American Airlines’ AAdvantage program consistently ranks as a top choice for frequent flyers. It’s not just about flying American; a significant part of the program’s appeal lies in its extensive network of Aadvantage Partners. For the first time ever, the AAdvantage program was recognized as the Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program at the 2024 TPG Awards, a data-driven decision that highlights its continued value. Let’s delve into the world of American Airlines aadvantage partners and how you can leverage them to elevate your travel experience.
Discovering American Airlines Oneworld Alliance Partners
American Airlines’ membership in the Oneworld alliance opens up a vast network of global airlines for AAdvantage members. This partnership allows you to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles and enjoy elite benefits across a wide range of carriers. When you fly with these aadvantage partners within the Oneworld alliance, your AAdvantage membership travels with you, enhancing your journey. The Oneworld alliance airlines include:
- Alaska Airlines
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Fiji Airways (Oneworld Connect member, anticipated to become a full member in 2025)
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Oman Air (anticipated to become a full member in 2025)
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Royal Jordanian Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
- S7 Airlines (currently suspended)
Alt Text: A collage of logos from various Oneworld Alliance airlines, highlighting the diverse network of AAdvantage partners within the alliance.
While elite status benefits are often extended when flying with Oneworld aadvantage partners, every AAdvantage member can benefit from earning and redeeming miles across this extensive network. For detailed information on specific benefits and earning rates, it’s always best to consult the individual partner airline page on the American Airlines website.
Expanding Horizons: American Airlines Non-Alliance Partners
Beyond the Oneworld alliance, American Airlines strategically partners with a select group of airlines outside of the alliance. These aadvantage partners further expand your options for earning and redeeming miles, offering even greater flexibility in your travel planning. These partnerships are at various levels of integration, so it’s important to understand the specifics of each. American Airlines’ non-alliance aadvantage partners include:
- Aer Lingus
- Air Tahiti Nui
- Cape Air
- China Southern Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- Gol Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- IndiGo
- JetSmart
Alt Text: Aircraft from American Airlines and its diverse airline partners parked on the tarmac, showcasing the global reach of AAdvantage partnerships.
It’s crucial to note that earning and redemption rules can vary significantly among these non-alliance aadvantage partners. Not all flights with these airlines will be eligible for earning or redeeming American miles. Always refer to the specific partner airline page on the American Airlines website for the most accurate and up-to-date information before booking.
Related: American’s AAdvantage is now JetSmart’s loyalty program; more flights qualify for AA for miles
Maximizing AAdvantage Member Benefits: Status and Beyond
Even without elite status, simply being an AAdvantage member unlocks certain perks. All members enjoy benefits such as priority boarding in Group 6 or earlier. Furthermore, standby for earlier flights operated by American Airlines or American Eagle within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands is complimentary. These are just a few examples of how AAdvantage membership, and by extension, its aadvantage partners, can improve your travel experience.
Understanding Loyalty Points: Your Path to Elite Status
Loyalty Points are the key to unlocking elite status within the AAdvantage program. These points are earned through various activities, primarily flying and spending with aadvantage partners. Generally, every base mile earned translates to one Loyalty Point, though bonus miles typically do not qualify. Earning Loyalty Points is your pathway to enjoying even greater benefits with American Airlines and its partners.
Alt Text: Close-up shot of a person holding an AAdvantage loyalty card, symbolizing the tangible benefits of the program and its partnerships.
Here are key ways to accrue base miles that also earn you valuable Loyalty Points, many of which involve aadvantage partners:
- Flights marketed by American Airlines, Oneworld airlines, and Gol Airlines.
- Spending with eligible partners, including American Airlines Vacations, AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Dining, SimplyMiles, and AAdvantage Hotels.
- Qualifying purchases made with AAdvantage credit cards (excluding accelerators).
AAdvantage Elite Status Tiers and Privileges
AAdvantage elite status comprises four published tiers – Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum – alongside the invitation-only Concierge Key. Each tier offers increasingly valuable benefits, enhancing your travel experience with American Airlines and its aadvantage partners. Status is earned by accumulating Loyalty Points within a qualification year (March to February).
