Do American Airlines Miles Expire?

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As a frequent flyer, you may be wondering if the American Airlines miles you have earned will expire. With so many rewards programs out there, it can be hard to keep track of the rules for each one. In this article, we will explore the expiration policy for American Airlines miles and provide some tips on how to keep your miles from expiring. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of American Airlines rewards.

American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, and their frequent flyer program, AAdvantage, is a popular choice for many travelers. However, like most rewards programs, there are rules and regulations to follow. One of the most important rules to be aware of is the expiration policy for miles. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know.

Do American Airlines Miles Expire?

If you are a frequent flyer with American Airlines, and have been collecting miles for some time, you may be wondering whether your miles will expire. The answer is yes, American Airlines miles do expire but there are some ways to keep them from expiring. Here is what you need to know about American Airlines miles expiration:

When Do American Airlines Miles Expire?

American Airlines miles expire after 18 months of inactivity. Inactivity is defined as no earning or redeeming of miles. This means that if you have not earned or redeemed any miles in the past 18 months, your miles will expire. It is important to note that the clock starts ticking from the date of your last activity, not from the date that you earned the miles.

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To keep your American Airlines miles from expiring, you can earn or redeem miles at least once every 18 months. This can be done by taking a flight with American Airlines, using your American Airlines credit card, or making a purchase through one of American Airlines’ partners.

How to Check Your American Airlines Mile Expiration Date?

If you want to know when your American Airlines miles will expire, you can check the expiration date on your account. To do this, log in to your American Airlines account and navigate to the “My Account” section. From there, you can view your miles balance and the expiration date of your miles.

What Happens When Your American Airlines Miles Expire?

If your American Airlines miles expire, you will lose all the miles in your account. This means that you will not be able to use them for any future flights or rewards. Once your miles expire, there is no way to recover them.

How to Prevent Your American Airlines Miles from Expiring?

To prevent your American Airlines miles from expiring, you can take the following steps:

1. Take a flight with American Airlines
2. Use your American Airlines credit card
3. Make a purchase through one of American Airlines’ partners
4. Transfer miles from another account
5. Donate miles to a charity

By taking these actions, you can keep your American Airlines miles active and avoid losing them.

Benefits of American Airlines Miles

American Airlines miles offer many benefits to frequent flyers. Some of the benefits include:

1. Free flights: American Airlines miles can be redeemed for free flights on American Airlines or any of its partner airlines.

2. Upgrades: American Airlines miles can also be used to upgrade to a higher class of service on American Airlines flights.

3. Hotel stays: American Airlines miles can be used to book hotel stays through American Airlines’ hotel partners.

American Airlines Miles Vs. Other Airline Miles

When it comes to airline miles, there are many options available. Here is how American Airlines miles compare to other airline miles:

1. Delta SkyMiles: Delta SkyMiles do not expire. However, they can be devalued at any time without notice.

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2. United MileagePlus: United MileagePlus miles expire after 18 months of inactivity, just like American Airlines miles.

3. Southwest Rapid Rewards: Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as you have earning activity at least once every 24 months.

Overall, American Airlines miles are a great option for frequent flyers who want to earn free flights and other rewards. By keeping your miles active, you can enjoy all the benefits that American Airlines miles have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are American Airlines miles valid?

Generally, American Airlines miles do not expire as long as there is activity on your account every 18 months. This means you can keep your miles active by earning or redeeming miles, or by using a co-branded credit card that earns miles.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if your account is inactive for 24 months, American Airlines reserves the right to close your account and forfeit any miles you have accumulated. Additionally, if you voluntarily close your account, you will lose any miles associated with that account.

What counts as “activity” to keep American Airlines miles from expiring?

To keep your American Airlines miles from expiring, you need to have activity on your account every 18 months. This can include earning or redeeming miles, or using a co-branded credit card that earns miles.

Examples of qualifying activity include booking and flying on an American Airlines flight, redeeming miles for a hotel stay or car rental, or earning miles through the AAdvantage shopping portal or dining program.

What happens if my American Airlines miles expire?

If your American Airlines miles expire due to inactivity, you will lose them permanently. Once miles expire, they cannot be reinstated or used for any other purpose.

If you have a large balance of American Airlines miles, it is important to keep them active to avoid losing them. You can also consider donating your miles to a charity or using them to book a flight or upgrade before they expire.

Can I extend the expiration date of my American Airlines miles?

Yes, you can extend the expiration date of your American Airlines miles by earning or redeeming miles, or by using a co-branded credit card that earns miles. Qualifying activity must occur every 18 months to keep your miles active and prevent them from expiring.

If you’re concerned about your miles expiring, you can also consider setting a reminder to earn or redeem miles before the expiration date, or using a tool like AwardWallet to track the expiration dates of your miles.

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Do elite status members have to worry about their American Airlines miles expiring?

Elite status members with American Airlines have their miles protected from expiration, even without any qualifying activity. This means that if you have AAdvantage elite status, you don’t need to worry about your miles expiring as long as you maintain elite status.

However, if you lose your elite status, you will need to maintain qualifying activity on your account every 18 months to prevent your miles from expiring.

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In conclusion, American Airlines miles do expire, but the exact timeframe depends on several factors. The general rule is that miles expire after 18 months of inactivity, which means that no miles have been earned or redeemed during that time. However, there are several ways to keep your miles from expiring. One way is to earn or redeem miles on a regular basis, while another is to purchase or gift miles. Additionally, if you hold an American Airlines credit card, your miles may be protected from expiration.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, it’s important to stay on top of your American Airlines miles to avoid losing them. By understanding the expiration rules and taking proactive steps to keep your miles active, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of this popular loyalty program. So be sure to check your account regularly, keep your contact information up-to-date, and take advantage of all the ways to earn and redeem miles. With a little effort, you can make the most of your American Airlines miles and enjoy all the perks and rewards that come with them.

In summary, American Airlines miles do have an expiration date, but there are multiple ways to keep them active. By staying informed and taking advantage of the various options available, you can ensure that your miles stay intact and continue to provide you with valuable benefits and rewards. So don’t let your miles go to waste – start exploring all the ways to earn and redeem them today!

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