25 American Airlines Flight Hacks! {Tricks to Know Before You Fly}

Planning a vacation? Use these American Airlines Flight Hacks to travel smarter and to save as much money as possible!

Are you dreaming of your next getaway? Using savvy money saving tips to plan your vacation is the best way to stay on budget. So before you book your next flight, make sure you get in the know with these best American Airlines Flight Hacks.

These tips will help you avoid unnecessary fees, save money, and score some of the best perks available! Plus, when you know how to save money flying American Airlines, it’s so much easier to justify that vacation or trip you’ve been dreaming of!

So give these American Airlines tips a shot and see if you can find yourself some new ways to make your next trip cheaper, easier… and even more enjoyable!

If you’re wondering ‘How do I get the best price on American Airlines?’… here’s what you need to do…

American Airlines Flight Hacks

Related:

• How to Travel for Free or Cheap! {20 Budget Travel Hacks}

#1:  Fly FREE Using Your FREE American Airlines Gift Cards!

My favorite trick for scoring FREE flights on American Airlines flights is to cash out Swagbucks points for FREE American Airlines Gift Cards! You may even be able to use up to 8 gift cards per flight when purchasing your airfare! Plus, right now you can score 100 FREE SB Points when you sign up with Swagbucks using code FRUGAL100.

Then keep earning SB Points with the help of my 16 easy tips here: Best Ways to Earn Swagbucks.  The trick is to earn as many SB Points as possible, so you can get free American Airlines tickets faster. The more SB Points you earn, the more American Airlines Gift Cards you’ll score!

I can’t even begin to tell you just how many free airlines tickets I’ve purchased using FREE gift cards I’ve earned using Swagbucks!  Seriously… our family of 4 has flown all over the country over the years using just this 1 easy tip… which is definitely one of my very favorite travel hacks!

Here’s what your Frugal Friends have said about using Swagbucks to earn gift cards…

“Been using for many years, best ways to get cash back on where you shop” ~ Alexis

“Love Swagbucks!” ~ Lynn

“Swagbucks is widely considered one of the top companies online to receive free rewards. They constantly update the website with fresh ways to earn money, gift cards, and other rewards free of charge. The 16 tips you mentioned for people to earn with them will have people cashing out in no time. So many free easy ways to earn. I always try to hit my daily goal for easy Swagbucks 🙂” ~ Cacey

“I love Swagbucks!” ~ Brenda

I personally LOVE using Swagbucks, and have been cashing in SB Points to score Free Gift Cards every month for over 10 years now!

#2: Get Cash Back When You Purchase Tickets With a Cash Back Credit Card! {+ Get up to $200 Signup Bonus}

Have you tried credit card hacking yet?

Some credit cards offer cash back on every purchase in addition to generous sign up bonuses.  Go check out my favorite Cash Back & BIG Signup Bonus Credit Cards here…

Credit Card Hacking {How to Save BIG With Signup Bonuses & Cash Back}

#3: Sign up for the AAdvantage Program & Earn FREE Miles Every Time You Fly!

Before booking your flight… make sure to sign up for the AAdvantage Program to earn FREE miles for your flight! One of the highlights of the American AAdvantage program, is that you can use your points to book flights on a rather large number of partner airlines. American Airlines is part of the OneWorld alliance and it partners with literally dozens of different airlines.

Some of the partner airlines include:

• Alaska Airlines
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Finnair
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Iberia
• Japan Airlines and more.

This feature can make it so much easier to redeem your points and save money on airfare no matter where you plan to travel.

When deciding if a loyalty program is worth your time, pay attention to whether or not the points you earn will expire. American AAdvantage points DO expire if you have no new activity after 18 months. The easiest way to keep your points from expiring is to periodically use a no annual fee American Airlines credit card to make small purchases. This will ensure you are always adding fresh new points to your account, so your older points don’t expire.

Another way to keep your points from expiring is to use your AAdvantage number when booking a flight with a partner airline like British Airways or Iberia.

