Find Award Flights with American Airlines AAdvantage

What is AAdvantage?

AAdvantage, American Airlines' frequent flyer program continues to be one of the most versatile programs for travelers in 2025. Members earn miles by flying with American Airlines, oneworld alliance partners, and other participating airlines, as well as through spending with various retail, travel, and credit card partners. Miles can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and other products and services. The program is tiered, offering different levels of membership (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum), each with its own set of privileges such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access.

What's new with AAdvantage in 2025?

• Free inflight Wi-Fi: Starting January 2026, American Airlines will offer free high-speed inflight Wi-Fi on nearly all flights for AAdvantage members, thanks to a partnership with AT&T, covering 90% of its fleet via Viasat and Intelsat connectivity.
• New Lifetime Status Tiers: AAdvantage now offers lifetime status for elite members who reach significant milestones. This recognizes and rewards long-term loyalty, providing elite benefits for a lifetime.
• Expanded Reward Options: Members can now use their miles for a wider range of experiences, including onboard food and beverage purchases, inflight Wi-Fi, and Admirals Club access. This gives members more flexibility and control over how they redeem their rewards.
• More Partners: Start earning and redeeming flights with other airlines such as JetSMART.
• Simplified Status Qualification: AAdvantage has made it easier to achieve elite status in 2025, requiring fewer miles or flight segments. This makes it more accessible for travelers to enjoy the benefits of elite status.
• Exclusive Partnership with Citibank: AAdvantage has forged a new exclusive partnership with Citibank, as now the unique issuer for their co-branded credit cards and new perks coming.

Earning Loyalty Points in 2025

AAdvantage members earn Loyalty Points through:

• Flying: Earn points on eligible flights with American Airlines, oneworld airlines, and partners.
• Credit Cards: Use AAdvantage credit cards for everyday purchases (primarily for U.S.-based members).
• Shopping and Dining: Accumulate points with the AAdvantage eShopping Portal and participating restaurants.

Elite Status Benefits

Earn enough Loyalty Points, and you'll unlock elite status tiers offering:

• Priority Boarding: Board earlier and secure overhead bin space.
• Free Checked Bags: Travel lighter without paying extra.
• Complimentary Upgrades: Enjoy the luxury of business or first class.
• Admirals Club Access: Relax in exclusive lounges worldwide.
• Bonus Miles: Earn more on flights, accelerating your travel rewards.

While Loyalty Points simplify tracking elite status, miles remain crucial for redeeming award flights, upgrades, and other travel rewards. AAdvantage balances points and miles, offering a clear path to elite perks while keeping your travel goals within reach.

How many AAdvantage miles for a flight?

While American Airlines no longer has a set award chart, redeeming flights with AAdvantage miles typically falls within a range of 12,000 miles for domestic short-haul flights (think across state) to 100,000+ miles for long-haul international flights in Business or First Class. Economy seats on international flights can range from 25,000 miles to 75,000 miles depending on distance and destination. Remember, these are just estimates based on our search data, and the actual award price will vary based on the specific route and date you choose.

American Airlines ditched the traditional award chart system in favor of dynamic pricing. This means award mile prices fluctuate based on factors like demand and travel dates. While searching for flights, you'll see the exact mileage required for your desired itinerary.

The table below shows estimated starting values in miles for one-way trips originating in North America for informational purposes only. Two flight awards are needed if your one-way trip includes two long-haul international flights.

Notes:

• Award Tiers: Within each route, there will be different award tiers (saver, standard, and dynamic) with varying mileage requirements and availability. Saver awards offer the lowest miles but have limited availability, while dynamic awards may require more miles but offer more flexibility.
• Elite Status: AAdvantage elite status can significantly reduce the miles needed for award flights. For example, a Platinum member may receive a 20% bonus on miles flown, effectively lowering the redemption cost.

How much are AAdvantage miles worth?

AAdvantage miles are typically worth 1.5–1.7 cents each. For example, a 10,000-mile award flight is equivalent to $150–$170 in value. However, value varies based on redemption type, travel season, and availability. Maximize your miles by booking premium cabins or during peak travel times.

Key features of AAdvantage

• Tiers and Elite Status: Member, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum
• What We Love: The new, more straightforward Loyalty Points system, earn Elite Status through spending, good availability in Premium Cabins, elite mileage bonuses, AAdvantage eShopping Portal. Secure Elite Status: if you are short on qualification miles, you can pay to secure the same level you had for an extra year. Plus, AAdvantage miles can also be used for upgrades, vacations, and more.
• Exclusive Perks: Systemwide upgrades on award tickets (unique to AAdvantage) let you use miles for premium cabins on any route, not just select flights.
• Best Redemptions: Qatar Airways QSuites, Japan Airlines Business and First Class, Cathay Pacific Business Class, Iberia Business Class, Finnair Business Class.
• Award Release Dates: On American, it releases seats up to 331 days in advance. Partner airlines might have different policies. Read our full guide here.