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AAdvantage FAQs
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1. About AAdvantage
| Q: | I have questions concerning my AAdvantage account. Where do I go? | | A: | Our website provides a wealth of information on your AAdvantage account. Go to the AAdvantage section to learn more! If you still have unanswered questions, please contact the AAdvantage Desk at 1-800-882-8880 or your elite Service Desk.
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| Q: | What is the difference between AAdvantage Reservations and AAdvantage Customer Service? | | A: | AAdvantage Reservations handles booking award travel, checking upgrade availability or the status of an upgrade request, general questions for award travel using American Airlines or other airline participants, award reinstatements, seat assignments, flight information, and gate and departure information.
AAdvantage Customer Service handles general program questions about earning and using miles, promotion registration, elite status and benefits, questions about miles that have not been credited to your account (Allow 5 days after completion of travel for AA flights and approximately 60 days for all other participants), and account problems.
Both sections of the AAdvantage Desk can be reached at 1-800-882-8880.
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| Q: | Can I transfer my miles to another carrier's program? | | A: | You will not be able to transfer mileage you accumulate in the AAdvantage program to any other carrier's program, nor can you transfer mileage you accumulate in another carrier's program to the AAdvantage program.
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| Q: | What is the definition of 'old' non-expiring miles? | | A: | If you were enrolled in the AAdvantage program prior to January 20, 1989, you may have earned 'old' mileage for any transactions up to and including June 30, 1989. You can use this mileage to claim awards from either the regular award structure (old awards) or the new award structure. You may also combine 'old' miles with 'new' miles to claim an award from the new award structure, such as a MileSAAver or AAnytime award, an upgrade, AAdvantage Car Awards or AAdvantage Vacation Awards for hotel stays.
Any mileage that you have earned for transactions on or after July 1, 1989, which has not expired, is 'new' mileage. This mileage may be used to claim awards from the new award structure only. Members enrolled on or after January 20, 1989, may only earn "new" miles to be used for awards from the new structure.
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| Q: | What is the definition of 'new' miles that don't expire if you have activity? | | A: | Your AAdvantage miles will no longer expire as long as you have qualifying account activity at least once every 18 months. Qualifying account activity is defined as any AAdvantage mileage accrual or AAdvantage award redemption.
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| Q: | How many AAdvantage Awards were claimed in 2007? | | A: | The number of awards claimed in 2007 in each AAdvantage mileage redemption category were as follows:
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AAdvantage MileSAAver® and AAnytime® Awards
(valid on American, American Eagle and AmericanConnection only)
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2,621,638
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Upgrade Awards
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843,894
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Product Redemptions
(American Airlines Vacations, Magazines etc.)
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419,371
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Special Mileage Awards / Other Airline / Other
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953,118
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Total Redemptions - 2007
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4,838,021
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| Q: | When are bonus miles posted to my account? | | A: | Bonus miles are posted approximately 4 weeks after fulfillment of requirements.
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| Q: | If I have more than one AAdvantage account, can I transfer the balances to just one account? | | A: | Yes. If your name and address are identical on each account, you may request to combine your accounts by phone at 1-800-882-8880.
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2. Enroll in AAdvantage
| Q: | Why do you need my phone number? | | A: | The phone number entered will be used in case American Airlines ever needs to contact you regarding your AAdvantage account. It will also prepopulate the corresponding fields when making a reservation. We will use this phone number to contact you if there has been a schedule change with your reservations.
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| Q: | How should I enter my name on the enrollment form? Am I able to use a nickname? | | A: | You should enter your name exactly as it appears on your government issued photo ID.
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| Q: | What address should I enter? | | A: | You may enter a home or business address. Whichever you decide to enter will be the mailing address that American Airlines uses for all correspondence.
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| Q: | Can I use a P.O. Box for my mailing address? | | A: | Yes, you may use a P.O. Box, however, if you purchase paper tickets using an expedited processing method, you will need to provide an address at that time for overnight delivery of your award.
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| Q: | How long will it take to receive my AAdvantage number? | | A: | Once you enter the information and submit the form, you will receive your AAdvantage number instantly. At this time you can access AA.com, sign in as a member and make reservations.
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| Q: | When will I receive my AAdvantage card? | | A: | Your AAdvantage card will be sent out approximately 4-6 weeks after your first activity is posted to your account.
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3. Managing your AAdvantage Account
| Q: | Where can I locate my mileage information? | | A: | Login with your AAdvantage number and valid password then click on the 'View All' button in the 'My Account' heading.
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| Q: | How often is my mileage information updated? | | A: | For travel on American Airlines your AAdvantage mileage information is updated within 15 days from the date of travel. Postings for promotions and other AAdvantage partners are updated every 30 days. Occasionally miles will take longer to post.
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| Q: | Where do I go to get credit for miles not posted? | | A: | Login with your AAdvantage number and password, then click on 'AAdvantage' and go to 'Request Mileage Credit'. Mileage credit requests are only for flights flown on American Airlines or American Eagle. You can also access instructions for receiving mileage credit for AAdvantage program partner activity.
