Award Travel in Action: How AA Miles Saved My Morocco Trip
So really how do I travel so much? Points and miles – here’s the most recent example of how this works.
It is up in the air if I will still do my Morocco trip as the company I had booked with cancelled my tour. At least I found out a few days before it was going to start so I can figure out if this trip is still doable…
Morocco
First, why am I not freaking out? I had booked my hotel and flight with miles and points respectively and can cancel both without penalty.
As for Morocco, there were still a few options out there for me but it would mean that I would have to change everything – now would need to fly into Marrakech not Casablanca so I would end up needing to cancel both my flight and my hotel.
Using Miles to Get To Marrakech
Since I am booking so last minute, plane tickets are quite expensive as you can see by the cash prices of the Royal Air Maroc flight (and this was the best combination of price and where the layover was)
Luckily I still have a stash of American Airlines miles and they are coming in clutch for this trip as the flight will cost me only 12,500 Miles and $85.20 (taxes and airport fees) so it becomes an easy decision to say yes to Morocco!
What Was My Royal Air Maroc Flight Like?
Review and showcase of how oneworld status continues to pay off in next post!
How To Earn AA Miles
One of the ways you can earn AA miles (especially for those who are hesitant on credit cards) is by using the AAdvantage eShopping® – basically you shop/book as you typically do with one small difference being that you do it start on the AAdvantage eShopping® portal and are rewarded with points.
The AAdvantage eShopping® portal is one of the main ways that I have accumulated so many AA miles myself and these miles have been instrumental in making a number of trips happen (Anguilla was only because of AA miles and Hilton free night awards)
Never Used AAdvantage eShopping® Before? There’s A 1,000 Bonus Miles Promotion Going On!
- Be a member of American Airlines AAdvantage® program, if you are not already, you can join for free. Sign up here
- Use my referral link to join AAdvantage eShopping® as a new user by logging in for the first time.
- Make an eligible online purchase of $75 or more through AAdvantage eShopping® at any of their 1,200 + stores.
- How AAdvantage eShopping® works
- Click on any of the 1,200 + stores and you’ll be taken to the store’s website.
- AAdvantage eShopping® will add a ‘tracking cookie’ as you make your purchase on the merchant’s site
- Shop like you normally do and pay with any credit card – no special card needed.
- After making a purchase, miles earned will be added to your AAdvantage® account.
- Note that the bonus miles are in addition to the miles and loyalty points that will earn from your shopping!
Are you wondering what fine print is or what is this really going to cost me? There aren’t any as it is free to join and there are no fees to use!
Terms & Conditions of New Member 1,000 Bonus Miles Promo
- It must be cumulative qualifying purchases totaling $75 or more through October 30, 2026
- ie during the Bonus Period and note that this is net amounts after returns/adjustments
- Allow up to 10 weeks after the Bonus Period for bonus miles to post to your AAdvantage eShopping® account.
- Remember that bonus miles are redeemable for award flights but do not earn loyalty points
About Author
Rosemary is a travel hacker, points nerd, money maximizer, and female solo traveler who’s explored 70+ countries without a trust fund, sugar daddy, or sponsored content. Every mile, upgrade, and trip is completely self-funded using a mix of points, miles, and cash or earned with elite status.Through firsthand experience and plenty of trial and error, she teaches everyday travelers the art of travel hacking ie how they too can travel for cheaper, better, and more often (and she provides receipts along with a mildly concerning amount of spreadsheets)
While Rosemary doesn’t take herself too seriously, she does take award travel, making her money work harder (and searching for the best ice cream) seriously – and shares it all here because she believes that seeing the world or living your most beautiful life shouldn’t be reserved for the rich, the retired, or content creators with brand deals.
When not traveling, she is based in Denver, Colorado and loves to share the amazing things you can do, see, and experience (many of which are free!) in the Centennial state (which she feels absolutely blessed to be able to call home)
