How Much are American Airlines Miles Worth?

How Much are American Airlines Miles Worth? Image
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Published Sep 2, 2025 6:30 AM EST

Book any seat on American Airlines flights starting at just 7,500 miles each way, plus taxes and carrier-imposed fees.

Ever wondered if the value of American Airlines miles are actually worth the hype? You're not alone! Whether planning a quick vacation weekend getaway or dreaming of a long-haul adventure, knowing the true value of your miles can make all the difference. In this blog, we'll break down exactly how much American Airlines miles are worth, how to maximize them, and whether you're really getting the best bang for your booking buck. Let's dive in!

How do American Airlines Miles work?

American Airlines miles work like travel rewards points. You earn them by flying with American or using partner services, and you can redeem them for last-minute flights, upgrades, hotels, car rentals, and more through the AAdvantage program. Here's how:

  • Book Flights with American Airlines or its partners like Qatar Airways, British Airways, etc.
  • Use an AAdvantage® Credit Card for everyday purchases to rack up miles faster.
  • Stay at Partner Hotels like Marriott, Hyatt, or IHG.
  • Rent Cars with brands like Hertz, Avis, or Budget.
  • Shop or Dine Online using the AAdvantage eShopping® and Dining programs.

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Read More: How to Get a Military Discount on American Airlines in 2025!

How much are American Airlines Miles worth?

American Airlines AAdvantage® miles are generally valued at around 1.3 to 1.6 cents per mile, according to the online travel experts. However, the actual American Airlines miles value you get depends on how you redeem your miles. For example, if you use miles American to book domestic economy flights, the value often stays close to the average. But if you redeem them for business or first-class flights especially on international routes or with partner airlines like Qatar Airways or British Airways. You can get a much higher value, sometimes exceeding 2 cents per mile.

FlyO Tip: Sign up for the AAdvantage program free of charge. Each mile earns 1 Loyalty Point, helping you enjoy more travel with American Airlines reward miles.

How to earn American Airlines Miles?

You earn AAdvantage® miles when you travel or make qualifying purchases with American Airlines or its partners. To start earning, simply include your AAdvantage® number every time you book a flight, make a hotel reservation, rent a car, or shop with participating partners.

  • Join the AAdvantage® Program:
    Sign up for free on the American Airlines website to start earning miles and Loyalty Points on flights and everyday spending.
  • Add Your AAdvantage® Number:
    Make sure to include your AAdvantage® number when booking flights, hotel stays, car rentals, or shopping with partner brands.
  • Fly with American Airlines or Partner Airlines:
    American Airlines earn miles when you travel. You'll get miles based on how much you paid or how far you flew, depending on the airline.
  • Book Hotels and Car Rentals:
    Earn miles by booking your stay or rental car through official AAdvantage® hotel and car rental partners.
  • Shop and Dine with AAdvantage® Partners:
    Get miles when you shop through the AAdvantage online eShopping® portal or dine at participating restaurants.
  • Use an AAdvantage® Credit Card:
    Every time you use an AAdvantage® credit card, you earn miles for your purchases even on everyday items like groceries or gas.
  • Earn Loyalty Points with Every Mile:
    For every eligible mile you earn, you get 1 Loyalty Point. These help you qualify for elite status and extra travel perks.

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How to use AA Miles to book flights?

To book flights with AAdvantage® miles, log in to your account on aa.com, select "American Airlines Redeem miles," search your route, and choose an available award flight. You can use miles for American Airlines or partner flights, paying any required taxes or fees. Premium cabins often offer the best value.

You can use your American Airlines book with miles on flights:

  • American Airlines
  • oneworld® alliance partners (like British Airways, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines)
  • Other eligible partner airlines

Once you choose a flight, the number of miles required will be displayed along with any applicable taxes and fees, which should be paid in cash. After selecting your preferred option, you'll confirm your booking and complete the payment using your AAdvantage® miles.

➜ Important Points to Remember:

  • The value of your miles depends on the route, travel date, and cabin class.
  • Premium cabins (Business or First Class) usually offer the best value per mile.
  • Some partner airline award tickets may not be available online or in the mobile app. You may need to call American Airlines Reservations to book them.

Learn More: What You Should Know About American Airlines Senior Discounts!

How to redeem American Airlines Miles?

To redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles, you can book flights, hotels, car rentals, and even experience packages through the American Airlines website or app. You can also use miles to upgrade flights, book partner airline flights, and access Mastercard Priceless experiences. The transfer American Airlines miles redemption process usually involves selecting your desired option, logging into your AAdvantage account, and choosing to pay with miles.