#4: Earn More FREE AAdvantage Miles When You Rent a Car or Stay in a Hotel!

You can also use your AAdvantage number to earn points when you use it to make hotel and car reservations with participating partners. American partners with a large number of hotels and car rental companies. Some American Airlines non-airline partners include Marriott Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Avis, and National Car Rentals.

#5: Sign Up for Exclusive American Airlines Email Offers & Bonus Mile Offers!

When you sign up for the AAdvantage program, be sure to opt in for emails about deals and offers. This is one of the easiest ways to find out about current sales and promotions. You can also go online to AA.com to find the latest deals and offers.

Then be on the lookout for Bonus Mile offers. These will often be offered if you make a reservation with a certain car rental or hotel partner.

#6: Search For American Airlines Flights Anonymously To Trick The System!

When shopping online for airfare, travel and airline websites will often use ‘cookies’ to keep track your searches. No… not chocolate chip cookies, but those virtual cookies that track your behavior. So how does this impact you? Here’s the deal. When cookies are being used, the longer you search for airfare, the more likely prices will actually increase.

I have had this happen to me on multiple airline and hotel websites. It’s the worst feeling to be working hard to get the best possible pricing… only to see prices shoot up for no apparent reason. What is likely happening, is that travel sites are using these price increases to pressure you. They know you’re interested, and they want you to make your purchase right now.

So what can you do to avoid cookies while searching for the best airfare prices? I recommend that you utilize your web browser’s private browsing or incognito mode.

• For Safari, select “File” from the menu bar, then “New Private Window.”
• For Chrome, select “File” from the menu bar, then “New Incognito Window.”

#7: Find Deals Using The American Airlines Fare Finder Map

If you’re flexible about where you want to go on vacation, consider using the Fare Finder Map to find hiden deals.

#8: Be Flexible… Nearby Airports Might Be Cheaper!

When looking for ways to score the very best deals on airfare, it pays to be flexible. So in addition to being flexible about what days you’re willing to travel, it also pays to be flexible about the airports you’re willing to fly into and the airlines you’re willing to use.

For example, if you just can’t find a price you’re happy with on American, don’t be afraid to check other airlines and nearby airports. Here in Phoenix, most people use the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. However, many low cost Allegiant Air flights are also offered out of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport located just 35 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Related: 35+ Southwest Airlines Hacks! {Tips To Know Before You Fly}

#9: Get 10% Off Tickets with a Military Discount {Military, Veterans & Family Members}

Did you know that American offers a military discount? To be eligible, be sure to sign up for the American Airlines Veterans Advantage Discount!

This offer is available for the following: Active-duty member, Military retiree, Military veteran, National Guard, or Reservist. You are even eligible as a family member, if you have been added to the primary subscriber account as a household family member.

Related: Best Military Discounts List!

#10: Military + Family Members Can Also Get FREE American Airlines Airport Lounge Access!

If you’re active duty military traveling in uniform on a same-day flight operated by American, be sure to take advantage of FREE airport lounge access! Military ID and boarding pass required. Immediate family (spouse and/or children under 18), or up to 2 guests can even come along!

#11: Compare Prices on Multiple Sites

When shopping for the best airfare deals, pricing will vary from website to website. So make sure to check pricing on at least three or four different websites that you trust. I recommend including AA.com as one of the sites you search. Remember, you can also be notified of sales and last minute deals when you sign up for emails from American.

Shelly writes: “I have found at times the actual airline website has the best deals.”

Kathi writes: “One way tickets are no longer cost prohibitive. Find the best fares on Tuesdays and use different airlines, like Southwest or Delta if it’s cheaper to do 2 one-way tickets.”

#12: Fly at Less Popular Times {Dates & Time of Day}

Are you able to be flexible about the time of day and the day of the week you can fly? Using a variety of dates and times when searching for flights can help you save BIG! To start, you can often score some of the cheapest airfare when you fly very early in the morning, or very late at night. Hey, there’s got to be some kind of perk for flying the red-eye!!

