Pros: Opportunities for earning miles. Frequent updates on membership status. Cons: Mileage can expire (but be re-activated). Possibly difficult to redeem for desired flight.
American Airline's AAdvantage Frequent Flyer Program boasts that it is the ''largest and most exciting travel award program in the world". I'm not sure how those qualities are measured, but American Airlines does offer a tremendous flight schedule, ...
Pros: Turn Pop Tarts into Miles into Free Tickets for Charity Cons: None
Read this even if you don’t fly American Airlines. Read this even if you don’t fly. You could help some sick child fulfill a wish before they pass away. You don’t need to rate this Epinion either – but please tell your friends.
Pros: Many, Many ways to earn and redeem miles Cons: Limited flight availability
American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flyer program provides customers with many opportunities to accumulate miles for free flights, free hotel stays, free merchandise, and much more. I have been a member of the AAdvantage program for the past seven...
Pros: Easy to manage on website. Elite status upgrades. Lots of partners. Cons: Bonus miles don't count towards Elite status. High mileage requirements for unrestricted tickets.
INTRODUCTION I travel relatively often by air, and because the tiny airport in my hometown is serviced only by American Airlines, and the closest major airport is DFW (American's Hub), do most of my flying with AA. I have been a Gold AAdvantage m ...
Pros: Many ways to earn miles. Large number of destinations. Flexibility Cons: Fee and high interest rates for co-branded card. Some deterioration in airline service.
It used to sound too good to be true—earn free airline trips on the ground. After ten years in the American Airlines Advantage program, I can assure you that this program is the real deal—a way for customers who know how to use the system to fly ...
Pros: Easy to earn miles Cons: American charges $5 for headsets in Coach.
I just took a new job- hurray! This job involved traveling back and forth to San Jose, CA from Chicago every week for two months- doh! Well, I could dwell on the 9 or so hours a week that I'd spend on a plane, or I could get real and imagine the...
Pros: Lifetime Mileage includes ALL earned miles, not just butt-in-seat miles. Reasonable award availability. Cons: Obnoxious fees to "expedite" awards. Expedite what? Everything is electronic!!!
Top reasons why I'm switching most of my mileage-earning activities to AA:
(1) Lifetime Gold and Platinum status are attainable by earning 1 million or 2 million lifetime miles. Other airlines have the same type of system, but only AA counts...
Pros: very little black out days for award travel Cons: Terrible elite program, not many ways to redeem miles
I used the AAdavantage program for about 4 years and currently I am a gold elite but hardly ever use my elite card as Northwest is now my airline of choice because of their good elite benefits. Here are my experiences with American.
Pros: Ease of use, ease of accumulating benefits and miles, Partnership programs, customer service, loyalty Cons: $75 expedite fees for last minute redemptions. Kinda crazy since it's all electronic anyway.
American Airline Advantage program has done a good job of keeping customers loyal to American. They have managed to keep me happy to the point where I haven't flown anyone but American in the last 4 years!!! To really enjoy AA Advantage's perks (or ...
Pros: A lot of US flights and options to earn miles with non-airline partners Cons: Weak airline partners, limited international travel, very hard to find a rewards ticket.
I love to write about airlines. Flying a plane is a thrill for me and I always look forward to it. This year I flew over 80 different planes and collected Medallions from AA, Delta and will soon get one from Alaska. But one thing bothers me more and more ...
Pros: free airline ticket, easy to redeem Cons: name price plans limit tickets available
Aadvantage from American Airlines is the most popular frequent flyer program in America. I have been a member for over ten years now and have no problems or regrets using their services. But, I do see a potential problem brewing on the...
Prolouge
So right now I have 24,753 miles in my account. I had TWA miles at 27,200 and 3,00 miles last September and I used it to go r/t to Chicago Ohare. So since October I have earned quite a bit of miles. Here is my honest to goodness review of...
