The world of frequent flier miles can often be confusing and downright daunting, particularly for those just starting out in building their accounts. Status, qualifying miles or segments, with earning ability based on ticket spend…what’s it all mean? The nomenclature can make your head spin but don’t worry. I’m here to help because unless you understand the basics, you won’t be able to properly take advantage of your membership. I’ve participated in these programs for decades now and have enjoyed many a free flight for myself and my family as well as a good number of upgrades. But let me give you a word of advice before we “dive in.” You’d be wise to stick to only 1 or 2 programs so you can accumulate a decent number of miles and hopefully achieve a higher status level for your repeat business. If you don’t, you’ll end up with a smattering of miles here, there and everywhere with little to show or redeem for your efforts. With that in mind, let’s take a detailed, individual look at the 4 programs associated with the nation’s largest carriers.
#AmericanAir lays claim to being first among the majors to introduce a customer loyalty program named AAdvantage back in 1981 which now boasts over 100 million participants worldwide. As a member, you’ll earn miles when you fly on American, #traveloneworld Alliance and other participating airlines, as well as over 1,000 of their program partners. (For a complete description of the major, global airline alliances, please see my post of July 20, 2019 under the Airport Tails section of this Web site titled “BFFs.") Miles may be redeemed for award flights, upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, airport lounge access and more. While the currency is miles, their accumulation has changed significantly since the program’s early days back in the ‘80s. Now, be advised the number of miles you’ll earn depends on your program status and how much money you spend on your tickets, not simply on how far you fly.
Qualifying for status in the AAdvantage Program can seem confusing but just remember miles, segments, and dollars. When you're starting out, you'll earn 5 miles per dollar spent and that's it, although First or Business Class fares will always earn additional mileage, regardless of your status. The first level is Gold and these members earn 7 miles per dollar spent. To receive Gold status, you must fly at least 25,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) a year or travel at least 30 Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs) while spending a minimum of $3,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs). Gold members will earn a 40% mileage bonus on all flights. Their complimentary upgrades will be requested on all flights under 500 miles and confirmed 24 hours before departure. You can also purchase or use miles to upgrade on all flights over 500 miles.
The next level is Platinum and these members earn 8 miles per dollar spent. Platinum status requires at least 50,000 EQMs or 50 EQSs with at least $6,000 EQDs. Platinum members earn a 60% mileage bonus on all flights and their complimentary upgrades for flights under 500 miles are confirmed 48 hours prior to departure. Again, upgrade certificates or miles can be used for upgrading flights of greater distance. American recently created the next tier called Platinum Pro which earns its members an 80% mileage bonus and 9 miles per dollar spent. To qualify for Platinum Pro, you must accumulate at least 75,000 EQMs or 90 EQSs with a minimum of
$9,000 EQDs. Complimentary upgrades are automatically requested on all flights, regardless of distance and they are confirmed 72 hours before departure. Executive Platinum is American’s top tier and members earn a 120% mileage bonus and11 miles per dollar spent. This tier requires 100,000 EQMs or 120 EQSs with at least $15,000 EQDs. Upgrades are confirmed 100 hours before departure. Executive Platinum members also receive 4 system wide upgrades per year with the opportunity to earn 4 more.
Here‘s a table for quick reference, laying out the AAdvantage Awards requirements.
Redeeming your miles is rather
straightforward and the airline, unlike others, still publishes an award chart which may be found on their Web site. Theoretically, you can use your miles for Award travel on American or their One World or partner airlines in economy or premium classes of service. There are 2 types of awards; SAAVER and AANYTIME but it’s very difficult to find any SAAVER awards for premium cabin travel. American is not unique in this regard and members who wish to travel in a higher class of service simply have to accept the fact that it’s going to cost greater numbers of miles. (Once in a while, you'll find a great SAAVER Award available for premium travel but not too often.) Upgrades to the next available cabin on American, #British_Airways and #Iberia_en are available with mileage redemption. Rental cars, hotel stays and vacation packages may also be redeemed for AAdvantage miles. Please note it’s nearly impossible to secure premium travel on One World carrier #Qantas. If you’re looking to travel to Australia on Qantas Airlines, your best bet is to transfer miles directly to the Qantas Points Program from your #AmericanExpress Membership Rewards account
American AAdvantage miles will expire after 18 months. With this being said, it’s really easy to avoid losing your miles since most earning and redemption activity will extend the expiration date of your miles by another 18 months. A good way to keep your account active and to increase your mileage balance is by using one of their #Citibank affiliated credit cards. The bank offers 3 personal cards to link with your AAdvantage account. (They also offer a business card, details of which can be found on their Web site. )The first personal card is the MileUp card that will earn you a 10,000 mile statement bonus after qualifying purchases.The next up is the Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard offering 50,000 bonus miles following qualifying purchases. The premium personal card is the Executive World Elite MasterCard. While this card offers the same 50,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases, it also comes with #AdmiralsClub membership and a credit for the #GlobalEntry or #TSApreCheck application fee. Every one of these cards offer miles for everyday purchases and a 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases. If you use a credit card and are interested in accumulating American miles then one of these Citi cards (with correlating annual fees) may be right for you.
A good friend of mine once said I consider my frequent flier miles “much too valuable to use and couldn’t bear to part with them.” I believe he was right and so I will admit to being a bit of a “squirrel” when it comes to spending those miles, but I wouldn’t encourage you to be like me. Remember, airlines routinely devalue their “currency" meaning your miles are not likely to be as valuable in future years as they are today. So use them! Go visit some exotic place that’s been on your “bucket list”and let American fly you for free (you will have to pay taxes and government imposed security fees). Study the American Airlines route map and start dreaming. Curently, (as of last December) you’ll see the airline flies to 95 domestic and 95 international destinations in 55 countries around the globe. These include numerous cities in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. With their One World and other partner airlines, along with hotels, vacation packages and cruises as part of the AAdvantage Program, you’ll surely be able to put those miles to good use. If perhaps you’ve already turned in those American miles for a great trip somewhere, I’m anxious to hear all about your journey.
Until next time…safe travels.
A good point about the devaluation of miles - Airmiles used to mean 1 mile per Airmile - sadly those were the good old days ;-(