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| Q: | How can I earn AAdvantage miles on airlines? | | A: | Earn valuable AAdvantage miles when you fly on American Airlines or any of the participating airlines. You may obtain a list of participating airlines and the applicable mileage accrual rules from the American Airlines Home Page. In the 'AAdvantage' menu, select Partners & Mileage Programs. Then click on Airlines. Bonus mile offers may also be available.
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| Q: | What other ways can I earn AAdvantage miles? | | A: | For other ways to earn AAdvantage miles use the 'AAdvantage' menu and select 'Partners & Mileage Programs' for a list of the program participants.
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| Q: | Where do I locate the rules for Earning AAdvantage Miles? | | A: | In the 'AAdvantage' section, click on Program Details and go to AAdvantage Terms & Conditions.
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| Q: | What are the rules for Expiring Miles? | | A: | All you need to do is accrue miles on American Airlines, AmericanConnection, American Eagle, or an AAdvantage partner at least once every 18 months, and your mileage expiration date will automatically be extended for an additional 18 months from the date of your most recent account activity.
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| Q: | How do I update my personal user account or credit card information? | | A: | To change your personal user account information or credit card information just click on the 'My Account' link at the top of your screen. You must have an AAdvantage number and valid password to access your personal account information. Then click on the tab that describes the information you would like to update.
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| Q: | Where do I designate my seat preferences? | | A: | Login with your AAdvantage number and valid password. Click on 'My Account' at the top of any page. Select the 'Reservation Preferences' tab and choose your seat preference.
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| Q: | Why should I complete my 'My Account' information? | | A: | Completing your account profile information will expedite the booking process by allowing us to prepopulate your account information. Also, by filling out your reservations preferences of home airport, email and fare alert, destination and alert city, you will be notified of specials to your preferred destinations when offered.
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4. AAdvantage Promotional Codes and Registration
| Q: | How do I register for an AAdvantage promotion? | | A: | Login with your AAdvantage number and valid password. Go to 'AAdvantage' and click on 'AAdvantage Bonus Offers'.
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| Q: | I have tried to register online and it will not accept the promotional code - what now? | | A: | If you are eligible to register for the promotion and have tried to register unsuccessfully, call the AAdvantage Desk at 1-800-882-8880 and ask for AAdvantage Services for specific information on the AAdvantage promotional code.
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| Q: | What if I didn't get credit for the promotion that I registered for? | | A: | If you were eligible for the promotion and registered prior to travel, call the AAdvantage Desk at 800-882-8880 and ask for AAdvantage Services for further assistance.
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| Q: | Where do I get the promotional code? | | A: | American Airlines uses a variety of ways to promote specials. You may be able to view them via AA.com, you may have received it in the mail or via a email from American Airlines or received information from our participants such as hotels, car rentals, and special services.
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| Q: | Do I have to register to get credit for this promotion? | | A: | Many of our AAdvantage promotions do require registration. For further information, refer to the original promotional offer.
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5. Updating My Account
| Q: | How do I change the name on my AAdvantage account? | | A: | Name changes can be completed by
email or through the
AAdvantage Desk at 1-800-882-8880 when you select "AAdvantage Services" and request an agent. For complete details regarding
name changes, visit www.aa.com/namechange.
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| Q: | Can I earn mileage if the name on my account is different than the name I use when I travel? | | A: | To receive automatic mileage credit, the name on your AAdvantage account must match the name on your tickets. Due to FAA security, we recommend that you have your tickets issued in your legal name rather than a nickname. For partner transactions, the name you use when doing business with the partner should match the name on your AAdvantage account. If you were a member and traveled using your nickname, or a new legal name, that has not been updated on your AAdvantage account and you did not receive credit for the transaction, please submit a written request along with copies of your ticket receipt, boarding passes or applicable partner receipt(s). Also provide the name that's on the account, the name it should be changed to and the reason for the change. FAX your request to 817-963-7882.
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| Q: | Can I have more than one address for my AAdvantage account? | | A: | Yes. To add a secondary address to your account, call 1-800-882-8880 and ask for "AAdvantage Services" or call your local reservations office.
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| Q: | Where do I go to change my address? | | A: | Login with your AAdvantage number and valid password. Click on "My Account" at the top of any page, then select the 'My Information and Password' tab. Edit your new address information and click 'Submit'.
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| Q: | How/Where do I change my password? | | A: | Login with your AAdvantage number and valid password. Click on 'My Account' at the top of any page. Select the 'My Information and Password' tab to edit and reset your password.
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6. My Mileage Summary
| Q: | What is program-to-date mileage? | | A: | The number of miles you have earned since becoming an AAdvantage member. This number is a running total and does not reflect the deduction of any miles that have expired or that you have used to claim awards.
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| Q: | What is 'YTD AAdvantage Executive Platinum® Qualifying Points'? | | A: |
The year-to-date points you have earned toward AAdvantage Executive Platinum membership
status. These are your qualifying flown miles between January 1 and December 31
of each year converted into points based on the class of service and fare you
purchased and flew.
