Do Alaska Airlines Miles Count For American?

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Are you an avid Alaska Airlines traveler wondering if your miles count towards American Airlines? You’re not alone. As airlines continue to merge and form partnerships, it can be confusing to keep track of which benefits cross over. In this article, we’ll explore whether Alaska Airlines miles count for American Airlines and what it means for your travels. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!

Do Alaska Airlines Miles Count for American?

Do Alaska Airlines Miles Count for American?

If you are a frequent flyer, you may have wondered whether Alaska Airlines miles count for American Airlines. The answer is yes, but there are some important things to consider. In this article, we will explore the details of how Alaska Airlines miles can be used for American Airlines flights, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of doing so.

Alaska Airlines and American Airlines Partnership

Alaska Airlines and American Airlines have a partnership that allows members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem miles on each other’s flights. This means that if you are a member of Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan program, you can earn miles when you fly on American Airlines flights, and vice versa.

To earn Alaska Airlines miles for American Airlines flights, you must provide your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number when you book your flight. You will earn miles based on the distance flown, as well as your fare class. Some fare classes may not be eligible for earning miles, so it is important to check the terms and conditions before booking.

Redeeming Alaska Airlines Miles for American Airlines Flights

Once you have earned Alaska Airlines miles, you can redeem them for American Airlines flights. To do so, you must first find award availability on the American Airlines website or by calling American Airlines reservations. Once you have found an eligible flight, you can book it using your Alaska Airlines miles.

The number of miles required for an award flight on American Airlines will depend on the route, date, and class of service. In general, award flights on American Airlines will cost more Alaska Airlines miles than flights on Alaska Airlines itself. However, this can vary depending on the specific flight and time of year.

Benefits of Using Alaska Airlines Miles for American Airlines Flights

One of the main benefits of using Alaska Airlines miles for American Airlines flights is that it can be a good way to top up your Mileage Plan account if you are close to earning a reward. Additionally, if you have a lot of Alaska Airlines miles but don’t plan to fly on Alaska Airlines anytime soon, using them for American Airlines flights can be a good way to get value out of them.

Another benefit is that American Airlines has a larger route network than Alaska Airlines, so using Alaska Airlines miles for American Airlines flights can give you more options for travel. Additionally, American Airlines has a larger fleet of aircraft, so you may be able to fly on a newer or more comfortable plane than you would on Alaska Airlines.

Drawbacks of Using Alaska Airlines Miles for American Airlines Flights

One of the main drawbacks of using Alaska Airlines miles for American Airlines flights is that it can cost more miles than if you were to redeem them for flights on Alaska Airlines itself. Additionally, award availability on American Airlines can be limited, especially during peak travel periods.

Another drawback is that if you are trying to earn elite status on Alaska Airlines, flights on American Airlines may not count towards your qualifying miles. This can make it harder to reach elite status, which comes with perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alaska Airlines miles do count for American Airlines, and using them for American Airlines flights can be a good way to earn and redeem miles for travel. However, it is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of doing so, and to check the terms and conditions before booking. With careful planning, you can make the most of your Alaska Airlines miles and enjoy a comfortable and convenient travel experience on American Airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about earning and using Alaska Airlines miles with American Airlines.

Can I earn Alaska Airlines miles for flights on American Airlines?

Yes, you can earn Alaska Airlines miles for flights on American Airlines. You will need to provide your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number when booking your American Airlines flights and the miles will be credited to your Alaska Airlines account.

Note that the number of miles you earn will depend on the fare class and distance flown. Some fare classes may not be eligible for mileage earning with Alaska Airlines.

Can I redeem Alaska Airlines miles for flights on American Airlines?

Yes, you can redeem Alaska Airlines miles for flights on American Airlines. You will need to call Alaska Airlines reservations to book award travel on American Airlines, as it cannot be done online.

Note that award availability may be limited on American Airlines and you may have to pay additional fees, such as taxes and surcharges, when redeeming Alaska Airlines miles for American Airlines flights.

Can I use my Alaska Airlines credit card to earn miles on American Airlines purchases?

No, you cannot use your Alaska Airlines credit card to earn miles on American Airlines purchases. The Alaska Airlines credit card only earns miles for purchases made with Alaska Airlines and its partners.

However, you may be able to earn American Airlines miles by using an American Airlines co-branded credit card or by transferring rewards points from a flexible rewards program to American Airlines.

Can I transfer Alaska Airlines miles to American Airlines?

No, you cannot transfer Alaska Airlines miles to American Airlines. Alaska Airlines miles can only be used for flights on Alaska Airlines and its partners or for non-flight redemptions, such as hotel stays and car rentals.

If you want to earn or redeem American Airlines miles, you will need to join the American Airlines AAdvantage program and earn miles through American Airlines flights or its partners.

Can I earn elite status with American Airlines by flying on Alaska Airlines?

No, you cannot earn elite status with American Airlines by flying on Alaska Airlines. You will need to earn elite status through the American Airlines AAdvantage program by flying on American Airlines or its partners.

However, if you have elite status with Alaska Airlines, you may be eligible for certain benefits when flying on American Airlines, such as priority check-in and boarding, free checked bags, and access to preferred seating.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | Full Guide | Credit Cards & Sweet Spots


In conclusion, Alaska Airlines miles can indeed count for American Airlines. Thanks to a partnership between the two airlines, travelers can transfer their miles between the two programs and redeem them for flights on either airline. This offers a great deal of flexibility and opens up a wider range of destinations for travelers.

It’s important to note that there are some restrictions and limitations when it comes to redeeming miles. For example, not all flights may be eligible for award travel, and there may be blackout dates or other restrictions in place. However, with a little bit of planning and flexibility, travelers can make the most of their miles and enjoy a variety of travel options.

Overall, if you’re a frequent traveler and looking for ways to maximize your rewards, it’s definitely worth exploring the partnership between Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. With a little bit of effort and some careful planning, you can make the most of your miles and enjoy some incredible travel experiences.

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