Should You Ever Buy American Airlines Miles?

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Summary

  • Purchasing AAdvantage miles makes sense for dream trips or cabin upgrades, optimizing travel comfort.
  • Evaluate savings: discounted miles may be costlier than regular tickets, so compare prices for value.
  • Earn miles through a Citi / AAdvantage credit card rather than purchasing, suiting diverse traveler needs.

AAdvantage miles offer great incentives to American Airlines passengers and customers of the airline’s partners across the globe. Notably, frequent flyers can even purchase miles under the program.

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How Many AAdvantage Miles Do You Need For A Free Flight On American Airlines?

The cheapest flights with American Airlines start at 7,500 miles and with partners at 5,000 miles.

When it makes sense to buy American Airlines miles

You have nearly enough miles for a dream trip

If you plan a vacation from New York (JFK) to Mexico (CUN) on American Airlines, you’ll need approximately 10,000 miles for an award ticket. After accruing and saving miles, you have 8,000 miles in your account. In that scenario, you are 2,000 miles short. This is an excellent scenario for purchasing the additional miles. In this case, buying the remaining 2,000 miles would cost around $60. This approach is advantageous if the award ticket offers significant savings or benefits over a regular ticket purchase. Buying the necessary miles to bridge the gap can often be a savvy decision, ensuring your award flight without delay.

Almost enough miles for a cabin upgrade

If you have booked a business class flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT) on American Airlines, you would need about 15,000 miles to upgrade to a higher class. If you currently have 13,000 miles, purchasing the additional 2,000 miles required is smart. This decision optimizes your miles and enhances your overall flight experience. Buying extra miles is more than just a purchase; it’s an investment.

It significantly improves your comfort during the 11-hour flight, making your vacation more enjoyable. This investment also enables you to maximize the benefits of airline loyalty programs, leading you to better plan your travels. This opportunity is worthwhile when you weigh the cost of purchasing miles for an upgrade against the price of a full-fare ticket. It’s especially advantageous for individuals who value the extra comfort, amenities, and superior business-class service. This turns your flight into an essential part of the holiday experience rather than just a means of reaching your destination.

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Photo: American Airlines

Most times, there’s no need to buy American Airlines miles

Discounted miles may be more costly than tickets

American Airlines promotes attractive deals for those interested in purchasing miles, offering up to 35% off the regular price. This discount translates to approximately 2.4 cents per mile, making it an opportune moment for travelers to buy miles at a reduced rate. Consider a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) as an example of how these savings could apply. Booking this flight using purchased miles would require 9,000 miles plus an additional $5.60 in taxes and fees.

Under this promotional offer, the total cost of buying enough miles for this trip would be approximately $221. However, comparing this with the standard cash purchase option for the same ticket is essential. If you pay directly in cash without utilizing the miles purchase deal, the ticket would cost $204. This direct comparison underscores the importance of evaluating whether purchasing miles under such promotions genuinely offers the best value compared to traditional payment methods. Such analysis is crucial for savvy travelers who make the most informed and cost-effective decisions when planning their trips.

Instead, earn miles through a Citi / AAdvantage credit card

AAdvantage members benefit from earning miles through flying and everyday purchases, eliminating the need to purchase miles directly. The Citi / AAdvantage partnership provides a diverse range of credit cards, each tailored to fit different travelers’ varying priorities and requirements. Whether you value the comfort and exclusivity of lounge access, are a frequent business traveler looking for perks that ease your travel, or are keen on avoiding annual fees, the AAdvantage program offers a credit card option that aligns with your preferences. This wide selection ensures that, regardless of your travel habits or financial considerations, there’s an AAdvantage card that can enrich your travel experience and reward your spending. Earn miles when dining, booking hotels, shopping, attending events, etc.

Aadvantage History

In 1981, American Airlines paved the way for customer loyalty in the airline industry by launching the AAdvantage® loyalty program. This initiative stood out as one of the pioneering frequent flier programs designed to acknowledge and reward members for their travel loyalty. Forty years later, the AAdvantage program continues to be a frontrunner, consistently introducing innovative partnerships. These collaborations have significantly expanded the scope of options available to members, tailoring the program to meet individual preferences and needs.

Moreover, AAdvantage has become more user-friendly than ever before, ensuring members can enjoy its benefits quickly and conveniently. This ongoing commitment to innovation and personalized service signifies American Airlines’ dedication to enhancing the travel experience for its members, making the AAdvantage program a leading example of customer loyalty and reward in the airline industry.

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5 Clever Ways To Use American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

Travelers can redeem miles for luxury business class products on partner airlines.

Buying American Airlines miles can be strategic in specific scenarios, like when you’re shy about the miles needed for a dream trip or a cabin upgrade. For example, purchasing miles to complete the required amount for an award ticket from New York to Mexico or to upgrade from business to higher class on a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo can enhance your travel experience significantly. However, when promotions are offered, it’s essential to compare the cost of purchasing miles against the price of a regular ticket to ensure value.

Additionally, the Citi / AAdvantage credit card offers a practical alternative to buying miles by allowing members to earn miles on everyday purchases, catering to different traveler needs and preferences. Launched in 1981, the AAdvantage loyalty program by American Airlines exemplifies a commitment to rewarding travel loyalty, showcasing a rich history of innovation and member-focused partnerships that enrich the travel experience.


  • AAdvantage Tall - Logo Center-1
    AAdvantage

    Participating Airlines:
    American Airlines

    Owner:
    American Airlines

    Region:
    North America

    Countries:
    United States

    Established Date:
    1981-05-01



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