Pros: easily redeemed awards, first class check-in and boarding Cons: should have more flexibility in granting upgrades
One of the most important points relative to a frequent flyer program is a member’s knowledge of the program rules. Abstaining from the perusal of the provided pamphlets and updates robs travelers of available benefits and knowledge of possible...
Pros: Good program if you plan ahead and have time flexibility Cons: Must know which airline will have a cobranded flight on certificate redemption
(Minor update 11/11/02)
Since I've only used the program for domestic flights and flights to/from Canada, I can't comment on long international flights. However, I've had some problems with the program....
Pros: It's Free And Your Flyer Miles Can be Racked Up Fast Cons: You Will Suffer A Fierce Hell Ride
American airlines has to be the worst out there! I would not recommend this to anyone. If you are into suffering and torture, then by all means go ahead, go for a ride. I have flown with American airlines on a number of occasions. Every time I fly with...
Pros: Lots of Ways to Get Miles, American flys EVERYWHERE Cons: Sometimes hard to get flights you want
When I immigrated here from Canada back in 96 Delta was the main carrier from my City in Alberta and so thanks to earning 8,000 miles in one swoop I initially signed up for Delta Skymiles. In 3 years thanks to a combination of a few flights and many...
Pros: Lots of mile earning opportunities, great range of awards, Gold/Platinum challenges Cons: On-line Customer Service is slow to respond
Aadvantage was the first frequent flyer program, and in many ways, it is still far ahead of the competition. I've been a member for almost 2 years, and in that time, I earned 4 free flights, 8 upgrades, and still have over 50,000 ready-to-use miles in my...
OK, I admit it, I love to travel for free. That is what I have told myself countless times as I charge away on my AAdvantage Visa. I have to admit though that I find it interesting how the Airlines not only know you are on a frequent flyer ticket...
Pros: Mileage accrues quickly, customer service always helpful, partners with many airlines Cons: Miles can take time to post to account
I have been flying a number of years now, especially since my entire family is spread out across the nation. Over time, I feel I have been through just about every possible calamity that can befall the average traveler on an airline, and having flown a...
Pros: Free airline tickets to attractive destinations are the ultimate great value. Cons: You need to plan in advance if you want the flexibility of choosing your dates and flights.
Everyone can relate to the frustration that last-minute travelers experience when they call with visions of exotic locales dancing in their heads, only to have their hopes dashed when they are told they cannot use their miles for a flight on a day or...
Pros: Great frequent flyer program, good service, good attitude Cons: Plan ahead; an average but not spectacular price
Among the major, "big," US airline companies, no one does it better than American. Their staff--barring the occasional bad day, etc.--is the best trained and has the best problem-solving attitude.
Pros: advantage Awards on Flights, Rental Cars & Hotels Cons: Patients is a virtue, but its worth it for a free ticket
American Airlines flies to more than 260 destinations in the U.S. and abroad, and the relationships they have with other distinguished airlines can extend the flying adventure to every corner of the globe (in addition to providing more ways to earn...
Pros: 10000 miles with no flying + other perks Cons: Need to have an AA account first.
If you open a TD Waterhouse account or if you are already an existing customer, you can get 10,000 miles on American Airlines. And it's actually pretty easy and with no hassle. First of all you need to have an account with American Airlines frequent...
I've been using AAdvantage for at least ten years.
I'm a satisfied client because of the following:
1.All representatives of AAdvantage have been very professional and
helpful in taking care of my needs and...
Pros: Many benefits, easy qualification, good service Cons: Can't use upgrades on partner airlines
I've been a member of the AAdvantage program since 1987, and I have a few tips to share.
If you're just getting started flying, or if you're considering switching programs, AAdvantage is a great choice. American flies just about everywhere in...
Man, since I signed up for the AAdvantage Master Card, I have amassed enough miles to get my first free ticket, even though I've hardly flown at all. It's easy -- my husband and I just charge every single thing we buy all month, and then pay off the...
