American Airlines AAdvantage vs. Delta SkyMiles vs. United MileagePlus: Which Is Worth It?
The Big 3: A Direct Comparison
| Feature | AAdvantage (AA) | SkyMiles (Delta) | MileagePlus (United) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Expiration | 18 months inactivity | Never expire | 18 months inactivity |
| Award Pricing | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic (+ saver awards) |
| Partner Miles Value | Good (Iberia, British) | Fair | Good (Air Canada, Singapore) |
| Co-branded card issuer | Citi + Barclays | American Express | Chase |
| Avg domestic award | 12,500–25,000 mi | 10,000–40,000 mi | 12,000–30,000 mi |
The Delta SkyMiles Problem: Dynamic (Unpredictable) Pricing
Delta removed its award chart in 2015 and now prices miles dynamically — the same seat that costs 15,000 miles today might cost 30,000 miles tomorrow if demand rises. This makes planning difficult and can significantly reduce value. Delta SkyMiles are commonly called “SkyPesos” in the travel community because of their inconsistent value.
Exception: Delta’s relationship with American Express produces excellent earning cards, and for flyers who are Delta-captive (in Atlanta, Minneapolis, or other Delta hubs), the program still makes sense.
United MileagePlus: The Chase Connection Makes It Powerful
United partners with Chase, meaning your Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to MileagePlus. Since Chase is the best flexible currency program, United miles become more accessible and more valuable than the program alone would suggest.
United also still publishes a saver award chart for partner flights (e.g., flying Singapore Airlines business class for 55,000 United miles one-way to Japan) — some of the best values in travel.
American AAdvantage: Best for Transatlantic Partner Redemptions
American’s best value is through partner airlines: British Airways, Iberia, and Finnair for European flights; Cathay Pacific for Asian routes. AAdvantage miles on partner airlines still have a published rate chart with predictable pricing. The Citi AAdvantage card is a solid option for AA loyalists.
Which Program Should You Use?
- United MileagePlus: Best overall for points enthusiasts — Chase partnership, Singapore Airlines access, published saver awards
- American AAdvantage: Best for Oneworld partner redemptions (Cathay, British Airways, Iberia)
- Delta SkyMiles: Best for Delta-captive markets; avoid if you have airline choice
Flexible beats airline-specific every time: Chase Sapphire or Amex Platinum gives you the flexibility to choose the best program for each trip. Don’t lock yourself into one airline before knowing your destinations. Compare all miles cards →
