How to Earn and Use American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

The American Airlines AAdvantage program is one of the most popular airline loyalty programs in the world.
Whether you fly often or just once a year, learning how to earn and use AAdvantage miles can help you save money and travel smarter.

This guide will explain exactly how to collect miles, the best ways to redeem them, and a few insider tips to maximize your rewards.

Step 1: Join the AAdvantage Program

It’s free and easy to join. Visit aa.com/AAdvantage or sign up through the American Airlines app.

Once you register, you’ll receive an AAdvantage number, which you’ll use every time you book a flight or earn miles.

💡 Tip: Add your AAdvantage number to every flight booking to make sure you earn miles automatically.

Step 2: Earn AAdvantage Miles

You can earn miles in several ways:

✈️ 1. Flying with American Airlines or Partner Airlines

Earn miles every time you fly with:

• American Airlines

• oneworld alliance partners (like British Airways, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines)

• Other eligible partner airlines

You’ll earn miles based on the price of your ticket (not distance) for AA flights:

5 miles per $1 spent (for standard members), up to 11 miles per $1 for elite members.

💳 2. Use an AAdvantage Credit Card

American Airlines partners with Citi and Barclays to offer co-branded credit cards.
You can earn:

• Bonus miles on American Airlines purchases

• Miles for everyday spending

• Sign-up bonuses worth 30,000–70,000 miles after qualifying purchases

✅ Popular options:

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

🏨 3. Earn with Travel & Shopping Partners

Earn miles when you:

• Book hotels with AAdvantage Hotels or Booking.com via AA’s portal

• Rent cars with Avis, Budget, or Hertz

• Shop online using AAdvantage eShopping®

• Dine at restaurants in the AAdvantage Dining® program

Step 3: How to Redeem Your AAdvantage Miles

Once you’ve built up miles, you can use them for much more than flights.

1. Book Award Flights

Redeem miles for:

• American Airlines flights

• oneworld and partner airline flights

• upgrades to Business or First Class

Typical one-way domestic flights start at 7,500 miles (depending on route and fare).

2. Book Hotels, Cars, and Vacation Packages

Use miles for:

• Hotels (via aa.com/hotels)

• Car rentals

• Vacation packages through AA Vacations

💳 3. Upgrade Your Seat

Use miles to move from Main Cabin to Business or First Class on eligible flights.

🎫 4. Buy Extras

Use miles for:

• Admirals Club® lounge access

• Wi-Fi vouchers

• Gift cards and special promotions

Step 4: Tips to Maximize AAdvantage Miles

1. Book early — award seats are limited.

2. Use off-peak travel dates to save miles.

3. Check partner airlines for better redemption rates.

4. Never let miles expire — just earn or redeem at least once every 24 months.

5. Use the AA app to track your balance and offers.

Example: Redeeming Miles for a Trip

Let’s say you have 25,000 miles — you could book:

• A round-trip domestic flight, or

• A one-way Business Class seat on a partner airline to nearby destinations.

Final Thoughts

The AAdvantage program rewards loyal travelers with flexible ways to earn, save, and upgrade.
By using flights, credit cards, and partners wisely, you can unlock free trips, luxury upgrades, and travel perks around the world.

Start earning miles today — your next vacation might be closer than you think!