Buying AA miles can be a great way to save money on airfare or upgrade your seat to a higher class of service. There are a few different ways to buy AA miles, and the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. You can buy AA miles directly from American Airlines, or you can buy them from a third-party vendor. If you buy AA miles directly from American Airlines, you will typically pay a higher price per mile than if you buy them from a third-party vendor. However, buying AA miles directly from American Airlines has the advantage of being a more secure and reliable option.
There are a few important things to keep in mind when buying AA miles. First, AA miles expire after 18 months of inactivity. So, it is important to make sure that you use your AA miles before they expire. Second, AA miles are non-refundable. So, once you buy AA miles, you cannot get your money back. Finally, AA miles are subject to blackout dates. So, you may not be able to use your AA miles to book a flight on a specific date or time.
Overall, buying AA miles can be a great way to save money on airfare or upgrade your seat to a higher class of service. However, it is important to keep in mind the potential drawbacks before you buy AA miles.
1. Cost
The cost of buying AA miles is an important consideration. The price per mile can vary depending on the method of purchase, the number of miles you buy, and the current promotions or discounts being offered. Buying AA miles directly from American Airlines typically costs more than buying them from a third-party vendor. However, buying AA miles directly from American Airlines has the advantage of being a more secure and reliable option.
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Direct purchase from American Airlines
Buying AA miles directly from American Airlines is the most straightforward option. You can purchase miles online, over the phone, or at an American Airlines ticket office. The cost per mile typically ranges from 2.5 cents to 3.5 cents, depending on the number of miles you buy. For example, if you buy 1,000 miles, the cost will be $25 to $35. If you buy 10,000 miles, the cost will be $250 to $350.
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Purchase from a third-party vendor
There are a number of third-party vendors that sell AA miles. These vendors typically offer miles at a lower cost than American Airlines. However, it is important to do your research before buying AA miles from a third-party vendor. Make sure that the vendor is reputable and has a good track record. Some popular third-party vendors include Points.com, The Points Guy, and MileagePlus.
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Promotions and discounts
American Airlines and third-party vendors often offer promotions and discounts on AA miles. These promotions can vary, so it is important to check the websites of American Airlines and third-party vendors for the latest offers. For example, American Airlines may offer a bonus of 50% or 100% on miles purchased during a certain period of time. Third-party vendors may offer discounts of 10% or 15% on miles purchased through their websites.
The cost of buying AA miles is an important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase miles. By understanding the different methods of purchase and the current promotions and discounts, you can make an informed decision about how to buy AA miles.
2. Expiration
When considering how to buy AA miles, it’s important to understand the expiration policy. AA miles expire after 18 months of inactivity. This means that you need to use your miles or earn new miles at least once every 18 months to keep them active. If your miles expire, you will lose them and they cannot be recovered.
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Earning miles
One way to keep your AA miles active is to earn new miles. You can earn AA miles by flying on American Airlines or its partner airlines, using an AA credit card, or shopping with AA partners. There are many ways to earn AA miles, so it’s easy to keep your miles active if you’re a frequent traveler or shopper.
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Redeeming miles
Another way to keep your AA miles active is to redeem them for flights, upgrades, or other rewards. You can redeem AA miles for flights on American Airlines or its partner airlines, or you can redeem them for other rewards, such as gift cards, merchandise, or experiences. Redeeming your miles is a great way to use them before they expire and get something valuable in return.
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Combining miles
If you have a lot of AA miles that are about to expire, you can combine them with miles from a family member or friend. This is a great way to keep your miles active and avoid losing them. To combine miles, you need to be a member of the AA AAdvantage program and have the same address as the person you’re combining miles with.
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Donating miles
If you don’t have any plans to use your AA miles before they expire, you can donate them to charity. This is a great way to give back to your community and help those in need. You can donate AA miles to a variety of charities, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the United Way.
By understanding the expiration policy and taking steps to keep your miles active, you can make sure that you get the most value out of your AA miles.
3. Blackout dates
Blackout dates are specific dates or periods of time when award travel is not available, even if you have enough miles to book a flight. Blackout dates are typically during peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends. This is because airlines want to make sure that they have enough seats available for paying customers during these busy times.
When considering how to buy AA miles, it is important to be aware of blackout dates. If you are planning to travel during a blackout period, you may not be able to use your AA miles to book a flight. You may need to pay a higher cash fare or wait until after the blackout period to book your flight.
There are a few things you can do to avoid blackout dates when booking award travel:
- Be flexible with your travel dates. If you are able to travel during off-peak times, you are less likely to encounter blackout dates.
- Book your flights early. The earlier you book your flights, the more likely you are to find availability on your desired dates.
- Consider flying on a different airline. Not all airlines have the same blackout dates. If you are having trouble finding availability on your desired dates on American Airlines, you may want to consider flying on a different airline.
Understanding blackout dates is an important part of learning how to buy AA miles. By being aware of blackout dates and taking steps to avoid them, you can increase your chances of booking award travel on the dates you want.
