If you recently took an eligible flight but didn’t have the AAdvantage® miles added to your account, you can still claim them. You’ll need your AAdvantage® number (that’s your frequent flyer ID for American Airlines) and your ticket number.
Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for claiming missing miles and tips for ensuring your AAdvantage® miles post every time.
What are missing AAdvantage® miles?
Missing miles are the frequent flyer miles that you’ve earned by taking flights but haven’t been credited to your account. You might be missing miles if you forgot to add your frequent flyer number at booking or check-in, or if there was an error in processing your flight data.
Claiming missing miles
If you’re missing miles, you can fill out a simple form to request them. You’ll need your ticket number and AAdvantage® number. You can usually find your ticket number on your (physical or digital) ticket or in your booking confirmation email. You can request missing miles if it’s been at least 3 days since your flight.
What flights earn AAdvantage® miles?
There are plenty of ways to earn miles, including with a Citi® / AAdvantage® card like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, but here’s how you can earn by taking flights.
You can earn miles on most American Airlines flights, as well as flights operated by oneworld alliance members and other select partners. AAdvantage® members can also earn miles when they book with preferred travel agencies (note, however, that you cannot earn miles on basic economy fares booked through preferred travel agencies). If you book through a partner airline or preferred travel agency, just remember to include your AAdvantage® number.
How to prevent missing miles
While it’s easy to claim missing miles, there are a few ways to ensure your miles post correctly:
- Enter your AAdvantage® number at booking: Always include your AAdvantage® number when making reservations, whether booking directly with American Airlines, a partner airline or a travel agency
- Check your boarding pass: Make sure your frequent flyer number appears on your boarding pass. If it’s not there, and if you have time, you can visit the check-in counter and ask an agent to add it.
- Keep travel documents: Having a physical or digital copy of your ticket can make it easier to submit a claim if miles don’t post
- Keep an eye on your account: Regularly check your AAdvantage® account to see whether miles from recent flights have posted
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
