Do American Airlines Points Expire?

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Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

As a frequent flyer, you may have accumulated a significant amount of American Airlines points over time. However, you might be wondering if these points have an expiration date.

The good news is that American Airlines points do not expire as long as you have some form of account activity within 18 months. This means that any activity on your account, such as earning or redeeming points, will reset the clock and keep your points from expiring.

Do American Airlines Points Expire?

If you’re a frequent flyer with American Airlines, you may be wondering if your hard-earned points will expire. The good news is that American Airlines Advantage points do not expire as long as you earn or redeem points at least once every 18 months. However, there are certain circumstances where your points may be forfeited. Here’s everything you need to know about the expiration of American Airlines points.

Points Expiration Policy

As mentioned earlier, your American Airlines points will not expire as long as you earn or redeem points at least once every 18 months. This means that if you earn or redeem points before the 18-month period is up, your points will be safe. However, if you fail to earn or redeem points within 18 months, your points will expire and be forfeited.

It’s important to note that earning or redeeming points doesn’t necessarily mean you have to fly with American Airlines. You can earn points by using an American Airlines credit card, booking a hotel or car rental through their partners, or even dining at certain restaurants.

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Avoiding Points Expiration

To avoid losing your American Airlines points, there are several things you can do. The easiest way is to simply use your points for flights, upgrades, or other rewards before the 18-month period is up. Another way is to earn points through partners, such as hotels or car rental agencies, even if you don’t plan on using them immediately.

If you’re not planning on flying or redeeming points anytime soon, you can also purchase or gift points to keep your account active. American Airlines allows you to purchase up to 150,000 points per year, which can be a good option if you’re close to losing your current points.

Circumstances Where Points Expire

While American Airlines Advantage points typically do not expire, there are certain circumstances where your points may be forfeited. For example, if you close your American Airlines account, your points will be lost. Additionally, if American Airlines terminates your account due to any violations of their terms and conditions, your points will also be forfeited.

Another circumstance where your points may be forfeited is if American Airlines changes their policies. While this is rare, it’s always a good idea to stay up-to-date with their terms and conditions to ensure you don’t lose any points unexpectedly.

Benefits of American Airlines Advantage Program

Despite the possibility of points expiring, the American Airlines Advantage program offers many benefits to frequent flyers. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Earning points for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more
  • Redeeming points for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and more
  • Access to exclusive airport lounges
  • Priority boarding and check-in
  • Free checked bags

American Airlines Advantage vs Other Programs

While the American Airlines Advantage program offers many benefits, it’s important to compare it to other frequent flyer programs to see which one is right for you. Some of the key differences between American Airlines Advantage and other programs include:

Program Key Benefits
American Airlines Advantage Access to exclusive airport lounges, free checked bags, priority boarding and check-in
Delta SkyMiles Flexible redemption options, access to Delta Sky Club lounges, priority boarding and check-in
United MileagePlus Access to United Club lounges, priority boarding and check-in, free checked bags
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Ultimately, the best frequent flyer program for you will depend on your travel habits and preferences. Be sure to compare the benefits and policies of each program before making a decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Airlines Advantage points do not expire as long as you earn or redeem points at least once every 18 months. To avoid losing your points, be sure to use them before the 18-month period is up or earn points through partners or purchases. While there are certain circumstances where your points may be forfeited, the American Airlines Advantage program offers many benefits to frequent flyers. Be sure to compare it to other frequent flyer programs to see which one is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about American Airlines Points expiration policy.

What is the American Airlines Points Expiration Policy?

American Airlines Points expire 18 months after the last qualifying activity on the account. Qualifying activity refers to earning or redeeming American Airlines Points. If there is no qualifying activity, the account becomes inactive, and the points expire.

However, there are ways to keep your American Airlines Points from expiring, such as earning or redeeming points, using an American Airlines credit card, or donating miles to charity.

What Happens to Expired American Airlines Points?

Once American Airlines Points expire, they cannot be reinstated. The expired points are removed from the account, and there is no way to retrieve them. It is essential to keep track of the expiration date and use the points before they expire.

Moreover, American Airlines does not offer any grace period or extension to redeem expired points. Once the points are expired, they are gone forever.

Do American Airlines Credit Card Points Expire?

American Airlines Credit Card Points do not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing. However, if the credit card account is closed, the unused points may expire according to American Airlines Points Expiration Policy.

Moreover, if the credit card account is not used for an extended period, the issuer may close the account, and the points may expire. It is essential to keep the credit card account active to avoid losing the points.

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How Can I Check My American Airlines Points Expiration Date?

You can check the American Airlines Points expiration date by logging into your AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website or mobile app. The expiration date is displayed on the account summary page. You can also set up a reminder to track the expiration date and use the points before they expire.

Additionally, American Airlines sends a notification via email, phone, or mail to remind you of the upcoming expiration date if you have provided the contact information in your account.

Can I Extend the Expiration Date of My American Airlines Points?

Unfortunately, American Airlines does not offer an option to extend the expiration date of the points. However, there are ways to keep your points from expiring, such as earning or redeeming points, using an American Airlines credit card, or donating miles to charity.

Moreover, American Airlines may offer promotions from time to time that allow you to earn bonus points or extend the validity of your existing points. It is essential to keep an eye on such offers and take advantage of them to keep your points from expiring.

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In conclusion, American Airlines points do expire. However, there are ways to prevent this from happening. By simply earning or redeeming miles within 18 months, your points will remain active. Additionally, there are various programs and promotions offered by American Airlines that allow you to earn bonus miles and extend the life of your existing miles.

It’s important to keep track of your mileage activity and make sure you are earning or redeeming miles within the 18-month period to avoid losing them. You can easily monitor your account through the American Airlines website or mobile app.

Overall, American Airlines provides several options to maintain the life of your points and make the most out of your rewards. By staying active and taking advantage of promotions, you can continue to earn and use your points for memorable travel experiences.

adminChief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

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