American Airlines is one of America's largest passenger carriers, flying routes across the United States and around the world. Passengers can enroll in the airline's frequent-flier program, AAdvantage. The most frequent use for AAdvantage is free air travel, but it can also be used for a variety of other purposes.
Book an award ticket. This is the free air ticket usually imagined as the sole reason for having a frequent-flier membership. There is a fee for doing this by telephone but not online, and the fee increases as the advance notice diminishes. Award tickets are available on a restricted basis, so do not expect to be eligible for them on popular routes. Besides the required miles, you will be charged any applicable taxes.
Upgrade to business or first class. AAdvantage miles can be used to go from economy to business or business to first class. The number of miles needed vary by upgrade.
Join AA's Admiral's Club. This will grant access to AA's airport lounges and business facilities. Upgrades will cost more miles.
Subscribe to partner magazines or newspapers. You can use points to purchase subscriptions to selected publications.
Pay for other aspects of a trip using your miles. AAdvantage miles can be used to pay for rental cars from Alamo, Avis National and Budget rental car companies, and to stay in the Hilton and Holiday Inn hotel chains.
