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American Airlines lets members use AAdvantage miles for inflight snacks and drinks

American Airlines lets members use AAdvantage miles for inflight snacks and drinks
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Chris Nelson Associate credit cards writer | The Points Guy

American Airlines has introduced a new option for its AAdvantage members, allowing them to redeem miles for onboard snacks and alcoholic drinks. The prices for these items range from 500 to 1,100 miles. Complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea, juice, water, Biscoff cookies, and pretzels are still available on flights over 250 miles.

This new redemption option is applicable on American Airlines mainline flights but not on those operated by American Eagle. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased with cash or miles on domestic flights over 250 miles, while snacks are available on select flights over 1,300 miles. The selection of drinks and snacks may vary per flight.

To redeem miles for inflight purchases, members must ensure their AAdvantage number is linked to their booking. During the buy-on-board service, they need to present their boarding pass to the flight attendant who will scan it to deduct the appropriate number of miles from their account.

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Each AAdvantage mile is valued at 1 cent when used for buy-on-board items. This valuation is lower than The Points Guy's March 2025 valuation of AAdvantage miles at 1.65 cents each. Holders of select AAdvantage cobranded credit cards receive a 25% discount on inflight purchases made with an eligible card; however, this discount does not apply when using miles.

The option might appeal to those who fly occasionally with American Airlines and have a small number of unused miles nearing expiration.

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