5 Reasons To Get The AAdvantage Business Card
At times, people in miles and points miss the forest for the trees when it comes to airline miles. That is especially true when we are talking about domestic carrier airline miles. The knee jerk response is, well, I never fly XYZ airline. Stop, stop that line of thinking right now! Instead, ask yourself why does ToP often suggest the AAdvantage Business Card as an option? Are there other uses for American Airlines miles I should consider? Yes, yes to all of that. Here are 6 reasons to get the AAdvantage Business card.
Taking A Break From Chase
This card is unique in that it's Citibank's only business card, which means it is a great way to take a break while not hurting your 5/24 count. Knowing the application rules for the card and remembering velocity are important. As we progress in the hobby, we need to think outside the box a bit and look at other options sometimes. Probably spacing our applications across multiple banks allows us more success with our approvals. It also allows us to have the right fit or need to a particular booking without scrambling. Having more tools in our toolbelt is always a good thing.
So Many More Uses Than Just Flying American Airlines
The biggest mistake people make with the AAdvantage Business card is thinking it isn't useful since they don't fly American or live in one of their hubs. As I alluded to, you never need to fly XYZ airlines, or in this case American Airlines. We should think about this with everything when it comes to redemptions. I have flown to Europe multiple times in Delta One yet have never booked those flights on Delta. Looking at this card in totality requires the same thought process.
Flying Alaska Airlines Domestically
Use your American Airlines miles to fly Alaska Airlines or any other Oneworld partner. In this case, Alaska Airlines may have flight routes that American does not.
For many in an area where Alaska flies, it's an example of how you can use those miles for harder-to-reach destinations, like Alaska or Hawaii.
Flying To Japan Or Asia
How about flying Japan Airlines for 60k in business? Perhaps you want to spend 80k and fly Japan's first class instead? Both are great reasons to get the AAdvantage Business card and rack up some miles for your account.
It is also well known for last minute availability so I love having a stash of American miles ready to book this popular route. Often times about two weeks out, you will start to see availability on Japan Airlines using your American Airlines miles. Your best route of action if interested is to study ahead of time and look for trends.
Flying Q Suites
Booking Q Suites flights with American Airlines miles is a favorite redemption of many. While it is true that availability can seem hard to come by, so you need to be ready when it is. Qatar is known for releasing lots of availability in waves for 70,000 American Airlines miles. That is an amazing reason to get the AAdvantage Business Card so you are ready to strike when the iron is hot.
Another outside-the-box route is coming back from Asia. One example is flying from Asia to many European cities for 75,000 miles in business or 90,000 in first class. I like to use Google Flights to identify routes with Qsuites. Maybe part of a longer trip but either way that is at least 16 hours in business or first class.
American Airlines Isn't Too Shabby Internationally Either
I know we said you don't need to fly American Airlines to use the miles you earn from the AAdvantage Business card, but it shouldn't be overlooked either. Their domestic routing may not work for you, but their international options could be beneficial.
How does 57.5k American Airlines miles to Europe sound? While you may see plenty of British Airways routes, those taxes will be high. Look for routes where American Airlines flies their own product, as you will have much less in taxes and fees.
Flying to Japan is another option if you can not find space on Japan Airlines. While American's own metal will not offer quite the same experience, you will be plenty comfortable for the long flight.
American also offers a ton of coverage in South America that could be beneficial for future trips. I know there was an amazing sale back from Rio, Brazil for only 45,000 American Airlines miles in business class a little while back.
These are just a few examples of where American can take you own its own aircraft.
Diversification
Just as we are taught to diversify our investments, we should look at miles and points in the same way. It is important to have lots of options available in order to secure the best deal possible. We love transferrable currencies as much as anyone, but American doesn't play nice with them. That means it is always beneficial to have some miles ready and willing for when the need arises. The AAdvantage Business card can help you get prepared.
Makes American Airlines Miles Transfers … More Interesting
I am not going to go into a ton on this one, since Mark did a full write up on the process a while back. It is still worth noting, since it's a great perk of the AAdvantage Business Card. The addition of the AAdvantage business program opened up some doors when it comes to miles transfers. The business card helps grant you access to that program, which in turn makes American Airlines miles transfers completely free. Check out the write up for more details.
5 Reasons To Get The AAdvantage Business Card: ToP Thoughts
American Airlines miles have so many great uses not only on their own product, but even more so with their great Oneworld partners. Don't get caught up looking at only the name on the side of the plane, or the top of the card, since miles are more versatile than that. The AAdvantage Business card can give you a currency to use in a pinch, or when other currencies just will not work for your needs. So lets stop overlooking American Airlines miles and realize they have a spot for us, as does the credit card.
Have you overlooked these miles? Not realizing the value? Come over to our ToP Facebook Group and let us know your thoughts.