Here’s a breakdown of the Loyalty Points required for each tier in the current qualification period (March 1, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025):
- AAdvantage Gold: 40,000 Loyalty Points
- AAdvantage Platinum: 75,000 Loyalty Points
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 125,000 Loyalty Points
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum: 200,000 Loyalty Points
AAdvantage Gold members receive a 40% mileage bonus, complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats at check-in, Preferred seats at booking, priority check-in, Group 4 boarding, and a free first checked bag for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation (on American Airlines marketed and operated flights).
Platinum members enjoy a 60% mileage bonus, complimentary Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats at booking, Group 3 boarding, priority baggage handling, and two free checked bags for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation (on American Airlines marketed and operated flights).
Platinum Pro members get an 80% mileage bonus, Group 2 boarding, free same-day flight changes, and three free checked bags for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation (on American Airlines marketed and operated flights).
Executive Platinum members receive a 120% mileage bonus, Group 1 boarding, complimentary food and drinks in Main Cabin, and guaranteed Main Cabin availability on sold-out American Airlines flights (when booked at least 24 hours in advance).
Alt Text: A friendly flight attendant assisting passengers with boarding, representing the enhanced travel experience offered by AAdvantage elite status and partner benefits.
All AAdvantage elite members are eligible for complimentary upgrades for themselves and one companion within North America on American Airlines flights. Upgrades on Alaska Airlines are also available for eligible fare classes. Furthermore, AAdvantage elite status translates to Oneworld status, providing reciprocal benefits when flying with other Oneworld aadvantage partners: Ruby (Gold), Sapphire (Platinum), and Emerald (Platinum Pro & Executive Platinum).
Loyalty Point Rewards: Milestones Beyond Status
Beyond elite status tiers, Loyalty Point Rewards offer additional perks as you accumulate points. These rewards are distinct from status and provide even more value to loyal AAdvantage members and those who utilize aadvantage partners extensively.
Examples of Loyalty Point Rewards include:
- 15,000 Loyalty Points: Group 5 boarding and a choice of bonus Loyalty Points, Preferred Seat coupons, or Priority privileges.
- 60,000 & 100,000 Loyalty Points: Avis Preferred Plus and President’s Club status, along with Loyalty Point bonuses on spending with select aadvantage partners.
- 175,000 Loyalty Points and beyond: Choices ranging from systemwide upgrades and bonus miles to Admirals Club passes, trip credits, donations to nonprofits, and even luxury items or experiences.
These Loyalty Point Rewards provide continuous incentives to engage with the AAdvantage program and its aadvantage partners, even after achieving elite status.
Earning American Miles: Beyond Flying with AAdvantage Partners
While flying with American Airlines and its aadvantage partners is a primary way to earn miles, numerous other avenues exist. Maximizing your mile accumulation involves understanding these diverse earning opportunities.
Miles from Flights: American Airlines and Select Partners
When flying on flights marketed by American Airlines, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and JetSmart, you earn base miles per dollar spent on the ticket (excluding taxes and fees). Basic economy fares earn a reduced rate. AAdvantage elite status members earn even more base miles, further accelerating their earning potential when flying with these core aadvantage partners.
Alt Text: An airplane soaring above a cityscape at sunset, representing the miles earned through flying with American Airlines and its partner network.
Elite status bonuses significantly increase your earning rate:
- Member (No Status): 5 base miles per dollar (2 on basic economy)
- AAdvantage Gold: 7 base miles per dollar (2.8 on basic economy)
- AAdvantage Platinum: 8 base miles per dollar (3.2 on basic economy)
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 9 base miles per dollar (3.6 on basic economy)
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum: 11 base miles per dollar (4.4 on basic economy)
Miles from Other Partner Airlines
Earning miles is also possible on most flights marketed by American’s other aadvantage partners. Mileage earning is typically based on flight distance and fare class. Partner-specific earning charts, like the example provided for Finnair, detail the accrual rates for different fare classes. Mileage bonuses from AAdvantage elite status also apply to these partner flights, further boosting your earnings.
