American Airlines AAdvantage® miles are a powerful tool for savvy travelers. While flying directly with American Airlines opens up a world of destinations, understanding and utilizing their extensive network of American Airline Partners can truly unlock global travel possibilities. Did you know that by leveraging american airline partners, your AAdvantage miles can take you to nearly 1,000 destinations across over 170 countries and territories? This is a significant jump from the 350+ destinations in 60+ countries accessible solely with American-operated flights.
This guide will explore the expansive world of american airline partners, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of who they are, how to use your AAdvantage miles to fly with them, and how to maximize your travel experiences. We’ll delve into both Oneworld Alliance members and other key american airline partners, ensuring you have all the information you need to travel further with your miles.
Exploring the American Airlines Partner Network
American Airlines boasts a robust network of american airline partners, listed on their partner airline page. Currently, this list includes 25 airlines, comprised of 13 members of the Oneworld alliance and 12 additional strategic partners.
It’s important to note that while these airlines are listed as american airline partners, redemption options are not available across the board. AAdvantage miles cannot be redeemed for flights on certain partners like IndiGo, and previously included partners JetBlue and Silver Airways are no longer part of the redemption program, despite still being listed on the partner page. However, American Airlines is actively working to enable redemption options for JetSMART and Aer Lingus in the future, demonstrating a commitment to expanding partner accessibility.
Let’s break down the current landscape of american airline partners you can book with AAdvantage miles:
Oneworld Alliance Partners:
- American Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Royal Jordanian Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Non-Alliance Partners:
- Air Tahiti Nui
- Cape Air
- China Southern Airlines (Booking via phone required)
- Etihad Airways
- Fiji Airways
- GOL Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
This diverse collection of american airline partners offers truly global reach, connecting you to virtually any corner of the world.
| North America | Europe | Asia | Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific | Africa & Middle East | South America |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | British Airways | Cathay Pacific | Air Tahiti Nui | Etihad Airways | GOL Airlines |
| American Airlines | Finnair | China Southern Airlines | Fiji Airways | Qatar Airways | |
| Cape Air | Iberia | Japan Airlines | Qantas | Royal Air Maroc | |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Malaysia Airlines | Royal Jordanian | |||
| Sri Lankan Airlines |
Related: A Complete Guide to American Airlines Award Travel Rules
Accumulating American Airlines Miles
Before you can explore the world with american airline partners, you need to accrue AAdvantage miles. Fortunately, there are numerous avenues for earning these valuable miles, extending far beyond simply flying with American Airlines.
Diverse Earning Methods:
- Flying with American Airlines and Partners: Naturally, flying with American or any of their american airline partners is a primary way to earn miles.
- Hotel Bookings: Earn miles by booking accommodations through the American Airlines hotels portal.
- Car Rentals: Partnered car rental agencies also offer AAdvantage miles for rentals.
- Cruise Bookings: Even cruises booked through American Airlines Cruises can boost your mile balance.
- Bask Bank: This unique online bank allows you to earn AAdvantage miles simply by saving money.
- AAdvantage Dining: Enroll in AAdvantage Dining and earn miles for dining at participating restaurants.
- SimplyMiles: This program provides bonus miles for shopping at select online retailers.
- Buying Miles: While generally not the most cost-effective method, purchasing miles directly from American Airlines is an option, especially during promotional periods.
It’s worth noting that American Airlines is not a transfer partner with major credit card rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Capital One Miles. However, there are still transfer options available:
- Marriott Bonvoy: Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to AAdvantage at a 3:1 ratio. While not ideal, this can be useful for topping off your account for a specific award.
- Bilt Rewards: Note: This partnership ended June 24, 2024.
- Hyatt (World of Hyatt): Hyatt points transfer at a less favorable ratio of 2.5:1 (1,250 Hyatt points to 500 AAdvantage miles).
- RBC (Avion Rewards): Canadian Avion Rewards points can be transferred to AAdvantage at a 10:7 ratio for Avion cardholders.
Co-branded American Airlines Credit Cards:
A highly effective way to consistently earn AAdvantage miles is by using co-branded American Airlines credit cards for everyday spending. Here are a few popular options:
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after your first purchase and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days.
- Annual Fee: $99
- Earning Rates:
- 2X miles on American Airlines purchases
- 1X mile on all other purchases
- How to Apply
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first 4 months of account opening (limited time offer).
