Yes, you can use AAdvantage miles for car rentals, but it's often not the best value. You can book rentals directly through the American Airlines portal or by transferring miles to specific travel partners. The key is understanding the conversion rate, as the cents-per-mile value is typically low—often around 0.5 to 1.0 cent. For most travelers, saving miles for flight redemptions provides a much higher return.
How to Book a Car Rental with Miles
You have two primary methods. The first is booking directly on the American Airlines website. Navigate to the "Cars" section alongside flights and hotels, enter your travel details, and you'll see options to pay with a combination of miles and cash or entirely with miles. The second method involves transferring your AAdvantage miles to a partner loyalty program like Budget or Avis, though this requires a significant number of miles and transfer times can vary.
Understanding the Value
The main drawback is the poor redemption value. Car rentals are a commodity service with frequent cash discounts, promo codes, and competitive pricing. Using miles might lock you into a non-refundable rate that is higher than a cash rate you could find elsewhere. It's crucial to do the math before committing.
| Rental Company Partner | Typical Miles Required (Per Day, Midsize Car) | Estimated Cash Value (Equivalent) | Cents-Per-Mile Value |
|---|
| Avis (via AA portal) | 5,000 - 7,500 miles | $50 - $75 | ~1.0 cent |
| Budget (via AA portal) | 4,500 - 6,500 miles | $45 - $65 | ~1.0 cent |
| Hertz (via Pointbreaks) | 1,500 - 3,000 miles | $30 - $60 | ~1.5 - 2.0 cents |
| National Car Rental | 6,000 - 9,000 miles | $60 - $90 | ~1.0 cent |
| Enterprise | 5,500 - 8,000 miles | $55 - $80 | ~1.0 cent |
When It Might Make Sense
There are niche scenarios where using miles could be worthwhile. If you have a small balance of miles expiring soon and no plans to fly, it's better than losing them. Occasionally, American Airlines runs "MileSAAver" promotions on car rentals, offering significantly better rates. Also, if you need a last-minute rental during a peak travel period when cash prices are exorbitant, using miles might provide a fixed, more predictable cost.
