Do American Airlines Loyalty Points Expire?

admin
Chief Editor of - Book Premium Flight

Do you frequently fly with American Airlines? Have you been collecting loyalty points for your travels? If so, you might be wondering if your American Airlines loyalty points expire.

The short answer is yes, American Airlines loyalty points can expire. However, there are ways to prevent this from happening. It’s important to understand the expiration policy and take the necessary steps to keep your points active. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of American Airlines loyalty points expiration and provide tips on how to keep your points from expiring.

Do American Airlines Loyalty Points Expire?

Do American Airlines Loyalty Points Expire?

If you’re a frequent flyer with American Airlines, you may be wondering if your loyalty points expire. After all, you’ve put in the time, money, and effort to earn those points, so it’s natural to want to make sure they don’t go to waste. In this article, we’ll explore the policies surrounding American Airlines loyalty points and whether or not they expire.

Overview of American Airlines Loyalty Program

American Airlines operates a loyalty program known as AAdvantage. Members of the program earn points for every flight they take with American Airlines or any of its partner airlines. Additionally, members can earn points by using a co-branded credit card or by shopping with American Airlines’ partners.

Earning AAdvantage Points

There are several ways to earn AAdvantage points. The most obvious is by flying with American Airlines or any of its partner airlines. The amount of points you earn depends on the distance you fly, the fare class you book, and your elite status with the program.

Another way to earn points is by using a co-branded credit card. American Airlines offers several credit cards in partnership with Citi and Barclays. These cards allow you to earn points on everyday purchases, which can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

Finally, you can earn AAdvantage points by shopping with American Airlines’ partners. The program has partnerships with hundreds of retailers, including hotels, car rental agencies, and restaurants. By using your AAdvantage number when you make purchases with these partners, you can earn points that can be redeemed for flights and other rewards.

Do AAdvantage Points Expire?

The short answer is no, AAdvantage points do not expire as long as you have activity on your account within the past 18 months. This means that if you earn or redeem a single point within that timeframe, all of your points will remain active.

If you don’t have any activity on your account for 18 months, your points will expire and cannot be reinstated. This is an important consideration for infrequent travelers or those who don’t use their credit cards often.

Benefits of AAdvantage Program

There are several benefits to participating in the AAdvantage program. The most obvious is the ability to earn free flights and upgrades. AAdvantage points can be redeemed for flights on American Airlines or any of its partner airlines, as well as for upgrades to first or business class.

In addition to flights and upgrades, AAdvantage members can also redeem points for car rentals, hotel stays, and vacation packages. The program also offers priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges for elite members.

AAdvantage vs Other Loyalty Programs

How does the AAdvantage program stack up against other loyalty programs? It depends on what you’re looking for. AAdvantage is one of the oldest and most established loyalty programs in the airline industry, so it has a lot of history and experience behind it.

However, other programs may offer better earning rates or more flexible redemption options. For example, some programs allow you to transfer points to other loyalty programs, giving you more options for how to use your rewards.

Conclusion

In summary, American Airlines loyalty points do not expire as long as you have activity on your account within the past 18 months. By participating in the AAdvantage program, you can earn free flights, upgrades, and other rewards for your loyalty to American Airlines. While other loyalty programs may offer different benefits, AAdvantage remains a solid choice for frequent flyers looking to make the most of their travel rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are American Airlines Loyalty Points?

American Airlines Loyalty Points are earned by members of the American Airlines loyalty program, AAdvantage. Members earn points by flying with American Airlines or their partner airlines, as well as by making purchases with co-branded credit cards or through other participating companies.

These points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and other rewards.

How do I check the expiration date of my American Airlines Loyalty Points?

The expiration date of your American Airlines Loyalty Points can be found in your AAdvantage account. Simply log in to your account on the American Airlines website or mobile app and navigate to the “My account” section. Your total number of points and their expiration date will be displayed there.

It’s important to note that American Airlines Loyalty Points do expire, so be sure to use them before they expire to get the most value out of your rewards.

How long do American Airlines Loyalty Points last?

American Airlines Loyalty Points typically expire after 18 months of account inactivity. This means that if you haven’t earned or redeemed any points within the past 18 months, your points will expire.

However, there are ways to keep your account active and prevent your points from expiring. For example, you can earn points by flying with American Airlines or their partner airlines, making purchases with co-branded credit cards, or through other participating companies.

What happens if my American Airlines Loyalty Points expire?

If your American Airlines Loyalty Points expire, you will not be able to use them to redeem rewards. Once points have expired, they cannot be reinstated.

To avoid losing your points, be sure to use them before they expire. You can also keep your account active by earning or redeeming points within 18 months of your last activity.

Can I transfer my American Airlines Loyalty Points to another member?

Yes, American Airlines Loyalty Points can be transferred to another member of the AAdvantage program for a fee. The fee for transferring points varies based on the number of points being transferred and other factors.

Keep in mind that transferred points still expire based on the original expiration date, so it’s important to use them before they expire to get the most value out of your rewards.

Why I’m not a fan of American Airlines’ new Loyalty Points program


In conclusion, American Airlines loyalty points do expire, but the expiration policy varies depending on the type of points and the account activity. It is important for frequent flyers to keep track of their points to avoid losing them. However, there are ways to extend the expiration date or earn additional points to keep the account active.

If you have American Airlines AAdvantage miles, the expiration date can be extended by earning or redeeming miles at least once every 18 months. For credit card points, the expiration policy depends on the issuer and the specific card. Some cards have no expiration date while others may have a shorter period.

Overall, it is essential for American Airlines loyalty members to understand the expiration policy and take advantage of strategies to keep their accounts active. By doing so, they can maximize their rewards and enjoy the benefits of their loyalty program for years to come.

Scroll to Top