Pros: Lifetime Gold Elite Status Cons: Where are those system-wide upgrades?
"No way! That's impossible, you are full of it!" I can hear the comments now. As incredible as it may seem American AAdvantage allows you to become a Gold AAdvantage member (The first rung on their elite hierarchy) without taking a single...
Pros: Pay for the service of having your child supervised it is worth the little expense........ Cons: The price will range from $50.00 to $200.00 in addition to the air fare.
Children traveling alone in this day and age is wrong, In some instances this will be not be a choice but a alternative to getting the child to a destination. I have seen many children unattended and flying on the air lines. And I feel that the airline...
I hate to fly...who doesn't? But something about flying on American Airlines makes me feel good about the entire experience. I have had excellent flights everytime and have not yet had an unpleasant experience.
Pros: Flexible, great upgrades Cons: Hard to get used to not being at that level any more
I want to talk about the top tier elite status in the AAdvantage Program, known as Executive Platinum. I have been at this level for the past two years and I have to say that the service I have received has been superb.
Pros: Easy to accrue miles Cons: Could use more affiliates to earn miles
Every Major Airline has a Frequent Flyer Program. I belong to many but AAdvantage is the best. If you are smart you can earn miles many ways with this program. Besides miles for flying you can earn up to another 60,000 per year by using their VISA card...
Pros: easy to amass miles, easy to redeem awards Cons: often have to connect out of Dallas
I will never forget the time I was on an American Airline jumbo jet from Dallas to my home town, and I felt sick. I told the attendant. She got a physician to come talk to me. I was off loaded with my baggage. Another American Airline employee called...
Pros: On time Cons: Change departure gates, age limit on young travelers, serve pasta or chicken on every flight.
I am currently completing travel on American Airlines. The thing that really bothered me that I had a layover in Miami and there was a girl sitting in the chair next to me. She was going to be getting on the next flight with me. We go to talking and I...
Pros: Rewards, No Membership fee, Great Service, Many fringe benefits Cons: None
My fiancee and I will be getting married in the end of July. We immediately decided that we would like to visit Lake Tahoe for a week on honeymoon. After months (yes months) of researching and shopping around, I stumbled upon American Airlines's...
Pros: Great Customer Service Cons: Not always able to take a direct flight using points
American Aadvantage is a great service, if it weren't for this great program, I probably would never be able to fly anywhere. Since my husband travels often with American Airlines most of our point come from there but it helps that by using MCI, any...
Pros: # of participants, locations that American flies, no expiry of miles Cons: coach seat assignments (must plan ahead)
I belong to almost all the airline frequent flyer programs. I find that American's AAdvantage program is one of the better ones. But you have to rack up a few miles first in order to fully take advantage of it. The pros:
- they have finally...
Pros: easy to redeem, easy to accumulate Cons: havent found any yet
I have been an AAdvantage member for 7 years and have never had any problems using my AAdvantage miles for trips. With some airlines, they run out of seats that are allocated to their programs, but I have never had the problem with American... even on...
Pros: Gain AAdvantage miles quickly. Cons: Citibank
A little over a year ago, I was looking through my AAdvantage account with American Airlines, and although like many of you, I get these Citibank card offers for credit cards, with a mileage boost, I always shred them and toss them in the wastebasket. ...
Pros: Generous mileage earning; elite status more attainable to discount fliers. Cons: Ugly card for non-elites; No BA miles transatlantic.
I've recently switched over my loyalty to American Airlines for two main reasons: their seating in economy class, and the AAdvantage program. I do a lot of flying between the States, the UK, and Japan, almost always in coach, and I've found that the...
Pros: Numerous ways to earn miles Cons: limited flight schedule if not VERY flexible.
I live in a fairly small city; the local airport only has connecting flights to two major metro airports, so there are no direct flights to any other airports other than those two Hubs. I prefer to fly out of my local small airport to save three hours ...
