American Airlines offers its frequent flyers a program called American Airlines AAdvantage, which allows members to use their miles in many different ways. While redeeming miles for award flights generally yields the highest value, it’s important to note that American Airlines now uses fully dynamic pricing, meaning the number of miles required to book a flight is unknown until performing an award search. This article will explore the best ways to use American Airlines miles, including how to redeem them for partner airlines.
For more Points With Q articles delivered to your inbox, sign up for my travel newsletter.
American Airlines Rules
One of the best ways to receive value when redeeming American Airlines miles is to book premium cabin award flights with its partner airlines. It’s important to note that the carrier-imposed fuel surcharges vary by partner, but most American Airlines partner airline award charts can be booked at aa.com. Additionally, American Airlines AAdvantage award flights can be canceled and changed for free.
Best Ways to Redeem American Airlines Miles
If you’re looking for the best ways to redeem American Airlines miles, using them for partner airline award flights, especially for business class flights to the Middle East, India, Africa, and Asia 2, can provide significant value. American Airlines mostly uses a region-based award chart when booking American Airlines or its partner airlines’ miles.
Business Class US to the Middle East / India
One of the best ways to use American Airlines miles is to use 70,000 miles to book business class flights on its partners, Etihad or Qatar, for flights between the US and the Middle East and India. The Middle East and India region is vast in the American Airlines award chart and includes countries like India, the Maldives, Oman, and Sri Lanka.
Business Class US to Africa
Another way to redeem American Airlines miles is to use 75,000 miles to book Etihad or Qatar business class flights between the US and Africa. Africa can be one of the toughest award regions to book award flights to from the US, but Etihad and Qatar can potentially make getting to Africa with miles from the US easier.
Business Class US to Asia 2
A third award flight you can book is to use 70,000 miles to book Cathay Pacific or Japan Airlines business class flights between the US and Asia 2. The Asia 2 region includes countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines are great about making award space available in advance.
First Class US to Asia 1
Another excellent way to utilize American Airlines miles is by redeeming 80,000 miles to book Japan Airlines flights in first class between the US and the Asia 1 award region. This region comprises Japan and South Korea. Alternatively, you can also book the same flights in business class with 60,000 miles, which is another fantastic redemption option.
Earning American Airlines Miles
One of the best ways to earn American Airlines miles is to credit flights to your American Airlines loyalty account, and sign up for co-branded credit cards, like the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard, and the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard. In addition, you can buy American Airlines miles and earn miles with non-travel partners like SimplyMiles, AAdvantage Dining, and Bask Bank.
Lastly, earning miles with non-travel partners and transferring Marriott or Bilt Rewards points to American Airlines are great ways to accumulate miles. You can transfer Marriott points to American Airlines at a 3:1 ratio and Bilt Rewards points transfer to American Airlines at a 1:1 ratio.
FAQs
Can I redeem American Airlines miles for partner airline flights?
Yes, you can use American Airlines miles to book award flights with partner airlines. One of the best ways to receive value when redeeming American Airlines miles is to book premium cabin award flights with its partner airlines.
What are some of the best ways to redeem American Airlines miles?
Some of the best ways to redeem American Airlines miles are to use them for partner airline award flights, especially for business class flights to the Middle East, India, Africa, and Asia 2.
Can I change or cancel an award flight booked with American Airlines miles?
Yes, you can change or cancel an award flight booked with American Airlines miles for free. This is one of the benefits of the American Airlines AAdvantage program.
How do I find award availability for partner airline flights?
You can search for award availability for partner airline flights on the American Airlines website. Most American Airlines partner airline award charts can be booked at aa.com.
Can I earn American Airlines miles with non-travel partners?
Yes, you can earn American Airlines miles with non-travel partners like SimplyMiles, AAdvantage Dining, and Bask Bank.
Conclusion
American Airlines AAdvantage program offers several ways to use and earn miles. Redeeming miles for partner airline award flights, especially for business class flights to the Middle East, India, Africa, and Asia 2, can provide significant value. Additionally, signing up for co-branded credit cards, earning miles with non-travel partners, and transferring Marriott points to American Airlines are great ways to accumulate miles.