FAQs
Buying AA miles can be a great way to save money on airfare or upgrade your seat to a higher class of service. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy AA miles. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how to buy AA miles:
Question 1: How much does it cost to buy AA miles?
The cost of AA miles varies depending on the method of purchase. Buying AA miles directly from American Airlines typically costs more than buying them from a third-party vendor. However, buying AA miles directly from American Airlines has the advantage of being a more secure and reliable option.
Question 2: Do AA miles expire?
Yes, AA miles expire after 18 months of inactivity. So, it is important to make sure that you use your AA miles before they expire. You can keep your AA miles active by earning or redeeming miles at least once every 18 months.
Question 3: Are there any blackout dates when I can’t use AA miles?
Yes, there are some blackout dates when you cannot use AA miles to book a flight. Blackout dates typically occur during peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends. However, blackout dates vary depending on the route and airline. You can check the American Airlines website to see if there are any blackout dates for your desired travel dates.
Question 4: Can I buy AA miles for someone else?
Yes, you can buy AA miles for someone else. To do this, you will need to provide the person’s name and AAdvantage number. You can purchase AA miles for someone else online, over the phone, or at an American Airlines ticket office.
Question 5: What is the best way to use AA miles?
The best way to use AA miles is to redeem them for flights. You can redeem AA miles for flights on American Airlines or its partner airlines. You can also redeem AA miles for upgrades, gift cards, and other rewards.
Question 6: Can I transfer AA miles to someone else?
Yes, you can transfer AA miles to someone else. To do this, you will need to provide the person’s name and AAdvantage number. You can transfer AA miles online or over the phone.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to buy AA miles. For more information, please visit the American Airlines website or contact American Airlines customer service.
Summary of key takeaways:
- The cost of AA miles varies depending on the method of purchase.
- AA miles expire after 18 months of inactivity.
- There are some blackout dates when you cannot use AA miles to book a flight.
- You can buy AA miles for someone else.
- The best way to use AA miles is to redeem them for flights.
- You can transfer AA miles to someone else.
Transition to the next article section:
Now that you know how to buy AA miles, you can start planning your next trip. American Airlines offers a variety of destinations to choose from, both domestic and international. You can use your AA miles to book a flight to a new city, visit family and friends, or take a dream vacation. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Buying AA Miles
Buying AA miles can be a great way to save money on airfare or upgrade your seat to a higher class of service. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the most value for your money. Here are five tips for buying AA miles:
Tip 1: Compare prices from different vendors.
The cost of AA miles varies depending on the method of purchase. Buying AA miles directly from American Airlines typically costs more than buying them from a third-party vendor. However, buying AA miles directly from American Airlines has the advantage of being a more secure and reliable option. To get the best price on AA miles, compare prices from different vendors before you buy.
Tip 2: Take advantage of promotions and discounts.
American Airlines and third-party vendors often offer promotions and discounts on AA miles. These promotions can vary, so it is important to check the websites of American Airlines and third-party vendors for the latest offers. For example, American Airlines may offer a bonus of 50% or 100% on miles purchased during a certain period of time. Third-party vendors may offer discounts of 10% or 15% on miles purchased through their websites.
Tip 3: Buy AA miles in bulk.
If you are planning to buy a large number of AA miles, you can save money by buying them in bulk. American Airlines offers a discount on AA miles purchased in bulk. For example, you can save 10% on AA miles purchased in increments of 10,000 miles or more.
Tip 4: Use your AA miles regularly.
AA miles expire after 18 months of inactivity. So, it is important to make sure that you use your AA miles before they expire. You can keep your AA miles active by earning or redeeming miles at least once every 18 months.
Tip 5: Consider using a credit card that earns AA miles.
There are a number of credit cards that earn AA miles. These credit cards can be a great way to earn AA miles for everyday purchases. For example, the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Compare prices from different vendors.
- Take advantage of promotions and discounts.
- Buy AA miles in bulk.
- Use your AA miles regularly.
- Consider using a credit card that earns AA miles.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
By following these tips, you can save money and get the most value for your AA miles. With a little planning, you can use your AA miles to book your dream vacation or upgrade your seat to a higher class of service.
Final Thoughts on Buying AA Miles
Buying AA miles can be a great way to save money on airfare or upgrade your seat to a higher class of service. However, it is important to do your research before you buy AA miles. By understanding the different methods of purchase, the expiration policy, and the blackout dates, you can make an informed decision about how to buy AA miles.
Here are a few key points to remember when buying AA miles:
- The cost of AA miles varies depending on the method of purchase.
- AA miles expire after 18 months of inactivity.
- There are some blackout dates when you cannot use AA miles to book a flight.
- You can buy AA miles for someone else.
- The best way to use AA miles is to redeem them for flights.
- You can transfer AA miles to someone else.
By following these tips, you can get the most value for your AA miles. With a little planning, you can use your AA miles to book your dream vacation or upgrade your seat to a higher class of service.