What To Know
- Miles earned through flights, purchases, or other eligible activities will reset the expiration date on all miles in the account.
- Any eligible activity, such as earning or redeeming miles, will reset the expiration date on all miles in the account to the current date plus 18 months.
- Miles in a closed account will expire according to the standard expiration policy.
American Airlines credit card miles are a valuable currency that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel experiences. However, it is crucial to understand the expiration policies surrounding these miles to avoid losing their value. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of American Airlines credit card miles expiration, providing you with the knowledge to maximize the benefits of your hard-earned rewards.
Understanding Expiration Policies
American Airlines credit card miles expire based on two key factors:
- AAdvantage Status: Members with AAdvantage elite status (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) enjoy extended expiration periods for their miles.
- Account Activity: Miles earned through flights, purchases, or other eligible activities will reset the expiration date on all miles in the account.
Standard Expiration Period
For members without AAdvantage elite status, miles will expire after 18 months of inactivity. Inactivity refers to any period where no miles are earned or redeemed.
Extended Expiration for Elite Members
AAdvantage elite members benefit from extended expiration periods for their miles:
- Gold: Miles expire after 24 months of inactivity
- Platinum: Miles expire after 30 months of inactivity
- Platinum Pro: Miles expire after 36 months of inactivity
- Executive Platinum: Miles do not expire
Resetting Expiration Dates
Any eligible activity, such as earning or redeeming miles, will reset the expiration date on all miles in the account to the current date plus 18 months. This includes:
- Flying on American Airlines or partner airlines
- Using an American Airlines credit card for purchases
- Dining at participating restaurants
- Shopping at online retailers through the AAdvantage eShopping portal
Exceptions to Expiration
Certain types of miles are exempt from the standard expiration policies:
- Lifetime Miles: Miles earned through lifetime elite status or certain promotions are not subject to expiration.
- Business Extra Miles: Miles earned through the American Express Business Extra Platinum Card are not subject to expiration.
Monitoring Miles Expiration
Members can easily track their miles expiration dates by:
- Online: Logging into their AAdvantage account
- Mobile App: Using the American Airlines mobile app
- Customer Service: Calling American Airlines customer service
Strategies to Prevent Expiration
To avoid losing valuable miles, consider the following strategies:
- Use Miles Regularly: Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, or other rewards as soon as possible.
- Earn Miles Consistently: Use your American Airlines credit card for everyday purchases, fly on American Airlines or partner airlines, and participate in AAdvantage promotions.
- Maintain Elite Status: Achieving AAdvantage elite status extends the expiration period for your miles.
Final Thoughts: Preserving Your Miles
Understanding American Airlines credit card miles expiration policies is essential for maximizing their value. By monitoring your miles expiration dates, resetting them regularly through eligible activities, and considering the strategies mentioned above, you can ensure that your hard-earned rewards remain intact for future travel experiences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Do American Airlines credit card miles expire if I don’t fly often?
Yes, miles expire after 18 months of inactivity for members without AAdvantage elite status.
2. How do I reset the expiration date on my miles?
Any eligible activity, such as earning or redeeming miles, will reset the expiration date to the current date plus 18 months.
3. Are there any miles that don’t expire?
Lifetime Miles and Business Extra Miles are not subject to expiration.
4. Can I transfer miles to another AAdvantage member to prevent expiration?
Yes, you can transfer miles to another AAdvantage member, but this does not reset the expiration date.
5. What happens to my miles if my AAdvantage account is closed?
Miles in a closed account will expire according to the standard expiration policy.
6. Can I reinstate expired miles?
Expired miles cannot be reinstated.
7. How do I earn Lifetime Miles?
Lifetime Miles are earned through lifetime elite status or certain promotions.
8. What is the AAdvantage eShopping portal?
The AAdvantage eShopping portal allows members to earn miles when shopping at participating online retailers.
9. Can I use miles to pay for baggage fees?
Yes, you can use miles to pay for checked baggage fees on American Airlines flights.
10. How do I contact American Airlines customer service?
You can contact American Airlines customer service by phone, email, or through their website.
