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United vs. American Airlines
On the published numbers, American Airlines carries the higher valuation, but the right answer depends on where you actually fly or stay.
At a glance
| United | American Airlines | |
|---|---|---|
| TPG valuation | 1.4¢ | 1.6¢ |
| NerdWallet valuation | 1.2¢ | 1.3¢ |
| Currency | Single-program | Single-program |
| Expiration | Does not expire | 24 mo inactivity |
| Parent | United Airlines | American Airlines |
United MileagePlus
United runs identity verification on award redemptions and account changes. Our specialists coordinate with the account holder by phone to authorize the transaction within United standard flow.
- United Polaris Business, US to Europe one-way:75,000 to 100,000miles via United
- Lufthansa First Class via partner award:125,000 to 165,000miles via Lufthansa via United
- ANA First Class via partner award:125,000 to 165,000miles via ANA via United
American Airlines AAdvantage
Airline loyalty programs require careful handling. Over the last decade, we have perfected a manual, discreet process. Every ticket is issued individually by our specialists, protecting your personal account details and transaction history.
- Qatar Qsuite Business, US to Doha one-way:85,000 to 105,000miles via Qatar Airways
- British Airways Club World, Transatlantic one-way:60,000 to 80,000miles via British Airways (off-peak)
- Domestic First Class, US transcon:50,000 to 70,000miles via American Airlines
When to sell either for cash
If neither balance lines up with a redemption that beats its cash value, selling is the move. The payout is personalized, so check a quote for whichever balance you are sitting on.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions, answered straight.
Independent valuations put United near 1.4 cents and American Airlines near 1.6 cents. A valuation is an average, though. What you get depends on the specific redemption you can book.
Not directly. These are separate programs. Both are single-program currencies.
If you do not have a redemption that beats the cash value, selling can win for either. The payout is personalized to your balance, so request a quote to compare it against what you could book.
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