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Fewer Fees, More Flexibility for AAdvantage Members

American Airlines makes changes in its frequent flyer program, extending pause on mileage expiration through June 30, 2021

by Business Traveler

November 17, 2020

Good news for American Airlines AAdvantage program members in 2021. The airline is eliminating most fees on award tickets and extending mileage validity.

AAdvantage members no longer pay a service charge when booking an award ticket through reservations. When members need to cancel an eligible award ticket, they will also no longer pay a reinstatement fee to put their miles back in to their AAdvantage account. If the cancellation is made on aa.com, miles can be instantly redeposited in most cases.

“Flexibility in travel has never mattered more to our AAdvantage members,” said Rick Elieson, president of the AAdvantage program. “Our goal is to make it as easy to travel as possible and give them a loyalty program that suits their needs in our ever-changing world.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, American has extended its pause on mileage expiration through June 30, 2021. The AAdvantage program provides members several ways to maintain account activity through flights, hotels, car rentals and everyday activities such as shopping and dining. (As a reminder, miles belonging to AAdvantage members under the age of 21 do not expire.)

aa.com