I am often asked what the best way to earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles from England or the rest of the UK is. The number 1 way to collect AAdvantage Miles is by signing up for air miles credit cards. There used to be an MBNA AAdvantage UK credit card, but this is no longer available. This means that the Starwood American Express card, which earns 1 Starwood points per £1 GBP spent, is probably your best option.
This earning rate equates to 1 AA mile per £1 GBP spent. Crucially, if you convert your SPG points to AA miles in 20,000 lots, then you actually get a rate of 1.25 miles per £1 GBP spent, as long as you convert in chunks of 20,000 points. This is because when you convert 20,000 SPG to AA miles, you get a bonus 5,000 miles for making the conversion.
If you sign up for the Starwood Amex from my referral link, you will get 11,000 bonus miles when you hit your spend target. You can find out more in my review of the Starwood Amex. drop me an email for a referral to get extra referral bonus points.
Is this a good deal?
Well, it really depends on what your travel plans are. I prefer to use my SPG points at Marriott properties. But this is largely because I have a large volume of British Airways Avios, so can happily fly transatlantic on my pile of Avios.
Is There Another Way To Fly AA On Miles?
Yes! Collect Avios and book on AA via the British Airways website! Mileage rates can differ, but in the UK, you have many more options for collecting Avios in the UK than you do AA miles. On the New York route, American Airlines Business Class currently costs 60,000 Avios vs. British Airways Business Class costing 50,000 Avios. They have the same taxes and fees. Find out whether you should book AA or BA with your Avios.
Avios offer a good way to fly about within America too.
How To Collect Avios
Firstly, make sure all your purchases are made via the Avios e-store to collect Avios on your day-to-day spend. There are loads of Avios to be earned from Apple products to flower purchases.
Credit cards also offer a great option. I usually book my British Airways flights for free on air miles and American Express Rewards, which convert directly to Avios (along with other airline miles). The free Amex Gold Card is an incredible deal with a huge free bonus of Membership Rewards and even more if you apply through our referral link. You can apply for the UK & US card right here.
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