Pros: Early boarding. Cons: Nearly impossible to get an upgrade, Y-ups cheaper on other airlines
If you are a frequent traveler that cannot plan 6 months in advance you can forget about AAdvantage now. The upgrade policy has been changed to hand out upgrades (within status level) to the first request. Sounds fair except the upgrades go to the guy ...
Pros: One of the best mileage programs with lots of partners. Cons: Cannot think of any cons at this point.
The airline itself (see my review of August 2001) I regard as rather impersonal and sometimes overrated, even though it has a vast route structure and most planes are new and/or well-maintained. However, AA is an "anchor member " (together with British...
I joined AAdvantage two years ago when traveled to San Francisco. I had never relatively no where at that time, and went to visit a friend. I had heard that there were lots of benefits to joining a frequent flyer club, I just had no idea at the time...
Pros: Easy too book free flights Cons: Must be flexible
I have been a memeber of the Aadvantage program for over 10 years and i have collected over 500,000 miles. I have used all of those miles on free trips within the United States, Europe and South America. I have never had a problem booking a flight as...
Pros: none Cons: bad all around airline, numerous restrictions
American Airlines is the worst one to deal with- their AAdvantage miles are not valid at the most frequent travel times, which does not make sense- i personally could not travel the Sunday after thanksgiving, and could not buy a ticket for December 23rd,...
Pros: Promotions, Great Customer Service, Fast Processing Cons: Only Update Miles Once Every Quarter.
There is an amazing number of frequent flyer programs - and some with very complex alliances, let alone rules. I belong to nearly 20 frequent flyer programs, and so far, American Airlines has stood out as the best program to deal with.
Pros: Web site
Giving away rewards to charity Cons: Difficulty getting seats to desirable locations at attractive travel times
Hassle of making arrangements
I have earned over a 1.5 million flight miles on American in the last 15 years and regard myself as an AAdvantage veteran. Since last year, redeeming miles for trips has become a disagreeable hassle. I have found that it takes four or five attempts to ...
Pros: 1 free flight, elite status Cons: 50 flights to get one free flight
Well I think this is a valuable service but the facts remain that 25000 miles gets a domestic flight and 30000 gets an international flight. I got into the program because it is a win-win situation. If you do not fly American you do not get the miles ...
Pros: Miles don't expire, ease of use, customer service Cons: difficulty upgrading/using free tickets on some routes
I have been a member of AAdvantage for over 8 years. By using this program for business, I rarely pay for personal travel. While I belong to many frequent flyer programs, AAdvantage is the one that I prefer and use the most for these reasons:* Ease of...
Pros: Easy to accumulate miles Cons: High interest rate if not paid off each month
My family has belonged to the American AAdvantage program for about 10 years & would recommend it to anyone who can pay off their Visa card debt each month. The 18% interest rate is high, so you don't want to carry-over high monthly debt...
Pros: Most flights to Caribbean Cons: Not free upgrade when seats empty in B.Class
It is my opinion that the hub your are flying from and too defines what frequent flyer program you should join. A frequent flyer program works the best if you collect a lot of miles. For the last 5 years I'm flying on all major (domestic) airlines. For...
Pros: You can earn miles through lots of activities. Cons: Miles can expire, and you need at least 25,000 for a free flight.
Overall, I found it easier to get more miles for items other than just flights than some other rewards programs, such as Northwest Airlines Worldperks, Delta Sky Miles, and United Airlines Frequent Flyer Program. By items, I mean stuff you can buy ...
Pros: Easy to earn miles. No 1st/2nd checked bag fees. Cons: Difficult to get upgrades/free tickets. Poor service.
I have been flying out of St. Louis, MO for about 20 years. Started on TWA (which was great), have continued with American. The ease of getting upgrades has drastically gone down. It used to be if it were available it would happen ...
Pros: None that I can think of. Cons: None. There are HIDDEN blackout dates that they refuse to acknowledge. FRAUD.
