Is It Worth It To Buy Miles On American Airlines?

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Are you a frequent flyer with American Airlines? Have you ever considered buying miles to boost your rewards balance? While purchasing miles can seem like a convenient way to reach your desired reward level, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making the investment. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of buying miles on American Airlines, helping you make an informed decision about whether it’s worth it for you. So, fasten your seatbelt and let’s take off!

Is It Worth It to Buy Miles on American Airlines?

Is It Worth It to Buy Miles on American Airlines?

If you’re a frequent flyer or planning a trip, you may have heard about buying airline miles to help reduce the cost of your flights. Buying miles can be a great way to save money on travel, but is it worth it to buy miles on American Airlines? In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits, drawbacks, and overall value of buying miles on American Airlines.

What are American Airlines Miles?

American Airlines miles are a type of rewards currency that can be earned by flying with American Airlines or its partners, using an American Airlines credit card, or through other promotions and offers. These miles can then be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel expenses. One of the most popular ways to redeem American Airlines miles is for flights, which can be booked through the American Airlines website or app.

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When you buy miles on American Airlines, you’re essentially purchasing a set number of miles that can be added to your account. This can be a good way to top up your account if you’re close to having enough miles for a free flight, or if you want to book a flight but don’t have enough miles to cover the cost.

The Benefits of Buying American Airlines Miles

There are several benefits to buying American Airlines miles, including:

1. Saving money on flights: One of the biggest benefits of buying American Airlines miles is that it can help you save money on flights. If you buy miles at a discount, you can use them to book flights that would otherwise be more expensive.

2. Topping up your account: If you’re close to having enough miles for a free flight, buying miles can be a good way to top up your account and reach your goal.

3. Flexibility: Buying American Airlines miles gives you more flexibility when booking flights. You can use your miles to book flights on American Airlines or its partners, and you can often book flights with fewer miles than if you paid with cash.

The Drawbacks of Buying American Airlines Miles

While there are benefits to buying American Airlines miles, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including:

1. Cost: Buying American Airlines miles can be expensive, especially if you need to buy a large number of miles to reach your goal.

2. Limited availability: American Airlines only releases a certain number of award seats on each flight, so it can be difficult to find availability for the flights you want.

3. Expiration: American Airlines miles expire after 18 months of inactivity, so if you don’t use them or earn more miles within that time, you could lose them.

Is It Worth It to Buy American Airlines Miles?

The answer to whether it’s worth it to buy American Airlines miles depends on your individual situation and travel goals. If you’re looking to save money on flights and have a specific trip in mind, buying miles could be a good option. However, if you’re not a frequent flyer or don’t have a specific trip planned, buying miles may not be the best use of your money.

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Before buying American Airlines miles, it’s important to consider the cost, availability, and expiration of the miles, as well as any other factors that may affect your ability to use them. If you do decide to buy miles, be sure to compare prices and look for deals to get the best value for your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does buying miles on American Airlines work?

Buying miles on American Airlines is a simple process. You can purchase miles directly from the American Airlines website, and the miles are added to your account instantly. You can buy miles in increments of 1,000 miles, up to a maximum of 150,000 miles per calendar year.

It’s important to note that buying miles is not the same as earning miles through flights or credit card purchases. When you buy miles, you are essentially purchasing the miles you need to redeem for a flight or other reward.

2. What are the benefits of buying miles on American Airlines?

Buying miles on American Airlines can be beneficial if you need to top off your account to redeem an award flight or if you need to reach a certain elite status level. Additionally, American Airlines sometimes offers promotions where you can earn bonus miles for buying miles, which can be a good way to maximize your miles.

However, it’s important to compare the cost of buying miles to the cost of purchasing a ticket outright, as sometimes it can be more cost-effective to purchase a ticket instead of buying miles.

3. Are there any downsides to buying miles on American Airlines?

One downside to buying miles on American Airlines is that it can be expensive. The cost per mile varies depending on how many miles you purchase, but it can range from 2.95 cents per mile to 3.5 cents per mile. Additionally, the miles you purchase expire after 18 months, so you’ll need to use them before they expire.

Another potential downside is that award availability can be limited, so even if you have the miles to redeem for a flight, you may not be able to find availability for the dates or destinations you want.

4. When is it a good idea to buy miles on American Airlines?

It can be a good idea to buy miles on American Airlines if you need to top off your account to redeem an award flight and the cost per mile is lower than the cost of purchasing a ticket outright. Additionally, if American Airlines is offering a promotion where you can earn bonus miles for buying miles, it can be a good way to maximize your miles.

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However, if you don’t have a specific redemption in mind or if the cost per mile is high, it may not be worth it to buy miles.

5. Can I transfer the miles I buy on American Airlines to another account?

No, the miles you buy on American Airlines are non-transferable and can only be used in the account they were purchased in. Additionally, the miles you purchase are non-refundable, so it’s important to make sure you have a specific redemption in mind before buying miles.

However, you can use your miles to book flights for other people by redeeming your miles for a ticket in their name.

Is buying miles a scam? ✈️ American Airlines


In conclusion, the decision to buy miles on American Airlines ultimately depends on your travel needs and preferences. If you’re seeking a cost-effective way to upgrade your travel experience, purchasing miles may be worth it for you. With the added perks, such as priority boarding and access to exclusive lounges, buying miles can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

However, if you’re only planning on using miles for a few flights or don’t travel frequently, it may not be worth the investment. Consider your travel habits and how often you fly before making a decision. Additionally, keep in mind that purchasing miles is not always the most cost-effective option, and you may be able to find better deals through credit card rewards or other loyalty programs.

Overall, buying miles on American Airlines can be a smart decision for frequent travelers who wish to enhance their travel experience. But for occasional travelers or those on a tight budget, it may not be the best choice. Weigh your options carefully and consider all factors before deciding whether to buy miles or not.

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