Earned points are based on the following for elite-qualifying flights:
| Purchased Fares |
AAdvantage Points
Per Actual Miles Earned |
| First Class |
1.50 |
| Business Class |
1.50 |
| Full-fare Economy Class Y/B |
1.50 |
| Discount Economy Class |
1.00 |
| Deep Discount Fares |
.50 |
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To achieve AAdvantage Executive Platinum status you must obtain at least 100,000
AAdvantage Points in one calendar year.
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| Q: | Why do some miles expire and some don't? | | A: | For members enrolled in the AAdvantage program prior to January 20, 1989, non-expiring miles are the AAdvantage miles that you earned prior to July 1, 1989, when AAdvantage miles did not expire. All miles earned on or after July 1, 1989 are subject to expiration. Members enrolled in the AAdvantage program on or after January 20, 1989 may only earn miles that are subject to expiration.
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| Q: | I'm looking at my account information online at AA.com, and it says that the expiration of my miles is deferred for almost three years. How does that work with the policy of having activity every 18 months? | | A: | We are in the process of updating our systems to correctly reflect the new policy. Until then, please know that your mileage balance is subject to expiration 18 months from your Last Activity Date, which is reflected in the 'My Account' section of AA.com (login required). The good news is that the earliest miles will expire under the new policy is December 15, 2007, and all you have to do to extend your miles beyond that date is to have some mileage earning or redemption activity before your miles expire. It's easy to keep your miles from expiring and totally within your control.
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| Q: | What does 'Total Available Award Mileage' mean? | | A: | The number of miles you currently have in your AAdvantage account available for award usage.
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| Q: | Can I qualify for elite membership based on flown segments? | | A: | Yes. To achieve AAdvantage Gold status you must fly at least 30 segments in one calendar year or fly 60 qualifying segments during the calendar year to achieve AAdvantage Platinum status or, effective 2006, fly 100 qualifying segments during the calendar year to earn AAdvantage Executive Platinum membership. You can also achieve elite status by earning the required number of qualifying miles or points in the calendar year.
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| Q: | What is meant by 'Membership Year'? | | A: | The membership year begins March 1, or the date you qualify for elite status if after March 1, through the end of February the following year. This is the time period in which you are entitled to elite status benefits and to accrue miles toward complimentary electronic upgrades.
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| Q: | What is the 'Qualification Year'? | | A: | The qualification year is the time period in which you may qualify for elite status for the following membership year. The qualification year is January 1 - December 31 each year.
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7. My Account
| Q: | Where can I locate my mileage information? | | A: | Login with your AAdvantage number and password. From the home page click on the 'View All' button in the 'My Account' section or click on 'AAdvantage' and select the 'AAdvantage Account' fly-out.
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| Q: | How often is my mileage information updated? | | A: | For travel on American Airlines your AAdvantage mileage information is updated within 15 days from the date of travel. Postings for promotions and other AAdvantage partners are updated every 30 days. Occasionally miles will take longer to post.
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| Q: | Where do I go to get credit for miles not posted? | | A: | Login with your AAdvantage number and password, then click on 'AAdvantage' and go to 'Request Mileage Credit'. Mileage credit requests are only for flights flown on American Airlines or American Eagle. You can also access instructions for receiving mileage credit for AAdvantage program partner activity.
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8. Viewing 500-mile Upgrades
| Q: | Where do I go to view my upgrades? | | A: | Login into AA.com with your AAdvantage number and password, then from the AAdvantage section, select 'AAdvantage Account'. On the AAdvantage Account page you will be able to view both your mileage and your upgrades in your account.
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| Q: | How do I use my upgrades? | | A: | You can either request your upgrade online while making or viewing your reservation, by calling your AAdvantage elite desk or by calling AAdvantage Reservations at 1-800-882-8880.
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| Q: | Can I use my upgrades for my companion to travel? | | A: | Elite status members may upgrade one companion along with themselves per flight segment. Upgrades for both passengers will be deducted from the elite member's account only.
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| Q: | How many upgrades are needed for my trip? | | A: | Each electronic upgrade covers up to 500 miles of travel. At least one upgrade is required per flight segment.
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| Q: | How far in advance can I request an upgrade? | | A: | You can request the upgrade at the time you make your reservation.
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| Q: | When is my upgrade request processed? | | A: | The upgrades will be processed based on your AAdvantage status. Upgrade requests will be processed 100 hours prior to flight time for AAdvantage Executive Platinum members, or 72 hours prior to flight time for AAdvantage Platinum members. Upgrade requests for AAdvantage Gold members, AAirpass members, and non-elite members traveling on full-fare economy class tickets will be processed 24 hours prior to departure.
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| Q: | How do I earn upgrades? | | A: | AAdvantage Gold and AAdvantage Platinum members earn 4 electronic upgrades for every 10,000 qualifying actual miles flown on a elite qualifying carrier.
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| Q: | Where do I go to buy upgrades? | | A: | You can buy your upgrades either online, through AAdvantage Reservations, at the airport, a travel center or an Admirals Club lounge (if a member). Discounted pricing is available for upgrades purchased via AA.com, or through the Self-Service Check-In machines at the airport.
