All Citi® / AAdvantage® credit cardholders can earn miles on eligible purchases. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, for example, lets you earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, gas stations and eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Cardholders can redeem their miles on aa.com for travel upgrades, hotel bookings, car rentals, exciting vacations and experiences, and flights with American Airlines and their partners.
The exact number of miles you'll need to book a flight depends on your destination, fare and cabin. Let's take a closer look at these factors and explore some booking tips.
Route
Your route is a key component of how many miles your flight may cost. Flights within the contiguous United States and Canada are likely to cost fewer miles compared to other destinations, followed by flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Flights to Asia, the Middle East and the South Pacific are likely to cost the most miles, followed by long-haul flights to South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay).
Airline
AAdvantage® members can redeem their miles with partner airlines like Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Etihad Airways, Finnair, British Airways and many more. The route you're travelling as well as the airline can impact how many miles are required.
Timing
Just as airfare can change depending on seasonality, the cost of flight bookings in miles can change. Whether you’re booking a flight for peak off-peak season can impact the cost. When you book your flight matters, too – the cost in miles may go up as you get closer to your desired travel dates.
Cabin type
Main cabin, premium economy, business class and first class can all have different redemption rates. The more perks, the more miles a flight can cost. As with regular pricing, expect to pay more miles for first or business class compared to the main cabin. The aircraft or seat type may also impact pricing. For example, first or business class tickets on an aircraft that offers lie-flat seats may cost more miles.
Booking tips
Here are some tips to help you get more for your miles:
- Use flexible dates: Exact travel dates can make it more challenging to find award seats in first- or business-class cabins. Keeping your dates flexible can also help you find great tickets for fewer miles.
- Book early: Prices may rise as you get closer to the travel date, so start looking for awards flights in advance. When you find a good deal that fits your dates and destination, consider booking. Wait too long and the price may change.
- Check different routes: A little research can go a long way when you're planning a trip. Compare different airlines and routes when you can. Some airports are close to each other and may offer different rates.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
