American Airlines revamped its AAdvantage loyalty program in 2022, focusing on a Loyalty Points system for achieving elite status. This change emphasized earning elite status through spending rather than just flying. Let’s dive into how AAdvantage Miles and Loyalty Points work together and explore options for purchasing these valuable points.
AAdvantage Miles vs. Loyalty Points: Understanding the Difference
AAdvantage Miles: This is the reward currency of the AAdvantage program. You can use miles for free flights, upgrades, car rentals, hotels, and various travel experiences with American Airlines and its partners.
Loyalty Points: These points determine your elite status within the AAdvantage program. Loyalty Points are earned through flying with American Airlines and its partners, as well as through spending on AAdvantage credit cards and other activities. Your Loyalty Points accumulate within a membership year and reset annually.
How AAdvantage Miles Earn Loyalty Points
Earning Loyalty Points with AAdvantage Miles: For each qualifying mile you earn, you also earn one Loyalty Point. This applies to miles earned from:
- Flying on American Airlines, oneworld airline partners, and JetBlue
- Spending on AAdvantage credit cards
- Partner activities such as SimplyMiles, AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Dining, and American Airlines Vacations
This means that earning AAdvantage Miles inherently boosts your Loyalty Points total
Key points:
- AAdvantage Miles: Earned through various activities and spent on rewards.
- Loyalty Points: Accumulate through earning AAdvantage Miles and determine your membership status.
Buying AAdvantage Miles
While you can’t directly buy Loyalty Points, purchasing AAdvantage Miles is possible and contributes to your Loyalty Points total.
Steps to buy AAdvantage Miles:
- Log in to your AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website.
- Go to the ‘Buy or Gift Miles’ section.
- Select the number of miles you need.
- Complete the purchase using your preferred payment method.
Considerations:
- Cost: Miles are sold in various amounts, with prices per mile depending on the quantity.
- Promotions: Look out for special deals offering bonus miles or discounts.
- Annual limits: There are caps on how many miles you can buy each year.
Buying Elite Status
Can you buy Loyalty Points? Not directly. American Airlines does not sell Loyalty Points separately. However, earning AAdvantage Miles through purchases, flying, and credit card spending increases your Loyalty Points. Additionally, American Airlines occasionally offers “buy-up” promotions, allowing members to purchase elite status directly
Indirect methods to boost your Loyalty Points:
- American Airlines co-branded credit cards: Spend to earn more AAdvantage Miles, which convert to Loyalty Points.
- Fly premium classes: Business and First Class flights earn more miles and therefore more Loyalty Points.
- Choose long-haul flights: These generally yield higher miles and Loyalty Points.
- Utilize partner airlines and activities: Flights and activities with oneworld alliance members and partners also contribute to your Loyalty Points.
- American Airlines co-branded credit cards: Some cards offer significant opportunities to earn both AAdvantage Miles and Loyalty Points, helping you achieve elite status.
Maximizing Your Points Strategy
To optimize both AAdvantage Miles and Loyalty Points:
- Plan your flights: Select routes and classes that maximize mile earning.
- Use a co-branded credit card: Earn miles and Loyalty Points on daily spending and potentially gain elite status benefits.
- Leverage promotions: Take advantage of bonus mile offers and Loyalty Points promotions.
- Fly strategically: Short-haul business class flights often provide a good Loyalty Point-to-cost ratio.
Example: Booking return flights in First or Business Class can significantly boost your Loyalty Points, helping you reach elite status more efficiently
Understanding the distinct roles of AAdvantage Miles and Loyalty Points is crucial for making the most of American Airlines’ loyalty program. By earning AAdvantage Miles through various activities and strategically planning your flights and spending, you can effectively accumulate Loyalty Points, enhancing your travel experience with greater benefits and rewards.