Replace with actual Finnair chart image if available, or a generic airline chart example.
Alt Text: Example of an American Airlines partner airline earning chart, illustrating how miles are accrued based on fare class and distance when flying with AAdvantage partners.
AAdvantage Credit Cards: Everyday Spending, Miles Rewards
AAdvantage credit cards are a highly effective way to accumulate miles through everyday spending. These cards offer various welcome bonuses and earning rates on purchases, making them valuable tools for frequent flyers and those looking to maximize their AAdvantage miles. While welcome offers and bonus category spending don’t directly contribute to Loyalty Points, every dollar spent on these cards earns you valuable miles, and some cards offer Loyalty Point bonuses upon reaching spending thresholds, further solidifying the role of aadvantage partners in earning status.
Here’s a summary of popular AAdvantage credit cards:
| Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | Earning Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | $595 | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 in 3 months | – 10x miles on hotels/car rentals via aadvantagehotels.com/aa.com/cars – 4x miles on AA purchases – 1x mile on everything else |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | $99 (waived first year) | 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 in 3 months | – 2x miles on AA purchases, restaurants, gas stations – 1x mile on everything else |
| AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Red Mastercard® | $99 | 60,000 bonus miles after first purchase & annual fee payment within 90 days | – 2x miles on AA purchases – 1x mile on everything else |
| American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® | None | 15,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in 3 months | – 2x miles at grocery stores & AA purchases – 1x mile on everything else |
| Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® | $99 (waived first year) | 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in 5 months | – 2x miles on AA purchases, telecom, cable, car rentals, gas stations – 1x mile on everything else |
Note: Card information may be outdated. Refer to issuer websites for current details.
Certain AAdvantage cards offer Loyalty Point bonuses upon reaching spending milestones:
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard: 10,000 Loyalty Points after 50,000 and 90,000 Loyalty Points earned in a qualification year.
- AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Silver Mastercard: 5,000 Loyalty Points after spending $20,000, $40,000, and $50,000 during the qualification period.
AAdvantage eShopping Portal: Online Purchases, Miles Earned
The AAdvantage eShopping portal allows you to earn miles on online purchases from a vast network of participating merchants. Simply logging in through the portal before shopping online ensures you automatically earn miles on eligible purchases, effectively turning your regular online shopping into mile-earning opportunities with aadvantage partners.
Alt Text: A person browsing online shopping websites on a laptop, illustrating the convenience of earning AAdvantage miles through the eShopping portal.
Related: Earn points, miles or cash back: How to maximize online shopping portals for your purchases
SimplyMiles: Personalized Offers, Miles Rewards
SimplyMiles provides targeted offers from various merchants, allowing you to earn miles for both online and in-store purchases. By linking your Mastercard and enrolling in offers through the SimplyMiles platform, you can earn a fixed number of miles or a multiple of your spending at participating aadvantage partners.
AAdvantage Dining: Dine Out, Earn Miles
AAdvantage Dining lets you earn miles by dining at participating restaurants. Linking your credit cards to your AAdvantage Dining account ensures automatic mile accrual when you dine at enrolled restaurants and pay with a linked card. This program turns your dining experiences into another avenue for earning miles with aadvantage partners.
Alt Text: A group of friends enjoying a meal at a restaurant, representing the miles-earning opportunities through the AAdvantage Dining program.
AAdvantage Travel Partners: Cars and Hotels
American Airlines partners with major car rental companies and hotel chains, allowing members to earn miles on car rentals and hotel stays. Booking through the AAdvantage Hotels platform or directly with partners like Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott (and adding your AAdvantage number) enables you to earn miles on your travel accommodations. These aadvantage partners extend your earning opportunities beyond flights.
Earning rates vary:
- AAdvantage Hotels: Miles vary per stay
- Hyatt: 500 miles per stay
- IHG: Up to 2 miles per dollar
- Marriott: Up to 2 miles per dollar
The partnership between Hyatt and American allows linked accounts to earn even more, with AAdvantage elite members earning bonus miles on Hyatt stays (program updates may apply; partnership changes are noted to end Dec 31, 2024). Booking cruises and vacation packages through American Airlines Cruises and Vacations also earns miles.
