American Airlines is running a new targeted promotion that could leave you 20,000 points richer if you fly with the airline between August 1 and September 30.
Perfectly time for anyone who’s chasing the end of summer and still looking to book a late vacation and wants to get some bonus points. Note, that you will not earn Loyalty Points, only bonus miles.
While the promotion is widely available, your offers may vary substantially. Some offers are only for premium bookings. TPG’s Managing Editor of News Clint Henderson, though, had an offer for 4,000 bonus points with any bookings, including main cabin.
Deal basics CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Airline: American Airlines
How to book: Register for the promo via your AAdvantage account then simply book the flights.
Book by: July 22, 2024
Travel dates: Fly between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, 2024.
How to register for the bonus
The bonus points are earnable after flying various amounts of qualifying flights. To check whether you’ve been targeted for the offer and are eligible to earn the bonus points, you’ll need to log in to your AAdvantage account via aa.com or the American Airlines app. Once you’re logged in you then need to navigate your way to the “Promotions” tab, where you’ll see all the current promotions you’re eligible for.
The 4,000 bonus points promotion looks like this:
AA.COM
It’s worth noting that the promotion you see will vary.
Note that you’ll need to fly on American Airlines operated and marketed flights, not partner airlines, and only revenue (cash) tickets count, not award flights.
In terms of the finer details, if you do see the offer, it’s imperative that you register for it before you book your flights. You’ll then need to book two flights and ensure that you’ll be flying between August 1 and September 30, 2024.
The bonus miles should appear in your account within 14 days of completing the flight and won’t count towards Loyalty Points, only AAdvantage miles.
TPG’s July valuations currently have AAdvantage miles at 1.55 cents, making the 4,000 bonus worth around $62. It’s not too shabby, considering you’ll be earning the points on top of the regular points earnings you’ll make for the flights booked.
Best travel credit cards to maximize your purchase
If you book this deal and want to maximize your spending on fees, taxes or other add-ons, use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as:
The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees): 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 2 points per dollar spent on travel
American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees): 3 points per dollar spent on air travel
Bottom line
American Airlines is running a new targeted promo offering as much as 20,000 bonus miles and upwards if you’re able to fly with them between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30. If you’re lucky enough to be targeted, this is an easy way to maximize the number of points you could earn from your flights.
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