The American Airlines AAdvantage Dining Program is a strategic initiative designed to reward AAdvantage members for dining at participating restaurants. The program merges the pleasures of dining out with the benefits of accumulating airline miles, making it a compelling option for frequent travelers and food enthusiasts alike.
How It Works
Participants in the AAdvantage Dining Program earn miles by dining at participating restaurants and bars. To start, members need to register their credit or debit cards with the program. After registering, members simply use these cards to pay at participating locations, and the miles will be credited to their AAdvantage account.
Earning Miles and Loyalty Points
Members can earn 3 miles per dollar spent at participating restaurants if they dine at least once every three months. For those who dine out less frequently, the rate drops to 1 mile per dollar. There are also periodic promotions and bonus offers that can increase earnings. In addition to earning miles, members earn AAdvantage Loyalty Points, which contribute to qualifying for elite status.
Credit Cards
The program is compatible with a broad range of credit and debit cards. This flexibility allows members to earn miles regardless of their card issuer. Whether using a major credit card from American Express, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover, as long as the card is registered with the program, miles will be earned. This broad compatibility maximizes the utility of the program for a diverse range of cardholders.
Cities with High Restaurant Participation
The AAdvantage Dining Program boasts a robust network of participating restaurants across various cities. Here is a list of cities with more than 30 participating restaurants, providing ample opportunities for members to earn miles:
- New York City, NY – As a bustling metropolis with a diverse culinary scene, NYC features a significant number of participating restaurants.
- Los Angeles, CA – Known for its vibrant dining options, Los Angeles offers numerous choices for earning AAdvantage miles.
- Chicago, IL – With its rich food culture, Chicago has a wide range of participating dining establishments.
- Dallas, TX – As a major city with a dynamic food scene, Dallas also has many restaurants in the program.
- Miami, FL – Miami’s diverse dining options include many participating restaurants for AAdvantage members.
- San Francisco, CA – The city’s renowned culinary landscape includes numerous program-affiliated restaurants.
- Washington, D.C. – The nation’s capital features many dining options that participate in the program.
- Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia’s food scene, known for its variety, includes many participating restaurants.
- Atlanta, GA – Atlanta offers a range of dining establishments participating in the AAdvantage Dining Program.
- Boston, MA – Boston’s dining diversity is well-represented in the AAdvantage network.
Review
The AAdvantage Dining Program is a valuable tool for AAdvantage members who frequently dine out. Its integration with a broad array of credit and debit cards simplifies the process of earning miles. However, the earning rates—3 miles per dollar for frequent diners and 1 mile per dollar for occasional diners—may seem modest compared to other loyalty programs.
The program’s strength lies in its flexibility and the extensive network of participating restaurants in major cities, making it easier for members to earn miles regardless of their location. The ability to earn both miles and Loyalty Points is particularly advantageous for those aiming for elite status.
Overall, the AAdvantage Dining Program offers a rewarding way to enhance your travel experience while enjoying meals at a wide variety of restaurants. For those who dine out regularly and are committed to accumulating miles, it presents a practical and enjoyable opportunity to boost their AAdvantage account.