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9. Request Mileage Credit
| Q: | How do I request mileage credit that hasn't been applied to my account? | | A: |
To request miles for American Airlines fights, select 'AAdvantage' from the AA.com navigation menu, then select Request Mileage Credit. Complete the form with all applicable information and submit.
For Partner Airline Mileage Credit requests, visit the airline's corresponding page located in the AAdvantage Partners & Mileage Programs/Airlines section of AA.com. At the top of each partner airline page you'll see the heading, Request Missing Mileage Credit, select that link and follow the instructions to request mileage credit for that particular airline.
For Non-Airline Mileage Credit requests (i.e. cars, hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, etc), visit our Non-Air Mileage Credit section. This area provides a list of Non-Airline AAdvantage participant companies and directions on how to request missing mileage credit from specific Non-Airline AAdvantage participants.
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| Q: | How long should I wait before I request my mileage credit? | | A: | You should wait a minimum of 15 days from the completion date of your trip. For mileage credit transactions with other partners, allow a minimum of 30 days from the transaction. Any request for mileage not credited to your account must be requested within 12 months of the activity. Activity prior to your enrollment date is not eligible for mileage credit.
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| Q: | Once I request the mileage credit, how long will it take to be applied to my account? | | A: | Allow up to 10 days for AA mileage and 30 days for partner mileage to be credited to your account.
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10. Donate Miles to Kids
| Q: | What is Miles for Kids In Need? | | A: | Through the Miles For Kids In Need program, you can donate your AAdvantage miles to help American Airlines provide free transportation for seriously ill children and their families. With your donation you can assist children from all over the world who are in need of urgent medical attention.
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| Q: | Can I donate my miles for a specific child to fly? | | A: | Miles donated to Miles for Kids may not be designated for use by a specific child. However, if you know of a child in need and have sufficient miles you can claim an award from your AAdvantage account for a specific child. If you would like to know more about the guidelines for a child to receive benefits from Miles for Kids In Need, call 1-800-882-8880 in the U.S. and Canada or email miles.kids@aa.com.
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| Q: | How can I donate to Miles for Kids in Need? | | A: | Online mileage donations are accepted at AA.com. Select "AAdvantage", then "Partners and Mileage Programs", and select "Charities". Then simply select the "Donate" button.
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| Q: | Can I donate my miles to other charities? | | A: | In addition to Miles for Kids, you can donate miles to the charities on our Web site at AA.com. Select "AAdvantage", then "Partners and Mileage Programs", and select "Charities" for the complete list. Miles may not be donated to other charitable organizations.
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| Q: | Can I donate anything other than miles to Miles for Kids In Need? | | A: | We can only accept miles as donations.
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| Q: | Can I claim the donation on my income tax return? | | A: | No. Donations to Miles for Kids In Need are not tax-deductible.
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11. Airline Awards
| Q: | What is the difference between the AAdvantage Participating Airline Awards and the oneworld multi-carrier awards? | | A: | The AAdvantage Participating Airline Awards require mileage region based on regions of travel and are designed for members traveling only between specific cities within specific regions such as between Chicago and Paris.
The oneworld multi-carrier awards require mileage based on the distance flown and are designed for members traveling either to multiple regions or to several different cities within a region. These two types of award compliment each other and allows you to choose the type of award that best suits your travel needs.
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| Q: | Will I be able to travel on British Airways transatlantic flights on the AAdvantage Participating Airline Awards? | | A: | Airline awards will not be valid on British Airways flights between the U.S. and the U.K., but will be valid on British Airways flights between Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America and the U.K.
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| Q: | Will there be AAnytime® Awards offered with the AAdvantage Participating Airline Award structure? | | A: | No, airline awards are MileSAAver awards.
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| Q: | May I book the AAdvantage Participant Airline Airline awards on AA.com? | | A: | Not at this time.
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| Q: | Israel had previously been included in awards to/from Europe. Why is it now included in the awards to/from the Middle East instead of Europe? | | A: | Previously, different participating airline defined regions differently. Because we simplified the program by using one award structure, we had to use one definition of regions. We determined that defining the regions using geographic criteria was the most logical, straightforward option. Geographically, Israel is in the Middle East, rather than in Europe.
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| Q: | When there is no participating carrier that has service between regions, may I connect through a different region? Will that require two awards? | | A: | Unless otherwise noted, each region pair (North America to Africa) requires one award per person. Connections outside the region may be allowed if there is no combination of participating carriers that offer direct service between the region pair. (For example, awards between North America and Africa would be routed via Europe, but would require only one award.) In some cases, multiple awards may be required. For complete details, contact American Airlines AAdvantage Reservations at 1-800-882-8880.
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12. Book an Award
| Q: | How do I make a reservation using my AAdvantage miles? | | A: | To make a reservation using your AAdvantage miles, you need to login with your AAdvantage number and password. You may select "Redeem Miles" from the Home Page, Make Reservations module. Alternatively you may select "Reservations", then "Book Flight" and click on the "Award" tab. You may also book an award by selecting "AAdvantage" then "Redeem Miles".
