Have you ever found yourself with an expired American Airlines miles balance? Maybe you forgot to use them before they expired, or you simply haven’t flown with the airline in a while. Whatever the reason, the good news is that you may be able to reinstate those miles and put them towards your next trip. In this guide, we’ll show you how to reinstate American Airlines miles and get back to earning those travel rewards.
Reinstating your miles can be a great way to save money on your next flight, but it’s important to be aware of the rules and fees involved. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just starting to explore the benefits of airline rewards programs, understanding the reinstatement process can help you make the most of your miles and get the most value for your money. So, let’s get started!
How to Reinstate American Airlines Miles?
If you’re an American Airlines frequent flyer, you know how valuable your miles can be. They can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. However, if you’ve let your miles expire or made a mistake with your account, you may be wondering if it’s possible to reinstate them. The good news is that it is possible to reinstate American Airlines miles, but there are some important things to keep in mind.
1. Understand the American Airlines Mileage Expiration Policy
American Airlines miles expire 18 months after they are earned, unless you have qualifying activity on your account. Qualifying activity includes earning or redeeming miles, or using an American Airlines-affiliated credit card. If you don’t have qualifying activity, your miles will expire and cannot be reinstated. It’s important to keep track of your miles and make sure you have qualifying activity before they expire.
If your miles have already expired, you have up to 18 months from the date of expiration to reinstate them. However, there is a fee to do so. The fee varies based on the number of miles you want to reinstate, so it’s important to check the American Airlines website for the current fees.
2. Contact American Airlines Customer Service
If you want to reinstate your miles, the first step is to contact American Airlines customer service. You can do this by calling their customer service number or by sending them a message through their website. When you contact them, be prepared to provide your account information and explain why you want to reinstate your miles.
American Airlines customer service representatives will be able to provide you with the current fees for reinstating your miles and help you through the process.
3. Pay the Reinstatement Fee
Once you’ve contacted American Airlines customer service and have been informed of the fees, you’ll need to pay the reinstatement fee. You can do this over the phone or online through the American Airlines website. Make sure to have your payment information ready.
After you’ve paid the reinstatement fee, your miles will be reinstated and available for use again.
4. Consider Using a Credit Card to Keep Your Miles Active
If you’re worried about your miles expiring, one way to keep them active is to use an American Airlines-affiliated credit card. By using the card for purchases, you’ll earn miles and keep your account active. This is a great way to avoid the reinstatement fees and ensure that your miles are always available.
5. Check for Special Offers
American Airlines sometimes offers specials on reinstating miles. These offers can include discounts on the reinstatement fees or bonus miles for reinstating a certain number of miles. It’s always a good idea to check for these offers before reinstating your miles to save money and get more value from your miles.
6. Know the Terms and Conditions of Reinstated Miles
When you reinstate your miles, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions that come with them. For example, reinstated miles may have expiration dates that are different from your other miles. Make sure to read all of the terms and conditions to ensure that you’re getting the most value from your reinstated miles.
7. Plan Your Redemption Strategy
Once your miles are reinstated, it’s time to start planning how you’ll use them. American Airlines offers a wide range of redemption options, including flights, upgrades, and merchandise. Make sure to do your research and find the redemption option that gives you the most value for your miles.
8. Compare with Other Airlines
Before redeeming your miles, it’s always a good idea to compare the value with other airlines. You may be able to get more value from your miles by redeeming them with a partner airline or by using a different rewards program altogether. Make sure to compare your options and choose the one that gives you the most value.
9. Enjoy Your Rewards
Once you’ve redeemed your miles, it’s time to enjoy your rewards. Whether you’re flying to a new destination or upgrading to a more comfortable seat, make sure to savor the experience and get the most out of your rewards.
10. Keep Your Account Active
Finally, it’s important to keep your account active to avoid having your miles expire again. Make sure to earn or redeem miles on a regular basis to keep your account active and maximize the value of your miles. Remember, the more you use your miles, the more value you’ll get from them.
In conclusion, reinstating American Airlines miles is possible, but it’s important to understand the policies and fees involved. By following these steps, you’ll be able to reinstate your miles and get the most value from them.
Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the American Airlines AAdvantage program?
- Why do American Airlines miles expire?
- How can I check if my American Airlines miles have expired?
- Can I reinstate my expired American Airlines miles?
- What are some ways to prevent my American Airlines miles from expiring?
- Don’t buy American AAdvantage miles. Do this instead!
- How Many Bags American Airlines?
- How To Fly Standby On American Airlines?
- Why Does My American Airlines Ticket Say Pending?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the American Airlines AAdvantage program?
The American Airlines AAdvantage program is a loyalty program that rewards members with miles for flights and other activities. These miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.
Why do American Airlines miles expire?
American Airlines miles expire after 18 months of inactivity. Inactivity is defined as no earning or redeeming of miles. This policy is in place to help keep the AAdvantage program active and engaging for its members.
How can I check if my American Airlines miles have expired?
You can check the expiration date of your American Airlines miles by logging into your AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website or mobile app. Your account summary will show the expiration date of your miles.
Can I reinstate my expired American Airlines miles?
Yes, you can reinstate your expired American Airlines miles for a fee. The cost to reinstate miles varies depending on the number of miles you want to reinstate and can range from $200 to $600. You can request to reinstate your miles by calling American Airlines customer service.
What are some ways to prevent my American Airlines miles from expiring?
To prevent your American Airlines miles from expiring, you can keep your account active by earning or redeeming miles every 18 months. This can be done by taking a flight on American Airlines or one of its partners, using an American Airlines credit card, or shopping with American Airlines partners through the AAdvantage program.
Don’t buy American AAdvantage miles. Do this instead!
In conclusion, reinstating American Airlines miles is a fairly simple process that can be done online or over the phone. While there are some fees associated with reinstating miles, it can be a worthwhile investment if you have a specific redemption in mind. It’s important to keep track of your miles and expiration dates to avoid any unnecessary fees or loss of miles. With these tips in mind, you can easily reinstate your American Airlines miles and start planning your next adventure. So go ahead and book that dream vacation, knowing that your miles are there to support you every step of the way.