Redeeming AA Frequent Flyer Miles Question

KNS · 12-28-2022, 06:00 AM

I've accumulated a lot of American Airlines FF miles and I'd like to redeem for a trip for two overseas. I'm not part of any of the higher status awards (Gold, Platinum, etc) but have about 190,000 miles to use. First time I'll be redeeming miles with AA.

It seems when you search the AA site for trips you find decent trips/connections but when I click to redeem miles the selections and number of stopovers are less desirable.

Any tricks or tips for redeeming (in general) with AA? If you revisit the site to keep searching do they make "adjustments" to the miles/price?

Thanks.

stevej37 · 12-28-2022, 06:50 AM

I've been using AA miles for trips to FL for a few years now. I've never seen changes made when looking again..as long as it's not too close to the departure.
The 'redeem miles' site is tedious and confusing....and always leads to making connections instead of direct flights.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

No advice on how to use them, but I think it is good to use them ASAP. I saved mine for decades (for a big trip) and had massive amount... and let them expire during COVID from nonuse. The same with United. My bad for not finding a way to preserve them (but most of my other "points" programs do not have an expiration or suspended their rules until this year). Their loss. I will never fly on either again.

stevej37 · 12-28-2022, 09:29 AM

If you use more than one credit card...put a recurring payment on the AA Advantage card to keep the miles from expiring.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevej37

If you use more than one credit card...put a recurring payment on the AA Advantage card to keep the miles from expiring.

There are just too many of these point things that require that...I don't need a dozen credit cards. I just will never use AA again. They were not that great, were much more expensive than most, and my points are gone. They send me emails daily to beg me to fly with them again (but would not consider letting me keep my points). They can kiss my butt.

Delta points never expire.

stevej37 · 12-28-2022, 10:01 AM

I forgot to mention....last year I used miles from GRR to RSW and had a connection at ORD. The attendant at ORD looked at my boarding pass and said "I see you are an AA frequent flyer...We have an empty seat in 1st class if you would like to take it?"

I thought that was very nice of them to do that.

KNS · 12-28-2022, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevej37

If you use more than one credit card...put a recurring payment on the AA Advantage card to keep the miles from expiring.

That's what I do but I think it's flying AA and/or redeeming miles that keep them from expiring(?).

stevej37 · 12-28-2022, 10:13 AM

^^^ As long as your AA cc is used monthly...your miles won't expire.
There may be diff versions of the AA card...but that's how mine is.

Might be best to call AA to confirm.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Maybe I'm the only one but my first thought was:
What does Alcoholics Anonymous have to do with Frequent Flyer miles?

stevej37 · 12-28-2022, 02:42 PM

^^^
American Airlines....the happy airline.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

I understood once I opened the thread but the title said AA

stevej37 · 12-28-2022, 02:48 PM

^^^ Maybe AA gives out freebies...I dunno.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

You do get a chip (about the size of a casino chip) each time you reach a milestone of sobriety.

KNS · 12-28-2022, 03:09 PM

stevej37,

You have a PM.