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| Q: | How do I book an AAdvantage award for one person and a fare sale for another person in the same itinerary or record? | | A: | An AAdvantage Award and a Fare Sale require two different booking inventories - thus, two separate reservations will be necessary. Since most travel awards are subject to seat availability restrictions and travel embargo dates, we suggest that you first reserve the Award reservation and place it on "Hold".
Second: book and purchase your flight on AA.com. Be sure to use the "Search by: Schedule" feature, to ensure you obtain the same flight/s as the Award Travel you previously placed on "Hold".
Lastly, retrieve your Award Reservation via the "My Reservations" page selecting the red "Purchase" button to confirm this itinerary using award miles.
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| Q: | How do I make a reservation for more than one passenger using more than one AAdvantage account? | | A: | It is necessary to make separate reservations when you are using miles from more than one AAdvantage account. Logout after making each reservation and then login with the AAdvantage number and password for the next AAdvantage account that the miles will be deducted from. Select "Reservations", then "Book Flight" and click on the "Award" tab. You may also book an award by selecting "AAdvantage" then "Redeem Miles".
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| Q: | Which awards can I book online? | | A: | AA.com has access to American Airlines MileSAAver or AAnytime® awards, as well as select award specials, valid for travel on American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection®. Award travel may be subject to restrictions on seat availability and travel embargo dates and may not be available on all flights or to all destinations. Our system will offer you the Awards that are available for your travel dates as well as the 14 days before and after your selected travel dates. For Upgrade or other airline awards, contact AAdvantage Reservations at 1-800-882-8880.
Note: An Award Processing Fee applies per ticket to award reservations ticketed via AA.com. An Award Service Fee per ticket applies to reservations ticketed by our reservations offices, Travel Centers, or airport agents.
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| Q: | Can I make an AAdvantage Award Reservation on AA.com if I reside outside the USA? | | A: | Yes. AAdvantage members who reside outside the USA can make a reservation and ticket AAdvantage Award travel on AA.com. In addition to the 50 United States, AAdvantage members with a mailing address in: Antigua, Argentina, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Grenada, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Uruguay, United Kingdom, U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela may purchase tickets using AAdvantage miles on AA.com. AAdvantage members not residing in one of the above listed areas should contact their local American Airlines office for additional information regarding award travel.
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| Q: | What does "Dates Flexible" mean? | | A: | If "Dates Flexible" is selected, AA.com will scan for available seats up to 14 days before and after the original travel date. If "Exact Dates" is selected, AA.com will not check for alternate travel dates. If you wish to check for alternate dates prior to your requested travel date, please use the "Dates Flexible" function.
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| Q: | Does choosing "exact dates" mean I won't have a chance to change my dates? | | A: | No. When you choose "exact dates", you immediately get information regarding available flights for the dates you requested. This option does not give you a calendar of possible dates available for various award options. You will, however, be able to change dates, one day at a time, to view alternate dates available for the award you've selected.
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| Q: | When using the AAdvantage award booking tool and requesting certain airports (e.g. New York LaGuardia), why do the flight results include flights to/from additional airports (e.g. New York Kennedy and Newark). | | A: | We've enhanced the booking tool to provide additional area airports and give a complete view of American Airlines service and AAdvantage award availability. When available, we will provide at least two flight schedules for your requested airport(s) and then provide you with the best alternatives for other area airports. If you would like to see all flights for your requested airport, you may use the enhanced sort feature to sort by departure airport or arrival airport.
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| Q: | Will the AAdvantage award booking tool always default to the lowest amount of miles required? | | A: | Yes. The award booking tool defaults to the lowest award level based on the member's initial award selections, including any preferences stored in the member's AA.com account profile.
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| Q: | How long may I hold an AAdvantage award reservation before ticketing? | | A: | If booked between 330 and 15 days prior to departure, an AAdvantage award reservation may be held for 5 days from the booking date. If booked 14 days prior to departure or less, an AAdvantage award reservation may be held for one day. If booked inside of 24 hours, an AAdvantage award reservation can be held until two hours prior to departure.
Note: Award fees apply to tickets issued less than 21 days before you begin travel.
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| Q: | I thought I could hold a reservation for 5 days; why is the system indicating I have to ticket my reservation earlier? | | A: | Certain awards, such as special awards, may require ticketing by a specific date. If that date is earlier than the 5-day time limit, you are subject to the earlier date. For example, a special award may require ticketing within one day.
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| Q: | What is a Business/First award? | | A: | American Airlines operates three basic aircraft cabin configurations:
- Economy and First Class
- Economy and Business Class
- Economy, Business and First Class
A Business/First award is valid in the premium cabin when American operates either the Economy and First Class configuration or the Economy and Business Class configuration.
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| Q: | What is the difference between a Business/First award and a First award? | | A: | A First Class award is valid in First Class when American operates a three cabin aircraft, Economy, Business and First.
