Dreaming of that American Airlines flight but your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account is overflowing with miles? You're in luck! Thanks to Alaska's membership in the oneworld alliance, using your Alaska miles to fly on American Airlines is not only possible but can also be a fantastic way to maximize the value of your hard-earned miles. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth redemption process.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Embark on Your Award Travel Journey?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's get you set up for success! The first and most crucial step is to confirm you have enough Alaska Miles for your desired American Airlines flight. Award travel isn't always a fixed price, and the number of miles required can vary based on factors like:
Destination: International flights generally cost more miles than domestic ones.
Class of Service: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class will significantly impact the mileage cost. Business and First Class redemptions often offer the best value per mile!
Availability: Award seats are a limited commodity, so flexibility with your travel dates is key.
Alaska's Award Chart for Partners: While Alaska has transitioned to distance-based award charts for its own flights, partner redemptions still largely follow region-based charts, though these can change. It's always a good idea to check Alaska's Mileage Plan partner award chart on their website.
Pro-Tip: Don't assume the first price you see is the only one. Sometimes, adjusting your travel dates by a day or two can unlock significantly lower mileage rates!
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| How To Use Alaska Miles On American Airlines |
Step 2: Unearthing Your American Airlines Award Flight Availability
Now that your mileage balance is looking healthy, it's time to find that perfect flight!
Sub-heading: Using Alaskaair.com for Your Search
The good news is that most American Airlines award flights bookable with Alaska miles can be found directly on the Alaska Airlines website.
Navigate to Alaskaair.com: Open your web browser and go to the official Alaska Airlines website.
Select "Use miles": On the flight search widget, ensure you've selected the "Use miles" option.
Enter Your Flight Details:
Departure City: Input where you want your journey to begin.
Arrival City: Enter your desired American Airlines destination.
Travel Dates: Input your preferred travel dates. Remember, flexibility is your friend for award travel.
Number of Passengers: Specify how many people will be traveling.
Cabin Class (Optional but Recommended): If you're aiming for a specific cabin (e.g., Business Class), select it here. This can help narrow down your search.
Click "Find Flights": Hit the search button and let Alaska's system work its magic.
Sub-heading: Deciphering the Search Results
Once the results load, you'll see a calendar view or a list of flights with the corresponding mileage cost.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Look for American Airlines Flights: The search results will display both Alaska Airlines flights and flights operated by their partners. Keep an eye out for flights explicitly showing "Operated by American Airlines" or the American Airlines logo.
Review Mileage Costs and Taxes/Fees: Note the mileage required for each flight, as well as any associated taxes and fees. These fees are usually minimal for domestic flights ($5.60 per one-way for the September 11 security fee), but can be higher for international travel.
Consider Connecting Flights: Often, direct flights are harder to find on award tickets. Be open to itineraries with connections if it gets you to your desired destination.
Sub-heading: When to Call Alaska Airlines (The "Hidden Gem" Strategy)
While Alaska's website is excellent, there might be instances where you need to pick up the phone.
Complex Itineraries: If you have a multi-city trip or a very specific routing in mind that isn't appearing online, calling can be beneficial.
Troubleshooting: If you're encountering error messages or aren't seeing the availability you expect, a quick call to Alaska Airlines customer service can often resolve the issue. They can sometimes see award space that doesn't propagate online immediately.
Unusual Destinations/Routes: For less common American Airlines routes, calling might uncover options not readily available online.
To call, dial 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522). Be prepared with your desired dates, routes, and a few alternative options.
Step 3: Sealing the Deal: Booking Your American Airlines Flight
You've found your ideal flight! Now it's time to book.
Select Your Desired Flight: Click on the flight option that best suits your needs and mileage balance.
Review Flight Details: Double-check all the flight information: dates, times, cabin class, and the total mileage and cash co-pay. Ensure the operating carrier is indeed American Airlines.
Enter Passenger Information: Input the names, birthdates, and contact details for all passengers. Ensure the names exactly match the government-issued IDs they'll be using for travel.
Pay Taxes and Fees: You'll be prompted to pay any applicable taxes and fees using a credit card.
Confirm Your Booking: Once the payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation email from Alaska Airlines. This email will contain your Alaska Airlines confirmation code.
Sub-heading: A Crucial Next Step: Getting Your American Airlines Confirmation Number
This is extremely important. While you have an Alaska Airlines confirmation, you'll also need the American Airlines confirmation number (often called the PNR - Passenger Name Record) to manage your booking directly with American Airlines.
