Unlocking Travel Rewards: Your Complete Guide to Linking Avis and American Airlines
Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you ready to supercharge your travel experience and unlock a world of benefits? Imagine earning more miles for your next dream vacation just by renting a car. Sounds good, right? Well, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of linking your Avis and American Airlines accounts, ensuring you maximize your rewards and make your journeys even more rewarding. Let's dive in!
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| How To Link Avis And American Airlines |
The Power of Partnership: Why Link Your Accounts?
Before we get into the "how," let's talk about the "why." Linking your Avis Preferred (or general Avis) account with your American Airlines AAdvantage® number isn't just about convenience; it's about maximizing your earning potential and enjoying exclusive perks. Here's what you stand to gain:
Earn AAdvantage® Miles: This is the big one! For every dollar you spend on qualifying Avis rentals, you'll earn valuable AAdvantage® miles. These miles can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, and more.
Earn Loyalty Points: Beyond miles, you'll also earn Loyalty Points, which contribute to your AAdvantage® elite status. Higher status means even more perks, like bonus miles, complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, and dedicated customer service.
Exclusive Discounts: As a linked member, you might gain access to special Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) numbers that offer significant savings on base rental rates.
Accelerated Earning for Elite Members: If you're an AAdvantage® elite status member (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) or an AAdvantage® credit card holder, you'll often earn accelerated mileage rates, meaning more miles for the same rental.
Seamless Bookings: Having your loyalty numbers linked can streamline the booking process, as your preferences and rewards information will be readily available.
Ready to start earning? Let's get to the step-by-step process!
Step 1: Confirm Your Loyalty Program Memberships
This might seem obvious, but it's the crucial first step. Before you can link anything, you need to ensure you're a member of both programs.
Sub-heading 1.1: Do You Have an Avis Account?
Already a member of Avis Preferred or have a Wizard number? Fantastic! You're one step ahead.
If not, don't worry! Head over to the
Avis website
Sub-heading 1.2: Are You an American Airlines AAdvantage® Member?
Got your AAdvantage® number handy? Great!
If not, it's quick and free to join. Visit the
American Airlines AAdvantage® program website
Pro-Tip: Keep your Avis Wizard number (or account login) and your American Airlines AAdvantage® number easily accessible. You'll need them!
Step 2: The Primary Method - Linking Via Avis
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
The most direct and common way to link your accounts is through the Avis website or during the booking process.
Sub-heading 2.1: Linking Through Your Avis Profile (Recommended for Existing Members)
Log In to Your Avis Account: Go to
www.avis.com Navigate to Your Profile/Account Settings: Once logged in, look for a section related to your profile, account settings, or "My Avis." This is usually found in the top right corner of the page.
Find "Miles, Points & Partners" or "Loyalty Programs": Within your profile, there should be a dedicated section for loyalty programs, airline partners, or miles and points. Click on this.
Select American Airlines AAdvantage®: You'll see a list of Avis's airline partners. Find and select "American Airlines AAdvantage®."
Enter Your AAdvantage® Number: A field will appear prompting you to enter your American Airlines AAdvantage® membership number. Carefully input your entire AAdvantage® number (usually 7-9 digits).
Save Your Changes: Don't forget to click "Save" or "Update Profile" to ensure your changes are registered.
Sub-heading 2.2: Linking During the Rental Booking Process
If you're making a new reservation, you can also link your accounts then:
Start Your Rental Reservation: Begin the process of booking a car on
www.avis.com Look for "Frequent Traveler" or "Loyalty Program" Option: As you proceed through the booking steps (usually on the page where you enter driver details or payment information), you'll find a section to add frequent traveler programs.
Select American Airlines AAdvantage®: From the dropdown menu or list of partners, choose "American Airlines AAdvantage®."
Enter Your AAdvantage® Number: Input your AAdvantage® membership number into the designated field.
Apply Any Applicable AWD/Coupon Codes: If you have an American Airlines-specific Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) code (often found on American Airlines' car rental partner page or in promotional emails), ensure you enter it in the "Discount Code" or "AWD Number" field to receive any associated benefits and bonus miles.
Complete Your Reservation: Continue with your booking, and your AAdvantage® number should be linked to that specific rental.
Important Note: While linking through your Avis profile makes it a default for future bookings, always double-check during individual reservations to ensure your AAdvantage® number is present, especially if you want to apply specific promotional AWDs.
Step 3: Verifying Your Linkage
You've done the linking, but how do you know it's actually linked and working? Patience is a virtue here, but there are ways to check.
Sub-heading 3.1: Check Your Avis Confirmation
After linking your accounts or making a booking with your AAdvantage® number, review your Avis rental confirmation. It should typically indicate the loyalty program you've selected and your membership number.
Sub-heading 3.2: Monitor Your AAdvantage® Account
Allow Time for Miles to Post: Miles from car rentals generally don't post instantly. It can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks for AAdvantage® base and/or bonus miles to appear in your AAdvantage® account after your rental is completed and returned.
