Can’t decide between American Airlines or British Airways frequent flyer programs? We have been witness to a lot of changes within both programs, which makes it a little harder to decide between either of the two. What makes the...

Can’t decide between American Airlines or British Airways frequent flyer programs? We have been witness to a lot of changes within both programs, which makes it a little harder to decide between either of the two. What makes the decision easier is that both airlines have been oneworld partners since 1999 when oneworld alliance first launched. Since then their partnership has gone from strength to strength. Frequent flyers can use British Airlines Avios with American Airlines and vice versa. When it comes down to American Airlines miles vs British Airways miles the comparison of the two loyalty programs will make it relatively easier to decide which one is more suited for you.

American Airlines VS British Airways: Which airline Is Better for Travelers Flying from US to The UK

British Airways

During the summer British Airways closed their Avios rewards program, transferring their member’s points to British Airways Executive Club (which sounds fancy). It’s important to note that Avios as a currency hasn’t closed it is just the travel rewards program that is no more. This move has provided opportunities to frequent flyers to collect and spend airline miles.

A shift to a new program has ensured a smoother online experience, with more ways to spend and collect Avios miles, and also enjoy tier benefits. The British Airways Executive Club has four membership tiers.

Blue membership

Frequent flyers become Blue members as soon as they sign up to the loyalty program. Some of the features included in this tier are:

Collect Avios Collect Tier Points Exclusive member-only offers on shopping and travel Bronze Membership

You can level up to this tier after you collect 300 Tier Points during your membership year. As an upgraded Bronze member, you receive:

All of the features provided to Blue members 25% bonus on Avios flights (terms and conditions apply) Priority check-in and boarding Members also get free seat selection seven days before boarding Silver Membership

Qualify for Silver tier benefits after you have earned 600 Tier Points during your membership year. Some of the benefits include:

All of the features provided to Bronze members 50% bonus on Avios flights (terms and conditions apply) Priority is given over Blue and Bronze members on reservation waiting lists and airport standbys. Free seat selection when booking an airline ticket Access to business class lounges all over the world Extra baggage allowance Reservation Assurance: members can book last minute economy seat on all British Airways flights, even when the flight is full. Silver members also have select privileges with partner Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Gold Membership

Members can reach gold status after they earn 1,500 Tier Points within the first membership year. When you’re a gold member you get:

All of the features provided to Silver members 100% bonus on Avios flights (terms and conditions apply) Members get access to First Lounges Access to additional reward flights Free complimentary spa treatments at certain airports. Gold members also get select privileges with partners Mandarin Oriental Group, Avis Rental Service and Langham Hotels.

Things You Need To Know Before You Buy American Airline Miles Online

American Airlines

American Airlines has a similar tier system to British Airways and the perks are similar as well. The airline’s loyalty program isn’t faring as well as British Avios miles, and because of that a lot of frequent flyers have been crediting their miles to the latter. This is what you can expect from an American Airline tier system.

Basic Membership

The loyalty program lets its members earn five award miles for every dollar that is spent on American Eagle, American and Oneworld partners. When you’re sitting comfortably on the basic tier you can use your miles toward flights, vacations, upgrades, hotels, car rentals and other retail products. The features of the tier are:

Ability to earn and use American AAdvantage points AAdvantage Gold

In order to reach this tier, you need to spend $3,000 EQDs and earn either 30EQSs or 25,000 EQMs within one calendar year. With this status, you can earn seven award miles per dollar spent or a 40% mileage bonus. If you can earn 1 million total AAdvantage miles you’ll be able to retain Gold status for life and receive 35,000 bonus airline miles.

Ability to earn and use points Free checked bags Priority boarding/seating Free cabin upgrades Expedited security AAdvantage Platinum

In order to reach this elite tier, you have to spend $6,000 EQDs and accrue 50,000 EQMs or 60 EQSs in one membership year. This status lets you earn eight miles per dollar spent or a 60% mileage bonus. An addition of million miles will grant you four more system-wide upgrades. Benefits include:

Ability to earn and use points Free checked bags Priority boarding/seating Free cabin upgrades Expedited security Lounge access AAdvantage Platinum Pro

This tier requires members to spend $9,000 and collect 75,000 EQMs or 90 EQSs. Frequent flyers can earn nine miles per every dollar spent or an 80% mileage bonus. Some of the benefits include

Ability to earn and use points Free checked bags Priority boarding/seating Free cabin upgrades Expedited security Lounge access

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, you have to know what your priorities are when it comes to American Airlines miles Vs. British Airways miles. This is because both airlines are close-knit, and their miles can be used in conjunction with each other. Travel agents and mileage brokers can buy prefilled airline miles accounts from both airlines at a very reasonable price. Check and see which of the two works for you, and as a travel agent or a mileage broker see which of the two is more in demand.

The post British Miles vs American Miles appeared first on BuyMiles Blog.

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