The American Airlines AAdvantage programme was the first of its kind when it was established in 1981. Points or miles are earned by making purchases through American Airlines or their partners - which includes flights, car rentals, accommodation and cruises. These can then be redeemed on a range of similar products, as well as cabin upgrades and experience days. The sheer scale of options available with AAdvantage is its main appeal, with miles exchangeable for flights to over 1000 destinations. Generally speaking, redeeming points on airfare represents the best value for money.

Once you have enough points, you will start to unlock Elite Status. The first of these - AAdvantage Gold - starts at 30,000, with perks like free checked-in luggage, cabin upgrades and priority boarding growing as you move through the ranks.

When you fly with American Airlines, you can choose from six different types of seats. Every one of these comes with some free snacks and soft drinks as well as inflight entertainment

Basic Economy

Earn miles by flying
Same-day flight changes and standby
Priority privileges
1 carry-on
Last to board
Seats allocated at check-in

Main Cabin

Earn miles by flying
Same-day flight changes and standby
No change fees (with a fully flexible booking)
Same day flight change and standby
1 carry-on
Free seat selection

Main Cabin Extra

Upgrades from main cabin to main cabin extra are available from $20 and offer a little more luxury to the journey

 Earn miles by flying
 No change fees (with a fully flexible booking)
 Same day flight change and standby
 1 carry-on
 Early boarding
 Extra legroom

Premium Economy

 Earn miles by flying
 Same day flight change and standby
 1 carry-on
 Early boarding
 Wider seats and more leg room than main cabin
 Complimentary restaurant quality food and alcoholic beverages
 Free Wi-Fi and power sockets
 Speedy check-in

Business

 Earn miles by flying
 Same day flight change and standby
 One carry-on + two to three checked-in bags
 Early boarding
 Wider seats + extra legroom
 Complimentary restaurant quality food and beverages
 Free Wi-Fi and power sockets
 Speedy check-in
 Lounge access before certain flights
 Complimentary pillows and blankets
 Dedicated check-in counter
 Priority baggage delivery

First Class

 Earn miles by flying
 Same-day flight change and standby
 One carry-on + two to three checked-in bags
 First to board
 Wider seats + extra legroom
 Complimentary restaurant quality food and beverages
 Free Wi-Fi and power sockets
 Speedy check-in
 Lounge access before certain flights
 Complimentary pillows and blankets
 Dedicated check-in counter
 Priority baggage delivery

*Some first and business-class flights may have Flagship tickets available which offer the additional perks of access to the Flagship lounge, lie-down seats and a higher level of service