American Airlines AAdvantage program is designed solely so that they can take advantage of every situation and leave you with nothing. I tried to cash in 30K miles for 4 days' car rental; the redemption certificate was offered (the miles gone), and ...
Pros: You can accumulate miles without even flying and earn free flights. Cons: There are no real cons to the programs.
It is very easy to became an advantage member of American Airlines. All you need to do is log onto aa.com and click on Advantage. They have instant enrollment - all you do is fill out a form on their site, including your name, address, phone number and...
You can now earn frequent flier miles and therefore free trips without ever flying. American and other airlines now have tie ups with other companies where they offer miles as rewards. For example, you can get mileage for American through Citibank...
Pros: miles add up fast, web site always lists ways to earn miles Cons: none
I belong to 4 frequent-flier programs, and this is the best because there are so many ways to earn miles. I send flowers via 800flowers.com and earn miles, I dine at one of many restaurants in my area and earn miles -- the best part about that is I just...
Pros: Lots of partners = lots of ways to earn miles Cons: Miles Expire
I don't understand why my AAdvantage miles expire after three years. My miles on Northwest's WorldPerks don't expire. You would think that in this competitive age American would let you keep your miles a little longer. For those of us that don't travel...
Pros: many ways to get miles other than flying Cons: difficult to initially get seats on desired flights
Others have stated that in order to get the flights one wants, they need to book almost one year in advance.
There is another way to almost always get the flights that you want:
Call the AAdvantage desk an book your trip.
No way...
Pros: save money in some case Cons: difficult to earn enough points
My husband joined this program for a long time since American Airline is a big airline in Dallas. So far we are both happy that they have this plan. Once we had an emergency thing and needed to flight the next morning. At that time, my husband just got...
Pros: Miles easy to earn; easy redemption Cons: Occasionally hard to find direct flights
I've been an AAdvantage member for over 10 years, and have found this program to be the most user-friendly. The hotel, rental car, and partner airlines are very common -- which means that during my travels, my Gold AAdvantage Card seems to be accepted...
Pros: Free Trips Cons: Cashing in miles is not easy or fast.
American Airlines Advantage program is really a wonderful deal. I usually travel two to three times a year on business and two to three times personally. I always fly on American and receive miles for the trips I take. The miles add up fast.
You...
I have been a member of the AAdvantage milage club for approximately 3 years. For the first two years I really thought it was great because as long as I requested my tickets a month or 2 ahead of time I had no problem getting seats. For the last year it...
Pros: many bonus programs, ease of use Cons: can take time to get vouchers, need to track activity
Obviously, any frequent flyer program benefits those whose markets that airline serves. Having lived in Southern California, Dallas and now Raleigh NC, American has always been there.
With my husband doing a mix of International Travel and...
Pros: Easy upgrades, "Gold" status fairly easy to get Cons: Should not charge annual fee for AAdvantage credit card
The AAdvantage program is terrific for people who travel a lot on business. I belong to six other FF programs and it's easiest to get "upgraded" status on American using AAdvantage than with any other airline program. It's easy to become a...
Pros: On time, affordable, great mileage program Cons: Not as many daily flights as needed for me
I have lived in 6 states since age 19 and travel quite a bit. I go back and forth between 2 airlines. American, mileage makes it great to take advantage of a free trip at least twice a year. It is easy to make reservations on the internet and I find...
Pros: quick and easy Cons: for people who are not frequent flyers it takes longer to accumulate and redeem their miles
During the summer, my daughter and son had to make a round-trip flight from St. Thomas, USVI to Puerto Rico. A couple of weeks after their trip, I received in the mail some information. Those 2 short flights gained them over 500 frequent flyer miles!!...
Pros: you can add up points Cons: you need to fly more and shop less
I have an account with American AAdvantage and I do not like it much. Even though it tells you what other websites you can shop to add up the points, it seems that the points go towards something else. I have points through other websites and it seems...