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| Q: | Does the AAdvantage award booking tool change how many award seats American makes available? | | A: | No. The award booking tool simply provides more information at your fingertips. The dates flexible (calendar) view helps members find whatever seats are available at the lowest mileage levels, but it has no impact on the number of award seats available.
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| Q: | Why are certain flights grayed out and I'm not able to select them on the "Select Flights" page? | | A: | Flights that are grayed out are not available for the award type selected on the page. You may change the award type to determine if these flights may be available when using a different award type.
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| Q: | Why are there dates on the calendar with no mileage displayed? | | A: | There is either no service to that destination on that date (possibly due to seasonal service or less than daily service) or there is no availability for any award on that date. If you live in an area with multiple airports, you may want to select an alternate airport to view other award options.
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| Q: | When I use the AAdvantage award booking tool after I've logged in to AA.com, I see mileage information for my account in the upper right-hand corner of the page. What does "Pending Balance" mean? | | A: | Pending balance is an estimate of your mileage balance once the miles for the award you've selected are deducted. The pending balance may not reflect the most recent account transactions. If you do not complete the booking process and "purchase" the ticket, these miles are not deducted.
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| Q: | If I need to buyAAmiles®, may I buy as many as I want? | | A: | No. Currently with our buyAAmiles program, members may purchase up to 40,000 miles per year. This total includes any purchased miles that they receive from the giftAAmiles program.
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| Q: | I've heard that other frequent flyer programs allow members to combine awards. Does this new booking process allow me to combine a MileSAAver award and an AAnytime award? | | A: | The AAdvantage award booking tool does not allow members to combine awards.
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| Q: | What is a MileSAAver Award? | | A: | MileSAAver Awards are valid for one-way or round-trip travel, are subject to special limitations on seat availability and may be subject to travel embargo dates. MileSAAver Awards can provide you with an economical alternative to the AAnytime Award if you can make your reservation in advance. Certain changes made to a MileSAAver Award reservation after ticketing may result in a change fee
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| Q: | What is an AAnytime Award? | | A: | AAnytime Awards are valid for one-way or round-trip travel, and provide you with the most flexibility. AAnytime Awards allow you to be spontaneous without worrying about travel embargo dates, special limitations on seat availability or change fees.
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| Q: | How many days in advance do I need to make my award reservation? | | A: | Award Reservations may be made up to two (2) hours prior to departure. Please note, in order to avoid Award Fees, you need to ticket your reservation at least 21 days in advance.
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| Q: | How do I place my AAdvantage award booking on a courtesy hold? | | A: | You can place an award booking made on AA.com on Hold by selecting the "HOLD" button rather than the "PURCHASE" button during the award booking process.
Award reservations ticketed within 21 days of departure will incur a $50 USD or $100 USD AAdvantage Award Fee for the first award plus $25 USD for each additional award (regardless of when the reservation was placed on hold). Please contact AAdvantage Reservations at 1-800-882-8880 for additional information regarding award fees.
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| Q: | How do I change or cancel my award travel reservation? | | A: | Changing award reservations online is not an available feature at this time. Please contact AAdvantage Reservations at 1-800-882-8880 to make any changes to an award travel reservation. Any changes made to your reservation after ticketing may result in a change fee.
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| Q: | I don't have a credit card in my name, how do I pay the additional fees? | | A: | Fees may be paid with a credit card in the member's name or by using our electronic check payment option provided the checking account is in the member's name and follows all other electronic check payment restrictions. For alternative payment arrangements, contact AAdvantage Reservations at 1-800-882-8880.
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| Q: | My child will be traveling alone; can I book his/her AAdvantage award reservation online? | | A: | No, to complete an award reservation for a child under the age of 16 traveling alone, please contact AAdvantage Reservations at 1-800-882-8880.
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| Q: | Are the same number of miles required for a child traveling on an award as for an adult? | | A: | Yes, there is no distinction between a child and an adult. The same number of miles is required for each.
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| Q: | What is the difference between booking on AA.com and contacting AAdvantage reservations? | | A: | AA.com offers AAdvantage members the ability to view and book award travel using a color-coded availability calendar. With this calendar, members have the ability to search and display award availability over a four-week period. Members can easily change their choice of award or cabin selection without starting over. The award booking tool on AA.com provides AAdvantage members with the flexibility and control to select the award itinerary that best meets their travel needs. An Award Processing Fee applies per ticket to award reservations ticketed via AA.com. An Award Service Fee per ticket applies to reservations ticketed by our reservations offices, Travel Centers, or airport agents.
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| Q: | How long is my ticket valid? | | A: | All travel on an award ticket must be completed within one year from the date of issue.
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| Q: | Do I need to make a separate reservation for each person traveling on an AAdvantage Award? | | A: | No. You may make an online booking and redeem mileage for up to 6 passengers per reservation. Miles will be deducted from one AAdvantage account for all passengers in the same reservation.
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| Q: | What kind of charges could be associated with an award booking? | | A: | A security service fee will be collected on tickets issued for passengers boarding at an airport in the US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and US territories and possessions. The $2.50 USD security service fee applies per boarding, with a maximum of two boardings ($5.00 USD) per one-way trip or four boardings ($10.00 USD) per round-trip. International award tickets are subject to, and the passenger is responsible for, applicable departure taxes and/or federal inspection fees. Additionally, reservations ticketed by our reservations offices are subject to a fee.
