and is a strong contender, particularly for those flying to the Middle East, Asia, or Africa.
Aer Lingus AerClub: For travel focused on Ireland, Aer Lingus is the natural choice.
Finnair Plus: A newer addition to the Avios family, Finnair might be suitable for those with routes through Northern Europe.
Consider Your Travel Patterns: Think about which of these airlines you might fly with in the future, or which offers the most attractive redemption options for your desired travel. You can freely transfer Avios between these programs (e.g., from British Airways to Iberia), so you're not locked into one forever, but it's good to start with the program that aligns best with your primary travel habits.
Action: Sign up for a free account with your chosen Avios program (e.g., British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, or Qatar Airways Privilege Club) if you don't already have one. This will give you an Avios membership number, which you'll need for the next steps.
Step 2: Book Your American Airlines Flight Strategically
Now that you've chosen your Avios program, it's time to book your flight. This step involves a critical decision: how you book your American Airlines flight.
Booking Directly with American Airlines (and Crediting Later):
You can purchase your American Airlines flight directly on AA.com or through any travel agent.
The key here is to ensure that when you book, or later when you manage your booking, you add your chosen Avios program's frequent flyer number (e.g., your British Airways Executive Club number) to the reservation, not your AAdvantage number.
Important Note: Make sure the American Airlines flight you're taking is eligible for Avios earning. Generally, flights marketed and operated by American Airlines as a Oneworld partner are eligible. The amount of Avios you earn will typically be based on the fare class and the distance flown, or in some cases, the price of your ticket, depending on the Avios program's rules. British Airways, for example, awards Avios based on the price of your ticket for American Airlines flights.
Booking American Airlines Flights Through an Avios Partner's Website:
This is a more direct way to ensure you earn Avios.
You can search for and book American Airlines flights directly on the website of your chosen Avios program (e.g., ba.com, iberia.com, or qatarairways.com).
When you book an American Airlines flight through a British Airways, Iberia, or Qatar Airways website, it will often be listed as a "codeshare" flight, meaning it's operated by American Airlines but marketed by the Avios partner.
This method guarantees that your Avios will be credited to that specific Avios program.
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Sub-heading: Understanding Fare Classes and Earning Rates
Not all fare classes earn the same amount of Avios. "Economy lowest" fares often earn fewer Avios (or a lower percentage of miles flown) compared to "Economy flexible" or business/first class fares.
Consult the Avios program's earning charts. Each Avios program will have specific charts detailing how many Avios you'll earn on partner airlines like American Airlines, based on the fare class of your ticket. A quick search for "British Airways Avios earning chart American Airlines" or "Qatar Airways Avios earning American Airlines" will provide the most up-to-date information.
Step 3: Ensure Your Frequent Flyer Number is Attached
This step is critical to ensure your Avios are credited correctly.
At the Time of Booking: When you book your flight online or with a travel agent, you'll typically have an option to enter your frequent flyer number. Make sure you enter your Avios program membership number (e.g., your British Airways Executive Club number) and not your American Airlines AAdvantage number.
After Booking (Manage My Booking): If you forgot to add your number or want to change it, most airlines allow you to add or modify your frequent flyer number through the "Manage My Booking" section on their website. You'll need your booking reference (PNR).
At Check-in: As a last resort, you can request the airline agent at the check-in counter or the gate agent to add your Avios program's frequent flyer number to your reservation. Be prepared with your membership card or number.
Tip: Always double-check your boarding pass. Your frequent flyer number for the Avios program should be printed on it. If it's not, ask an agent to correct it before your flight.
Step 4: Fly and Watch Your Avios Accumulate!
Once you've completed your flight(s) with American Airlines, the Avios should automatically post to your chosen Avios program account.
Processing Time: It can take a few days for Avios to appear in your account. Typically, Avios are credited within three to seven days for partner airlines.
Monitoring Your Account: Log in to your Avios program account regularly to check your balance.
