How Long Do American Airlines Miles Last? The Ultimate Guide

Alright, let’s cut right to the chase. You want to know how long your American Airlines AAdvantage miles are good for, right? The answer, as of today, is simple: your AAdvantage miles expire after 24 months of inactivity. In essence, keep your account active, and they’re yours to use. However, inactivity doesn’t mean you need to be flying every month. Let’s dive deep into this and other common questions surrounding your valuable AAdvantage miles.

Understanding the 24-Month Expiration Policy

The 24-month clock starts ticking from your last qualifying activity. What constitutes “qualifying activity,” you ask? Well, that’s where it gets interesting and where many people stumble. It’s not just about flying.

Here are a few ways to keep your miles alive and kicking:

• Fly with American Airlines or a partner airline: This is the most obvious, but any flight booked under your AAdvantage number will do the trick.
• Earn miles with AAdvantage partners: Think shopping portals, car rentals, hotel stays, and even dining programs. Just make sure to link your AAdvantage account.
• Redeem miles: Yes, using your miles also counts as activity! Booking that dream vacation or a quick weekend getaway will keep your account fresh.
• Make a purchase on the AAdvantage eShopping portal: These online shopping portals offer bonus miles for purchases you were likely going to make anyway.
• Donate miles to charity: American Airlines partners with various charities allowing you to donate miles, extending your expiration date.
• Transfer miles: Transferring miles, even to another AAdvantage account, will extend the life of your miles.
• Earn miles through the AAdvantage Dining Program: Link your credit card and earn miles when you dine at participating restaurants.
• Hold an eligible AAdvantage credit card: Having an active AAdvantage credit card generally keeps your miles from expiring.

It’s important to note that simply having an AAdvantage account doesn’t keep your miles alive. You need to actively engage with the program. Think of it like a plant – you can’t just put it in a pot and forget about it. You need to water it to keep it thriving.

Reactivating Expired Miles: Is It Possible?

Let’s say the worst has happened, and your miles have already expired. Don’t panic! American Airlines sometimes offers the option to reactivate your miles for a fee. This is generally based on the number of miles you want to reinstate. Keep an eye out for these offers, which are often communicated via email or through your AAdvantage account online.

However, understand that reactivating miles isn’t always guaranteed, and the cost might outweigh the benefit, especially if you only had a small number of miles. Weigh your options carefully before deciding to reinstate.

AAdvantage Miles FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to address those specific scenarios you might be facing.

FAQ 1: Does opening an American Airlines credit card prevent my miles from expiring?

Generally, yes. Most AAdvantage credit cards, especially those issued by Citi and Barclays, will keep your miles from expiring as long as the account remains open and in good standing. Check the specific terms and conditions of your card to be absolutely sure, but this is usually a reliable way to maintain your miles.

FAQ 2: I haven’t flown American in years, but I have an AAdvantage credit card. Are my miles safe?

Assuming your AAdvantage credit card is active and in good standing, your miles are likely safe from expiration. The credit card activity usually overrides the inactivity from flying.

FAQ 3: I just transferred miles to another AAdvantage account. Does that extend the expiration date for both accounts?

No. Transferring miles only extends the expiration date for the account sending the miles. The recipient’s account expiration date remains unchanged.

FAQ 4: Does donating miles to charity count as activity to prevent expiration?

Yes, donating miles to a participating AAdvantage charity partner counts as qualifying activity and will reset the 24-month expiration clock.

FAQ 5: I earned miles through a hotel stay booked through the AAdvantage portal. When does the 24-month period reset?

The 24-month period resets once the miles are credited to your AAdvantage account, not when you book the hotel stay. Allow a few weeks for the miles to post.

FAQ 6: I accidentally let my miles expire. Can I get them back for free?

Unfortunately, getting miles back for free is highly unlikely. American Airlines usually charges a fee to reinstate expired miles, but it never hurts to contact customer service and politely explain your situation. They might offer a small discount or a one-time exception, but don’t count on it.

FAQ 7: How can I track my AAdvantage miles expiration date?

Log in to your AAdvantage account online or through the American Airlines app. Your profile should display your current mileage balance and, in most cases, the date your miles will expire if no activity occurs. Set a reminder on your calendar to ensure you don’t forget!

FAQ 8: If I have multiple AAdvantage accounts, can I combine the miles to avoid expiration?

American Airlines does not allow combining miles from multiple accounts. Each account operates independently, and you’ll need to manage each one separately to prevent expiration.

FAQ 9: Can I pay to extend the life of my AAdvantage miles without any other activity?

Sometimes, American Airlines offers the option to purchase miles to extend your expiration date, even without other qualifying activity. However, purchasing a small number of miles solely for this purpose might not be the most cost-effective strategy.

FAQ 10: Does using my AAdvantage number to get a discount (but not earn miles) count as activity?

No. Simply entering your AAdvantage number for a discount or promotion, without actually earning miles, does not count as qualifying activity to prevent expiration.

FAQ 11: If I’m a child, do the same expiration rules apply to my AAdvantage account?

Yes, the same 24-month inactivity rule applies to all AAdvantage accounts, regardless of age. Parents should manage their children’s accounts to ensure the miles don’t expire.

FAQ 12: What happens to my AAdvantage miles if I pass away?

In the unfortunate event of your passing, your AAdvantage miles can be transferred to a beneficiary, but specific documentation and procedures must be followed. Contact American Airlines AAdvantage customer service for details and required paperwork.

Final Thoughts: Stay Active and Stay Rewarded

Keeping your AAdvantage miles from expiring isn’t rocket science. A little planning and a few simple actions every couple of years can ensure that your hard-earned miles don’t disappear into thin air. So, stay active, explore the AAdvantage program’s many earning opportunities, and remember to use those miles to create unforgettable travel experiences! Happy flying!