Check Your Alaska Airlines Confirmation Email: Often, the American Airlines confirmation number will be included within the Alaska Airlines confirmation email. Look for a separate confirmation code, usually a 6-character alphanumeric code, specifically for American Airlines.
Call Alaska Airlines (If Needed): If you can't find the American Airlines confirmation number in your email, call Alaska Airlines (1-800-252-7522) and request it. They can easily provide it to you.
Verify on American Airlines Website: Once you have the American Airlines confirmation number, go to aa.com and use their "Manage Trips" section to pull up your reservation. This confirms that the booking is indeed in their system. You can then select seats, check baggage allowances, and potentially make other changes directly with American.
Step 4: Managing Your American Airlines Reservation (Post-Booking)
Now that your flight is booked, you'll primarily interact with American Airlines for anything related to the actual flight.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
Sub-heading: Seat Selection
On aa.com: Once you've retrieved your reservation on aa.com using the American Airlines confirmation number, you can select your seats. Be aware that some seats, especially Main Cabin Extra or Preferred Seats, might incur a fee depending on your status with either airline.
Elite Status Benefits: If you have elite status with Alaska Airlines (MVP, MVP Gold, etc.), you might be entitled to complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra seating on American Airlines flights. MVP Gold and above can often select these at the time of booking, while MVP members can access them within 24 hours of travel.
Sub-heading: Checking Baggage Policies
Refer to American Airlines: Always check American Airlines' baggage policy for your specific fare class and route. While Alaska miles are used for booking, American Airlines' rules will apply for baggage.
Elite Status Benefits: Your Alaska Airlines elite status can also grant you free checked bags on American Airlines flights.
Sub-heading: Changes or Cancellations
Contact Alaska Airlines for Mileage Changes: If you need to change the dates, times, or cancel your award ticket, you will generally need to contact Alaska Airlines. They are the issuing airline for your award ticket.
Fees for Changes/Cancellations: Be aware of any potential fees for changing or canceling award tickets. Alaska's policies can vary, so it's best to consult their website or call them directly. Generally, miles are redeposited, and taxes refunded, though booking and partner award fees may be non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Using Alaska Miles on American Airlines
Here are 10 common questions you might have about using your Alaska Miles on American Airlines, with quick answers:
How to find American Airlines award availability on Alaska's website?
You can find American Airlines award availability by going to alaskaair.com, selecting "Use miles" in the search box, entering your desired route and dates, and looking for flights operated by American Airlines in the results.
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
How to know if I have enough Alaska miles for an American Airlines flight?
Check your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account balance online. Then, use the "Use miles" search function on alaskaair.com to see the mileage cost for your desired American Airlines route and cabin.
How to transfer Alaska miles to American Airlines AAdvantage?
You cannot directly transfer Alaska Miles to American Airlines AAdvantage, or vice versa. They are separate loyalty programs. However, you can redeem Alaska Miles to book flights on American Airlines.
How to get the American Airlines confirmation number after booking with Alaska miles?
The American Airlines confirmation number (PNR) is usually included in your Alaska Airlines award ticket confirmation email. If not, call Alaska Airlines customer service, and they can provide it to you.
How to select seats on an American Airlines flight booked with Alaska miles?
Once you have the American Airlines confirmation number, go to aa.com and use their "Manage Trips" section to pull up your reservation. From there, you can select your seats.
How to check baggage policies for an American Airlines flight booked with Alaska miles?
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Baggage policies will be determined by American Airlines. Refer to aa.com or contact American Airlines directly for their current baggage allowances and fees based on your fare class and elite status.
How to change or cancel an American Airlines flight booked with Alaska miles?
For changes or cancellations to an award ticket booked with Alaska miles on American Airlines, you must contact Alaska Airlines customer service directly.
How to earn Alaska miles when flying on American Airlines?
Yes, you can earn Alaska Miles when flying on American Airlines by ensuring your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number is attached to your reservation when you book or check-in.
How to use Alaska Airlines elite benefits on American Airlines flights?
As a Mileage Plan elite member, you can enjoy reciprocal benefits on American Airlines, such as complimentary extra legroom seating, priority boarding, and free checked bags. Check the Alaska Airlines website for specific elite benefits on American Airlines.
How to find the best value for Alaska miles when booking American Airlines flights?
Often, the best value for Alaska miles on American Airlines is found in premium cabin redemptions (Business or First Class), especially for long-haul international flights. Be flexible with your dates to find the lowest mileage requirements.
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