Step 5: Claim Missing Avios (If Needed)
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Sometimes, despite your best efforts, Avios might not post to your account. Don't despair! Most Avios programs have a process for claiming missing Avios.
Gather Your Documents: You'll need your flight details, including your flight number, date of travel, ticket number, and booking reference.
Online Claim Form: Visit the "Claim Missing Avios" or "Retrospective Claim" section on your Avios program's website. Fill out the required information.
Contact Customer Service: If the online form doesn't work or you encounter issues, contact the customer service of your Avios program directly. They will be able to assist you in crediting the missing Avios.
Time Limit: Be aware that there's usually a time limit for claiming missing Avios, often up to six months after your flight.
Beyond Flights: Other Ways to Earn Avios with American Airlines' Connections
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
While flying American Airlines and crediting to an Avios partner is the primary method, there are indirect ways to bolster your Avios balance through American Airlines' ecosystem or related travel activities.
Sub-heading: Transferring Points from Hotel Programs
Hotel Loyalty Programs: Many hotel loyalty programs (like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.) allow you to transfer their points to various airline partners, including British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club. While you can't transfer AAdvantage miles to Avios, you might be able to transfer hotel points earned from stays associated with American Airlines travel to Avios.
Credit Card Transfer Partners: Several credit cards that earn flexible travel points (e.g., American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles) allow transfers to Avios programs at a favorable rate. If you use these cards for your American Airlines ticket purchases or other related travel expenses, you can then convert those points to Avios.
Sub-heading: Utilizing Oneworld Alliance Benefits
Lounge Access: If you have elite status with an Avios program (e.g., British Airways Executive Club Silver, Gold) earned through your Avios activities, you can enjoy Oneworld lounge access when flying American Airlines, even if you're not directly earning Avios on that specific flight. This is a perk of the alliance.
Priority Services: Oneworld elite status can also grant you priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and other benefits when flying American Airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 10 common questions about earning Avios on American Airlines, with quick answers:
How to earn Avios when flying American Airlines?
You earn Avios when flying American Airlines by crediting your flight to a Oneworld partner's Avios program like British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, or Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
How to link British Airways Executive Club to American Airlines AAdvantage?
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
You cannot directly link British Airways Executive Club and American Airlines AAdvantage accounts. Instead, you use your British Airways Executive Club number (or other Avios program number) when booking or managing an American Airlines flight to earn Avios.
How to check Avios earning rates for American Airlines flights?
Refer to the earning charts on the website of your chosen Avios program (e.g., British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways). Search for "earning Avios on partner airlines" or "American Airlines Avios earning chart."
How to ensure my Avios are credited to the correct account?
Always enter your chosen Avios program's frequent flyer number when booking your American Airlines flight or at check-in. Do not enter your AAdvantage number if you want to earn Avios.
How to claim missing Avios from American Airlines flights?
Go to the "Claim Missing Avios" or "Retrospective Claim" section on your Avios program's website and provide your flight details. You typically have up to six months to claim.
How to transfer American Airlines miles to Avios?
You cannot directly transfer American Airlines AAdvantage miles to Avios. They are separate loyalty currencies.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
How to use Avios to book American Airlines flights?
You can redeem Avios to book American Airlines flights through the websites of British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, or other Avios partners, as American Airlines is a Oneworld alliance member.
How to maximize Avios earnings on American Airlines?
Book higher fare classes, consider using co-branded credit cards that earn Avios, and ensure your frequent flyer number is correctly added to your reservation.
How to tell if an American Airlines flight is eligible for Avios?
Generally, any American Airlines flight marketed and operated by American Airlines as a Oneworld partner is eligible to earn Avios when credited to a Oneworld Avios program.
How to get elite status with Avios programs by flying American Airlines?
By consistently crediting your eligible American Airlines flights to a specific Avios program (like British Airways Executive Club), you can accumulate "Tier Points" (or equivalent) that count towards elite status within that program.
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