American Airlines' AAdvantage rewards program allows you to earn miles on flights, credit card purchases, qualifying purchases and more, which you can then redeem for rewards like free flights, flight upgrades, vacation packages, travel experiences and more.
While you can't convert these miles directly into cash, you might be wondering what these miles are actually worth. Read on to learn more about the value of American Airlines miles, how it compares to similar programs, and what you can earn with your miles.
How much are American Airlines miles worth?
Based on Bankrate's latest points and mileage ratings, the average US AAdvantage mile is worth about 1 cent. However, the actual value of your American Airlines miles depends on how you use them.
For example, a one-way Main Cabin flight from Las Vegas to Orlando in March will cost you approximately $224 if you pay cash. If you pay in miles, this flight could cost you 24,500 miles. On this flight, your American Airlines miles are worth approximately 0.9 cents per mile ($224 / 24,500 = $0.009).
However, a one-way main-cabin flight from Portland to New York in March might cost $147 in cash and about 12,000 miles ($147/12,000 = $0.012). On this flight, it was worth about 1.2 cents per mile.
American Airlines Miles Compared to Other Airlines
American Airlines' average mileage is on the low end compared to other airline rewards programs. You might get more value by traveling with a smaller airline in a given geographic area, but you're sacrificing the breadth that comes with the rewards programs of one of the world's largest airlines.
How to Redeem American Airlines Miles
AAdvantage miles can be redeemed for American Airlines flights, partner airline flights, flight upgrades, Admiral's Club memberships, travel experiences, car rentals, hotel reservations, vacation packages and charitable donations.
To redeem your miles, visit the American Airlines website and log into your account. Note that instructions will vary depending on how you redeem.
When's the Best Time to Redeem American Airlines Miles? While redemption values vary depending on the method you choose, you may get more value from your miles if you redeem them for off-peak flights or off-peak destinations.
You can also earn more miles by redeeming miles with American Airlines' partner airlines. Otherwise, keep an eye out for American Airlines' MileSAAver, AAnytime, and Web Special awards to score flights for less.
The Best Credit Cards to Earn American Airlines Miles If you're looking to improve your ability to earn airline miles, consider purchasing one of American Airlines' rewards credit cards. The airline has a variety of credit cards to choose from, all currently issued by Citi. Here are a few cards to consider:
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®* is the airline's no annual fee credit card option. Earn double miles per dollar spent on eligible U.S. airlines and grocery purchases, and double miles on all other purchases. Plus, as a new cardholder, you'll earn 10,000 bonus miles and a $50 statement credit after you spend $500 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®* includes a Welcome Bonus of 75,000 miles after you spend $3,500 in the first four months of account opening. Plus, the card earns 2 miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, 2 miles on restaurant and gas station purchases and 1 mile on all other purchases. The annual fee is $99 per year, but is waived for the first year.
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select MasterCard
Business owners who frequently fly U.S. air travel should consider the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®*. The card offers an introductory bonus of 65,000 miles after you spend $4,000 in the first four months of account opening. In addition, the card provides double miles on qualifying purchases on American Airlines, gas stations, cable and satellite providers, select telecommunications dealers and car rental companies. For everything else, earn 1X miles. Plus, the card's $99 annual fee is waived for the first year.
More Ways to Earn American Airlines Miles
You can't earn frequent flyer miles just by booking flights or spending on co-branded credit cards. One of the most attractive parts of the AAdvantage program in the US is that there are a variety of ways to earn miles. For example, you can earn AAdvantage miles with a partner airline or any other company in the partner network. The network is extensive and includes hotels, car rentals, retail outlets, cruise lines, resorts and more.
final result
The program gives you a lot of flexibility in how you earn and redeem your miles, but the value of your American Airlines miles depends on what you choose to redeem them for. Still, in most cases, the program's value, perks, and rewards compare favorably with what many other airlines offer.