Check Your AAdvantage® Activity: Log in to your American Airlines AAdvantage® account on
www.aa.com
Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. If you encounter any problems, don't despair!
Sub-heading 4.1: Missing Miles or Loyalty Points
Wait the Allotted Time: As mentioned, allow 6-8 weeks for miles to post. If it's been longer, proceed to the next step.
Gather Your Documentation: Have your Avis rental agreement number and your American Airlines AAdvantage® number ready.
Contact American Airlines AAdvantage® Customer Service: The best course of action for missing miles is to contact American Airlines directly. They have a process for requesting missing miles from partners. Look for a "Request Missing Miles" or "Contact Us" section on the AAdvantage® program pages of
aa.com Verify AWD Usage: Ensure you used the correct Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number if a specific one was required for the mileage offer you were expecting.
Sub-heading 4.2: Difficulty Linking Accounts Online
Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies: Sometimes, old data can interfere with website functionality. Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then attempt the linking process again.
Try a Different Browser or Device: If one browser or device isn't working, switch to another to rule out compatibility issues.
Contact Avis Customer Service: If you're still unable to link through your Avis profile, reach out to Avis customer service for assistance. They can often help update your profile with your AAdvantage® number manually.
Sub-heading 4.3: Incorrect AAdvantage® Number Entered
Double-Check Your Input: Even a single digit off can prevent linking or mileage accrual. Always double-check your AAdvantage® number when entering it.
Update Your Avis Profile: If you realize you entered it incorrectly, go back into your Avis profile and correct it.
Step 5: Maximizing Your Earning Potential
Once your accounts are linked, here's how to ensure you're always getting the most out of your Avis rentals.
Sub-heading 5.1: Always Provide Your AAdvantage® Number
Every Time: Make it a habit to provide your AAdvantage® number during every Avis reservation, whether online, via phone, or at the rental counter. Even if your profile is linked, it's good practice to ensure it's captured for that specific rental.
Sub-heading 5.2: Look for Bonus Offers
Check American Airlines and Avis Promotions: Both American Airlines and Avis frequently run promotions that offer bonus AAdvantage® miles for specific rental periods, car types, or locations. Keep an eye on their websites and your email for these lucrative offers.
Utilize AAdvantage® Credit Cards: If you have an American Airlines co-branded credit card, you'll often earn additional bonus miles on top of the standard earn rate when renting with Avis.
Sub-heading 5.3: Understand Loyalty Point Earning
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Spending is Key: Loyalty Points are earned based on your eligible spending with American Airlines and its partners, including Avis. The more you spend on qualifying rentals, the more Loyalty Points you'll accrue, propelling you towards higher AAdvantage® status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about linking Avis and American Airlines, with quick answers:
How to earn American Airlines miles with Avis rentals?
You earn American Airlines AAdvantage® miles by providing your AAdvantage® number when booking or at the counter for qualifying Avis rentals.
How to check if my Avis and American Airlines accounts are linked?
Log in to your Avis account and check your profile's "Miles, Points & Partners" section. For specific rentals, your AAdvantage® number should appear on your Avis rental confirmation.
How to add my AAdvantage® number to an existing Avis reservation?
You may be able to modify your existing Avis reservation online to add your AAdvantage® number. If not, contact Avis customer service.
How to find my Avis Wizard Number or AAdvantage® Number?
Your Avis Wizard Number is typically found in your Avis account profile. Your AAdvantage® number is available by logging into your American Airlines AAdvantage® account on aa.com.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
How to resolve missing AAdvantage® miles from an Avis rental?
Wait 6-8 weeks for miles to post. If still missing, contact American Airlines AAdvantage® customer service with your Avis rental agreement details to request missing miles.
How to get bonus miles with Avis and American Airlines?
Look for special promotional offers on both Avis and American Airlines websites. AAdvantage® elite members and credit card holders often receive accelerated bonus miles automatically.
How to get Avis Preferred status through American Airlines?
Earning certain Loyalty Point Rewards levels with American Airlines AAdvantage® can unlock Avis Preferred Plus® or Avis President's Club® status as a benefit.
How to use AAdvantage® miles for Avis rentals?
While you earn miles from Avis rentals, to redeem AAdvantage® miles for car rentals, you would typically do so through the American Airlines AAdvantage® redemption portal on aa.com.
How to contact Avis customer service for linking issues?
You can find Avis customer service contact information (phone, email) on the "Help" or "Contact Us" section of the Avis website.
How to ensure my Loyalty Points are earned from Avis rentals?
Ensure your AAdvantage® number is correctly added to your Avis booking. Loyalty Points are earned based on eligible spending and will post along with your miles.
By following these steps and keeping an eye on your rewards, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a more rewarding travel experience with Avis and American Airlines! Happy travels!
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