From now until 8th October 2019, American Airlines is offering up to 42,500 bonus miles + 10% discount when you purchase AAdvantage Miles. Here are the details:
To push the cost to its lowest, you need to buy exactly 100,000 miles in order to purchase at the rate of 2.03 US cents/mile (142,500 AAdvantage Miles for $2,887.99).
Things to Note Before You Purchase Miles
- AAdvantage accounts must be more than 29 days old.
- A maximum of 150,000 miles can be purchased per calendar year in any one account.
Should I Buy Miles Now?
| Period | US Cents Per Mile |
| Oct 2019 | 2.03 |
| Sept 2019 | 2.08 |
| Aug 2019 | 1.84 |
| July 2019 | 1.72 |
| June 2019 | 1.72 |
| May 2019 | 1.72 |
| March to April 2019 | 1.92 |
| Feb 2019 | 1.72 |
| Jan 2019 | 1.72 |
From the table above, you probably would have come to the conclusion that you should not use this chance to buy AAdvantage miles now. Nevertheless, I will not strongly advise against buying miles at 2.03 US cents/mile, you can still get a cheap First/Business Class ticket:
- One way between US and Asia on Cathay Pacific Business Class for 70,000 miles ($1,421)
- One way between US and Middle East on Qatar Airways Business Class for 70,000 miles ($1,421)
- One way between Europe and Middle East on Qatar Airways Business Class for 57,500 miles ($1167)
- One way between Asia and Middle East on Etihad First Class for 50,000 miles ($1,015)
Conclusion
While there is a good chance that AAdvantage miles will be selling at 1.72 US cents again, I would not stop you from buying miles through this promotion. It is still a cheap First/Business Class ticket, especially when compared to the conventional way of booking a revenue ticket directly. Do note that it will be American Airlines that will be processing this transaction. It is advisable to use a credit card that gives you good miles for airfare purchases.