How Many AAdvantage® Miles Do I Need for an International Flight?

The right credit card can open the door to extraordinary travel experiences. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Credit Cards grant access to the AAdvantage® program and let you earn miles with every eligible purchase. You can use your miles to book flights, hotel stays, travel packages, events, experiences and more. Many savvy travelers redeem their miles for flights. American Airlines alone offers flights to over 350 destinations. Along with partner airlines, that’s nearly a thousand destinations across the globe, both domestic and international.

Your ticket cost (in miles) may vary based on your destination, fare and cabin. Learn more about booking international flights with your AAdvantage® miles below. 

Route

Your destination plays a major role in determining your ticket cost in miles.

In general, the closer to the U.S. you fly, the fewer miles needed. Expect flights to Asia, the Middle East and the South Pacific to require the most miles. Trips to Europe and South America (specifically long-haul flights to Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay) cost slightly less. They're followed by short-haul flights to Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana and Peru. Meanwhile, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America cost the fewest miles after Canada. 

Airline

AAdvantage® program members can redeem miles for award tickets on flights from American Airlines, oneworld® members and other partner airlines. Partners include British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways and more. Your airline may influence your airfare in miles.

Timing

The cost of a ticket in miles can be seasonal (peak times may cost more miles than off-peak) and may change as the travel date approaches. If you're looking for the best deal, it may help to book for the off-peak season and start searching for your ticket early. You can book award flight tickets as early as 331 days before your trip and as late as 2 hours before departure. 

Cabin type

Just as seats in First or Business Class may cost more when you're purchasing tickets, they typically require more miles. Expect different redemption rates for the Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class. Note that the aircraft or specific seat you've chosen may also impact the cost of your ticket. Business and First Class award tickets on an aircraft with lie-flat seats, for example, can cost more miles.

Booking tips for international flights

Here are some tips to get more for your miles when booking international flights: 

  • Use flexible dates: Flight prices in miles tend to fluctuate. Adjusting travel dates could help you save.
  • Check different routes: Different airports might offer better redemption rates or availability, so compare options before booking 
  • Book early: The closer you get to departure, in general, the higher the prices, and the more miles required. 
  • Consider reserving: American Airlines lets you reserve your award ticket for some flights. Your payment page may give you the option to hold your reservation using AAdvantage® Hold. If you select this option, the airline will hold your award reservation for 1 day if you're booking 7 to 331 days before departure. However, awards that include certain airline partners may have shorter hold times. You’ll have to confirm your reservation before the hold expires to keep it.

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. 

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