- Annual Fee: $99 (waived for the first 12 months)
- Credit Score: Excellent, Good
- Earning Rates:
- 2X miles at restaurants and gas stations
- 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
- 1X mile on all other purchases
- How to Apply
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Annual Fee: $595
- Credit Score: Excellent, Good
- Earning Rates:
- 10X miles on eligible hotels and rental cars booked through aa.com
- 4X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases (increasing to 5X after $150,000 annual spend)
- 1X mile on all other purchases
- How to Apply
Related: Do American Airlines Miles Expire?
Understanding Award Pricing for American Airlines and Partners
Redeeming AAdvantage miles for flights is the ultimate goal. While using miles for American Airlines operated flights is straightforward, understanding the award pricing for american airline partners is key to maximizing your miles’ value.
American Airlines Award Chart:
For flights solely operated by American Airlines within North America, award pricing starts based on the AA award chart.
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
It’s important to note that these published rates are just starting points, and actual award prices can fluctuate, often being higher than the chart suggests. This chart serves as a general guideline rather than a fixed price list.
Related: American Airlines Mileage Discount When Booking Round-Trip Awards
American Airlines Partner Award Charts: Your Key to Partner Redemptions
Unlike American Airlines’ dynamic pricing for their own flights, AAdvantage maintains fixed partner award charts for flights operated by american airline partners. These charts are region-based and provide consistent redemption rates (with the exception of Fiji Airways, which has some dynamic pricing elements). This predictability makes planning award travel with american airline partners much easier.
The partner award chart is structured by origin region. Below is the chart for one-way itineraries originating in the contiguous 48 U.S. states or Canada. For charts covering other regions, refer to the official partner award chart page.
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
It’s crucial to carefully review the additional terms and conditions on American Airlines’ website, including routing rules and airline-specific stipulations, before finalizing your travel plans with american airline partners.
Related: Tricks for Booking Awards Using AAdvantage Miles
Deep Dive into Oneworld Partner Flights
Redeeming AAdvantage miles for flights on Oneworld member airlines offers access to a vast global network. As long as your itinerary includes at least one segment operated by a Oneworld partner, you’ll benefit from the set award rates on the AAdvantage partner award chart. Let’s explore some key Oneworld american airline partners:
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines, a West Coast-based carrier, serves over 125 destinations across North and Central America. Despite a fluctuating relationship in the past, Alaska Airlines solidified its partnership with American by joining the Oneworld alliance in 2021.
You can seamlessly redeem AAdvantage miles for flights on Alaska Airlines, including itineraries that combine flights with other Oneworld and american airline partners. Furthermore, American Airlines elite status holders enjoy reciprocal benefits when flying Alaska Airlines.
Award redemptions with Alaska Airlines adhere to the AAdvantage partner award chart. For example, a one-way economy award within the contiguous 48 U.S. states or Canada on Alaska Airlines requires just 12,500 miles. This could get you from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Seattle (SEA):
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
British Airways
British Airways, a global giant, connects you to nearly 200 destinations in over 70 countries from its London hubs. Using AAdvantage miles on British Airways opens doors to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
When searching for award flights between the U.S. and Europe using AAdvantage miles, British Airways often appears as a prominent option. Flights including at least one segment operated by British Airways are priced according to the AAdvantage partner award chart. A one-way journey between the contiguous 48 U.S. states and Europe will cost:
- Economy: 30,000 miles (22,500 miles off-peak)
- Premium Economy: 40,000 miles
- Business Class: 57,500 miles
- First Class: 85,000 miles
British Airways award flight example JFK to LHR
Credit: American Airlines
Intra-UK flights are also incredibly affordable at just 10,000 miles one-way in economy or 15,000 miles in business/first class.
However, a significant drawback of booking British Airways flights with AAdvantage miles is the imposition of substantial taxes and fees, particularly on long-haul flights. These surcharges are exacerbated by the UK’s Air Passenger Duty and can exceed $600 each way for premium cabin awards. For transatlantic travel on British Airways, consider alternative programs like Cathay Pacific Asia Miles to potentially avoid these hefty surcharges.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, serves over 80 destinations across nearly 30 countries, primarily in Asia and the Pacific. Redeeming AAdvantage miles for Cathay Pacific flights provides a comfortable and strategic route to explore Asia.
