American Airlines AAdvantage

American AAdvantage® Rewards Program Overview

AAdvantage® is the frequent flyer program of American Airlines, the largest airline in the U.S. and a founding member of the oneworld® alliance. It offers mileage earning, status tiers, and loyalty perks across American and its global partners.

How to Earn AAdvantage Miles

1. Flying on American or Partner Airlines

When you book a ticket, you’re planting seeds — your fare price, not distance, determines how many miles grow:

• Base earning:

• General Member: 5 miles per $1 spent on the base fare.

• Gold: 7x

• Platinum: 8x

• Platinum Pro: 9x

• Executive Platinum: 11x

You can also earn miles by flying partner airlines in the oneworld® alliance, which includes British Airways, Qatar, Japan Airlines, and more.

2. AAdvantage Credit Cards

Issued by Citi and Barclays, AAdvantage cards turn your daily spending into runway fuel:

• 2x miles on AA purchases (some cards give more).

• 1x on everything else.

• Many cards offer bonus miles, free checked bags, and boarding perks.

Examples:

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select®

• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Card (includes Admiral Club access)

3. Shopping, Dining & Partners

• AAdvantage eShopping Mall: Earn miles while shopping online.

• AAdvantage Dining: Link your card, eat at partner restaurants, and rack up miles like tips.

• Car rentals, hotels, and even utility bills can earn you miles if done through partners.

Redeeming AAdvantage Miles

Think of your miles like tokens at a theme park — they’re most valuable when used for rides (aka flights), but you can spend them on snacks and souvenirs too (less value).

1. Award Flights

• Best value: MileSAAver awards (limited seats, lower mileage cost).

• Higher availability: Anytime Awards (more flexible but expensive).

• Web Specials: Deep-discounted awards for flexible travelers.

Example: Domestic coach flights often start around 7,500–12,500 miles one-way, while international business class could cost 57,500–120,000+ miles.

2. Upgrades

Use miles + cash to upgrade from economy to business or first class on eligible paid tickets.

3. Non-Flight Redemptions

• Hotels, rental cars, vacation packages, Admirals Club® membership.

• Generally poor value compared to flights — like trading gold for nickels.

AAdvantage Elite Status (Loyalty Points System)

Oneworld Alliance & Airline Partners

AAdvantage miles can take you around the world thanks to Oneworld®, with partners like:

• Qatar Airways

• British Airways

• Japan Airlines

• Finnair

• Iberia, etc.

You get elite status benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, and free bags across all member airlines.

Tips to Maximize AAdvantage Miles

1. Book Web Specials – surprise destinations at deep discounts.

2. Focus on Loyalty Points – even credit card spend gets you elite perks.

3. Use the AAdvantage Shopping Portal – especially during promos.

4. Stack with dining and hotel partners – compound your earnings.

5. Redeem for international business or first – that’s where the magic happens (think 6¢+/mile in value).