Pros: Easy to collect miles using partners Cons: Some mile requirements are a bit high
American AAdvantage mileage program is one that is easy to use.
The awards can be collected in a variety of ways that ensure that even a modest traveler every few years can collect enough miles to obtain a free ticket or an upgrade to first...
Pros: baggage check in, boarding aircraft, and greater accumulation of frequent flier miles Cons: You have to fly a lot to get there. Check each airlines package for details.
As with most business travelers I feel that airlines, airports, and the hassles associated with flying are a necessary evil. O.K. it's not that bad, but it's not a lot of fun after the first few times.
Pros: Free first class travel Cons: Being away from home
Triple AAAdvantage for you - I highly recommend and urge any flyer to become a dedicated member of American Airline's frequent flyer program AAdvantage Miles. After 30 years I have found none better. You can earn mileage point for everything from...
Pros: "Sales" and promos help you fly quicker. Cons: Reservations agents have the fine print and AAdvantage members don't
1. Read all the materials the airline sends you and save them for reference. I just redeemed 50,000 miles and $324($250 American voucher for flying first class on a later flight)and $45 check plus $23.75 taxes on one ticket. This would have been 80,000...
We like American Airline's AAdvantage frequent flier program because we can actually obtain seats using our miles. We have had difficulty with one other major airline in obtaining seats in and out of Columbus, Ohio, the airport we use--and that airline...
Pros: Good system when it works Cons: Problem getting postings from collateral sources
I am a firm believer in the Aadvantage program-- miles are generally posted without delay, at the Gold and Platinum levels you can get upgrades, and there are generous bonuses for hotel stays, etc. One of the biggest problems is that some of the partners...
Pros: Easy to build miles with other partners Cons: Limited flights to Mexico from West Coast
It is easy to build enough mile for a great trip to the Caribbean. Simply fly American when you can, get a Citibank Aadvantage Visa Card, and change to MCI Aadvantage service, (they even charge it to your VISA), and you are well on your way to a great...
Pros: NONE Cons: Obnoxiously rude stewardess, bad service, broken seats, bad schedule, very hard to use miles
I have tried to use my miles for the last 5 years, but AA was never able to accommodate my needs. Does not matter how flexible my schedule was, or my willingness to change my plans around their schedule, it never worked until this year. After this trip,...
Pros: easy, convenient Cons: can take awhile to accumulate
The AAdvantage Program, when combined with the AAdvantage Credit Card allowed me a free trip to Hawaii last year. I was able to accumulate enough frequent flier miles to pay $250 and get a free ticket to anywhere, and I chose Hawaii. You don't have to...
Pros: Free hotel nights cost more than a free Airline ticket Cons: having no miles for a last minute trip
Frequent flier miles are becoming increasingly difficult to use. American AAdvantage is a case in point. I use to use my miles for last minute trips, but that has become very difficult on American. I no longer fly as much as I use to, so now I...
I am a research scientist so I travel on occasion to attend meetings both nationally and internationally. The mileage program is wonderful until you want to claim your miles. My experience was travelling to Jamaica from San Francisco. I have both...
Pros: Good AAdvantage Staff Service Cons: No Special Considerations for Elite Members
I actively used the America AAdvantage program this year. Within six-months, I made Gold status, and within 10 months - Platinum. American Airlines including the OneWorld consortium automatically award first class upgrades whenever and wherever I fly...
Pros: everything!
Cons: i do not have enough time to use them all!
This has been a wonderful experience for me. The frequent flyer program from american airlines has been the easiest and fastest way for me to get free airfare. they have many different ways of earning miles. I use my tom thumb reward card, which earns me...
