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Program Comparison

American AAdvantage vs United MileagePlus

A detailed comparison of American AAdvantage and United MileagePlus to help you decide which loyalty program is the best fit for your travel needs.

American AAdvantage

American Airlines

United MileagePlus

United Airlines

OneWorld
Alliance
Star Alliance
miles
Currency
miles
5 base miles per $1 on American flights. Elite bonuses: Gold 7, Platinum 8, Platinum Pro 9, Executive Platinum 11 miles per $1. Basic Economy does not earn miles
Earn Rate
5 base miles per $1 on eligible United flights. Elite bonuses: Silver +40%, Gold +60%, Platinum +80%, 1K +100%
1.3¢ per mile
Avg Value
1.2¢ per mile
AAdvantage Gold, AAdvantage Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, AAdvantage Executive Platinum
Elite Tiers
Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, Global Services
Miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Co-branded credit card holders and members under 21 are exempt
Expiration
Miles do not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing
Marriott Bonvoy, British Airways Avios
Transfer Partners
Marriott Bonvoy, Chase Ultimate Rewards
OneWorld alliance travelers and those based at AA hubs (DFW, CLT, MIA, PHX, PHL)
Best For
Frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN)

Choose American AAdvantage if you...

OneWorld alliance travelers and those based at AA hubs (DFW, CLT, MIA, PHX, PHL). American Airlines' loyalty program using Loyalty Points for elite qualification. Status year runs March through February.

Choose United MileagePlus if you...

Frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN). United Airlines' loyalty program offering miles for flights, upgrades, and partner purchases across the Star Alliance network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, American AAdvantage or United MileagePlus?

It depends on your travel patterns. American AAdvantage is best for oneworld alliance travelers and those based at aa hubs (dfw, clt, mia, phx, phl). United MileagePlus is best for frequent domestic us travelers and star alliance flyers based at united hubs (ord, ewr, iah, sfo, den). Consider your home airport, preferred destinations, and how often you travel when choosing.

Do American AAdvantage or United MileagePlus miles expire?

American AAdvantage: Miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Co-branded credit card holders and members under 21 are exempt. United MileagePlus: Miles do not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing.

Can I transfer points between American AAdvantage and United MileagePlus?

While you can't transfer directly between American AAdvantage and United MileagePlus, they share transfer partners through credit card programs, which can serve as a bridge.

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