When claiming an award ticket less than 21 days before you begin travel, award fees are charged using the table below.
- Departing in 2 hours to 6 days - $100 USD for the first award and $25 USD for each additional award claimed from the same account.
- Departing in 7 to 20 days - $50 USD for the first award and $25USD for each additional award claimed from the same account.
An Award Processing Fee applies per ticket to award reservations ticketed via AA.com. An Award Service Fee per ticket applies to reservations ticketed by our reservations offices, Travel Centers, or airport agents.
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| Q: | What happens if award travel seats are not available? | | A: | AA.com checks for available seats up to 14 days before and after the original travel date if the "Dates Flexible" indicator has been selected. The system will display a calendar with the award types available on each date with the ability for you to change the display for the award type desired. Once the desired date is selected, a list of flights with available seats will be displayed.
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| Q: | How will I know if my AAdvantage Reservation is complete and that I have purchased a ticket? | | A: | The Finish page contains your reservation number and a recap of all the information you have entered. This information includes passenger names, AAdvantage account numbers, required mileage, applicable taxes and fees and flight itinerary. Additionally, American Airlines will send a confirmation e-mail of your Award reservation.
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| Q: | Can I make an online AAdvantage Award reservation for travel on an AAdvantage partner airline? | | A: | No. AAdvantage Award Reservations can only be made online for flights on American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection®. If you would like to book a partner award, please call AAdvantage Reservations at 1-800-882-8880 in the US/Canada or 0207-365-0777 in the UK.
A fee per ticket applies to AAdvantage award reservations ticketed by our reservations offices, Travel Centers or airport agents.
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| Q: | Why do I need to enter a form of payment if I am redeeming award miles for free travel? | | A: | The member's credit card or electronic check is necessary for miscellaneous airport charges, country charges, or when taxes apply for your itinerary. The electronic check option is only available when booking and ticketing on AA.com. In addition, award fees apply if you are booking with less than 21 days before departure. A domestic security tax applies to all AAdvantage Awards.
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13. Claim Awards
| Q: | How long is my award valid? | | A: | Once ticketed, you will have one year from the date of ticketing to fly, unless otherwise stated.
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| Q: | Can I claim an award for someone else? | | A: | Yes. You may designate a passenger with a different name when claiming an award.
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| Q: | What is the difference between MileSAAver and AAnytime awards? | | A: | MileSAAver awards are subject to restrictions on seat availability and travel embargo dates, but may be claimed for fewer miles than AAnytime awards. An AAnytime award may be claimed for any available seat in the designated class of service on any day.
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| Q: | What do I do if I claim an award and am not able to use it? | | A: | Once ticketed, you will have one year from the date of ticketing to fly, unless otherwise stated. AAdvantage mileage will be reinstated for unused and unexpired award tickets upon return of the ticket and payment of a processing fee.
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| Q: | What are the different types of awards? | | A: | MileSAAver - The best choice when you can plan a trip in advance. These awards are subject to restrictions on seat availability and travel embargo dates, but can be claimed with fewer miles.
AAnytime - AAnytime means just that: no restrictions on seat availability, provided there is an available seat in the applicable cabin, and no travel embargo dates.
Upgrade - This entitles you to move up to the next class of service: from Economy to Business Class, or from Business to First Class.
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14. Reactivate Miles
| Q: | Can I reactivate all of the miles that expired from my account, even if they expired at different times? | | A: | As long as the miles expired on or after December 31, 2002, then there's no limit to the number of miles you can reactivate. It doesn't matter if your miles expired at different times. You can reactivate your entire expired mileage balance or just the portion you need. The cost to reactivate miles is $50 for every 5,000 miles (subject to 7.5% Federal excise tax), plus a $30 per transaction, per account processing fee.
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| Q: | How long is this offer available? | | A: | Eligible expired miles can be reactivated through December 31, 2008. Once reactivated, the miles will be available for your use for at least 18 months.
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| Q: | What if my miles won't expire until after the offer has ended? | | A: | If your miles have not yet expired, then you don't have to pay a fee to extend them. You can do it for free! Each time you have qualifying activity in your account, the expiration date of all unexpired miles in your account is extended for 18 months from the date of the qualifying activity. Qualifying activity is defined as redeeming any AAdvantage award or accruing mileage credit from any AAdvantage participant, such as participating airlines, hotels and car rental companies. The reactivateAAmiles offer applies to miles that have already expired and therefore cannot be redeemed unless they are reactivated.
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| Q: | If it's so easy to keep miles from expiring, why must I pay a fee to reactivate them? | | A: | Keeping miles from expiring and reactivating expired miles are two very different activities. The AAdvantage policy on mileage expiration is extremely liberal, in that members have the ability to extend the validity of their miles indefinitely provided they have qualifying activity at least once every 18 months. However, after 18 months of non-activity, miles will expire and can no longer be used. The limited time offer to reactivateAAmiles provides customers with a special opportunity to use their expired miles by paying a fee.
