July 23, 2025
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2 min read
American Airlines passengers can now use AAdvantage miles for inflight purchases
Loyal American Airlines passengers will now be able to use their AAdvantage miles for inflight purchases on all flights, expanding the option across the carrier’s entire network.
The new policy, which went into effect Tuesday, will allow travelers to redeem AAdvantage miles for inflight purchases on all regional flights, American Airlines confirmed to TPG. Previously, loyal travelers could only use their miles to purchase items on mainline flights.
“We are continuously looking for ways to enhance the travel journey for our customers and are thrilled to expand this new enhancement to all flights,” American wrote in a statement shared with TPG.
Points can be used to purchase alcoholic beverages (like beer, wine and liquor) on domestic flights over 250 miles and snacks on some flights over 1,100 miles, according to the airline. To use miles, travelers must ensure their AAdvantage number is attached to their reservation, and they must have their boarding pass ready when paying.
The cost of items varies, but some examples are:
- Wine for $10 or 1,000 miles
- Bud Light, Dos Equis and Truly Hard Seltzer for $9 or 900 miles
- Goose IPA or Heineken for $10 or 1,000 miles
- A fruit-and-cheese plate for $11 or 1,100 miles
- A steak-and-pimento-cheese sandwich with a side salad for $16 or 1,600 miles
- A Tostitos snack box for $7 or 700 miles
- Doritos Minis Cool Ranch bag for $5 or 500 miles
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In addition to using miles, travelers who order food or drinks with their eligible AAdvantage cobranded credit card or with their AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard will receive 25% savings as a statement credit. Travelers who pay with their AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard® will receive up to $25 back per day as statement credits.
American Airlines does offer complimentary meals and beverages on certain flights, such as on long-haul international routes and in Flagship First between Hawaii and both Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.