How To Get American Airlines Points
American Airlines’ AAdvantage program is one of the most popular frequent flyer programs in the world, offering travelers the opportunity to earn miles, also known as points, which can be redeemed for a variety of rewards. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, accumulating American Airlines points can significantly enhance your travel experience. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to earn American Airlines points, including flying, using credit cards, shopping, dining, and more.
Understanding American Airlines AAdvantage Program
What Are AAdvantage Points?
AAdvantage points, commonly referred to as miles, are the currency of American Airlines’ loyalty program. These points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and even vacation packages. The more points you accumulate, the more valuable rewards you can access.
Why Earn AAdvantage Points?
Earning AAdvantage points offers several benefits, such as free flights, priority boarding, and access to exclusive airport lounges. For frequent travelers, these points can translate into significant savings and enhanced travel experiences. Additionally, American Airlines has a vast network of partner airlines, allowing you to redeem points across a wide range of destinations.
Ways to Earn American Airlines Points
1. Flying with American Airlines and Its Partners
Flying on American Airlines
The most straightforward way to earn AAdvantage points is by flying with American Airlines. Points are awarded based on the distance flown and the fare class of your ticket. The higher the fare class, the more points you earn per mile. Additionally, elite members of the AAdvantage program can earn bonus points for every flight.
Flying with Partner Airlines
American Airlines is a member of the Oneworld alliance, which includes airlines like British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific. When you fly with any of these partner airlines, you can still earn AAdvantage points. Ensure that you include your AAdvantage number when booking flights with partner airlines to earn points.
2. Using AAdvantage Credit Cards
American Airlines Co-Branded Credit Cards
One of the most effective ways to earn AAdvantage points is through American Airlines co-branded credit cards. These cards, offered by banks like Citi and Barclays, allow you to earn points on everyday purchases. Additionally, these cards often come with sign-up bonuses, which can significantly boost your points balance.
Some popular American Airlines credit cards include:
– Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®: Earn points on every purchase, with bonus points on American Airlines purchases, dining, and gas stations.
– AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Earn points on all purchases, with a generous sign-up bonus after the first purchase and payment of the annual fee.
Maximizing Credit Card Rewards
To maximize the points earned from your AAdvantage credit card, focus on using the card for purchases that earn bonus points, such as American Airlines flights, dining, and gas. Additionally, take advantage of special promotions and offers from the card issuer to earn even more points.
3. Shopping Through AAdvantage e-Shopping Portal
How the e-Shopping Portal Works
American Airlines offers an online shopping portal, AAdvantage e-Shopping, which allows you to earn points for shopping at hundreds of online retailers. To earn points, simply log in to the eShopping portal with your AAdvantage account, select the retailer you want to shop with, and make your purchase. The points earned will be credited to your AAdvantage account.
Maximizing Points with eShopping
To maximize your points through the eShopping portal, look out for special promotions where you can earn extra points per dollar spent. Additionally, consider using your AAdvantage credit card to make purchases through the portal, allowing you to double-dip and earn points both from the retailer and the credit card.
4. Dining with AAdvantage Dining Program
How the Dining Program Works
The AAdvantage Dining program allows you to earn points by dining at participating restaurants. To start earning, sign up for the program and link your credit or debit card. When you dine at a participating restaurant and pay with your linked card, you’ll earn points automatically.
Tips for Maximizing Dining Points
To maximize your points through the AAdvantage Dining program, look for restaurants offering bonus points for frequent visits or high spending. Additionally, consider dining during special promotions where you can earn additional points.
5. Staying at Hotels and Renting Cars
Earning Points with Hotel Stays
You can earn AAdvantage points when staying at participating hotels. American Airlines partners with several hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. Simply provide your AAdvantage number when booking your stay to earn points.
Earning Points with Car Rentals
Renting a car through American Airlines’ car rental partners, such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz, can also earn you points. Be sure to include your AAdvantage number when making your reservation.
6. Buying AAdvantage Points
When to Buy Points
If you’re just shy of the points needed for a specific reward, you have the option to purchase AAdvantage points directly from American Airlines. However, buying points is generally not the most cost-effective way to accumulate them, so it’s best reserved for when you need a small number of points to reach a redemption goal.
Special Promotions for Buying Points
American Airlines sometimes offers promotions where you can purchase points at a discounted rate or earn bonus points with your purchase. Keep an eye out for these promotions to maximize the value of buying points.
7. Participating in AAdvantage Promotions and Offers
Special Promotions
American Airlines frequently runs promotions where you can earn bonus points for flying certain routes, staying at specific hotels, or making purchases with partner companies. Keep an eye on your email and the AAdvantage website for these promotions.
Limited-Time Offers
From time to time, American Airlines offers limited-time opportunities to earn extra points. These could include special deals on credit cards, shopping bonuses, or travel promotions. Participating in these offers can significantly boost your points balance.
How to Track and Redeem Your AAdvantage Points
Tracking Your Points
Keeping track of your AAdvantage points is easy. Simply log in to your AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website or mobile app to view your points balance, recent activity, and available redemption options.
Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your AAdvantage points is straightforward. Points can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, vacation packages, and more. When booking a flight, you can choose to pay with points or a combination of points and cash, depending on your points balance.
Conclusion
Earning American Airlines points can be a rewarding experience, offering you the chance to enjoy free flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. By taking advantage of the various methods to earn points—whether through flying, using credit cards, shopping, dining, or participating in promotions—you can quickly accumulate a significant points balance. Keep track of your points, stay informed about promotions, and make the most of your AAdvantage membership to enhance your travel experiences.
Also read How Can I Book an American Airlines Vacation Package
