How To Reinstate American Airlines Miles?

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If you’re a frequent flyer with American Airlines, you know how valuable their miles can be. Whether it’s for a free flight, an upgrade, or other rewards, those miles can add up quickly. But what happens when your miles expire, or you need to reinstate them? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know about reinstating your American Airlines miles.

In this article, we’ll cover everything from why your miles might expire in the first place, to the fees involved in reinstating them, and how to go about the process. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the steps to get your American Airlines miles back in your account.

How to Reinstate American Airlines Miles?

How to Reinstate American Airlines Miles?

Are you an American Airlines loyalty program member who has let your miles expire? You may still be able to recover them by reinstating them. Here is a guide on how to reinstate American Airlines miles.

Step 1: Understand American Airlines’ Mileage Expiration Policy

American Airlines miles expire after 18 months of inactivity. Inactivity means that you haven’t earned or redeemed any miles within that period. If your miles have expired, you won’t be able to use them for future travel until you reinstate them.

To reinstate your expired miles, you’ll need to pay a fee based on the number of miles you want to reinstate. The fee is $150 for the first 50,000 miles and $25 for each additional 10,000 miles.

Step 2: Determine if Your Miles are Still Eligible for Reinstatement

If your miles have expired, you can still reinstate them within 18 months of their expiration date. However, if your miles have been expired for more than 18 months, you won’t be able to reinstate them.

Also, if you’ve previously reinstated your miles, you won’t be able to do it again. You can only reinstate miles once per account.

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Step 3: Contact American Airlines to Reinstate Your Miles

To reinstate your miles, you’ll need to contact American Airlines’ customer service. You can do this by calling their customer service number or by filling out their online form.

When you contact them, be sure to have your American Airlines account number and the number of miles you want to reinstate ready. You’ll also need to provide payment information for the reinstatement fee.

Step 4: Wait for Your Miles to be Reinstated

After you’ve provided payment for the reinstatement fee, your miles should be reinstated within 24 to 48 hours. You’ll receive an email confirmation once the process is complete.

Benefits of Reinstating American Airlines Miles

Reinstating your American Airlines miles can be beneficial if you’re looking to use them for future travel. Here are some benefits of reinstating your miles:

– You can use your miles to book flights, upgrade your seat, or purchase other travel-related services.
– Depending on your loyalty program status, you may be eligible for additional perks, such as priority boarding and lounge access.
– You can use your miles to book travel for friends and family members.

Reinstating Miles vs. Purchasing Miles

If you don’t have enough miles to book your desired travel, you may be tempted to purchase additional miles. However, purchasing miles can be more expensive than reinstating them.

For example, American Airlines charges $29.50 per 1,000 miles when you purchase them. If you need to purchase 10,000 miles, it will cost you $295. However, if you need to reinstate 10,000 miles, it will only cost you $25.

Conclusion

Reinstating your American Airlines miles is a straightforward process that can be done by contacting their customer service. Keep in mind the expiration policy and fees associated with reinstating your miles. It may be more cost-effective to reinstate your miles instead of purchasing them. By reinstating your miles, you can take advantage of the benefits of the American Airlines loyalty program and use your miles for future travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my expired American Airlines miles?

Yes, you can reinstate your expired American Airlines miles by paying a fee. The fee depends on the number of miles you want to reinstate and how long they have been expired. You can reinstate miles by logging into your AAdvantage account and selecting the option to reinstate miles.

The fee for reinstating miles ranges from $200 to $1,000, depending on the number of miles and how long they have been expired. Once you pay the fee, the miles will be reinstated to your account and will be available for use.

What is the deadline for reinstating American Airlines miles?

The deadline for reinstating American Airlines miles varies depending on how long they have been expired. Miles that have been expired for less than 18 months can be reinstated at any time for a fee. Miles that have been expired for more than 18 months cannot be reinstated.

If you want to reinstate expired miles, it is best to do so as soon as possible to avoid the risk of them expiring permanently. Keep track of your miles’ expiration dates and set reminders to reinstate them before the deadline.

How do I avoid my American Airlines miles from expiring?

To avoid your American Airlines miles from expiring, you can either earn or redeem miles at least once every 18 months. This means you can take a flight, use a co-branded credit card, rent a car, stay at a hotel, or make a purchase through the AAdvantage eShopping mall.

You can also choose to donate miles to a charity or transfer miles to another AAdvantage member’s account to keep them active. Keeping your miles active will ensure they do not expire and can be used for future travel.

Can I get a refund for the reinstatement fee if I cancel my flight?

No, you cannot get a refund for the reinstatement fee if you cancel your flight. The reinstatement fee is non-refundable, regardless of the reason for canceling your flight or the time between reinstating your miles and canceling your flight.

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If you cancel your flight, you may be able to receive a refund for the cost of the ticket, depending on the fare rules and the reason for canceling. However, the reinstatement fee for your miles will not be refunded.

What happens to my reinstated American Airlines miles if I cancel my flight?

If you reinstate your American Airlines miles and then cancel your flight, the miles will be returned to your account. However, there may be a fee for canceling your flight, depending on the fare rules and the time between booking and canceling.

The reinstated miles will remain in your account and can be used for future travel. If you cancel your flight, it is important to check the fare rules and cancellation policy to understand the fees and refunds that may apply.

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In conclusion, reinstating American Airlines miles can be a hassle-free process if you follow the right steps. Remember to check your account regularly and be mindful of expiration dates. If your miles have expired, don’t panic, as there are options available to get them back.

One of the easiest ways to reinstate your miles is to book a flight using your remaining miles or make a purchase on an American Airlines co-branded credit card. You can also consider using the “Miles for Fees” program, which allows you to pay a fee to reinstate your expired miles.

Overall, reinstating your American Airlines miles can be a simple and stress-free process if you know what to do. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your miles are safe and ready to use for your next travel adventure. So, go ahead and put these tips into practice and enjoy the benefits of having your American Airlines miles reinstated!

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