Let's take a look at the ways to redeem American Airlines miles:

  • Book Flights:
    Use miles to fly with American Airlines, oneworld® airlines, and partners to nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide.
  • Upgrade Your Seat:
    Move to the next cabin on American, British Airways, Iberia, or Qantas using miles for a more premium experience.
  • Reserve Main Cabin Seats:
    Use miles to choose preferred Main Cabin seats for yourself and your travel companions after booking.
  • Admirals Club® Membership:
    Redeem miles to buy or renew access to Admirals Club® airport lounges for a more relaxing travel experience.
  • Hotel Stays:
    Book hotels at over 500 destinations using your miles for comfortable accommodations.
  • Car Rentals:
    Use miles to rent a car in various global locations—perfect for road trips or business travel.
  • Luxury Experiences:
    Enjoy exclusive airport services and VIP experiences, like family escorts at select airports, using your miles.

FlyO Tip: Want maximum value? Get the most out of your AAdvantage® miles by using them on flights or American upgrade miles for better value and a smoother journey.

Do American Airlines Miles expire?

Yes, American Airlines AAdvantage® miles do expire, but only if there's no activity on your account for 24 consecutive months. To keep your miles active, all you need to do is earn or redeem at least one mile within that period.

You can easily extend your mileage validity by:

  • Booking or flying with American Airlines or partner airlines
  • Earning miles through hotels, car rentals, or shopping with AAdvantage® partners
  • Redeeming miles for flights, upgrades, or other rewards
  • Using an AAdvantage® credit card for purchases

Have questions about your AAdvantage® miles? Call our FlyOfinder reservations at +1-571-378-7016 for expert support and guidance!

Can you transfer American Miles to another person?

Yes, Buy American Airlines miles allows you to transfer AAdvantage® miles to another member by choosing this "Buy, Gift, or Transfer Miles" option available on their official website. Here's how you can do it:

  • Log in to your AAdvantage® account on the American Airlines official website.
  • Select the "Buy, Gift or Transfer Miles" section under your account.
  • Choose "Transfer Miles" and enter the recipient's name, AAdvantage® number, and the number of miles.
  • Pay the applicable fee. The exact cost may vary depending on the route and fare type.
  • Confirm the transfer process. Miles usually post within minutes but may take up to 24 hours.

📌 Important Points to Know:

  • You can transfer up to 200,000 miles per calendar year.
  • Transferred miles do not count toward elite status or Loyalty Points.
  • All transfers are final and non-refundable.

Read More: American Airlines Missed Flight: Here's What to Do!

Final Thoughts

American Airlines miles are a valuable travel currency when used smartly. Whether you're booking domestic getaways or upgrading to luxury on international flights, understanding how to earn, redeem, or even transfer miles can help you travel better and save more. From flight rewards to elite perks, every mile holds a special and memorable journey.

Need help planning your next award trip? Call FlyOfinder at +1-571-378-7016 for expert support and exclusive deals!

FAQ’s

Q1. How do I claim miles on American Airlines?

If your miles don't show up after your flight, you can easily American Airlines claim miles. Just log in to your AAdvantage® account on aa.com, go to "Request Flight Miles," and submit your flight details. You can request missing miles for flights taken within the past 12 months.

Q2. How many American Airlines miles do I need for a free flight?

One-way award flights with American Airlines start at just 7,500 miles, plus taxes and fees. The actual miles required vary depending on the route, travel class, and demand. Booking early or flying off-peak can help you get the best value for your money.

Q3. How do I check my AAdvantage® mileage balance?

Checking your miles is simple. Just log in to your AAdvantage® account on aa.com or the American Airlines mobile app. Your current mileage balance is displayed right on the official website. Contact us at +1-571-378-7016 for personalized flight bookings.

Q4. Can I earn American Airlines miles when flying with partner airlines?

Yes! You earn AAdvantage® miles when flying with oneworld® partners like Qatar Airways, British Airways, or Japan Airlines. Please ensure that you enter your AAdvantage® number at the time of booking, and miles will be credited based on the fare type or distance traveled.

Q5. What's the difference between redeemable miles and Loyalty Points on American Airlines?

Redeemable miles are what you use for flights, upgrades, and rewards. Loyalty Points are quickly used to track your progress toward elite status. You can easily earn 1 Loyalty Point for every eligible mile, but only American Airlines request miles can be redeemed for travel.

About the author
Author Profile

Elena Porter, a passionate travel author at FlyOfinder since 2019, shares her wealth of experience to inspire and guide travelers worldwide. Known for her insightful advice, Elena offers practical tips on planning memorable trips. Her work helps readers choose the best destinations, find great airline deals, and enjoy experiences that make each journey unique.