My experience with AAdvantage was terrible by eas0423 ,Oct 22 '06
Pros: None that I can think of Cons: Terrible customer service
AA cancelled my over 64,000 frequent flier miles back in 2004. At the time, they gave me the run-a-round about lack of activity on my account (although I had flown just three years earlier, just before 9/11). I hadn't received any kind of notice that the miles were expiring, but although I was angry I thought I had just experienced some terrible luck and chalked it up to experience. I find out now from a friend that she has AA miles that are over 8 years old and she hasn't had any flight activity in that time, but her miles are still intact! In fact, they just extended her miles, which were supposed to expire in January 2007! The cavalier attitude with which AA treats some customers is incredible. They'd be better off spending less money on expensive advertising and more on not ticking off long-standing customers. I haven't flown AA since 2004 because they expired my miles so unceremoniously and now I'm so angry I don't think I'll ever fly the airline again.
Pros: Hard to think of any. Cons: Terrible schedules for award flights.
Here it is early March and we're trying to book flights from San Diego to Charleston, SC, the week after Memorial Day at the end of May. How do you like a 7-hour layover in Dallas? Or the 6:20 am departure from San Diego? Or a 9:55pm arrival in Charleston? AA never seems to have reasonable flights to anywhere we fly. Most of the other available flights are red-eyes.
When we used our AA miles to travel to Mazatlan, Mexico, two years ago, the only flight we could schedule, several months ahead, was an evening flight from San Diego to Los Angeles and a 4:30am flight out of Los Angeles to Mazatlan.
This is totally ridiculous!! We have never gotten a reasonable flight out of AA. Apparently it works if you are in a few select cities and usually travel to a few other select cities. But we're switching to a card that has no restrictions on flights or airlines.
You can't use your miles by opinionated_1 ,May 06 '05
Pros: You can daydream about using your miles. Cons: Only a few seats per plane and you can never reserve one.
I've been in AA freq Flier program for years.
Every time I want to fly somewhere, there are no seats open for Aadvantage customers.
They probably have like 2 seats per plane and once those fill up, it won't matter if the rest of the plane is empty, you can't use your frequent flier miles.
Forget about hawaii. You'd have to call up the same day tickets for a flight become reservable (about a year in advance).
I don't plan my vacations that far ahead. If your life is that pre-programed, you may be able to use your miles. I have wound up giving them away to retired relatives who can plan 4-12 months ahead.
Just one more reason to hate the experience of flying.
Above average program but with value of miles dropping by ep-traveler ,Aug 07 '06
Pros: Generous elite bonus, Anytime awards on all flts, eVIP upgrades, uniform partner awards Cons: Partner awards difficult to get. Merchandize awards too expensive. Demand for popular awards exceeds supply.
I am an EXP (executive platinum) flyer on AA with a lifetime Platinum status (getting close to 4 Million lifetime miles - including citicard miles and others). I appreciate the benefits for elite flyers (unlimited domestic upgrades for EXPs, no expedite fee for mileage awards within 21 day window, no phone agent charges, etc.) but with planes so full and average service, the delight of being a frequent flyer has dramatically come down.
The value of the miles has dropped a lot ever since international upgrades required $250 each way fee. Availability of popular awards has came down. With load factors of 85% where is there room left for flight awards.
When MRTC was removed, upgrades became important. If you're not EXP, you have limited domestic upgrades (or buy upgrade credits). United has E for its basic and mid-tier elites.
There are not many alternatives either. In flight service is better in Continental but AA has a better top-tier elite benefits. Mid tier elites are probably better off at some of the competitors.
AAdvantage miles for promotional products. by armstrongj65 ,Jan 01 '04
Pros: Miles can add up quickly for those who buy ad specialty items. Cons: Sometime posting takes almost a month – too long.
Last year, while surfing the net, I came across a company that offers AAdvantage Miles to folks who buy Promotional Products and Company Apparel: DigitizedLogos.com. Being a sales & marketing executive, I am always looking for an overall value. This company gives me both, competitive prices and miles. While I am happy that I’ve discovered DigitizedLogos.com, I am equally sad to miss the opportunity to earn hundreds of thousands of miles over last several years.