Cathay Pacific offers direct routes to several U.S. cities, facilitating convenient connections throughout Asia via its Hong Kong (HKG) hub.
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
Hong Kong falls under American Airlines’ “Asia Region 2” for award chart purposes. Award flights originating from Hong Kong and most of Asia (excluding Japan and Korea, which are in “Asia Region 1”) on Cathay Pacific are priced according to the following chart:
Flight award chart from Asia Region 2
Flight award chart from Asia Region 2. Credit: American Airlines
Finnair
Finnair, Finland’s flag carrier, focuses on European and Asian routes, serving 100 destinations in 35 countries from its Helsinki (HEL) hub. While its U.S. reach is limited, Finnair expands your access to Scandinavia and Northern Europe with AAdvantage miles.
The AAdvantage partner award chart for flights originating in Europe, including Finnair itineraries, is shown below:
AA Flight award chart from Europe
Flight award chart from Europe. Credit: American Airlines
Domestic flights within Finland are particularly attractive at just 10,000 miles one-way in economy. Finnair also offers excellent long-haul value, with flights between the U.S. and Finland available for 57,500 miles each way in business class.
Finnair award flight example JFK to HEL
Credit: American Airlines
Iberia
Iberia, Spain’s flag carrier, operates from Madrid (MAD) to 137 destinations in 46 countries. Iberia’s transatlantic routes to the U.S. can be a valuable alternative to British Airways, potentially avoiding high taxes and fees.
AAdvantage miles can be redeemed for Iberia flights (including those marketed by Iberia but operated by Iberia Express), other Oneworld partners, and non-alliance american airline partners, all following the standard AAdvantage partner award chart. Intra-Spain flights are also available for 10,000 miles one-way in economy or 15,000 miles in business/first class.
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
However, for direct flights between North America and Spain, consider using Iberia Avios instead of AAdvantage miles. On off-peak dates, Iberia charges as low as 17,000 Avios in economy or 34,000 Avios in business class for one-way flights from the East Coast to Spain.
Related: How To Avoid Paying High Fuel Surcharges When Booking Flights With Avios
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL) is renowned for its exceptional service across all cabin classes, serving over 190 destinations in more than 64 countries from its Japanese hubs. Redeeming AAdvantage miles for JAL flights is a fantastic way to experience premium Asian travel.
JAL offers routes to several U.S. airports, making it a comfortable option for reaching Asia. Japan is classified as “Asia Region 1” on the AAdvantage partner award chart. Awards between the contiguous 48 U.S. states and Japan start at 35,000 miles in economy and range up to 80,000 miles for first-class.
JAL award flight example ORD to TYO
Credit: American Airlines
Connecting onward to “Asia Region 2” destinations via Japan adds a minimal mileage surcharge: 2,500 miles in economy, 10,000 miles in business, or 30,000 miles in first class. Interestingly, premium economy connections to “Asia Region 2” incur no additional mileage cost.
Domestic Japan flights are also incredibly affordable at just 7,500 miles one-way in economy and 15,000 miles in business/first class. When searching for JAL award availability, consider checking smaller U.S. airports like San Diego for potentially better options.
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines connects over 55 destinations across Asia, Europe, the Pacific, and the Middle East from its Kuala Lumpur (KUL) hub. While it doesn’t serve North America directly, Malaysia Airlines is valuable for intra-Asia and Europe-Asia travel using AAdvantage miles.
Kuala Lumpur, like Hong Kong, is in “Asia Region 2” on the AAdvantage partner award chart. However, award space on Malaysia Airlines can be limited, requiring patience and flexibility when searching for bookable seats.
