Introduction
American Airlines’ AAdvantage program is one of the most popular frequent flyer programs, allowing travelers to earn miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more. However, one major concern among travelers is the expiration of AA miles. If you’re wondering, “How do I keep my AA miles from expiring?”—you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover proven strategies to keep your miles active and ensure you never lose your hard-earned rewards.
How Long Do AA Miles Last?
Before diving into how to keep your miles from expiring, it’s important to understand American Airlines’ expiration policy.
- AA miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity.
- Any qualifying earning or redemption activity resets the expiration clock.
If you don’t take action within two years, your miles will be forfeited. Luckily, there are multiple ways to keep them active.
Ways to Keep Your AA Miles from Expiring
1. Earn Miles through American Airlines Flights
One of the simplest ways to extend your miles is by flying with American Airlines. Every time you book a flight and add your AAdvantage number, your miles balance updates, and the 24-month expiration clock resets.
2. Use an AAdvantage Credit Card
Holding and using an American Airlines co-branded credit card is one of the easiest ways to prevent expiration.
- Cards like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® allow you to earn miles on everyday purchases.
- Even a single purchase per year with your AA credit card will reset the expiration period.
3. Shop Through the AAdvantage eShopping Portal
American Airlines offers an online shopping portal where you can earn miles by making purchases from partner retailers.
- Buying from stores like Walmart, Best Buy, and Macy’s can help you keep your miles from expiring.
- Simply log in through the AAdvantage eShopping Portal before making a purchase.
4. Dine Out with AAdvantage Dining
Another easy way to extend your miles is by dining at participating restaurants.
- Register for AAdvantage Dining and link your credit card.
- Eating at partner restaurants earns you miles, ensuring your account remains active.
5. Transfer Miles from Partner Programs
You can transfer points from hotel programs or other rewards programs to keep your AA miles active.
- Transfer Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or Citi ThankYou Points to your AAdvantage account.
- A single transfer resets the expiration clock.
6. Redeem Your Miles
Using your miles also keeps them from expiring.
- Book award flights, seat upgrades, or even donate your miles to charity.
- Redeeming as few as 1,000 miles will reset the expiration date.
7. Subscribe to a Newspaper or Magazine
American Airlines allows you to purchase magazine and newspaper subscriptions using your miles.
- This is a quick and easy way to keep your miles active if you don’t have any travel plans soon.
8. Buy or Gift Miles
If you’re nearing the expiration date, you can buy miles or gift them to another AAdvantage member.
- Buying or gifting miles counts as an account activity and resets the 24-month expiration period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often do AA miles expire?
AA miles expire every 24 months if there is no qualifying earning or redemption activity.
2. Can I reinstate expired AA miles?
Yes, American Airlines allows you to reinstate expired miles for a fee, but it’s usually expensive. Keeping them active is the best strategy.
3. Do all AAdvantage miles expire?
Miles earned by AAdvantage members under 21 do not expire.
4. Can I keep AA miles from expiring without flying?
Yes! Using an AA credit card, shopping through the AAdvantage portal, dining at partner restaurants, or redeeming miles can all keep your miles active without flying.
5. Will donating AA miles reset the expiration?
Yes, donating miles to charity organizations partnered with American Airlines qualifies as an activity and prevents expiration.
6. How can I check my AA miles expiration date?
Log in to your AAdvantage account and check your mileage summary. The expiration date will be displayed in your account details.
Conclusion
Keeping your AA miles from expiring is simple if you know the right strategies. Whether you earn miles through flights, use an AAdvantage credit card, shop through the eShopping portal, dine at partner restaurants, or redeem miles, you have plenty of options to keep your rewards active. Don’t let your hard-earned miles go to waste—implement these tips today and continue to enjoy the benefits of your AAdvantage membership!
