Passengers flying with American Airlines can now use their AAdvantage miles to purchase food and drinks onboard, offering a new way to spend loyalty points beyond flight redemptions. Since March 18, members of the AAdvantage frequent flyer program have been able to use their points to pay for items from the airline’s buy-onboard menu, making in-flight purchases more flexible and convenient.
The program applies to select domestic flights, allowing passengers to exchange miles for snacks and alcoholic beverages. The redemption rate is set at one cent per point, meaning a snack that costs $5 can be purchased for 500 miles, while a $10 beverage will require 1,000 miles.
Passengers on flights longer than 250 miles (402 km) can purchase alcoholic drinks, while snacks are available on routes exceeding 1,300 miles (2,092 km). Complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea, and snacks remain available on flights longer than 250 miles.
For those looking to indulge, the airline’s buy-onboard menu features a variety of options. Snacks include Doritos Minis Cool Ranch, Select Harvest Sea Salt Roasted Almonds, and a Fruit and Cheese Plate, priced at $5, $8, and $11 in cash or 500, 800, and 1,100 miles, respectively.
Alcoholic beverages are also available for redemption. Beer options include Bud Light, Dos Equis, and Truly Hard Seltzer for $9 (900 miles), while premium choices like Goose IPA and Heineken are priced at $10 (1,000 miles). Wine lovers can enjoy a glass of red, white, or sparkling wine for the same rate. Spirits, served in double measures of 50 ml, include popular brands such as Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Aviation American Gin, and Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey—all available for $10 or 1,000 miles.
This new initiative offers frequent flyers more flexibility in how they use their loyalty points, providing an additional perk for AAdvantage members who want to enjoy a treat while traveling.