Malaysian award flight example KUL to LHR
Credit: American Airlines
Qantas
Qantas, Australia’s flag carrier, serves over 95 destinations in 25 countries from its Australian hubs. Redeeming AAdvantage miles on Qantas is your gateway to exploring Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
Australia falls under the “South Pacific” region on the AAdvantage partner award chart. One-way awards between the contiguous 48 U.S. states and the South Pacific (including Australia) require:
- Economy: 40,000 miles
- Premium Economy: 65,000 miles
- Business/First: 80,000 miles
- First Class: 110,000 miles
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
Domestic Australian flights are also reasonably priced at 10,000 miles in economy, 15,000 miles in premium economy, and 20,000 miles in business/first class. Flights between Australia and New Zealand cost slightly more at 15,000 miles in economy, 20,000 miles in premium economy, and 25,000 miles in business/first class.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is often considered a top choice for redeeming AAdvantage miles, particularly for its exceptional Qsuite business class product. Serving over 175 destinations across six continents from its Doha (DOH) hub, Qatar Airways opens up the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
For 70,000 AAdvantage miles each way, you can experience Qatar’s renowned Qsuite business class on flights between the contiguous 48 U.S. states and the Middle East or Indian Subcontinent. Extending your journey to many African destinations adds only 5,000 miles.
Qatar award flight example BOS to MLE
Credit: American Airlines
However, Qatar Airways has significantly restricted business class award availability to American Airlines, making it challenging to find bookable awards. While Qatar awards might be available through other partners like JetBlue, they may not be accessible using AAdvantage miles.
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s flag carrier, serves over 80 destinations from its Moroccan hubs. Redeeming AAdvantage miles on Royal Air Maroc provides access to North Africa and beyond.
Morocco is categorized within the “Europe” region in the AAdvantage partner award chart. Flights between the contiguous 48 U.S. states (or Canada) and the “Europe” region, including Morocco, cost:
- Economy: 30,000 miles (22,500 miles off-peak)
- Premium Economy: 40,000 miles
- Business Class: 57,500 miles
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
Connecting through Casablanca to destinations in the Middle East, Africa, or the Indian Subcontinent requires significantly more miles. However, domestic Moroccan flights are incredibly affordable at just 5,000 American miles in economy and 10,000 miles in business class.
Royal Jordanian Airlines
Royal Jordanian Airlines serves 45 destinations in nearly 30 countries from its Amman (AMM) hub. Like Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian provides a Middle Eastern connection point for Oneworld travelers.
While Royal Jordanian doesn’t offer enclosed suites like Qatar’s Qsuite and serves fewer U.S. cities, award availability is generally more readily available. Amman is located in the “Middle East” region on the AAdvantage partner award chart. Transatlantic flights between the contiguous 48 U.S. states and the Middle East cost:
- Economy: 40,000 AAdvantage miles
- Premium Economy: 62,500 miles
- Business/First: 70,000 miles
- First Class: 115,000 miles
Royal Jordanian award flight example DTW to AMM
Credit: American Airlines
Domestic Jordanian flights are also a great value at 7,500 miles one-way in economy and 10,000 miles in business/first class.
SriLankan Airlines
SriLankan Airlines doesn’t serve the U.S. directly, but it connects numerous destinations in the Indian Subcontinent, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East from its Colombo (CMB) hub. Redeeming AAdvantage miles on SriLankan expands your reach in South Asia.
Even if you don’t live in a city served by SriLankan, you can connect through other Oneworld or american airline partners to access SriLankan flights.
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
The AAdvantage partner award chart for itineraries originating in the “Indian Subcontinent” region is shown below:
Flight award chart from Indian Subcontinent
Flight award chart from the Indian Subcontinent. Credit: American Airlines
Exploring Non-Alliance American Airlines Partners
Beyond the Oneworld alliance, American Airlines has strategic partnerships with other airlines, offering even more redemption possibilities. While some partnerships, like Aer Lingus, IndiGo, and JetSMART, currently lack redemption options, several non-alliance american airline partners are valuable for AAdvantage mile redemptions.
Air Tahiti Nui
Air Tahiti Nui, with its small fleet, focuses on connecting Papeete (PPT), French Polynesia, with five key destinations: Auckland, Los Angeles, Paris (via Los Angeles), Seattle, and Tokyo.
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
The AAdvantage partner award chart for flights to or from the South Pacific (including French Polynesia, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and others) is as follows:
Flight award chart from South Pacific
Flight award chart from the South Pacific. Credit: American Airlines
Notably, business class flights to Paris via Los Angeles are only slightly more expensive than to Los Angeles alone, despite the significantly longer journey. Economy flights within the South Pacific are also a steal at just 15,000 miles one-way, opening up island hopping possibilities.
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
Cape Air
Cape Air, a regional airline, operates a surprisingly extensive network across the Northeastern U.S. and beyond.