When searching for airfare, I like to view prices using a full month calendar view when possible. This makes comparing prices so much easier.

Also look for American flights on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These are usually the cheapest days for domestic flights on American.

Shelly writes: “Check airline sites and bargain ticket sites daily until a price shows within your budget. Be flexible with airports.”

Gina writes: “Look at prices based on days and months and book vacation around those options. Be flexible. Book early.”

Julie writes: “Fly on a Holiday. We have gotten great flight prices when we flew on July 4th and on Thanksgiving day.”

#13: What is the Best Day to Buy Tickets on American Airlines?

Kem writes: “Book and/or fly on a Tuesday. It makes a huge difference.”

#14: Save the Most Money When You Choose Basic Economy

You’ll usually score the lowest ticket pricing when you choose the “Basic Economy” pricing. While you won’t receive perks like assigned seating and early boarding, this is one of the easiest ways to consistently save money on airfare.

#15: Fly Earlier in the Day to Avoid Delays

There’s nothing worse than getting to the airport only to discover that your flight has been delayed.

To help minimize your risk of a delayed flight, simply fly earlier in the day. When you book late afternoon and evening flights, the chance of delays increases dramatically.  Basically, any delays that have occurred earlier in the day become compounded as the day goes on.

Lorraine writes: “First flight out is usually not delayed.”

#16: Plan Ahead to Avoid Missed Connections:

My top tip for always making your connecting flights is to avoid flights with short layovers.

Frugal friend Jean writes: Try not to have too close of layover times, just in case one flight is late.

Also, I recommend flying earlier in the day, sitting in the front of the plane, and planning ahead for how much time you will need at your connecting airport to successfully catch your connecting flight.  

#17: Don’t Check Your Luggage… Carry-On Bags Are FREE on American Airlines!

One of my favorite American Airlines Flight Hacks to save money is avoiding baggage fees. American will charge you for any luggage you check, but Carry-On Luggage is Free. So if you’re like me and don’t like paying those pesky baggage fees, try to fit everything you need in your carry-on. You can also take better advantage of the additional free personal item by bringing a larger purse, small backpack, or a small laptop case.

Carol writes: “Save luggage fees. Pack everything on a carryon.”

Related: 19 Carry On Must Haves For Your Next Flight!

#18: Clean Your Germy Tray Table, Armrests & Seatbelt Clasps Right Away!

I also always take along Sanitizing Wipes for cleaning my tray table and armrests on the plane!  It will definitely give you some peace of mind knowing it’s all squeaky clean!

Frugal friend Wendy writes… “Take a Ziploc bag with disinfectant wipes for the seats, bathrooms, hotels & tourist attractions on your trip.”

#19: Avoid a Pesky TSA Pat-down! {Don’t Ask Me How I Know}

Going through airport security can always be a bit of a hassle, but setting off the body scanners and having TSA security agents tell you it’s time for a full body pat down… now that’s something no one needs to endure!  Recently when I was flying, I set off the body scanner from the waist-down and received one of those pesky airport pat-downs.  Yikes, right?  The next time I went through security, I was good-to-go.  But let me tell you… I spent a lot of time picking the brains of the security agents telling me what I needed to do to avoid ever setting it off again!

The TSA Agent I was talking to said: “Sparkles regularly set it off.  Sparkles may even be found in the threads of your garments.  Also, the sensor is looking for any anomalies on your body.  Anything it thinks shouldn’t be there.”

So what does this all mean?  First of all, you’ll want to avoid any thick fabrics with your pants.  When I set it off, I was wearing thick denim capris.  I’ve actually set it off twice now… the only two times I flew in jeans.  So note to self: no jeans!  When I’ve flowing in skirts or cozy stretchy pants I’ve been just fine.

Also, don’t put anything in your pockets.  When I set it off I also had a bulky hair rubber band in my pocket that I was going to use to pull up my hair later that day.  The scanner may have caught that as something that shouldn’t have been on my body.

