American Airlines lets you transfer miles to another person through their AAdvantage program, but the process has specific rules about who can receive them and how much it costs.
You can transfer miles to a family member, friend, or anyone else with an AAdvantage account. American Airlines charges a fee based on how many miles you move: the cost is $0.01 per mile, with a minimum fee of $5.95 and a maximum of $99.95 per transfer. So transferring 10,000 miles would cost $99.95 (the maximum), while transferring 500 miles would cost $5.95 (the minimum).
The person receiving your miles must have an active AAdvantage account before you start the transfer. If they don't have one, they can open it free at aa.com. Once their account exists and is linked to their name and email, you can send miles to them.
Key Takeaways
- You pay $0.01 per mile to transfer, capped at a maximum of $99.95 per transfer, with a $5.95 minimum charge.
- The recipient must have an active AAdvantage account before you initiate the transfer.
- You complete the transfer through your AAdvantage account online at aa.com under Account Services.
- The transfer typically processes within one to two business days once American Airlines approves it.
- Miles transferred as a gift may have tax implications for the recipient, depending on the amount and your relationship.
How to transfer miles through your AAdvantage account
Log into your AAdvantage account at aa.com using your username and password. Go to the Account Services section, then select the option for transferring miles. You'll see a field asking for the recipient's AAdvantage number and their email address — make sure both are correct before proceeding.
Enter the number of miles you want to transfer. The system will show you the exact fee you'll pay. Review the total (miles plus fee) and confirm that you're ready to proceed. American Airlines will charge the fee to the payment method on file for your account.
After you submit the transfer request, American Airlines reviews it — this usually takes one to two business days. Once approved, the miles appear in the recipient's account automatically. You'll receive a confirmation email, and so will the recipient.
Restrictions on who can receive your miles
There are no restrictions based on relationship — you can transfer to a spouse, adult child, friend, or colleague. However, American Airlines does monitor for patterns that look like buying and selling miles for profit. If you repeatedly transfer large amounts to different accounts, the airline may flag the activity and deny future transfers.
The recipient's AAdvantage account must be in good standing. If their account has been closed or suspended, American Airlines will reject the transfer. The recipient can check their account status by logging in at aa.com or calling AAdvantage customer service at 800-882-8880.
Tax and gift considerations for transferred miles
Miles transferred as a gift may be considered taxable income to the recipient, depending on the amount and your relationship to them. The IRS does not have a clear ruling on personal mile transfers, but the safest approach is to treat large transfers as potential gifts. If you transfer a substantial amount to someone outside your when ready family, you may want to consult a tax professional.
If you're transferring miles to a spouse or dependent, the tax risk is lower, though still not zero. Keep records of the transfer, including the date, amount, and fee paid. If the IRS ever questions the transaction, documentation helps show it was a legitimate gift rather than an undisclosed sale.
Alternatives to transferring miles directly
If you don't want to pay the transfer fee, you can use your miles to buy a ticket and give it to someone else. Book the flight in your name, then contact American Airlines to request a name change on the ticket. Name changes are usually free if done before the flight, though some restrictions explore depending on the fare type.
Another option is to transfer miles to a travel partner. American Airlines has partnerships with other airlines and hotel chains. You can move your miles to a partner program and the recipient can use those miles there instead. This avoids the per-mile fee, though the exchange rate may not be favorable.
You can also add an authorized user to your AAdvantage account. This person can use your miles to book flights without a formal transfer. However, they don't own the miles — you retain full control, and the miles stay in your account.
What happens if the transfer is denied
American Airlines may deny a transfer request if the recipient's account is closed, if there's a spelling error in the account number or email, or if the airline suspects fraudulent activity. You'll receive an email explaining the reason for the denial.
If the account number or email was wrong, correct it and resubmit. If the account is closed, ask the recipient to reopen it and try again. If American Airlines suspects fraud, you may need to contact AAdvantage customer service at 800-882-8880 to discuss the issue. Have your account number and the recipient's information ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer miles to someone who doesn't have an AAdvantage account yet?
No. The recipient must have an active AAdvantage account before you start the transfer. They can open one free at aa.com in a few minutes. Once their account is set up and confirmed, you can send miles to them.
How long does it take for transferred miles to show up?
American Airlines typically approves transfers within one to two business days. Once approved, the miles appear in the recipient's account when ready. You and the recipient both receive confirmation emails when the transfer is complete.
Can I transfer miles back to my own account if I change my mind?
Yes, you can transfer miles back to yourself if the recipient hasn't used them yet. You'll pay the same per-mile fee again. Contact AAdvantage customer service at 800-882-8880 if you need to reverse a transfer quickly.
Is there a limit to how many miles I can transfer at once?
American Airlines does not publish a single-transfer limit, but the maximum fee of $99.95 means transferring more than 9,995 miles in one transaction costs the same as transferring exactly 9,995. You can make multiple transfers to move larger amounts, though frequent large transfers may trigger fraud review.
What if the recipient's name doesn't match their AAdvantage account exactly?
The transfer goes to the AAdvantage account number, not the name. As long as you have the correct account number and email address on file, the transfer will process even if the name spelling differs slightly. Double-check the account number before submitting.