If you’re collecting American Airlines AAdvantage miles, one of the biggest concerns is whether those hard-earned miles expire. The good news is AAdvantage miles do not expire for most members anymore.
American Airlines updated its policy to make earning and keeping miles much easier for travelers, ensuring that your rewards stay safe without constant activity.
Below is a complete explanation of the current rules, exceptions, and how you can keep your miles active effortlessly.
Do American Airlines Miles Expire? (Short Answer)
No — American Airlines AAdvantage miles do not expire for active members.
In 2020, American Airlines permanently eliminated mileage expiration for most travelers.
That means:
- Your miles stay in your account as long as you remain an AAdvantage member
- You are no longer required to earn or redeem miles every 18 months
- You can save miles for future trips without worrying about losing them
This change makes the AAdvantage program one of the most flexible mileage programs in the industry.
Is There Any Situation Where American Airlines Miles Expire?
Yes — there is one major exception:
AAdvantage miles can expire for members under age 21.
Young members under 21 years old must show at least one account activity every 24 months to prevent expiration.
Activity includes:
- Earning miles
- Redeeming miles
- Taking an eligible flight
- Earning through AAdvantage partners (hotels, car rentals, dining, etc.)
Once the member turns 21, the miles become permanently non-expiring.
Why American Airlines Changed Its Expiration Policy
American Airlines eliminated mileage expiration to:
- Reward loyal travelers
- Simplify account management
- Compete with programs like Delta SkyMiles (also no expiration)
- Encourage more customers to join and stay engaged
This policy allows members to focus on earning and planning future trips without worrying about losing miles due to inactivity.
Do Award Miles Expire If You Cancel a Flight?
No. If you use miles to book a flight and later cancel:
- The miles are refunded back to your account
- They do not expire after the refund
- Taxes and fees are refunded to your original payment method
This flexibility makes booking award travel risk-free.
Do Miles Expire If You Close Your AAdvantage Account?
Yes — if you close your AAdvantage account voluntarily or due to fraud concerns, American Airlines can:
- Terminate the account
- Remove all earned miles
As long as your account remains in good standing, your miles are safe.
How to Keep Miles Active for Travelers Under Age 21
If you’re under 21 or managing an account for a child or teen, it’s easy to keep miles from expiring.
Here are simple ways to show account activity:
- 1. Take an American Airlines or partner flight
Even a short domestic flight keeps miles active.
- 2. Use an AAdvantage credit card
Making a small purchase earns miles automatically.
- 3. Shop through the AAdvantage eShopping portal
Buying everyday items online can earn miles.
- 4. Dine at AAdvantage Dining restaurants
Link your card and earn miles every time you eat out.
- 5. Redeem miles for seat upgrades, magazines, or partner rewards
Any redemption counts as account activity.
- 6. Earn miles through hotel or car rental partners
Most global brands are AAdvantage partners, so earning is simple.
Even one activity every 24 months is enough.
How to Check the Status of Your American Airlines Miles
To make sure your miles are safe, log in to your AAdvantage account and review:
- Current mileage balance
- Upcoming travel
- Earned miles activity
- Redeemed miles history
AA also shows whether your miles are protected or if activity is required for those under 21.
Tips to Make the Most of Your American Airlines Miles
Now that your miles don’t expire, it’s easier to save for bigger rewards — but you should still maximize their value.
Here’s how:
1. Book award flights during off-peak seasons
You’ll need fewer miles for popular routes.
2. Use miles for partner airlines
Flights through Oneworld partners often offer better value.
3. Redeem miles for upgrades
This is one of the best-value uses of AAdvantage miles.
4. Watch for AAdvantage mileage sales and promotions
Sometimes you can stretch miles further with special offers.
5. Use the AA app to track redemption opportunities
It shows real-time award availability.
Why This Policy Benefits Travelers
The elimination of mileage expiration helps travelers because:
- You can take time to save for long-haul flights
- Casual flyers don’t lose miles for inactivity
- Families can save miles together without stress
- You avoid the fear of losing rewards due to missed deadlines
Whether you travel monthly or once a year, your AAdvantage miles remain secure.
Conclusion: American Airlines Miles Do Not Expire for Most Members
To summarize:
- ✔ AAdvantage miles do NOT expire for anyone 21 or older
- ✔ Miles for members under 21 expire only if there’s no activity for 24 months
- ✔ Any earning or redemption activity resets the clock
- ✔ Award miles returned after cancellation do not expire
American Airlines makes it easy for travelers to keep their miles safe and usable for future trips. Whether you’re earning miles from flights, shopping, dining, or using an AA credit card, your rewards remain protected for as long as you stay an active member.