Anyone who buys these types of products should check them out. Even if you don’t fly frequently or currently part of AAdvantage program, I strongly suggest you should consider joining American Airlines AAdvantage – you’ll be enjoying a free trip from DigitizedLogos.com. Please note that miles do not cover airport taxes.
Lastly, don’t forget to ask for 1,000 bonus miles – only if you are a first time customer.
Poor Program for International Travel by webpinion ,Mar 24 '06
Pros: Great if you plan 1 year in advance or fly only domestic Cons: $250 "service fee" + 25K miles each way to upgrade internationally is excessive
I wanted to upgrade a trip to Italy, and AA told me there's a $250 FEE EACH WAY to UPGRADE from coach to business class, in addition to using 25K miles each way. This was after I tried to book my Italy trip using miles alone. I was told by the agent I needed to book the trip 1 year in advance if I actually expected to get a seat... I tried booking 4 months ahead; no seats available. Also, AA is quite limited when flying to Europe. Other airlines are much better for redemption of miles and larger # of international partners (e.g. United).
Pros: great online booking functionality for worthless miles Cons: you will never find a flight for your preferred dates and times
I'm trying to find flights months in advance, and AA simply will not let me use my miles. To suggest you can fly somewhere when you want for 25K miles borders on false advertising. Please go to AA.com and try to book an award flight. They have a handy calendar that lets you scroll forward or back in order to find a date when you can use a certain award ticket, but if you want to fly somewhere in Dec or Jan, it doesn't do much good to see what's available in March- and nothing will match convenient dates within two months of today. Oh yeah, when you do find a seat to your location, on the day you want to go, most likely there will be two plane changes and you'll leave at 6am and arrive at your destination sometime after 10pm. I simply don't understand how anyone can give this awards program more than one or two stars without being an airline shill.
Pros: They say its "free" Cons: Its a scam like saving green stamps
I have over 80,000 miles on this program.
Everytime I want to use it for a trip the answer is
we don't have any seats. We don't go there. If we go there
you have to go to Chicago then to Chattanooga.
I go to the website like you are encouraged and my destination is unavailble
I call my travel agent can you get two seats to Miami from
Wash DC with these miles next month.
Answer no seats available. I get on plane and there are 20 empty seats.
Get the gist.
I guess if you go from New York to Los Angeles it might work as per some of the reviews. But for me its like the warranty on your refrigerator. When it finally breaks your not covered.
You are better off just booking the tickets after looking at all the airlines and getting the one you want.
I guess if you want to waste your time this is for you.
Be Careful With Upgrade Coupons by jrmcbride ,Mar 10 '04
Pros: Many places you can fly Cons: Miserable customer service
Both my wife and I were Platinum AAdvantage two years ago. My wife fell one segment short of maintaining her status due to an AA cancellation. They were so strict that they refused to continue her status. We both quit flying AA. We went to Gold status the following year and no status this year. In our account, we had a significant number of upgrade coupons, each with a value of around $40. We find now they are of no value and we lose several hundred dollars as the coupons are useless, even if we fly again with AA. Be very careful if you plan to cease flying with AA; use your upgrade coupons up before leaving.
Poor availability of seats by hmsteadman ,Jan 26 '05
Pros: American has lots of flights to lots of places. Cons: POOR availability of seats for award travelers!
I find it nearly impossible to redeem miles on desired travel dates,even several months in advance. AAdvantage customers are definitely second class citizens!
Cannot use miles for flights by whittonm ,Aug 11 '09
Pros: Easy to get miles Cons: impossible to use miles for flights
I am Platinum with AA and tried to use 120,000 miles for flights four months in advance to and from Europe. Tried multiple dates, tried to only use them one way, tried business class, economy class, tried everything. Nothing worked, in spite of calling multiple times. I plan to use the miles to get a gift certificate
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