Bask Bank: Miles for Savings
Bask Bank offers a unique way to earn AAdvantage miles – by opening a savings account and electing to receive miles as interest instead of cash. While miles earned through Bask Bank do not count towards Loyalty Points, it’s an interesting option for accumulating miles on your savings.
Buy Miles: Top-Up Your Account
Purchasing American Airlines miles is another option, often with bonuses or discounts offered through promotions. While not the most cost-effective way to accumulate miles, it can be useful for topping off your account to reach a specific redemption goal.
Redeeming American Miles: Unlock Your Travel Dreams
Redeeming AAdvantage miles for flights typically provides the best value, with TPG valuations estimating mile value at around 1.65 cents each (December 2024 valuation). Aim to achieve or exceed this value when redeeming your hard-earned miles.
Flights: Award Travel with American and Partners
American Airlines publishes award charts with starting rates, with separate charts for American-operated and aadvantage partner flights. Partner award charts are generally more reliable indicators of starting redemption rates. While American-operated flight award pricing can fluctuate, partner awards often adhere closer to chart levels, offering sweet spots for redemptions.
Alt Text: Airplanes from American Airlines and Japan Airlines parked side-by-side at airport gates, symbolizing the seamless redemption possibilities across AAdvantage partner airlines.
Examples of partner award redemption value can be found with Japan Airlines flights, often bookable at starting rates. However, note that award availability and pricing can vary, and some partner awards may price higher than starting rates on certain dates, reflecting demand and availability. The American Airlines website and mobile app are the best tools for searching award availability and pricing. AAdvantage offers flexible award booking with free cancellations and mile redeposits before departure.
Related: Best uses of American Airlines AAdvantage miles
Upgrades: Enhance Your Cabin Experience
Miles can be redeemed for upgrades to the next cabin of service on select flights. Upgrades are possible on codeshare flights marketed by American Airlines, British Airways, and Iberia, and operated by any of these carriers, as well as select Qantas flights. Upgrading Qantas flights can be done online, while other partner upgrades require calling AAdvantage. Upgrade availability can be challenging to find and may require tools like ExpertFlyer to monitor. Fare class eligibility and mileage/co-pay requirements apply; refer to the American Airlines upgrade page for details. Upgrades can offer significant value, particularly for long-haul flights.
Alt Text: Luxurious business class airplane seats, representing the aspirational upgrades achievable with AAdvantage miles and partner flights.
Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on American Airlines
Admirals Club Membership: Lounge Access
Redeeming miles for an Admirals Club membership is an option, but typically offers a lower redemption value (around 1 cent per mile). Paying for membership outright or obtaining it as a benefit of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard generally provides better value. Mileage costs for membership vary by elite status tier.
Alt Text: Interior view of an American Airlines Admirals Club lounge, highlighting the comfort and amenities accessible through AAdvantage membership benefits and redemptions.
Related: 3 reasons why this is the best card for Admirals Club lounge access
Enhance with Miles: Gifting Status
As you reach higher Loyalty Point tiers, you can use miles to gift status to others for a day. This “Enhance with Miles” option can be a valuable perk for sharing benefits with friends or family traveling on American Airlines.
Replace with actual Enhance with Miles options image if available, or a generic benefit selection example.
Alt Text: A selection of AAdvantage Enhance with Miles benefit options, illustrating the program’s flexibility in sharing elite status perks.
Related: 7 airline and hotel loyalty programs that let you give the gift of elite status
Bottom Line: AAdvantage Partners – Your Key to Travel Rewards
The American Airlines AAdvantage program, while evolving, remains a valuable loyalty program, particularly when you strategically utilize its extensive network of aadvantage partners. Understanding how to earn and redeem miles through flights, credit cards, shopping portals, dining, and travel partners is crucial to maximizing its benefits. For those seeking elite status, AAdvantage credit cards and partner spending are increasingly important. By leveraging the power of aadvantage partners, you can unlock significant travel rewards and elevate your journey with American Airlines.