According to the AAdvantage partner page for Cape Air, AAdvantage mile redemptions are limited to the eight routes shown below, all priced at 12,500 miles. However, award availability can be challenging to find, often requiring phone booking.
AAdvantage miles redemption route options for Cape Air
Credit: Great Circle Mapper
Given that these short flights are often available for under $100, consider the cash price before redeeming AAdvantage miles for Cape Air flights.
China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines, the largest airline in China, serves over 200 destinations in 47 countries from its Guangzhou (CAN) and Beijing (PKX) hubs. Redeeming AAdvantage miles on China Southern expands your reach within China and Asia.
China Southern flights, including itineraries with Oneworld and other american airline partners, require booking through AAdvantage Reservations via phone. Like Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, China Southern’s hubs are located in “Asia Region 2” for award chart purposes.
China Southern Airlines aircraft tail
Credit: Bornil Amin/Unsplash
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways connects over 75 destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America from its Abu Dhabi (AUH) hub. Etihad, like Qatar Airways, provides a valuable Middle Eastern connection point.
Abu Dhabi is located in the “Middle East” region on the AAdvantage partner award chart. However, Etihad award availability through American Airlines is often limited to within 30 days of departure. Close-in booking is often necessary to find Etihad award space.
Despite this limitation, redeeming AAdvantage miles for Etihad’s A380 first-class “Apartment” is an aspirational goal for many. This luxurious experience offers a unique opportunity to shower in the sky.
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
Related: Customize Your AwardWallet Blog Notifications To Never Miss a Post
Fiji Airways
Fiji Airways operates from its Nadi (NAN) hub, connecting major global cities with various Pacific Island nations. Fiji Airways is set to join the Oneworld alliance in 2025 and fully integrate with the AAdvantage program.
Nadi, like Papeete, is in the “South Pacific” region on the AAdvantage partner award chart. However, Fiji Airways awards incorporate dynamic pricing, meaning award chart minimums may not always be available.
Despite dynamic pricing, Fiji Airways is excellent for exploring Fiji and the broader South Pacific. Intra-Fiji flights can be found for as low as 5,000 American miles in economy or 10,000 miles in business/first class. South Pacific regional flights start at 15,000 miles in economy or 30,000 miles in business/first, although finding the lowest rates may require some searching.
Fiji Airways award flight example SFO to NAN
Credit: American Airlines
GOL Airlines
GOL Airlines, a Brazilian low-cost carrier, helps fill the void left by LATAM’s departure from Oneworld, expanding American Airlines’ reach in South America. GOL serves over 80 destinations across 11 countries, including flights between Brazil and Florida (Miami and Orlando).
GOL award flight example MIA to FOR
Credit: American Airlines
Most of Brazil is in “South America Region 2” on the AAdvantage partner award chart, with Manaus in “South America Region 1.” The award chart for one-way itineraries originating in “South America Region 2” is shown below:
Flight award chart from South America Region 2
Flight award chart from South America Region 2. Credit: American Airlines
Domestic Brazilian flights are incredibly affordable at 7,500 miles in economy and 17,500 miles in business/first class. However, with economy flights within Brazil often under $50, compare cash prices before redeeming miles.
Map of Oneworld Alliance airlines and their hubs
Credit: American Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines operates numerous flights between the continental U.S. and Hawaii, and AAdvantage miles can now be redeemed for these flights.
Flying Hawaiian Airlines to Hawaii may be preferable to American or Alaska Airlines. Beyond Hawaii, you can also use AAdvantage miles to book Hawaiian flights to Japan, South Korea, Tahiti, and other Pacific destinations.
Hawaiian Airlines award flight example LAS to HNL
Credit: American Airlines
The American Airlines partner award chart for flights originating in Hawaii is shown below:
Flight award chart from Hawaii
Flight award chart from Hawaii. Credit: American Airlines
Related: The Best Points and Miles for Free Flights to Hawaii
Final Thoughts on American Airlines Partners
American Airlines miles offer remarkable flexibility, allowing you to reach almost any destination worldwide thanks to their extensive network of american airline partners. The majority of AAdvantage award bookings, including those involving american airline partners, can be conveniently made online, eliminating the need to contact an agent.
For bookings involving american airline partners not available online, contact American Airlines Reservations. If online booking isn’t possible, request a waiver for any applicable phone booking fees.
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