Finally, avoid anything sparkly.  Sparkles on your jeans pockets, bling on your shirts, any sparkly threads in your garments, etc.  Choosing the right outfit can make your big travel days so much better!

#20: Score TSA Pre-Check Like We Did!

Want to speed through TSA Security?  Simply signup for TSA Pre-Check and avoid the hassle!

#21: Save BIG When You Bring Food From Home!

So does American Airlines Serve Food on their flights? The answer is that most American Airlines transcontinental flights, international flights, and flights to Hawaii do include a complimentary meal. However, almost all other flights don’t! What you can expect to be served on flights over 250 miles is a light snack and a beverage like coffee, milk, juice or soda.

For shorter flights, the Biscoff cookies or pretzel snack you’ll be served probably won’t be enough to last you all day. So make sure to pack some of your favorite snacks from home, and take them through security.  You can snack on them at the airport while waiting for your flight, or take them on board as an in-flight treat!  The selection of food and snacks at the airport can be limited and the price can be crazy high, so this one thing will save you money even before you leave town!

Want to know what food you can bring through airport security and onto your American flight?  Be sure to check out the TSA Food I Can Bring Through Security Screening!

#22: Score Free In-Flight Entertainment

You can score Free In-Flight Entertainment on most flights without the need to pay for WiFi. The no-charge in-flight entertainment includes movies, TV shows and music.

Just make sure you download the American Airlines App before your trip. You’ll need the app to stream the free movies and shows to your phone or tablet.

#23: Do Infants Fly Free on American Airlines?

They sure do! Did you know that Babies Fly for Free on American? If you have a kiddo that is under 2 years of age, they can fly for free if they sit on the lap of anyone in your party that is age 16 or older. To take advantage of this American Airlines discount, you’ll need to call American Airlines reservations so they can include your child on your reservation.

Another family friendly perk that American Airlines provides is seating kids ages 15 and younger with adults. In fact, if you are unable to select seats that are together before your flight, they recommend not choosing seats at all. Instead, they claim that their “system” will detect you are a family traveling together from your reservation. The system will then try to find you seats that are together the day before your scheduled departure. You can also request assistance from the gate agents to help you find seats together before your flight leaves.

#24: Fly for Free on American Airlines Using These Side Hustles!

Looking for extra jobs to earn vacation money? Use these Side Hustles Ideas to entirely pay for your next vacation!

#25: Check Out My Top Budget Travel Tips for American Airlines Destinations…

I’ve put together travel tips for many of American Airlines top destinations. You can find the tips here on my 101 Frugal Travel Tips Destinations page. So don’t miss out… be sure to take advantage of these budget friendly travel tips to the top American Airlines Destinations:

• Alaska
• Albuquerque
• Atlanta
• Austin
• Boston
• Big Island of Hawaii
• Colorado Springs
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Denver
• Houston
• Idaho
• Kauai
• Key West
• Los Angeles
• Maui
• Memphis
• Miami
• Minneapolis
• Nashville
• New Orleans
• New York City
• Oahu
• Orlando
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix
• Portland
• Rome, Italy
• San Antonio
• San Diego
• Bay Area San Francisco
• Santa Barbara
• Savannah
• Seattle
• Tampa Bay
• Tucson
• Vancouver B.C.
• Washington D.C.
• Wilmington NC

So now that you’ve scored these American Airlines Flight Hacks, I have even more ideas to help you save money and make your next trip totally fabulous.

Saving as much money as possible while on vacation is always a good idea, so don’t miss any easy ways to save money while on vacation…

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Our family LOVES to travel, but it can be a bit pricey, so I’ve compiled a list of our favorite tried and true tips, tricks and travel hacks for How to Travel for Free or Cheap!

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So do you have any favorite American Airlines flight hacks or tips that have worked for you?

We’d love to hear!  

Leave a comment & share…