American Airlines has introduced a new way for AAdvantage members to use their miles¡ªby redeeming them for snacks and drinks while onboard. Starting now, passengers can use their hard-earned miles to purchase a range of inflight offerings, from alcoholic beverages to snacks, with prices starting as low as 500 miles.?
American Airlines already provides complimentary beverages¡ªsuch as soft drinks, coffee, tea, juice and water, as well as light snacks like Biscoff cookies and pretzels¡ªon flights over 250 miles. But, now, loyalty program members also have the opportunity to redeem miles for additional items on longer flights, when more options are available for purchase. The new service, which applies to mainline American Airlines flights (but not those operated by American Eagle), allows travelers to use their miles instead of cash for inflight treats.
Food and beverage options vary by flight, but passengers can expect to find snacks like Cool Ranch Doritos Minis, a fruit and cheese plate, or even alcoholic drinks like Bud Light, Goose IPA, Jack Daniel's whiskey, Bud Light and Tito¡¯s vodka on domestic flights longer than 250 miles. For longer flights exceeding 1,300 miles, additional snack choices are typically offered, as well.
AAdvantage members simply need to ensure that they¡¯ve included their AAdvantage number in their booking if they want to redeem miles for such items. Once on board, passengers must present their boarding pass¡ªeither a printed copy or a digital version on their device¡ªand flight attendants can scan the pass to deduct miles from the member¡¯s account.?
According to The Points Guy, customers should note that the redemption rate for these inflight purchases is one cent per mile. While this is a convenient way to use miles for onboard extras, it¡¯s worth considering that this rate is much lower than the outlet¡¯s March 2025 AAdvantage miles valuation of 1.65 cents each.
Additionally, certain AAdvantage cobranded credit card holders do enjoy a 25 percent discount on inflight purchases when paying with their eligible cards, but this benefit does not extend to those redeeming miles for snacks and drinks.
So, while using miles for inflight refreshments offers a convenient option, the value per mile is lower than it could be for more significant redemptions, such as long-haul flights or premium cabins. However, for those with a small number of miles or occasional flyers, this could be a useful way to make the most of miles that might otherwise expire.
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