A Complete Guide to Gifting AAdvantage Miles
Gifting AAdvantage® miles the loyalty currency of American Airlines, can be an excellent way to help someone achieve their travel dreams. Whether they’re saving up for a long-haul flight, upgrading their travel experience, or redeeming miles for vacation packages, a gift of miles is both practical and personal. Here’s everything you need to know about gifting AAdvantage miles.
Why Gift AAdvantage Miles?
- Travel Flexibility: AAdvantage miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and more, giving recipients endless possibilities for how to use them.
- Memorable Experiences: Instead of material gifts, miles can create lasting memories, like a dream vacation or reuniting with loved ones.
- Perfect for Frequent Flyers: If your recipient is already a member of the AAdvantage program, extra miles can help them reach their travel goals faster.
How to Gift AAdvantage Miles
- American Airlines allows you to gift miles directly through their official website. Follow these steps:
- Log in to Your AAdvantage Account: Visit the AAdvantage website and sign in using your membership credentials.
- Access the “Gift Miles” Option: Navigate to the “Buy, Gift, or Transfer Miles” section in the AAdvantage program menu.
- Enter the Recipient’s Information: Provide the recipient’s name and AAdvantage membership number. If they’re not a member, they can sign up for free on the website.
- Choose the Number of Miles: Decide how many miles you’d like to gift. You can gift between 1,000 and 200,000 miles per transaction.
- Complete the Purchase: Review the transaction, pay the associated fees, and confirm your purchase. The recipient will receive an email notification once the miles are credited to their account.
What to Know Before Gifting Miles
- Fees: There’s a transaction fee for gifting miles, typically around $35 plus a processing charge. Be sure to calculate the total cost.
- Value Considerations: AAdvantage miles generally have a value of 1 to 2 cents per mile, but their worth can vary based on how they’re redeemed. Ensure the recipient can use the miles efficiently for their travel needs.
- Expiration: Miles may expire after 24 months of inactivity, so encourage the recipient to use them or earn more miles to keep their account active.
- Non-Refundable: Once gifted, the miles cannot be refunded or transferred to another account.
Tips for Making the Most of Gifting Miles
- Combine with a Special Occasion: Gift miles as part of a celebration, such as a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, to make the present more meaningful.
- Check Promotions: American Airlines often runs promotions offering bonus miles or discounts on gift transactions—keep an eye out for these opportunities.
- Assist with Redemption Planning: If the recipient is unfamiliar with redeeming miles, guide them through the process to maximize their value.
Alternatives to Gifting Miles
If gifting miles doesn’t suit your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Redeem Miles for Them: Use your own AAdvantage miles to book a flight or upgrade in their name.
- Transfer Miles: If you already have AAdvantage miles, transfer them to the recipient’s account. This also incurs fees but avoids purchasing new miles.
- Gift Cards or Travel Vouchers: For more flexibility, American Airlines gift cards or travel vouchers can be an excellent substitute.
Final Thoughts
Gifting AAdvantage miles is a meaningful way to contribute to someone’s travel journey. Whether they’re planning an adventurous getaway or a relaxing retreat, your gift can bring their plans closer to reality. With easy online tools and plenty of redemption options, giving the gift of travel has never been easier. So go ahead—share the joy of flying and help someone explore the world, one mile at a time!