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| Q: | Why are two fees involved? | | A: | There is a $30 processing fee per account to cover the cost of the reactivateAAmiles transaction. Additionally, there is a charge of $50 for every 5,000 miles (or any portion thereof) that are reactivated, which represents the value of the miles. The rate of $50 for every 5,000 miles, which is subject to 7.5% Federal excise tax, is lower than the cost to buyAAmiles and is equal to the cost to shareAAmiles.
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| Q: | I only need 3,000 miles to claim an award, and don't want to pay to reactivate my entire expired mileage balance. How much do I have to pay? | | A: | The minimum cost to reactivateAAmiles is $83.75. This is broken down as follows: $53.75, including tax, to reactivate up to 5,000 miles plus a $30 processing fee.
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| Q: | If I reactivate my miles, how long will they be valid? | | A: | Reactivated miles are subject to expiration, which occurs if your account has no qualifying activity in any 18-month period. Since mileage reactivation counts as a qualifying activity, you will have at least 18 months in which to redeem your reactivated miles for an award.
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| Q: | How do I reactivate my miles and how long does it take for the miles to appear in my account? | | A: | You can reactivate your miles by phone or email to AAdvantage Customer Service. Call us at 1-800-882-8880 or click on the"Contact AA" tab for a handy email link (be sure to include your credit card information for payment). Please allow up to 72 hours for the miles to appear in your account.
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| Q: | My miles expired a few months ago. I'm still upset that these miles can't be used for an award, and I don't want to pay another fee for miles I already earned. Are there any other options?
| | A: | Members are able to request mileage credit within a year of any eligible transaction. Therefore, if you had qualifying activity prior to the date your miles expired, then when that activity gets posted to your account, it will "unexpire" your entire mileage balance. Please visit our Web site at www.aa.com/aadvantage and select "Partners and Mileage Programs." Scroll through the list of companies and decide whether or not you had any eligible transactions. You can then select the "Request Mileage Credit" link. Please remember that you can only request past-date mileage credit within 12 months of the original transaction. Also, in order to "unexpire" your mileage balance, the transaction would have had to occur prior to the date your miles expired.
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| Q: | How can I tell the expiration date for my current mileage balance, and how would I know if I've had miles expire from my account? | | A: | Login to AA.com with your AAdvantage number and password, then click on "View All" in the "My Account" section. Above the "Summary" section, the date that appears in the phrase, "Last Activity Date..." is the date of your last qualifying activity. Eighteen (18) months from that date is the date on which your available balance will expire unless you have a qualifying activity. The actual date appears in your Summary in the line "Miles with expiration deferred through..." which tells you the number of miles set to expire on that date. As for expired miles, you can view your Mileage Summaries from the past six (6) months online to see if any miles expired. For additional details, please contact AAdvantage Customer Service at 800-882-8880 or select the "Contact AA" tab to send us an email.
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15. Buying 500-mile Upgrades
| Q: | May I buy upgrades for another person using my credit card? | | A: | Yes, any AAdvantage member can buy upgrades for another AAdvantage member by calling Reservations at 1-800-433-7300 or by visiting any American Airlines ticketing location.
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| Q: | Are electronic upgrades refundable? | | A: | No. Upgrades are non-refundable.
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| Q: | How long does it take for the upgrades to be added to my account? | | A: | If you are buying your upgrades on AA.com, the upgrades will be available for usage after 2 hours.
Upgrades purchased via the Self-Service Check-In machines or through an airport agent are available for immediate use.
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| Q: | How do I earn complimentary upgrades? | | A: | AAdvantage Gold and AAdvantage Platinum members earn complimentary upgrades for every 10,000 base miles flown on elite-qualifying carriers. This is tracked during the membership year of March 1 through the last day of the following February. If you qualify for elite status after March 1, your flown miles are tracked from your qualifying date through the last day of the following February. If you qualify for a higher status level during the membership year, i.e., you are AAdvantage Gold and qualify for AAdvantage Platinum; your miles toward your complimentary upgrades will continue to be counted, regardless of the change in status. Your miles toward AAdvantage Gold and AAdvantage Platinum Upgrades will reset to zero on March 1 of each year.
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| Q: | Once I buy upgrades, how soon will my online Upgrade Balance be updated? | | A: | Upgrades purchased on AA.com or through AAdvantage Reservations are available for use after 2 hours from purchase; however, your upgrade balance online will be updated 24-48 hours after the purchase is processed. Upgrades purchased through the Self-Service Check-In machine or via an airport agent will be immediately available for use.
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16. How To Earn Miles
| Q: | How can I earn miles? | | A: | The new Mileage Maximizer can show you how. This interactive tool allows you to calculate mileage-earning opportunities to see just how quickly your AAdvantage account can grow. Of course you can earn miles by flying, but the Mileage Maximizer will show you other ways to quickly boost the number of miles in your account. And move you closer to that dream vacation. Check out the Mileage Maximizer at www.aa.com/max.
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