American AAdvantage

Program overview 

American Advantage is one of the most well-known and largest programs in the US. It is free to join and easy to earn miles and benefits. 

As a founding member of the Oneworld Alliance, this program has many partners but, unfortunately, does not allow the point transfer from credit card programs. You have to get an American co-branded credit card to earn miles by spending.

Point/Miles Conversion Chart

Pros 

• Login is not needed to search for award flight availability 
• More than 1,000 partner companies
• Excellent website and good phone customer service

Cons 

• No credit card mileage transfer partners. A co-branded card is required to earn miles by spending
• Since it is a revenue-based program, high spending thresholds to make status 
• Stopovers are not allowed
• Even with Platinum status, no airport lounge access is allowed while on domestic trips. Equivalent status member of other Oneworld airlines is allowed airport lounge access on US domestic flights

Excellent for   

• Domestic flights within the US start from 7,000 miles in Economy and 15,000 miles in First.
• Etihad Airways non-stop flights from the US to Abu Dhabi for 70,000 miles in Business and 40,000 in Economy. 
• Air Tahiti Nui from LA to Tahiti for 80,000 miles in Business and 40,000 miles in Economy, one way. 
• Qatar Airways from the US to the Middle East for 70,000 miles in Business one way. 

Insider Tip 

• If you are looking to fly American Airlines, use Etihad Airways for the lowest redemption prices to Europe in low and premium classes if you don’t mind 14 days advance purchase.
• If you cannot purchase 14 days in advance, use British Airways Avios. Look for 25-40% transfer bonus from AmEx to British Airways, and use British Airways Avios to obtain AA operated flights for award miles for the best deals.
• If you are looking to upgrade British Airways with American AAdvantage programs, you have to buy the ticket from American Airlines or have your agency validate the ticket as a 001 document (but codeshare flights cannot be upgraded).
• If you live in the US, this is the Oneworld airline to build status with (unless you are Seattle in which case we would suggest Alaska). This used to be the best frequent flyer program about 10 years ago, but unfortunately it has been watered down to below average value today. Ease of use, flexibility and full access to AA inventory are its most valuable features. You should use this program if you frequently travel on American Airlines. For other Oneworld members, look elsewhere.

Do you use this program? Share your experience and tips in the comments below. Your thoughts would be very valuable to us!